Introduction

In the final chapters of Final Fantasy 7, the ethically charged decisions of the players and characters often leave much to contemplate. A particularly intriguing scenario arises in the aftermath of the battle with Don Corneo. Would Cloud and his company have chosen to save Yuffie from Don Corneo's clutches, or would they have pursued a different path, possibly discovering the truth on their own?

The Ethics of Saving Yuffie

Option A: Not Murdering Yuffie
Most of the characters in the game, like Cloud, Turks, Hojo, and Rufus, are not monsters. They follow ethical frameworks within the game, and their pursuit of justice or vengeance comes from a sense of right and wrong. When Yuffie betrays her team, the possibility of murder is not immediately on the table. The initial reaction is more of confusion and betrayal, but not necessarily to kill someone they've fought with.

Option B: The Inevitable Confrontation
If Cloud and his company search for Yuffie and find her at her house, she is likely to be aware of their intentions. As they approach, the game mechanics often limit direct confrontation. Yuffie's suspicion and avoidance tactics make such an encounter risky and unlikely. This detachment can be frustrating but reflects the game's broader narrative structure.

Option C: The Human Touch
Cloud and his company are human beings. Their instinct is to find out what happened to Yuffie and why she betrayed them. They want to talk to her, to understand her perspective. They decide to follow and attempt to trap her, rather than seeking immediate retribution. As they learn about her passion and her reasons, the team's reaction shifts from anger to empathy.

The Complicated Friendship

Cloud and Yuffie have formed a bond over the journey to Wutai. Their experiences have forged a strong connection, but betrayal comes with a heavier toll. When Yuffie steals the materia and runs off, the group is understandably upset. However, they are also confused and shocked.

“But why would she do it?” they ask themselves. The team members wonder if Yuffie’s actions stem from personal grievance rather than malice. They realize that her motive is complex, involving a desire to reclaim her homeland and free her people. Yuffie’s father’s servile acceptance of the Shinra occupation adds an additional layer of complexity to her actions.

Yuffie's Capture and Agreement

Despite her betrayal, Yuffie does not escape unscathed. She finds herself in Don Corneo’s clutches, who is looking for a bride. Yuffie is one of his choices, and he ultimately selects her. This moment is not only imagined by the player but is also indicative of Don Corneo's character, as he represents a distorted form of power and control.

The Team's Decision to Rescue

Clashes through the game have deeply affected the group, and they are now united in their desire to rescue Yuffie. They understand that no one fights fire with fire, and they know that Yuffie’s fate cannot be left in the hands of a pervert. They gather, supported by the Turks, to rescue Yuffie.

Yuffie’s dialogue changes based on who rescues her, adding a layer of personal connection and history to the interactions. This subtle detail captures the emotional depth of the player's journey and the bonds formed with the characters. Each character's response reflects their unique relationship with Yuffie:

Cloud: “Hey! It’s Cloud!” Tifa: “Hey! It’s Tifa!” Cid: “Aw man! It’s that old man Cid!”

These lines encapsulate the multifaceted nature of their interactions and emotions, making the game more immersive and personal.

Conclusion

Final Fantasy 7 is a game that delves deep into complex ethical scenarios. The decision to save Yuffie or to take a different path is left to the player, but both paths reflect human qualities of empathy, curiosity, and the desire for justice. The game's narrative is not monolithic; it leaves room for players to ponder the morality of their choices, encouraging a deeper engagement with the story and the characters.