Piccolo might also be a savior. He has a soft spot for Gohan since they trained together. He could use his strategic mind and powerful attacks to outwit Raditz and rescue Gohan. Maybe he teams up with Goku for an even more epic rescue mission.
He could face Jiren again. But this time, Gohan would be the one to come out on top. Maybe he'd have studied Jiren's fighting style thoroughly and found a way to counter it.
The relationship could develop out of a need for companionship. Gohan, having lost many of his friends and family in battles, is in need of someone who can understand his pain. 18, being an android with her own complex past, also longs for someone to be close to. They meet and initially just offer each other a listening ear. As they talk more, they find that they can comfort each other in ways no one else can. This emotional connection then grows into a romantic relationship, and finally, they marry as they realize they don't want to be without each other.
A common pairing is Gohan and Bulma. Their relationship in fanfiction can be interesting as they are both highly intelligent in different ways. Bulma's scientific knowledge and Gohan's martial arts and Saiyan abilities can create a dynamic where they complement each other well.
One character that would be great to pair with Gohan in 11 - year - old Gohan fanfiction is Bulma. Bulma is smart and resourceful. She could involve Gohan in some of her scientific experiments or inventions. Gohan's Saiyan strength could be useful in her projects. Also, there could be a lot of comical situations as Gohan tries to understand Bulma's high - tech world. Another good option is Master Roshi. He could train Gohan in different ways than Piccolo or Goku, introducing Gohan to new forms of martial arts and wisdom.
Goku is often a common character. Since Gohan has a strong relationship with his father, in time - travel scenarios, they might interact a lot. For example, Gohan could go back in time to save Goku from an early death or to train with him. Vegeta is also a likely character. He might be skeptical of Gohan's time - traveling at first but then get involved in Gohan's plans. Another common character would be Piccolo. He has been Gohan's mentor, and in time - travel stories, he could offer his wisdom and help to Gohan again.
Gohan has the advantage of his Saiyan heritage which gives him natural fighting abilities and the ability to increase his power rapidly. But Naruto has trained hard all his life and has the ability to tap into the power of the Nine - Tails. In a fight, if it was in an open area, Gohan might be able to use his flight and long - range energy attacks to his advantage. But if they were in a more enclosed space, Naruto could use his ninja skills like stealth and close - combat jutsu. Also, Naruto has his Sage Mode which gives him enhanced senses and strength. So, it really depends on the circumstances of the fight.
It could be many characters. Maybe it was Videl. In the Dragon Ball series, Videl is a strong - willed girl, and she has a connection with Gohan. So in the fanfiction, it might be her that Gohan thought was cute.
Gohan may become more confident in relationships. In a harem situation, he has to deal with multiple people interested in him, which could boost his self - assurance.