The Choice of the Tailed Beast

"Understood, understood. I will be very careful and do everything I can to ensure the leader's body remains intact. As for taking the heart, Konan, don't you know my strength, Kakuzu?" Hmph, let you be smug for a while. Once I get the leader's heart, let's see if you, you spendthrift woman, will still dare to speak to me, Master Kakuzu, in such a tone.

"Konan, how are the preparations for the Impure World Reincarnation army within the organization going while I'm away? The three great nations of Wind, Lightning, and Earth should be entering the Land of Land of Rain's territory soon. We must keep them out of our borders, instead of letting the war spill over into our own country like it did in the Second Shinobi World War." Using our own country as a battlefield, even if we win in the end, it will be meaningless, since it is ultimately the people of the Land of Rain who will suffer.

"Preparations are complete. All the renowned powerhouses we could find have been resurrected. However, since the Eye of the Moon Plan was Black Zetsu's conspiracy, shouldn't we make use of the Tailed Beast? We're not really hoping to capture the Nine-Tails and One-Tail to resurrect the Ten-Tails anyway." If we could utilize the seven Tailed Beast we possess, they would be a force capable of influencing the outcome of the battle.

"Hmm? That's true, but how do we convince the seven Tailed Beasts to serve us? In the current situation, we can't find Jinchuriki to act as vessels for the Tailed Beast in such a short time. Besides, even if we did find Jinchuriki, they wouldn't be able to form a fighting force immediately."

Konan's idea is far too unrealistic. If the war could be delayed for a year or two, this method might actually work, but the three great powers clearly won't give them that time. However, if the Land of Rain can withstand the invasion of the three great powers for a year or two, this plan might not be entirely unfeasible.

"Nagato, the Tailed Beast also possess self-awareness. If we agree to grant Tailed Beast freedom and even act as their protectors, I believe it's feasible to persuade them to fight for us." Konan wasn't entirely confident about this plan, but given the current situation, she could only give it a try. What if it succeeded? This was a strategic nuclear weapon for about seven battlefields.

"Give them freedom? Act as their protector? Fine, let's give it a try." As an orphan who had been a wanderer since childhood, Nagato understood the importance of freedom and protection. The Tailed Beast shouldn't have any reason to refuse, but... how could they possibly convince them of their evil human nature?

Amegakure, Underground Base, Demonic Statue of the Outer Path ~

"Nine Seals of the Illusionary Dragon - Released!"

Looking at the Demonic Statue of the Outer Path with its seven glowing eye sockets, Nagato showed no reluctance and directly ended the plan that he and his companions had been working on for many years.

Splash splash splash~

A massive burst of Chakra erupted!

Boom~~~

The entire underground base was instantly destroyed by this attack.

"Hahahaha~ This great one is back again, where are you, kid?"

"Gyuki, can't you be quiet? This doesn't seem to be Kumogakure anymore."

"Where am I? I remember I was perfectly fine at Mirror Lake in the Land of Water... Right, it was that human with the Rinnegan!!!"

"Hahaha, who cares? As long as we can escape Takigakure and get rid of the Jinchuriki, that's all that matters."

"I never expected to see you all again. How many years has it been since we last met? Speaking of which, now that I'm out... Roshi should be dead by now, right? What a fragile fellow~"

"Why are you getting sentimental? Isn't it good to be free from the control of the Jinchuriki? Han is dead, so be it. It's no loss if more evil humans die."

"Hey, have you guys had enough? This is my territory. How about you listen to me first and say a few words?" Nagato, who had sprung out of the ruins, looked at the seven big guys in front of him and spoke without any fear, drawing the attention of the Tailed Beast.

"Hmm? You're the Rinnegan user who captured us before? What exactly is your purpose? If you know what's good for you, let me go, or when the Kumogakure attacks, you probably won't even be able to keep your Rinnegan." Damn it, it's that guy again. Not only does he possess the old man's Rinnegan, but his strength far surpasses mine. It seems I need to find an opportunity to join forces with the other Tailed Beast and escape in the chaos. I really can't understand how the old man's eyes ended up on this guy. Could he be a descendant of the old man?

"Human, you also covet our power? Give up, we'll fight to the death to prevent you from succeeding." If a fight breaks out, I'll find a way to get that Gyuki to hold the line while I run away. Forgive me, Gyuki, it's all for everyone's freedom. Anyway, you can be resurrected after you die.

Cat, my strength is too weak to stop this guy at all, so the capable should do more, and the job of drawing fire is left to you, Niu Niu!

"Power? Your power? Do you think I need to covet your power with my strength? Ridiculous! What do you think I risked offending the Five Great Nations to rescue you from this misery? I absolutely cannot admit to the Eye of the Moon Plan. I, Nagato, captured the Tailed Beast precisely to free them."

"Huh? Save us?" Did I hear that right? I'm perfectly fine in the Land of Water, why would I need you to save me?

"What?! You captured us to save us? How is that possible?!" So, you killed Killer B to save me? He was my beloved family member, my brother!

"I think he makes a good point. After all, with his strength, he wouldn't need to covet our power, especially since he has those eyes." Could he be the person the old man was talking about? That makes sense, since he does possess the Rinnegan.

"The Rinnegan? That's somewhat convincing, so I'll believe you for now." Hmm, for the sake of the Six Paths Elder.

"Seven-Tails, you're too naive. How could you so easily trust evil humans?" This Rinnegan brat definitely has some ulterior motive. How could capturing Tailed Beast like this be for our freedom?

"Four-Tails, I think Seven-Tails is right. We can try to trust humans. Don't forget what the old man said." It's a pity Yugito isn't dead.

"Freedom is something you have to fight for and defend yourself. I'm just offering you an opportunity; the choice is yours. Because... while I'm giving you freedom, three of the Five Great Nations are already planning to launch a joint attack on our forces. Now you only have two choices: either join us and fight against the evil Five Great Nations, or watch me fail and lose your freedom again, becoming weapons of war for the Five Great Nations."

There are no permanent enemies, only permanent interests. I may not be able to persuade you to join me, but interests can.