Even Kakashi could be a role model for Naruto. Kakashi has his own traumas and has learned to deal with them. He could show Naruto how to be strong in the face of difficulties and how to use his skills for the good of the village. Kakashi's sense of loyalty and duty could inspire Naruto to be a great ninja despite his difficult start in life.
The story could also show Naruto being taken in by other characters, like Iruka at a very early age. Iruka, seeing Naruto's situation, decides to be like a father figure to him. Naruto might then develop a different set of values based on Iruka's teachings rather than the absent influence of Minato and Kushina. He could become more focused on family values within the village, seeing the village as his true family since his biological family left him.
If Minato and Kushina abandon Naruto in a fanfic, it could lead to a much darker Naruto. He might grow up more jaded and bitter. Without their love and support, he could be more easily influenced by negative forces. Maybe he'd have a harder time believing in friendship and loyalty, which are such important themes in the original story.
Naruto could be found by Orochimaru. This would be a very dark turn. Orochimaru could use Naruto's potential for his own evil plans. Naruto would be trained in Orochimaru's unethical ways, and his view of the ninja world would be completely distorted. He might become a villain or at least an anti - hero, very different from the Naruto we know in the original story.
Perhaps it has to do with a prophecy. They might think that Naruto has a special destiny and that their leaving is a necessary step to set that destiny in motion. They could believe that Naruto needs to grow up on his own to become strong enough to face future challenges.
In some cases, Naruto might initially become bitter towards his parents. But as he experiences more in life and learns about the possible reasons behind their actions, he could come to understand and even forgive them. His reaction would also depend on the people around him. If he has good friends or mentors, they could help him deal with his emotions in a more positive way.
One possible plot could be that with Minato and Kushina alive, Naruto grows up in a complete family. They could train Naruto together, passing on their unique jutsu. Maybe Minato could finally fulfill his dream of bringing long - lasting peace to the Hidden Leaf with his family by his side. And Naruto would have a different kind of confidence and growth, not having to face the loneliness he did in the original story.
Well, in such a fanfic, Naruto could be the son of someone like Jiraiya. Jiraiya was very close to Naruto and taught him a great deal. He might have had a secret relationship that led to Naruto's birth. Another possibility could be that Naruto is the son of an unknown shinobi from a far - off village who somehow ended up in Konoha.
There's a fanfic called 'Minato's Return'. In this story, Minato somehow returns and gets to see Naruto's growth. It's really interesting to see how he interacts with Kushina, who is also there in the story, and how they both guide Naruto in new ways. The descriptions of their family bond are heartwarming.
One possible plot twist could be that with Minato and Kushina alive, Naruto's training would be completely different. Minato, being a prodigy, could teach Naruto advanced jutsu much earlier. And Kushina might pass on some unique Uzumaki clan techniques. Maybe they would also change the political situation in Konoha, as Minato was a highly respected Hokage. This could lead to different alliances and power dynamics within the village and among the other ninja villages.
One possible reason could be some sort of dark influence or curse that makes her lose her maternal instincts. Maybe a powerful enemy targets her and in order to protect Naruto from further danger related to her, she feels forced to abandon him. Another reason might be that she is made to believe false information about Naruto, such as that he will bring great disaster to the village in the future.