It could also be a way for Naruto to grow as a ninja. Itachi was highly respected for his skills and intelligence. By acting like Itachi, Naruto could be exploring different aspects of being a ninja that he hadn't considered before. For example, Itachi was known for his ability to keep his emotions in check during difficult situations. Naruto could be trying to learn this in fanfiction to become a more well - rounded ninja and leader in the Hidden Leaf Village.
One reason could be for strategic purposes. Itachi was a highly strategic ninja. So, in fanfiction, Naruto might act like him to outwit a particularly difficult enemy. For instance, when facing an enemy who is a master of deception, Naruto could adopt Itachi's calm and calculating demeanor to see through the enemy's tricks.
Another reason might be related to mentorship. Itachi was an important figure in Sasuke's life. If Naruto wants to better understand Sasuke or guide him in a certain way, he could start acting like Itachi. He might use Itachi's methods of communication and showing tough love to help Sasuke deal with his inner demons. In these fanfictions, Naruto is often trying to fill a role that Itachi left behind in Sasuke's life.
Maybe Naruto is put in a situation where he feels that Hiruzen's way of handling things is the best option. For instance, if there is a major crisis in the village that requires a more traditional and experienced approach, Naruto might choose to act like Hiruzen. Also, he could be influenced by the stories he has heard about Hiruzen and wants to fill his shoes in a way.
Maybe Naruto admires Kakashi's skills. Kakashi is a highly respected ninja, and Naruto might want to be as good as him. So he starts acting like him to learn from him.
There are often fanfiction communities on Reddit as well. Subreddits dedicated to Naruto fanfiction might have users sharing or discussing stories where Naruto emulates Itachi. You can engage with the community, ask for recommendations, and they might point you to some great reads that show Naruto acting like Itachi in various creative ways.
A reason could be that Itachi is framed as a traitor to the Leaf Village in the fanfiction. Naruto, being the defender of the Leaf, would then see Itachi as an enemy and take action to kill him to uphold the village's safety and honor.
Maybe for a new plot twist. It makes the story different from the original Naruto storyline.
In fanfiction, Naruto can be a prodigy like Itachi. This can be a great way to explore different aspects of Naruto's character. By making him a prodigy, authors can show how Naruto might have developed differently. He could have been more confident earlier, or perhaps made different choices in his training and relationships. It also allows for new and exciting plotlines, like Naruto being recognized as a genius from a young age and how that would change the dynamics within the Hidden Leaf Village. It can add a whole new layer to the Naruto universe in fanfiction.
In a fanfiction where Naruto becomes like Itachi, it could be due to intense training. Naruto might study Itachi's fighting techniques, like his use of the Sharingan-based moves. He could also adopt Itachi's calm and collected demeanor, which is very different from his usual energetic self. For example, he may start to think more strategically in battles, just as Itachi did.
If Naruto becomes like Itachi in fanfiction, it would change his relationships. His friends might be a bit shocked at first. For example, Sasuke's perception of Naruto would be completely different. Naruto would also have a different role in the village. He might be more involved in the shadowy aspects of protecting the village, like Itachi was. And his enemies would have to re - evaluate their strategies against him.
Itachi could have realized Naruto's potential and determination. He knows Naruto is different from other ninjas and has a unique ability to change people's hearts. By giving Naruto his Sharingan, Itachi might be ensuring that Naruto has the power to carry out some important mission or to protect the people Itachi cares about.
One reason could be Naruto's power. In the Naruto universe, Naruto has great power, and both Itachi and Sasuke might see Naruto as a key to achieving certain goals. Itachi might want to protect Naruto because he sees Naruto as a force for good in the future of the ninja world. Sasuke, on the other hand, may view Naruto as a rival in terms of power and influence, and in fanfiction, this could lead to a fight between them over Naruto.