It could be Sasuke. Sasuke is highly intelligent and has a great strategic mind. He would approach shogi with the same intensity as he does his ninja battles. He would be able to analyze Naruto's moves quickly and counter them effectively.
Another possibility is Kakashi. Kakashi is experienced and very smart. He has seen all kinds of battle strategies and could apply that knowledge to shogi. He might also be a bit of a trickster in the game, using his Sharingan - like observational skills (even if not the actual Sharingan in a shogi context) to read Naruto's every move and plan his own accordingly.
Shikamaru is an obvious choice. Shikamaru is a master strategist, and shogi would be right up his alley. He would give Naruto a really hard time with his complex strategies and deep understanding of the game.
Madara Uchiha would be a formidable foe. His Sharingan abilities are second to none and his experience in battle is vast. He could easily outwit and overpower the team with his powerful jutsu and strategic mind. Plus, his connection to the Uchiha clan's history gives him an edge in understanding and countering the team's moves.
I think Gaara could be a really tough opponent for Naruto in an MMA - like scenario. Gaara has great control over his sand, which could be used defensively and offensively in a fight. He's also very resilient and has a lot of experience in combat. His stoic nature would make it difficult for Naruto to read his moves and find an opening. And Gaara's determination to win is on par with Naruto's.
One possible plot could be that Naruto, being new to shogi, struggles at first. But then, using his determination from his ninja training, he starts to study the game intently. He might meet an old shogi master in the Hidden Leaf Village who teaches him unique strategies. As he improves, he challenges his friends to shogi matches, and through this, it shows his growth not just in the game but also in his ability to strategize in general.
Madara Uchiha. He is extremely powerful with his Sharingan and Rinnegan abilities. Even if Naruto is a martial arts master, Madara's vast array of jutsu and his strategic mind would make him a formidable foe. He could use his space - time ninjutsu to avoid Naruto's attacks and then counter with powerful attacks of his own.
Well, it could be that Naruto, being his energetic self, discovers shogi and is initially confused by the rules. But with his determination, he starts to learn. Maybe he challenges his friends like Sasuke or Shikamaru to games, and through shogi, he learns more about strategy, which also helps him in his ninja battles later on.
Sasuke could be a tough opponent. He has his own natural athleticism and competitive spirit. He would be very strategic on the football field, always looking for ways to outwit Naruto.
Sasuke could still be a tough opponent. Even though Naruto has all elemental affinities, Sasuke has his own powerful Sharingan and Rinnegan abilities. He can manipulate Amaterasu and other powerful techniques. Their rivalry would be intense as Naruto tries to use his newfound elemental powers against Sasuke's ocular powers.
Sasuke could still be a tough opponent. Even though Naruto can use all elements, Sasuke has his own powerful abilities, like his Sharingan and Rinnegan. He's very skilled in ninjutsu and genjutsu. Another tough opponent might be Madara. He has vast experience and extremely powerful jutsu. Naruto would have an advantage with all elements, but Madara's knowledge and power would make him a formidable foe.
It also displays Naruto's determination. He might have faced initial setbacks in the shogi game but his unwavering will to win against a tough opponent like Shikaku could be a central part of his character development in this fanfiction. This determination could be something that fans of Naruto would love to see in a different context like shogi.