Quote Originally Posted by Xyrox View Post
Isn't it pretty stupid to gather that many shinobi together like that? If I remember correctly, it was earlier believed that Akatsuki wanted to use the tailed beasts to create a "nuclear bomb" ninjutsu. Who says that's changed? (Well, expect Madara, but who trusts him anyway.) Even without the power of the tailed beasts, someone like Pain could inflict major damage to that army if they're grouped together like that.
It's the best bet they had. Most of Akatsuki is dead, and if they want to start a war, they have to keep everyone organised anyway.

Pain's nuke was a really rare technique. I doubt there are many nuking ninjutsu left in this world. And you're right in that they did mention they'd create a nuke out of all the collected beasts. They're still missing two of them though.

The whole Edo Tensei thing also bothers me - Do you need the bodies? Can you resurrect people consumed by Death? etc. - but I guess I'll just have to be patient and wait for episode 264.
I think you needed just the DNA of the person. That's why Madara fought the 1st.