Maybe in the fanfiction, Naruto gets trapped in one of Orochimaru's old experiments. Female Orochimaru, out of curiosity about Naruto's power and his unique personality, decides to study him up close. But during this time, Naruto manages to show her the value of human connection and kindness, which she has long forgotten, leading to a deep bond between them.
One plot idea could be Orochimaru seeing some potential in child Naruto that is different from the Nine - Tails. Maybe he wants to train Naruto in a different form of jutsu, not for evil but for some self - serving yet not completely malicious purpose. For example, he could be interested in Naruto's ability to make friends and wants to use that to his advantage in the ninja world.
One idea could be Orochimaru taking an unexpected interest in Naruto's growth not for his power but for his unique way of seeing the ninja world. Maybe Orochimaru starts to secretly guide Naruto in some unorthodox ways of chakra control, which Naruto initially resists but later realizes could be useful.
Perhaps Orochimaru's experiment accidentally releases an ancient evil that was sealed long ago. Naruto, being the hero he is, takes it upon himself to reseal the evil. Along the way, he discovers secrets about his own family and the origin of chakra that are linked to Orochimaru's experiment.
One plot idea could be Orochimaru finding a way to truly achieve immortality that doesn't involve body - hopping. Maybe he discovers an ancient jutsu that links his soul to the very essence of the ninja world. Another idea is Orochimaru teaming up with Naruto to face a new, greater threat, and in the process, Naruto starts to understand Orochimaru's pursuit of immortality from a different perspective. And perhaps Orochimaru could create a new form of immortality that is more about passing on his knowledge and skills in a unique way rather than just living forever physically.
One interesting plot idea could be a story where a young shinobi is secretly sent into Orochimaru's lab as a spy. They discover new, forbidden jutsu experiments that Orochimaru is conducting on captured ninja. Another could be about a group of Orochimaru's former test subjects who team up to destroy the lab and all its secrets. And a third idea is a story where Orochimaru's lab holds the key to curing a mysterious illness that is spreading across the ninja world.
A plot could involve Orochimaru using his knowledge to help Naruto unlock a new power, but in the process, they get closer than expected. As they train together, their interactions become more intense and personal. Naruto's positive influence gradually changes Orochimaru's view of the world, and they end up on a journey together to face a common enemy that only their combined skills can defeat.
A possible plot is that Orochimaru, in his exile, stumbles upon a powerful artifact that could change the balance of power in the ninja world. Anko, suspecting his motives, follows him. As they both reach for the artifact, they are transported to a different dimension. There, they have to rely on each other to find a way back. During this time, they learn more about each other's true natures. Another idea is that Anko is given a mission to spy on Orochimaru's new lair. But instead of finding something evil, she discovers that he is secretly protecting a group of innocent people. This revelation makes her see him in a new light and they start to form an alliance.
Well, a plot could revolve around Orochimaru and Sasuke going on a journey to find a rare ingredient for a powerful elixir. Along the way, they encounter different enemies and allies from the Naruto universe. They might also have to face their own inner demons during this journey. For example, Sasuke has to deal with his lingering hatred while Orochimaru has to confront his thirst for power in a new way.
Well, perhaps there could be a plot where they both get trapped in a mysterious dimension. In this dimension, they have to rely on each other's skills. Jiraiya's knowledge of sage mode and Orochimaru's various jutsu could be combined to find a way out. It could also explore their relationship in a more in - depth way as they face different challenges together.
One interesting idea could be Orochimaru seeing Naruto as a unique specimen and instead of just trying to use him, he actually starts to respect Naruto's willpower. This could lead to a strange mentorship of sorts where Orochimaru teaches Naruto some of his more unorthodox jutsu in exchange for Naruto trying to help Orochimaru find a new path that doesn't involve so much darkness.