Suna's reaction would depend on many factors. If Naruto arrives during a time of relative peace between the two villages, they may be more lenient. But if there are existing tensions, it could be a different story. Some Suna ninja might recognize Naruto's potential and try to recruit him for Suna, while others would be worried about the political implications of sheltering a Konoha ninja.
He might face many challenges on his way. In the desert, he could struggle with the harsh environment, like finding water and shelter. Also, he may encounter some Sand Ninja who might be suspicious of him. Maybe he'll meet Gaara and they'll form an unexpected bond, as they both have had difficult childhoods.
He would surely meet Gaara. Gaara has had his own struggles and he might be able to understand Naruto on a deeper level. They could form an even stronger bond than before, with Gaara helping Naruto hide from those who might be looking for him in Suna.
One possible plot could be that Naruto runs away to Suna to escape some sort of danger in Konoha. Maybe there's a powerful enemy after him and he thinks Suna can offer him protection. He could also be running away from some internal conflict within Konoha, like issues with the villagers not fully accepting him still.
Maybe he's running away from the pressure in the village. There are always high expectations on him, and he might feel suffocated and need some time alone to figure things out.
One consequence could be that his friends worry about him a great deal. They might go on a search for him, which could put them in danger as well. After all, they care about Naruto deeply and won't just let him disappear without trying to find him.
They might run away to avoid a conflict that their villages are about to be dragged into. Naruto and Sasuke, being the powerful ninjas they are, don't want to be used as tools in a war, so they decide to run away.
He could meet some of Iwa's powerful ninjas. Maybe Onoki, who could either see him as a threat or an opportunity. There might also be some young Iwa ninjas who are curious about Naruto and his abilities.
He might meet some of his distant Uzumaki relatives. There could be elders or other Uzumaki clan members who have valuable knowledge about his family and their special abilities.
Perhaps he is running away from danger in Konoha. There could be a threat that he believes he can't face directly in the village, and he thinks Whirlpool might offer some sort of sanctuary or a way to become stronger in relative safety.