One of the most interesting aspects of Sasuke and Sakura's childhood friendship in fanfiction is how it can be developed in different ways. Some fanfictions might focus on the innocent moments they shared, like when they first met at the ninja academy. For example, they could have bonded over a shared love for a particular jutsu that they saw a teacher perform. This simple connection could then grow over time as they train together and face challenges side by side.
Protection is also a theme. Sasuke, even as a child, might have a sense of protecting Sakura from bullies or other threats. In fanfiction, this can be exaggerated and shown in different dangerous situations. And there's the theme of misunderstanding. Their different personalities as children could lead to misunderstandings. For example, Sasuke's quietness might be misinterpreted by Sakura as disinterest, when in fact he cares in his own way.
One way is to show them sharing simple pleasures like climbing trees together. Sasuke could be the brave one helping Sakura reach the highest branches. This would symbolize his role as her protector in childhood.
In these fanfictions, Sakura's childhood crush on Sasuke can be explored in more depth. She might have a diary where she writes about her feelings for him, and Sasuke accidentally stumbles upon it, leading to an awkward but also a very revealing moment. It shows that there were always unspoken emotions between them during their childhood.
In many such fanfictions, their childhood is often depicted as a time of budding friendship. For example, they might share lunches secretly, with Sakura making extra special bento boxes in the hopes that Sasuke will like them. And Sasuke, despite his aloofness, might start to see Sakura as more than just another classmate as they grow up. These childhood stories can add depth to their relationship that we see later in the main series.
One common theme is their initial meeting. In many fanfictions, it's portrayed as a significant moment that sets the stage for their relationship. For example, Sasuke might be shown as a loner, and Sakura as the curious girl who wants to get to know him. Another theme is the influence of their respective families on their childhood. Sakura's family might be depicted as loving and supportive, while Sasuke's family tragedy shapes his cold exterior during childhood. Also, their early training experiences are often explored. How Sasuke's natural talent and Sakura's determination play out in their childhood training is a key aspect in fanfictions.
A possible plot could be that they discover a new and dangerous jutsu that has been lost for centuries. They decide to train together to master it so that it can be used for the good of the village. Along the way, they learn more about each other's pasts and their friendship deepens.
Sakura might become friends with Hermione. They both are intelligent and interested in learning, so they could bond over books and studying magic. Sasuke, well, he might be a bit more aloof, but he could end up having an odd friendship with Harry. They both have a sense of responsibility and a past filled with challenges, so they might understand each other on some level.
Kakashi would be more reserved but still show his support. He might give Sasuke some advice on being a father based on his own experiences with his team. Shikamaru would be practical, thinking about how the baby will affect the village's future and offering some logical solutions to any potential problems that might come up.