There's also the possibility that it's an OC (Original Character) who is from a different village but travels to Konoha just to be trained by Kakashi. This OC could bring in new fighting styles and cultural elements to the story.
It might be one of the existing minor characters from the Naruto series who finally gets a chance to shine as Kakashi's apprentice. For example, that one ninja from the background who always admired Kakashi from afar and now has the opportunity to be his student.
Perhaps a storyline where the apprentice gets involved in a mission that was originally meant for Kakashi. This could lead to the apprentice having to prove themselves not only to their teammates but also to Kakashi. They might encounter powerful enemies and have to use their wits and the skills they've learned from Kakashi to survive. In the process, they could also discover some secrets about Kakashi's past that helps them better understand their master.
Kakashi himself would also be a central figure. His role as a mentor would be crucial. He could be shown guiding the apprentice, sharing his wisdom and his own experiences as a ninja, like his time in the ANBU or his relationship with his former teammates.
Well, Naruto might become more like Kakashi in terms of his combat style. He could start using more strategic moves rather than relying solely on his brute strength. This would make him a more well - rounded ninja.
One great fanfic in this category might be 'The Godlike Naruto: Kakashi's Prodigy'. It shows Naruto's journey as he learns from Kakashi and becomes incredibly powerful. The story delves into how Naruto's newfound skills impact his relationships with his friends and foes alike.
It could be an original character created specifically for the fanfic. Maybe a young ninja with a unique kekkei genkai that Kakashi sees potential in.
Perhaps a storyline where the apprentice discovers a new jutsu and has to keep it a secret while they master it. They could struggle with whether or not to tell Kakashi, fearing disappointment if they fail. This adds an element of internal conflict.
Another plotline could be the relationship between Naruto and Kakashi growing deeper. Maybe Naruto faces a personal crisis and Kakashi has to use his own experiences to guide Naruto through it. This could show a more emotional side to their master - apprentice relationship.
In this fanfiction, the plot might revolve around the relationship between Naruto and Kakashi as master and apprentice. Kakashi could be guiding Naruto not just in combat skills but also in understanding the deeper meaning of being a shinobi. They might go on special missions together where Naruto has to rely on Kakashi's wisdom and training more than his own brute strength. Also, Kakashi might share some of his own past experiences with Naruto, which would help Naruto grow both as a fighter and as a person.
Naruto's development would be a journey of self - discovery. As Orochimaru's apprentice, he would be exposed to different forms of power and knowledge. He might initially be disgusted by Orochimaru's methods but then realize that he can use some of it for good. His social skills would change too. He would be more adept at dealing with enemies and those with different motives. His sense of humor might even change, becoming darker to fit in with Orochimaru's crowd. But deep down, his core values of friendship and protecting the weak would still be there, just masked by his new persona as Orochimaru's apprentice.
In such a fanfic, Naruto's character development could be severely affected. He might become more withdrawn and lack the confidence he gains with Kakashi's proper guidance. Without Kakashi's attention, he may struggle to learn advanced ninja techniques as effectively, leading to a slower growth in his skills. This could also make him more vulnerable to the negative influences around him, like the villagers' scorn, and might even drive him towards darker paths in search of power and recognition.