It shows his vulnerability. Usually, Naruto is seen as a strong and determined character. But in this fanfiction, his depression over Sakura reveals that he has a soft side, especially when it comes to love. This adds a new layer to his character.
The fanfiction might explore how Naruto copes with this depression. Does he try to hide it? Does he lash out? Or does he try to become a better person in spite of it? All these aspects can give a deeper understanding of Naruto's character. For example, if he uses this pain as motivation to become stronger, it shows his resilience, but if he succumbs to it, it shows his human side and the limits of his strength.
By getting depressed, Naruto's complex emotions are on display. His love for Sakura is not just a simple crush. It's something that can deeply affect his mental state, which shows how deeply he feels things in general. It also makes his character more relatable to readers who have experienced unrequited love or emotional turmoil.
One possible reason could be unrequited love. If in the fanfiction, Sakura continuously rejects Naruto or shows no interest in him, it can lead to his depression. Naruto has deep feelings for Sakura for a long time, and constant rejection can be soul - crushing.
Well, in many such fanfictions, Naruto might start by realizing Sakura's true feelings for Sasuke are unwavering. He could then focus on his own growth, like training harder to become a stronger ninja. Maybe he travels to different villages and meets new people who help him see that there are other important things in life besides Sakura.
Naruto may become more guarded. After being cheated on by Sakura, he'll be less likely to open up to people easily. He might seem tougher on the outside.
The fanfiction might delve deeper into his relationships. For example, his interactions with Sasuke could be seen in a new light. Maybe his secret depression affects how he approaches Sasuke, not just as a rival but also as someone who might understand his pain on a deeper level.
Perhaps Sakura is overly critical of Naruto in the fanfiction. She might focus on his flaws and not give him any credit for his achievements. Naruto, who has always been striving for recognition, especially from Sakura, would be deeply affected by this. Her constant criticism could chip away at his self - esteem and cause him to sink into depression.
Another plotline could be that Sakura makes a decision that deeply affects Naruto's life in a negative way. Maybe she chooses to side with an enemy against Naruto's wishes, and this betrayal makes Naruto feel so hopeless that he becomes depressed. In these fanfictions, the writers often explore the complex relationships between the characters and how their actions can have far - reaching emotional consequences on others. There's also a possibility that Sakura's actions cause Naruto to lose his dream or his sense of purpose, pushing him into a depressive state as he feels lost without that driving force in his life.
In many of these fanfictions, Sakura's depression can strain her relationship with Naruto. If she's depressed because of her feelings for him, she might push him away. For example, she could avoid him or be short - tempered when he tries to be friendly. With her friends like Ino, her depression might make her seem distant, causing Ino to be worried and try to reach out more.
I'm not sure of a specific one offhand. However, you can try searching on fanfiction websites like FanFiction.net or Archive of Our Own. Look for tags related to 'Sakura', 'Naruto', and 'depressed'. You might find some interesting stories there.
Many 'Naruto neglected depressed fanfiction' stories use the Naruto setting to show how a lack of support system can lead to depression. The characters may be neglected by their sensei or peers. This neglect can then be shown to cause symptoms such as sadness, anger, and withdrawal, all of which are important elements in understanding mental health within the context of the story. These fanfictions often also show the character's journey to overcome or at least cope with their depression, which can be inspiring for readers dealing with similar issues.
In these fanfictions, Naruto's character is often shown to be very vulnerable. His normally upbeat and positive nature is shattered when he is cheated on. This allows readers to see a different side of him, one that is full of pain and confusion.