A common theme is the exploration of their different personalities. Sasuke is often brooding and focused on his own goals, while Sai is more of an enigma at first. Fanfics may focus on how they come to understand each other better.
One great place to start looking for Naruto Shippuden Sasuke and Sai fanfic is Fanfiction.net. There are tons of stories there that focus on their relationship, from team - up adventures to exploring their individual growth within the context of the Naruto Shippuden world.
Another reason is that fanfiction gives fans the freedom to shape the relationship between Sasuke and Sai as they like. Some might want to write about a romantic relationship between them, while others might focus on a more brotherly or rival - like bond. This creative freedom attracts a lot of fans who want to put their own spin on these beloved characters from Naruto Shippuden.
Some Naruto - dedicated forums may also have user - generated fanfiction. These can be a bit more niche and might have some unique takes on Sasuke and Sai's relationship. However, the quality can vary more widely compared to the larger fanfiction platforms, but it's still worth checking out if you're looking for something different.
Their friendship could start with a simple exchange. Maybe Sai tries to draw Sasuke and Sasuke is initially annoyed. But then Sai shows him the drawing and Sasuke sees a different side of himself in it. This small moment could be the start of them getting to know each other better. For example, Sasuke might start to ask Sai about his art and Sai would be happy to share, gradually breaking the ice between them.
One plot idea could be Sasuke and Sai being forced to team up on a mission. Sai, with his unique artistic abilities and Sasuke with his powerful jutsu. They start off not getting along as Sasuke is still brooding and Sai doesn't quite understand his ways. But as the mission progresses, they learn to trust each other. For example, Sai could use his ink techniques to create diversions while Sasuke attacks the real enemies from the shadows. This would show their growth as characters and how they can work together despite their differences.
One possible plotline is that Sasuke and Hinata are sent on a diplomatic mission to another village. Along the way, they encounter various threats and have to work together to overcome them. This would allow for their relationship to develop as they see each other's skills and personalities up close.
A fanfic about Sasuke and Hinata in Naruto Shippuden could explore an alternate universe where they team up on a mission. Maybe they start off distrusting each other, but as they face challenges, they gradually learn to rely on one another. Their different fighting styles, Sasuke's with his Sharingan and Hinata's Gentle Fist, could make for some interesting combat scenes in the story.
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.
One great 'Sasuke Sakura Shippuden Fanfic' is 'A New Beginning'. It shows a different take on their relationship post - Shippuden. The story delves deep into how they deal with the traumas of the past and try to build a future together. The characterizations are really well - done, staying true to their original personalities from the anime.