It could also be that the plot of the fanfiction has Naruto in a situation where talking might put him or his loved ones in danger. So, for their safety and his own, he chooses not to talk.
Naruto might be initially very disappointed. He has always looked up to Kakashi as a strong and cool ninja, and being refused by him would be a big blow. He could become a bit sulky and withdrawn, feeling like he's not good enough.
One possible reason could be Naruto's independent nature. He has always been someone who forges his own path. In the Naruto series, he doesn't rely on traditional forms of status or hierarchy. So in the fanfiction, he might refuse peerage because he wants to be recognized for his own efforts and not because of a title.
There are also the wandering ninja. These are ninja who don't belong to any particular village. They might join forces with Naruto because they understand what it's like to be on the outside. Together, they could form a sort of 'rogue' ninja group.
The story would also change the perception of Naruto. Instead of being seen as the hero of Konoha, he would be considered a traitor by many. This would create a whole new set of relationships and conflicts. His friends might try to convince him to change his mind, leading to some very emotional and complex storylines. The shinobi world as a whole might start to question the values that Naruto has always represented, like loyalty and perseverance. And if Konoha does fall, it could inspire other villages to reevaluate their own security measures and relationships with their ninjas.
The scenario where Team 8 saves Team 7 instead would be quite interesting. It could introduce new conflicts and resolutions, and potentially reveal hidden strengths of Team 8 that weren't previously showcased.
Perhaps Naruto travels the world, seeking out ancient ninja secrets. He could encounter powerful and mysterious beings who either help or hinder his journey. He might also discover a connection to his family's past that he never knew before, like a long - lost relative who was also banished.
This situation can also deepen Naruto's character. His refusal to talk can be seen as a sign of his growth, perhaps he has become more cautious or self - aware. And this new aspect of his character can influence how other characters interact with him, and ultimately shape the direction of the entire fanfiction.
One possible reason could be that Naruto feels betrayed by Konoha. Maybe he discovers some dark secrets about the village's leadership or past actions that make him question whether Konoha is truly worth saving. For example, if he finds out that they were involved in unethical experiments or unjust treatment of certain clans. Another reason might be that he has been pushed too far by the villagers' continuous mistrust and discrimination towards him, despite all he has done for them. So he decides he's had enough and refuses to save the village that has not fully accepted him.