One possible plot could be Naruto feeling a sense of loss and vulnerability without his headband. Maybe he loses it during a battle and has to prove himself all over again without that symbol of his ninja identity. He could struggle with how others in the village view him now that he doesn't have the recognizable headband.
A 'naruto without his headband' fanfic could be about Naruto's journey of self - discovery. Without the headband, he might question his place in the ninja world more deeply. He could start to explore different ninja techniques that he previously ignored because he was so focused on being a 'typical' ninja with his headband. He may also face discrimination from some who think he's lost his honor, but he'll prove them wrong by forging his own path and showing that a headband doesn't define who he is as a ninja.
Well, in a 'naruto without his headband' fanfic, perhaps Naruto is forced to go undercover without his headband. He has to rely on his natural skills and charm rather than the status the headband gives him. This could lead to him making new friends and enemies outside of the normal ninja circles, and he might discover new aspects of his own strength.
His relationship with Sasuke might change. Sasuke might initially be confused or even critical of Naruto without his headband. But as Naruto shows his determination without it, Sasuke could gain a new respect for him. With his friends like Sakura, they might be more protective of Naruto, fearing that others will target him without the symbol of his ninja status.
One interesting fanfiction could be where Naruto slashes his headband as a sign of breaking free from the traditional shinobi ways that have restricted him. Maybe he decides to form his own path, independent of the Hidden Leaf Village's old rules.
A plot for this type of fanfic could revolve around Naruto's inner turmoil. He could be constantly haunted by the question of why his parents neglected him. This could lead him to make some bad decisions, like getting involved with the wrong people. However, through a series of events, he starts to realize that he can create his own family and support system. He then begins to build a new life for himself, one that is not defined by his parents' neglect but by his own strength and the relationships he chooses to cultivate.
Well, one possibility could be that Naruto shows his memories to his friends to make them understand his past struggles better. For example, he might show them his lonely childhood, how he was ostracized by the villagers. This could lead to a deeper bond among them as his friends truly empathize with his journey.
In such a fanfic, perhaps the plot could involve Naruto growing up with a deep sense of abandonment. He might constantly struggle with self - worth issues. For example, he could be more withdrawn than in the original story, always wondering what was wrong with him that made his mother leave. He might also have a harder time trusting others, fearing that they too will abandon him at some point.
Perhaps the story could start with Naruto finding out that his sister is in a secret location held captive by a dark organization. He embarks on a journey full of challenges. Along the way, he has to overcome various traps and face off against strong opponents. His shadow clones could play a crucial role in distracting the enemies while he reaches his sister. Once he does, he uses his chakra to break any bindings and brings her to safety, all while showing his growth as a ninja and a brother.
Well, one possible plot could be that Naruto accidentally travels back in time and meets his mother. His mother, Kushina, might initially be shocked but then quickly recognize him as her son. She could then start to teach Naruto some of the Uzumaki clan's secret techniques that she never got the chance to pass on in the original story.
Maybe Naruto sees himself as Hokage, with the village prosperous and peaceful. He could see his friends by his side, all having achieved their dreams too.
In a 'Naruto abandoned for his sister' fanfic, perhaps there's a prophecy that only one of them can bring peace to the village. The elders, misinterpreting it, choose the sister and abandon Naruto. Naruto then goes on a journey outside the village, meets new friends and allies, and discovers new powers. Meanwhile, the sister is having her own struggles within the village, like dealing with the pressure of being the 'chosen one' and realizing that Naruto's abandonment might not have been fair.
One possible plot could be that Naruto's family, perhaps his parents if they were alive in this fanfic, reject him because of his status as a jinchuuriki. They might see him as a danger or a disappointment, which breaks Naruto's spirit who has always longed for family love.