Jiraiya Edo Tensei swallows hard.
He's no novice ninja, so of course, he understands the value of this lineup.
No need to mention the others—just the Fourth Raikage (puppet) alone is worth how many ninjas? Don't forget the Third Raikage's record of fighting ten thousand enemies single-handedly!
If this lineup attacks Konoha, how could Konoha possibly withstand it?
And this isn't even the peak of Nagato's forces. Before launching a full-scale attack on Konoha, Nagato will add a massive number of Edo Tensei ninjas and puppet ninjas, plus an army of White Zetsu.
Enough to crush Konoha Village back and forth seven times!
At that point, forget about living people—even earthworms might be dug up and split in half!
"Nagato, you…"
"Haaah…"
Jiraiya lets out a long sigh, realizing he's powerless against Nagato's immense strength and can only reluctantly accept.
But he's not entirely hopeless. After all, if he can convince Konoha to surrender, he might at least prevent countless casualties.
'But why does Uchiha Itachi Edo Tensei in the enemy lineup keep winking at me?'
'Are Edo ninja eyes uncomfortable or something?'
Jiraiya freezes, responding with a confused blink.
◆━⊰✧⊱━◆
"Leader, we're back."
Sasori reports first, gesturing to Kakuzu.
Kakuzu tosses the tightly bound Killer B, the Hachibi Jinchuriki, to the ground, unconscious. Clearly, they succeeded in their mission to recapture the Hachibi Jinchuriki.
Killer B, as a perfect Jinchuriki, is indeed strong. Unfortunately, how could he withstand the combined assault of Deidara, Sasori, Kakuzu, and Kisame?
Forget one Jinchuriki—even if three more showed up, the four of them together would have a high chance of winning.
Nagato doesn't skimp on praise: "Good work."
Deidara Edo looks up: "Of course. When I take action, it's not like some fool who got toyed with by the Hachibi until they were dizzy."
Sasuke knows full well that this idiot Deidara is mocking him again, but he has no time to care.
"Hmph! Less talk—when are we attacking Konoha Village?"
Sasuke and Itachi went to the Mountain's Grave base, using their Sharingan to control the White Zetsu and retrieve most of Madara and Obito's legacy.
At the same time, Sasuke successfully transplanted his brother's Sharingan.
Obtaining dual Eternal Mangekyo Sharingan!
The surge in power and the massive boost from the Eternal Mangekyo Sharingan have made Sasuke arrogant again.
Though reprimanded by Parallel World 1's Madara, Sasuke isn't as cocky this time, but a bit of arrogance is unavoidable.
Sasuke feels powerful again—truly powerful this time!
This time, he's certain he can crush Naruto beneath him!
At the same time, with the surge in power, the anger in his heart naturally resurfaces.
Despite Itachi's劝说 along the way, Sasuke clearly hasn't fully let go of his hatred; killing Danzo alone is far from enough to dissolve the grudge of the Uchiha clan's massacre!
It can be said that among everyone present, Sasuke is the most eager to take revenge on Konoha. He wants to set out immediately!
If not for his fear of Nagato, the mysterious Tenshou Sennin, and his brother's interference, Sasuke might have abandoned the entire Akatsuki and attacked Konoha Village alone.
"Got the Eternal Mangekyo Sharingan? Truly lucky!"
"No rush, we'll set out soon. Before that, get used to your new eyes."
"Even though they're both Eternal Mangekyo Sharingan, you should be very clear about how big the gap is between you and that person, right?"
Nagato calms and reminds him.
Don't think Sasuke's Eternal Mangekyo Sharingan makes him great—compared to Madara, the difference is like heaven and earth.
Even ignoring other aspects, just in terms of eye power, the gap between them is like a chasm between 1000 and 9999.
Sasuke, who just awakened the Eternal Mangekyo Sharingan, might barely reach Super Kage level. But he's far weaker than his strength after the Fourth Ninja World War.
What can he do? The time from awakening his eyes to the end of the war was too short, unlike Madara, who had decades to hone his techniques and enhance his eye power bit by bit.
"Hmph! I won't wait too long—you'd better hurry!"
Sasuke snorts coldly, arrogantly crossing his arms, rejecting Nagato's kindness.
But he still obediently follows the arrangement. After all, he doesn't want to be thrown back to Parallel World 1 and beaten to a pulp by his ancestor, Madara…
And Itachi Edo Tensei beside him finally stops winking at Jiraiya, who has no idea he's a Konoha spy and completely misses his signals!
"Leader, you revived Jiraiya with Edo Tensei?"
"Isn't it obvious? Are you going to control Jiraiya to attack Konoha Village?"
"I'll let Sensei try to persuade them to surrender first; if persuasion fails, we'll have to act ruthlessly!"
"This…"
Itachi's heart jolts, his brows furrowing deeply, sighing inwardly that this is bad!
Nagato's methods are getting more 'vicious'!
But it's undeniable that they're cunning and effective…
"Itachi, stay and persuade this Konoha Sannin properly! You know what to do…"
Nagato orders Itachi, actively giving the two 'Konoha loyalists' a chance to communicate.
He knows Itachi's heart is still with Konoha, but so what?
Itachi, who has also been to another dimension, witnessed Tenshou Sennin's methods, and was even 'cherished' by his father, Fugaku.
Though he still loves Konoha, Itachi knows how to choose what's most beneficial for Konoha.
As for whether the two will conspire?
Nagato isn't worried at all. Even if they betray him, it won't affect the overall situation.
Besides, Jiraiya is tightly controlled, with no strength left to rebel…
"Thank you, Leader!"
Itachi nods gratefully and walks alone toward Jiraiya Edo Tensei, preparing to communicate properly.
"The rest, follow me. First, we extract the Hachibi, then revive the Juubi!"
Nagato calls the others.
The first seven Bijuu have already been sealed in the Gedo Mazo; now, only the Hachibi and Kyuubi remain.
The Hachibi Jinchuriki is in hand, and the Kyuubi's chakra can be substituted with Ginkaku and Kinkaku Edo Tensei.
Clearly, Nagato has gathered all the requirements to revive the Juubi.
And he plans to revive the Juubi first, as another trump card to unify the entire ninja world.
No wonder Nagato is so cautious.
He already knows that Naruto and Konoha originally won the Fourth Ninja World War, and Naruto is the child of prophecy in Jiraiya's words, so Nagato must be extremely careful.
He must prepare thoroughly before attacking Konoha.
Otherwise, who knows if Naruto will suddenly explode with power in the middle of the battle?
Shouting about friendship and bonds, suddenly defeating him…
Nagato doesn't want to repeat the failure of last time.
Soon, Nagato and the others leave the secret room, leaving only Itachi Edo Tensei and Jiraiya Edo Tensei.
The two approach, locking eyes.
Jiraiya, unaware of Itachi's identity, is undoubtedly wary and cautious of this traitor who massacred the entire Uchiha clan.
"Uchiha Itachi! You…"
"Jiraiya-sama, I'm a Konoha spy!"
"Huh?"
"Also, I have a way to release the Edo Tensei control on you. Do you need it?"
"Huh?"