Some thoughts on the moral message of the manga - Part II - The Underneath

[senior-witch.livejournal.com]

So this is the second part of my long essay on the moral message of the manga. I have a look at various minor characters and various scenes and moral conflicts and try to get some insights in what these characters' decisions mean for the message "Protect your precious persons, and your fellow villagers!" and for the two problems that go with the message, namely the questions of how to behave towards outsiders and of sacrificing some people to ensure the survival of the rest of the group.

( Part I, "the Surface", with introduction and thanks )

Warning: Spoilers for the current canon (up to chapter 430)!

( Part II The Underneath: Personal bonds, and the longing for peace )
( The First Problem: What about Outsiders? - The Old People: Longing for Peace )
( Nagato: There has to be another way )
( The second problem: Sacrificing the few for the many - Yahiko/Pain: Making the world suffer in order to create peace )
(
Obito and Kakashi: Comrades versus rules )
( Itachi: A man who refused to let fetters and familial ties interfere with his love for the village
)
( Sai: Becoming a person )