Well, it's hard to say it's a widely popular genre on its own. The Naruto fandom has a vast range of fanfic types. While the idea of Naruto being a cold and distant shinobi might attract some readers who like exploring different character portrayals, it's not as mainstream as some other common themes like Naruto achieving new powerful jutsus or his relationships with other main characters. There are so many different takes on Naruto in fanfics, and this rather 'edgy' or different view might only appeal to a niche group within the large Naruto fan base.
Another reason could be the influence of a powerful and dark entity. If Naruto is somehow possessed or influenced by a dark chakra or a malevolent spirit, it might change his personality completely. He could start to push away people who care about him because the entity wants him to isolate himself and be more vulnerable to its control.
One reason could be to explore a different side of Naruto's character. In the original series, he's so warm - hearted, but by making him cold and distant, the writer can show how different events could have shaped him in an alternate way. Maybe he faced more hardships or betrayals that led to this change.
It might imply that in this fanfiction, Naruto is emotionally distant. For example, perhaps he has had some experiences that have made him withdrawn or less connected to the people around him. It could also mean that the events in the fanfiction are taking place at a distance from the main Naruto storyline, like in a different part of the Naruto universe that we haven't seen much in the original series.
[He's Cold and Alienating/He's Cold and Seductive] was a novel that was highly recommended by readers. This novel was written by Momo Cai. It belonged to the categories of modern sadomasochism, pure love, and horror. The readers gave high praise to the plot, the characters, and the language. They thought that the book was very good. The main characters of the novel were Zimo, Butler Kun, Fan Xu, etc. The love story was described as poignant and pure. The writing was excellent and highly recommended.
One possible reason could be a major betrayal. Maybe someone he trusted deeply, like a close friend or a mentor, turned against him. This would make him lose faith in people and become cold as a form of self - protection.
His friends would be confused and hurt at first. They are used to the warm and friendly Naruto, so this change would be a shock. Some might try to reach out to him, but if he keeps pushing them away, it could lead to a strain in their relationships.
The following are some recommendations for novels that describe the cold and distant male lead:
1. << The Strong Love of a Wealthy Family >>: The male lead was a cold, arrogant, and overbearing elite CEO. He looked indifferent and distant on the outside, but he was infatuated with the female lead and doted on her single-mindedly.
2. Long Street: The story between the male lead Xiang Yu and Jin Fubai. The male lead is gentle and considerate.
3. [Sweet oxygen]: The sweet love between the male and female leads.
4. [Night Fog: The male protagonist meets the female protagonist in a strange city.]
These novels all have cold and distant male protagonists. I hope you will like them!
The author could show his coldness through his limited dialogue. For example, Harry might give short, curt responses to others. This would immediately signal his distance.