Quote Originally Posted by Dansetsu
He doesn't need them. None of the agents in the group need the akatsuki. Does a rebel need a rebellion group? No, but they believe in the cause, and he's clearly S rank, so he joined. So far he's been fine in the choosing of bodies and getting stronger abilities from each one forming a well balanced team.......
What makes you say Pain or anyone in Akatsuki don't need each other. Didn't they recruit Dedeira by force? Also, I think they needed strong enough people to collect all the bijuus(sp?).

I think everyone in Akatsuki have their own personal agenda. Joining the group at least makes it easier for them to achieve that goal.

As for Pain, I think he has a major weakness and Madara knows about it. Or either Madara is a master of manipulating people to do his bidding.