Perhaps Naruto's time away has made him more empathetic. He might understand the pain and struggles of others better. When he returns to Konoha, he could use this new - found empathy to heal old wounds within the village. He could reach out to those who were once against him and try to build bridges. His values might also have shifted slightly. He could place more importance on things like cultural exchange and international relations, having seen how other villages operate. This would change how he interacts with the people of Konoha and how he shapes the future of the village.
His character might become more mature. He has seen more of the world outside Konoha, so he could be more understanding and patient. For example, he might not be as quick to get angry at the villagers who once shunned him.
Naruto could return with a stronger sense of purpose. Since he's been away and had new experiences, he might be more focused on achieving long - term goals for Konoha, like ensuring its safety for generations to come. He may also have a different view on his own power and how to use it. Instead of just using it to show off or prove himself, he could be more strategic about it, using it to benefit the entire village in a more calculated manner. And his leadership skills might have improved. He could inspire the younger generation of ninjas more effectively, guiding them not just in combat but also in their personal growth.
As he is forced to leave, Naruto may become more cautious. In Konoha, he had some level of protection, but now on his own, he has to be more aware of his surroundings. This could also make him more empathetic towards outcasts, as he is now in a similar situation. His ninja skills might also improve faster as he has to rely solely on himself in battles and difficult situations.
Naruto's character can develop in several ways. Away from Konoha, he is forced to rely more on his own instincts and less on the support system he had in the village. He might become more self - reliant and learn to make decisions without the immediate guidance of his friends or mentors like Kakashi. For example, when facing a new type of enemy, he has to quickly figure out a strategy on his own. This makes him grow in confidence and his ninja skills improve as he has to adapt to different fighting styles and terrains.
In these fanfictions, Naruto's character develops a sense of stealth. Since he is banished, he can't openly protect Konoha. So he has to find ways to be sneaky. He also becomes more in - touch with his darker emotions, like betrayal and anger, but he channels these into his protection of Konoha. For example, he might use his anger at being wrongly banished to fuel his efforts against the enemies of the village.
On the other hand, forsaking Konoha could also make Naruto more empathetic towards those who are outsiders or outcasts. He has now experienced what it's like to be on the other side of Konoha's walls, so he might be more likely to help those who are in a similar situation. He could start to form his own group of allies who are also misfits, and together they could work towards a new kind of justice that is different from Konoha's.
Another possible plot point is that Naruto's return changes the political situation in Konoha. He could have different ideas about how the village should be run after seeing other places. He might challenge the existing council or propose new policies for the ninja academy to improve the training of young ninjas. His influence could also extend to the relationships between different ninja clans in Konoha, either strengthening or straining them depending on the nature of his changes.
Naruto becomes more self - reliant. When he's out training on his own, he has to learn to make decisions without the help of others. He also gains a broader perspective as he meets different people during his travels. This exposure to new cultures and ways of thinking in fanfiction enriches his character. He starts to understand that there are many different paths to power and that he can learn from everyone. His ninja skills improve, of course, but his mental and emotional growth is just as significant.
Naruto's character could become more cynical. Constant hatred from the village might make him question his loyalty to Konoha. He might start to keep more to himself and be less trusting of others.
The fanfiction may change the pacing. In the original Naruto, there are specific story arcs and build - ups. However, 'naruto returns changed' might speed up or slow down certain parts. Maybe his return is rushed in the fanfiction, or there are more flashbacks and introspection compared to the original.
In some fanfictions, Naruto might return to Konoha to a cold reception because the villagers still hold grudges from his past. Maybe they haven't fully accepted his power or the chaos he sometimes brought. For example, they could be afraid of his Nine - Tails power flaring up again and causing destruction.
It could be a rogue ninja who has been secretly building power while Naruto was away. This rogue ninja might have a vendetta against Konoha and sees Naruto's return as a challenge to his plans. So he directly confronts Naruto to prove his own strength.