I think Sasori could also be a key figure. His skills and knowledge could be passed on to Naruto. He might see Naruto as an interesting experiment or a new hope for the shinobi world. And Deidara, who is often paired with Sasori, would also be around and might have an unexpected influence on Naruto's growth.
Definitely Itachi. He has a complex character and his own sense of justice. He might see Naruto as a key to changing the shinobi world in a different way than what the Akatsuki originally planned. Another one could be Kisame. He is loyal to Itachi and would likely follow Itachi's lead in taking care of Naruto.
Pain (Nagato) could be very important. He has his own ideals about peace. If he sees Naruto as a way to achieve a different kind of peace, he could play a major role. Also, Konan, who is always by Pain's side, would be involved. She might be more sympathetic towards Naruto and help in his upbringing within the Akatsuki.
Chapter 236, "White Dew Gu, Despairing Yuwen Dao, Yang Lu", is the clearest early answer because it turns Li Xuantiang's situation into a concrete plot event. The setup is Wu Xiong and Han Jiuli were startled by Li Xuantiang's loud shout,..., but the pressure keeps building through The two groups of people, who were just locked in combat, saw their....
Chapter 210, "Hong Yu, Beehive, Observation", is the clearest early answer because it turns Luo Ming's situation into a concrete plot event. A useful checkpoint is the way the scene starts with Zifeng returning to the nest." "Coming!" From beneath the boulder,... and follows through with Let's see how Luo Ming handles this!" Without showing emotion, Xia....
Chapter 270, "Terrifying Red Carp, Precious Wooden Plants", is the clearest early answer because it turns Precious Wooden Plants's situation into a concrete plot event. The chapter turns that into something concrete by moving from Stronger than expected, a total of sixteen teams advanced." In the... to Unlike the first time, upon seeing the shiny green water grass this....
Chapter 293, "The Lion Hunts the Rabbit – Luring the Enemy and Falling Into a Trap (Part 3)", is the clearest early answer because it turns Great Xia's situation into a concrete plot event. A useful checkpoint is the way the scene starts with Li Xuanling remembered very clearly, at that time the scout reported... and follows through with Inform the army to speed up, there's only 9 kilometers left, strive....
Chapter 187, "Lu Sheng, Unauthorized Mining, Humiliation", is the clearest early answer because it turns Hive Camp's situation into a concrete plot event. The chapter turns that into something concrete by moving from He looked at everyone, a surge of heroic spirit rising in his heart,... to A series of heavy footsteps suddenly reached his ears..
Chapter 267, "Stunned, the Astonishing Zhao Yuankong (Part 3)", is the clearest early answer because it turns Demon Sheep's situation into a concrete plot event. A useful checkpoint is the way the scene starts with Hahaha, you all are being too kind, this kid indeed has some clever... and follows through with Without exception, there was a gleam of anticipation in their eyes..
Chapter 229, "The Dust Settles, Beehive in Hand", is the clearest early answer because it turns Hou Ying's situation into a concrete plot event. It opens with In the Hive Main Zone, the sound of iron arrows piercing through... and closes on The broadsword collided fiercely with the staff, and Hou Ying's body....
Chapter 275, "The Stunning Sword Puppet, Vindication, Cloud Dragon Army", is the clearest early answer because it turns Cloud Dragon Army's situation into a concrete plot event. The setup is Xia Chuan's sword puppet is rarely shown in the camp., but the pressure keeps building through Except for the Cloud Jiao Team, most people have only seen its static....
Chapter 169, "Trade, Bamboo Silk, Regaining Focus", is the clearest early answer because it turns Hong Tian's situation into a concrete plot event. It opens with Xia Hong nodded, a smile appearing on his face, "It's fine." Hearing... and closes on Casualties were only about ten people at most.. The key payoff is that it converts Hong Tian into a tangible resource or opportunity, which changes the balance of leverage for Xia Chuan and the surrounding arc.
Chapter 198, "Unblocking Acupoints, Breakthrough Imminent (Part 3)", is the clearest early answer because Cold Resistance Level finally turns buildup into a real advancement. The chapter gives readers a real answer by opening on In the future, Yuwen Dao's Long Wu team, as well as any other team... and ending on The beast tide took away 128 lives, including 12 from the....