They explore it through different adventures. For instance, when they are on a mission together in a fanfiction, they might have to rely on each other in ways they haven't before. This can lead to a deeper understanding between them.
Many fanfictions explore their relationship by delving into their shared past. They might recall moments from their time at the ninja academy and how those early interactions shaped their relationship. By doing this, the authors can show how their connection has evolved over time.
One popular storyline is about Naruto and Sasuke teaming up against a new, powerful enemy that threatens the entire ninja world. In this type of fanfiction, they put aside their differences and combine their unique skills, like Naruto's Rasengan and Sasuke's Chidori, to defeat the foe.
In this kind of fanfiction, it can show a deeper level of unity between them. Instead of their usual rivalry - turned - friendship, the fusion represents them becoming one entity. So, it's like they are truly understanding each other on a fundamental level, beyond just words and shared goals.
It could start with a chance encounter. For example, at a festival in Konoha. Hinata is there with her friends and Sasuke is just passing by. Their eyes meet briefly, and there's a spark of something new. Later, they are paired up for a training exercise. Hinata's unique fighting style impresses Sasuke, and he gives her some tips. Hinata is shy but also grateful. Over time, they start to communicate more, sharing their thoughts about the future of the village, and from there, their relationship blossoms.
Fanfictions often depict Sakura's growth in relation to Sasuke by highlighting her emotional maturity. At first, she was a girl with a simple crush on Sasuke. But as the story progresses in fanfictions, she starts to understand Sasuke on a deeper level. She realizes his pain and his reasons for his actions. This understanding makes her more empathetic and also helps her grow as a person. She becomes less clingy and more of an equal partner to Sasuke, which is a huge growth from her initial character in the series.
By their unique abilities. Naruto's Rasengan, Sasuke's Sharingan, these abilities can be the starting point for many fanfiction ideas. Writers can think about how these abilities could be used in different battles or situations not shown in the original.
In some fanfictions, there are external factors that force them together. Maybe they have to team up to fight a greater evil. During this time, they begin to see the good in each other. Sasuke might be impressed by Naruto's strength and determination, while Naruto might see the pain and loneliness in Sasuke. This mutual understanding then develops into a deeper relationship over time. It's a slow - burn kind of development that can be really engaging to read.
A really interesting fanfiction could be set in an alternate universe where Sasuke never left the village in Naruto Shippuden. He and Sakura start to develop feelings for each other much earlier. They go through all the challenges of being young ninjas together, and their relationship blossoms as they face various threats to the village side by side, and they eventually get married and have a family.
A unique way to develop their relationship could be through a time - travel plot. They could be sent back in time to when they were children. This would give them the chance to change some of the events that led to their strained relationship in the original timeline. They could also get to know each other all over again, but with the knowledge and experiences they have from the future, which would lead to a very different and more intimate relationship.
Another theme is power and growth. The OC usually has some unique power or ability. Their interactions with Sasuke lead to both of them growing in terms of power. This could be in combat skills or in understanding the complex nature of the ninja world. For instance, they might face a powerful enemy together and in the process, both Sasuke and the OC become stronger and more well - rounded characters.
Often, they start with a lot of tension. Since they have a complex history as rivals, the fanfictions first show them gradually breaking down those barriers. They might start with small acts of kindness towards each other. For example, Naruto might bring Sasuke his favorite food after a tough battle, and Sasuke might show concern when Naruto is injured. This slowly builds into deeper emotional connections where they start to understand each other on a more intimate level.