"You're planning to make your move during the Jinchuriki's transfer?"
"Exactly." Kusano nodded. "Jinchuriki are a core military asset for any village. If we can seize one or two, we won't just deal a major blow to the Divine Court's prestige—we'll also add powerful fighters to our alliance."
The proposal left Nagato deep in thought.
From a tactical perspective, it was certainly a good plan. Jinchuriki were less heavily guarded while being transferred, making it the perfect time to strike.
But the problem was that making a move would mean a complete break with Uchiha Jin, leaving no room to turn back.
"Lord Pain, what are you worried about?" Kusano noticed Nagato's hesitation.
"I'm thinking about the consequences." Nagato answered honestly. "If we seize a Jinchuriki, Uchiha Jin will retaliate with all his might. Then it won't just be us—all the villages in the alliance will become targets."
"So what?" Kusano's voice grew impassioned. "Lord Pain, have you forgotten your ideals? Didn't you want to bring true peace to this world? Uchiha Jin rules the Shinobi World through violence. Is that the peace you envisioned?"
His words struck the most vulnerable place in Nagato's heart.
It was true. He had founded the Akatsuki and gathered the Tailed Beasts to end war and bring peace. But although Uchiha Jin's methods had seemingly ended the fighting between villages, was this "peace," built on fear, really what he wanted?
"Besides, Lord Pain, you possess the power of a god. With the support of our alliance, we may well be able to fight Uchiha Jin." Kusano continued to urge him on. "Even if we fail in the end, at least we'll have proved that there are still people in this world brave enough to resist tyranny!"
Nagato gazed deeply at Kusano. There was some