How does Merlin's not being good at hiding magic in the fanfiction affect his relationships with other characters?

Well, his friends might start to feel like he's drifting away. Since he's hiding his strength, he can't fully participate in training or battles as they expect. For example, Sakura might think Naruto is being lazy or not trying hard enough, which could create some tension between them.

With Gaius, Merlin's getting hurt makes their relationship more paternal. Gaius would be worried sick and do everything he can to heal Merlin. And Merlin would rely more on Gaius during his recovery, which further cements their father - son like bond.

If Naruto has a physical disability like a broken arm that doesn't heal properly in fanfiction, his friends like Sasuke and Sakura would need to step in and help him more. Sasuke might be more protective, which could change their dynamic from a competitive one to a more collaborative one. Sakura could use her medical skills to try and find a way to heal him, which would bring them closer. His relationship with his teachers, like Kakashi, would also change as they'd have to adjust their training methods.

His relationship with Naruto would become more complicated. Naruto might be torn between believing in Sasuke's innocence and following the village's decision. Sakura would be deeply affected too. She might be in disbelief and try to find a way to get Sasuke reinstated.

For the bullies, if that's the case, his hiding of the face could either make them more determined to torment him or it could make them lose interest. If they see that they are getting to him, they might continue to pick on him. But if he seems to be shutting them out completely by hiding his face, they might move on to an easier target.

In certain fanfictions, the izuku system is a secret. This secrecy can strain his relationships as he has to constantly lie or be evasive about his sudden improvements. But when the truth comes out, it can either lead to a huge rift or a deeper understanding among his friends, depending on how the writer chooses to portray it.

His relationship with his sensei, like Kakashi, could become more complex. Kakashi would feel guilty for not being able to protect Naruto from the experiments. And Naruto might start to question Kakashi's ability to keep him safe. This could lead to a strain in their relationship at first, but later they could grow closer as Kakashi helps Naruto recover from the trauma of the experiments.

Enemies would definitely be more cautious around Naruto. Those who once underestimated him would now fear his golden chakra. This could lead to some enemies trying to find weaknesses in it. Meanwhile, Naruto's new power might also attract the attention of mysterious characters who want to guide him in using it, which could cause some friction with his existing relationships as he has to decide who to trust.

His friends would be extremely worried. Sakura, for instance, would likely try to use her medical skills to help him and also try to figure out why he's doing it. She might be angry at first for him harming himself but then become very concerned. His relationship with Sasuke could also change. Sasuke might see Naruto's self - harm as a sign of weakness or, on the other hand, it could make him more empathetic towards Naruto as he has his own inner demons.

His skill with the bow might make him more respected. Other characters would see him as a valuable asset in battles or hunts. They might rely on him more, which could strengthen their bonds.