His past experiences of being an orphan and often being shunned or bullied as a child might resurface in the fanfiction. These memories can make him feel alone even when he is surrounded by people. He might feel that no one truly understands what he has been through.
It could also be due to his high - profile role in the village. Naruto may feel that he has a lot of responsibilities and expectations on his shoulders. This pressure can make him feel isolated as he might think that no one else can relate to what he is going through in terms of leading the village or being the hero.
One reason could be his status as a jinchuriki. People might be afraid of him because of the Nine - Tails inside him, so he feels unloved. Another reason is that he was an orphan, and without his parents around, he may have felt like he didn't have that family love that others had.
One reason could be that the fanfic writer wants to deviate from the original narrative where Naruto gradually gains acceptance. They might want to put him in a situation where he has to struggle more with being unwanted to make the story more interesting. For instance, they could write a scenario where new characters are introduced and they shun Naruto for some reason.
One reason could be some sort of special jutsu or power - up. Maybe he got a new form or ability that suppresses pain. For example, it could be related to his Sage Mode or something new entirely.
One possible reason could be pure creativity and the desire to break boundaries. Writers might want to explore a completely different side of Naruto that is not shown in the original series. It could also be a way to shock the readers and get their attention.
One reason could be that Naruto realizes his feelings for someone else and doesn't want to mislead Sakura. In some fanfictions, Naruto might discover that his true love is Hinata and so he steps away from Sakura to pursue a relationship with Hinata without causing any confusion for Sakura.
One reason could be that some fans are very purist about the original Naruto story. They might feel that fanfiction often distorts the characters or the plot in ways that go against the essence of what Naruto is all about. For example, changing a character's personality completely to fit a romantic or dark and edgy narrative that doesn't align with the source material.
There are several possible reasons. For one, it could be a way to subvert the expectations of the Naruto character. In the original series, he's so pure and full of life. By having him smoke in fanfiction, writers can create a contrast. It might also be used to set a certain mood, like a gritty or more adult - oriented atmosphere. Additionally, it could be a symbol of his rebellion or a sign of him breaking away from the norms of his ninja village. Writers might use it to explore a different side of Naruto that wasn't shown in the original story.
One reason could be the waning popularity of the Naruto franchise over time. As new shows and series emerge, some fans shift their attention away. Another factor might be that the quality of fanfiction has declined. With so many people writing, there's a lot of poorly written stuff that turns readers off.
One reason could be to explore a different character arc. Writers might want to see how Naruto would develop if he had a more violent nature from the start. Another reason is to add drama. A bloodthirsty Naruto would create more conflict within the story, especially with his friends and the village. Also, it could be a way to show a more 'realistic' or gritty version of the Naruto world, where characters are not always so morally upright.
One reason is that some fanfiction authors may lack a deep understanding of Naruto's character. They might write things that are completely contrary to his values and personality just for the sake of creating a 'unique' story. For example, Naruto is known for his positive attitude and strong will, but in some fanfictions, he could be depicted as a negative or spineless character.