It might be a fanfic where there's a new threat or mission that makes Naruto realize he needs to become an independent genin to handle it. This could lead to him discovering hidden powers and making unique allies along the way.
Maybe in a story where Naruto is tired of the restrictions within the village and wants more freedom to develop his ninja skills independently as a genin. He might face various challenges and adventures on his own.
There are various types. Some might focus on Naruto's intense training and growth to earn the title. Others could involve unexpected challenges and how he overcomes them to become the Fifth Hokage.
Overcoming challenges is also a typical theme. Genin face many difficulties like tough missions, rivalries with other genin teams. Fanfics explore how they deal with these challenges, like Naruto facing off against stronger opponents and finding ways to win through his determination and unique skills.
One characteristic is the exploration of alternative universes. Independent fanfic writers can create a whole new world for Naruto to exist in, with different rules and cultures. Another aspect is the ability to focus on underdeveloped aspects of the original story. They can expand on Naruto's family history or the backstories of minor characters. Moreover, in independent fanfic, the tone can vary greatly. It could be darker, more comical, or more philosophical compared to the main Naruto series.
Another jutsu they might learn is the Summoning Jutsu. Naruto has a strong connection with the toads. He could teach the genin how to form the necessary hand seals and make a contract with a suitable summon. This would give the genin an extra edge in battles, being able to call upon a powerful ally.
One common theme is friendship. The genin teams in Naruto are known for their strong bonds, and fanfics often explore how these friendships develop and are tested. Another theme is growth. They start as inexperienced genin and grow into stronger shinobi.
It could be in a dark and tragic alternate universe fanfic. Maybe there's a powerful curse or a fatal magical battle that leads to her death and transformation.
One common theme is the growth of their relationship. Since they are Genin, it often focuses on the early stages of their feelings for each other. Another theme could be their training together. They both are ninjas in training, so fanfics might show them helping each other improve their skills while also developing their relationship.
Maybe in the fanfic, Naruto, as a genin, has to face an enemy who was once an acquaintance of Kushina. He uses the stories he has heard about her to outwit the enemy. He could recall how Kushina was known for her quick thinking and apply that to his battle strategy. This would not only be a way to defeat the foe but also a way to connect with his mother on a deeper level.
The plot could involve Naruto passing on his unique skills. For example, he might teach the genin his signature Rasengan. He could also share his experiences of facing tough opponents, like Sasuke. Maybe he'd take the team on a mission to a place filled with mystery, like the Land of Waves, and teach them how to handle real - world situations.
In such a fanfic, perhaps Naruto is overly nervous during the test. Maybe he fails the written part because he didn't study enough about basic ninja knowledge. For example, he could mix up different types of jutsu classifications. Another possibility is that he fails the practical part. He might lose control of his chakra while performing a simple jutsu, like the Clone Jutsu, which is crucial for genin. This could lead to him not creating enough clones or creating unstable ones that disappear quickly.