There was no clear answer as to whether Darker was dead or alive. Different novel settings and plots might have different answers. In some novels, Darker might be dead, but in others, Darker might still be alive. The Dark One is a very popular novel series with a large number of readers and supporters, so readers who have different opinions on Darker's life and death may have different opinions.
It varies from one fanfiction to another. Some fanfictions might depict Naruto as dead to introduce a new set of challenges for the remaining characters. For example, if Naruto dies, Konoha might be left vulnerable, and characters like Sasuke or Sakura would have to step up in different ways. But there are also plenty of fanfictions where Naruto remains alive and continues his journey, perhaps facing new and even more dangerous threats than in the original series.
It could be about various things. Maybe it's a story centered around characters who are constantly in life - or - death situations. It might involve themes of survival, danger, and the choices one has to make when faced with the possibility of death.
Well, it's a bit complicated. Sometimes Superman survives all the challenges and remains alive, while in certain story arcs, he might encounter events that lead to his apparent death. But often, there's a way for him to come back or for the situation to have a twist.