In the past, Yechen had captured Tailed Beasts for their energy, but after spending time with them, his thinking had changed. It was no longer just about energy; he truly regarded them as members of the Gods Alliance.
Otherwise, would they have been treated so well, with food, entertainment, and a peaceful space where they could live as they pleased?
It was precisely because Yechen saw them as companions that he treated them so generously.
Hearing Yechen's rebuke, Jiraiya and Minato Namikaze did not argue. Deep down, they understood certain things, but habit had led them to regard the situation as natural.
Tailed Beasts had to be kept under a village's control to prevent major trouble.
But when had they ever considered whether the Tailed Beasts were willing? Who had ever truly understood them?
The only ones who could treat Tailed Beasts as companions were the future Eight-Tails Jinchuriki, Killer B, and Nine-Tails Jinchuriki, Naruto Uzumaki.
Those two had only formed strategic partnerships with their Tailed Beasts after a long process of opening their hearts to each other. They were also the two who brought out the greatest strength of a Jinchūriki.
"I won't give the Nine-Tails back to you. However, I can compensate Konoha another way."
Yechen added from above.
"What way?" Minato Namikaze asked.
"Would saving Kushina Uzumaki count?" Yechen asked, pointing at Kushina, who sat there.
At his words, Kushina Uzumaki struggled to lift her head.
"No, you can't agree to his terms."
Minato Namikaze was caught in a dilemma. On one side was his beloved wife, and on the other were his village's interests. He did not know which to choose.
At that moment, Jiraiya stepped forward.
"What you said does get to the root of the problem. But can you guarantee that you won't use