It could be Naruto and Hinata. Their relationship in the original series had a lot of potential for further exploration in a love - story - centered fanfic. Hinata has always had deep feelings for Naruto, and a fanfic could really expand on how their relationship developed into a full - blown love story.
It's also possible that Kushina, Naruto's mother, could play a significant role even if she's not alive in the main Naruto storyline. The fanfic could explore her love for Naruto in a different way, perhaps through flashbacks or some sort of spiritual connection. And of course, characters like Iruka Sensei or Jiraiya could be involved as they have also shown parental - like affection towards Naruto in different ways.
Obviously Naruto would be one of the main characters. Depending on the story, Hinata could be a main character as well since she has feelings for Naruto in the original series and it would make sense in a love - centered fanfic. There might also be new characters created specifically for this fanfic that play important roles in Naruto's love journey.
Since I don't know the specific 'spiraling love naruto fanfic', it could be Naruto and Sakura. They are very popular characters and a love story between them could be 'spiraling' as they have a complex relationship in the original series.
It might feature some of the less - known characters in the Naruto world as the main characters in this love story. Maybe a character from a side - story in the original series now takes the center stage in this fanfic's love plot. It could also be that the author has created entirely new characters that interact with the existing Naruto cast in the context of love.
One thing that makes it special could be the unique take on relationships within the Naruto universe. It might explore a love story that we don't often see in the original series. For example, it could focus on a character who was always in the background in the official story and give them a romantic arc that is both engaging and unexpected.
Hinata is an obvious choice. She has had a long - standing crush on Naruto in the original series, and exploring a deeper relationship between them could be really interesting.
One way to conceptualize a love story between Naruto and Pain could be through the idea of redemption. Naruto might see the pain and confusion in Pain's heart that led him to his extreme actions. He could strive to show Pain a different path, and in this process, a deep connection could form that might turn into love. Naruto's unwavering belief in the goodness of people could gradually break down Pain's walls.
Sakura could also be a possibility. Although she had feelings for Sasuke for a long time, things could change. Naruto and Sakura have a long history together, and they've been through a lot. Their relationship could shift into a romantic one as they grow older and see each other in a new light.
Sasuke and Sakura are also a significant couple. Sasuke is the brooding and powerful ninja, while Sakura is a smart and determined medical ninja. Their love story is full of ups and downs. Sakura has always loved Sasuke, and after a long journey, they finally come together, though it was a very bumpy road for them to reach that point.
Tai and his partner Agumon could be the main characters in a love - story - inspired fanfic. Their deep bond could be explored in a more romantic light, like how they are always there for each other and how that could turn into a different kind of love.