It had to be said that old man Hiruzen Sarutobi had a long-term perspective, and he had spotted the weaknesses and shortcomings on humanity's side.
The problem was that his thinking was a little too optimistic.
He always assumed that once he explained the advantages and disadvantages, everyone would set aside their past grudges and unite against the cursed spirits.
When he contacted the major shinobi villages, the Raikage and Tsuchikage refused outright!
Those two were even sitting back to enjoy the show, never considering that they might be the next to suffer after Kirigakure and Konoha.
Or rather, they had confidence in themselves and their villages, and were not afraid of the cursed spirits attacking at all. It would be even better if they came; they could kill them all and save themselves the trouble of running around everywhere.
So Kumogakure and Iwagakure explicitly stated that they would not send anyone to participate in some damned joint Chunin Ninja Exams, nor would they recognize them.
Unless the venue and organizing authority were handed over to them, there was nothing to discuss.
Kumogakure and Iwagakure both wanted the same thing. Even if Hiruzen Sarutobi was willing to take a step back for the greater good, it would be useless. Choosing between Kumogakure and Iwagakure alone was a major problem. Not only would it inevitably offend the other village, but where would that leave Konoha's dignity as the strongest shinobi village?
Fortunately, Sunagakure, which he had already given up much hope for, suddenly sent word that it was willing to cooperate with Konoha's plan, deepen their alliance, exchange resources, and fight the cursed spirits together.
Hiruzen Sarutobi was delighted, then set about winning Kirigakure over.
His approach was simple and direct: he wrote to the Mizukage, telling her that as long