If Zabuza found Naruto, it could make Naruto more independent. Zabuza is a loner, and Naruto might pick up on some of his self - reliance. Naruto may also become more in tune with his darker emotions. Zabuza has a lot of anger and pain inside him, and being around him could force Naruto to confront his own inner demons. This would add depth to Naruto's character, as he would have to learn to control and use these emotions in a positive way, rather than just relying on his positive - thinking - only attitude all the time.
Well, Naruto is a very impressionable character. His idolization of Zabuza might make him more open to using unorthodox or morally grey techniques. He could start to question the black - and - white view of good and evil that he initially had. Maybe he would see the value in Zabuza's loyalty to Haku, which could in turn strengthen Naruto's own bonds with his friends.
It would likely accelerate his growth. Jiraiya is a very experienced ninja. With his guidance, Naruto would gain more confidence. For example, if Jiraiya found Naruto early on, he could teach Naruto better control of his chakra, which was a struggle for Naruto in the beginning. This would make Naruto more efficient in battles and less reliant on brute force.
Itachi's influence would make Naruto more empathetic towards the Uchiha clan. He would understand their side of the story better. This would change his approach to dealing with the conflicts related to the Uchiha. Also, Naruto would be more skilled in stealth and strategy. Itachi's training would focus on these aspects, and Naruto would develop into a more well - rounded ninja, with both power and finesse.
Naruto's character would become more hardened. Zabuza's influence would make him less naive. He would be more calculating in battles and less likely to rush in without a plan. His view of the ninja world might also change. He could see the darker side of it more clearly.
The training could make Naruto more self - reliant. Danzo would probably push Naruto to rely on his own skills rather than always depending on his friends or the power of the Nine - Tails. This could lead to Naruto developing new techniques and strategies on his own. He'd grow as a ninja in a way that's different from his growth under other mentors, like Kakashi or Jiraiya. His confidence would also come from his own achievements in training rather than just his natural abilities.
Zabuza could be portrayed as more of a mentor figure. Instead of just being a ruthless assassin, he could be shown guiding Naruto in some aspects of combat or strategy. Maybe he survived his encounter with Kakashi and had a change of heart, and now he imparts his knowledge to Naruto who is now a sensei himself.
This adoption could have a huge impact on Naruto's character. He might become more introspective. Since Kakashi is a complex character, Naruto could start to think more deeply about his actions and the world around him. He may also become more reserved as he tries to live up to Kakashi's expectations, but at the same time, he'd still keep his core, energetic self.
If trained by Zabuza, Naruto would probably grow in terms of his combat intelligence. He'd learn to read his opponents better. His personality could become more stoic, as Zabuza is not one for excessive emotions. But Naruto would also bring some of his own warmth to Zabuza's cold - blooded training regime. He might try to humanize Zabuza and in the process, become a more complex character with a blend of Zabuza's ruthlessness and his own compassion.
His sense of strategy would improve. Zabuza is a tactical fighter, and Naruto would learn to plan better in battles.
Well, it might make Naruto more cautious. Since Zabuza is a very dangerous opponent, meeting him early could teach Naruto that there are powerful enemies out there that he needs to be better prepared for. So he might train harder and be more serious about his ninja skills.