You may disagree with me, but politics ruined the life of this one Naruto character

The Naruto animanga-verse is one of the most iconic when it comes to having a roster of unique characters with distinct personalities. However, it is also one of the series known among fans and viewers for having some of the most controversial characters and unaddressed problematic narratives.

Among these characters, one stands out whose narrative showed the most problematic plots and, to some extent, changed the entire outlook of that character. From being a dedicated ninja sworn to protect the village to becoming a rogue criminal exiled by the same village, the character in question is none other than Itachi Uchiha.

Disclaimer: This article solely reflects the author's opinions and contains spoilers from the Naruto series.

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How politics ruined Itachi Uchiha's life in the Naruto series

Ever since his first appearance in the Naruto series, Itachi has been portrayed as a controversial character, leaving the fans unsure to decide whether he was truly a hero or a villain. However, what many fail to realize is that it wasn't his personality or character that was questionable, but straight-up politics that ruined his entire life.

Before his life was completely ruined, Itachi was a respectable Anbu captain who swore to protect the village from both external and internal threats. Being the only Uchiha trusted by the Hokage and the village leadership, the rest of the Uchiha Clan saw this as an opportunity to involve Itachi in their coup to overthrow the Konoha government and sieze control.

However, the then-Hokage, Hiruzen Sarutobi, along with the other village elders like Danzo, caught wind of the conspiracy and ordered Itachi to assassinate the entire Uchiha clan. Itachi was left torn between choosing his family and his duty to the village. As fans know, he ultimately chose the latter. Yet, the same village branded him a rogue ninja and exiled him.

Itachi and Kisame from the Akatsuki (Image via Studio Pierrot)

Itachi never had any desire to conspire against the village or massacre his clan. He was caught in the middle of a political conflict between two factions of Konoha and was, in many ways, pressured into carrying out the infamous Uchiha massacre. Despite this, he spared his younger brother, Sasuke, who also turned against him and hunted him down to avenge their clan.

One fateful night changed Itachi's life forever. After leaving the village, Itachi found a home in the Akatsuki group. However, even then, he never bore any hate towards the village that exiled him. Itachi had plenty of opportunities to kill the villagers, including Naruto, but he could never bring himself to go through with the killing.

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Final thoughts

Itachi and a young Sasuke (Image via Pierrot)

While fans may have differing opinions, Itachi was ultimately a victim of the political agendas within Konoha. He was forced into making the impossible choice of executing his clan while also being pushed by the Uchiha into betraying the village he loved so dearly.

To make matters worse, his younger brother, the only person he spared, was blinded by rage and hatred toward him.

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