Well, his real self could be more complex. In the regular Naruto story, he is seen as a go - lucky, determined ninja. However, in the fanfiction where he shows his real self, he might be more conflicted. For example, he could be more hesitant about his dream of becoming Hokage. Maybe he realizes the huge responsibilities it entails and has second thoughts, which is a side we don't often see in the original.
One key event could be a major battle loss. This might shatter his confidence and force him to show his real self, including his self - doubts and fears. Another event could be the discovery of a long - hidden truth about his family or the village that makes him question everything he thought he knew, thus revealing his real self.
He might show his scars to Sasuke. Given their complex relationship, it could be a powerful moment between them, a way to show Sasuke that Naruto has also faced great pain in their separation and the events that followed.
In the context of fanfiction, it might also be a plot device to explore Naruto's vulnerability. It could lead to new character developments, such as others seeing him in a new light. Maybe it causes some characters to re - evaluate their relationship with him, while for others it could be a source of inspiration, seeing that even someone as strong as Naruto has his own set of hardships.
One common way is through loyalty. He'll always stand by his brother no matter what. Another is by listening. He gives his brother his full attention when he has something to say.
First of all, his friends would likely be very curious. Since Naruto has had a rather eventful childhood, the fanfiction could contain a lot of personal elements. They might be amused by his childish handwriting or the simple way he used to express his ideas. Some might even be touched if the fanfiction reveals Naruto's hidden insecurities or hopes from back then. It could also lead to his friends having a new perspective on Naruto, seeing a side of him that they didn't know before.
They could go on an adventure to explore a long - forgotten part of the ninja world. Maybe they find ancient scrolls with new jutsu. His female self might be better at deciphering the old writings, and Naruto could use his physical strength to protect them from any threats during the exploration.
At first, it might be a bit strange. His past self would be confused and a bit scared of this older version of himself. But as time goes on, they would start to trust each other. Naruto would be patient with his past self, and his past self would start to look up to him.
In some fanfictions, Naruto's pain might manifest through his actions. For example, he could become withdrawn and isolate himself from his friends. This is because Naruto has always been a social person, so any deviation from his normal behavior could be a sign of his internal pain.
One possible cause could be his sense of failure. Naruto always wants to protect his friends and village, so if he fails in a mission or is unable to save someone, it can cause him great pain.