Another possibility is Kakashi. As Naruto's teacher, he is often around and has a deep understanding of Naruto. He might be the one to discover Naruto in a crying state, perhaps after a particularly difficult mission.
Sakura could be the one to find him crying. She has known Naruto for a long time and they are comrades. If Naruto is in a vulnerable state, she might stumble upon him.
Iruka sensei is also a likely candidate. He has been like a father figure to Naruto. If Naruto is in distress, he might seek out Iruka, or Iruka could find him in a moment of weakness.
It could be the result of Naruto's own inner demons. Maybe he discovers some dark secret about his past, like his parents being involved in something he can't accept. This self - realization could be so traumatic that it makes him cry blood as he struggles to come to terms with it.
One possible reason could be the loss of a dear friend. Naruto forms deep bonds with his comrades, and if something were to happen to them, like Sasuke leaving again, it would break his heart and make him cry.
One possible reason could be that Naruto is feeling lonely. Despite having friends, there are times when his past as an orphan and the years of being shunned by the villagers resurfaces, making him feel isolated. Kakashi finding him in such a state might then lead to a heart - to - heart conversation about Naruto's inner struggles.
One possible reason could be that Naruto is feeling lonely. Despite having friends, he still has moments when the weight of his past, like being an orphan and ostracized in the village as a child, hits him hard. Jiraiya might see Naruto crying because of these memories resurfacing.
Jiraiya would probably offer some words of wisdom. He has a lot of life experience, so he might tell Naruto that crying is not a sign of weakness but a way to let out pent - up emotions. For example, he could say something like 'Boy, those tears are like the rain that nourishes the seeds of your growth.'
She might immediately go to comfort him. Hinata has always cared deeply for Naruto, so seeing him cry would likely trigger her protective and empathetic side.
Betrayal is also a theme. If Naruto is betrayed by someone he trusts, it can lead to a very emotional response. His crying in such fanfictions is a way to show the depth of his hurt and how difficult it is for him to process that kind of pain.
One possible fanfiction could be that Kakashi stumbles upon Naruto crying alone in the forest. He sits beside Naruto quietly, not saying a word at first. Then he gently puts his hand on Naruto's shoulder and tells him that it's okay to cry, that showing vulnerability doesn't make him weak. Naruto then pours out his heart about his loneliness and how much he misses his parents. Kakashi listens intently and shares some of his own experiences of loss, creating a deep bond between them in that moment.
One possible reason could be that he is lonely. In many fanfictions, Naruto is often ostracized as a baby due to the Nine - Tails inside him. He might be crying because he feels the lack of a warm, loving presence around him.
Naruto's reaction could be complex. Since he has his own feelings for Sakura, this situation could stir up a lot inside him. He might initially be a bit hesitant in how to approach her because he doesn't want to overstep any boundaries. But in the end, his natural instinct to help a friend would take over. He would listen attentively to Sakura, his eyes full of determination to make her feel better, and use his own unique way of thinking to give her advice or just be a shoulder to cry on.