It doesn't matter if it was supposed to be symbolic where he can escape from the shackle of fate, his death cement absolutely nothing. Kishi literally intend him to die in order for NaruHina to get together yet he was so irrelevant in Part 2 you expect anyone to take seriously when his death wasn't even impactful??Maybe I'm just stupid to think it that way. i just make it a point that his death meant more than just provoking a pairing to happen. Still, everything wasnt at its best shape. Even the Last wasnt so, there is no point bringing that up. We're left with an unending debate, that's all.