It must be said that Hiruzen Sarutobi's foresight was considerable, and he recognized the weaknesses and drawbacks of the human side.
But the problem was that he was too optimistic.
He always thought that after explaining the pros and cons, everyone would put aside their past grievances and unite to fight against the curse spirits.
When contacting the major ninja villages, the Raikage and Tsuchikage directly refused!
In fact, these two were just watching the show, not thinking they would be the next victims after Mist Hidden and Konoha.
Or perhaps they were confident in themselves and their respective villages, not fearing the curse spirits' attacks at all. If they dared to come, that would be even better; they would eliminate them all and save themselves the trouble of running around.
Therefore, Cloud Hidden and Stone Hidden clearly stated that they would not send anyone to participate in this so-called joint Chūnin Exam, and they did not recognize it at all.
Unless the venue and organizer were handed over to them, there was no discussion.
Cloud Hidden and Stone Hidden had the same stance. Even if Hiruzen Sarutobi was willing to compromise for the greater good, it would be useless. Making a choice between Cloud Hidden and Stone Hidden alone was a difficult problem, as it would inevitably offend the other. Moreover, where would the prestige of Konoha, the strongest ninja village, be placed?
Fortunately, Sand Hidden, which had initially given up hope, suddenly sent news that they were willing to cooperate with Konoha's plan, deepen their alliance, share resources, and jointly fight against the curse spirits.
Hiruzen Sarutobi was overjoyed and then began to strategize for Mist Hidden.
The method was very simple and direct: write a letter to the Mizukage, stating that if she brought her people this time, their two villages would become steadfast allies. Past incidents (like Danzō's half-hearted efforts) would absolutely not happen again. Furthermore, after the joint Chūnin Exam, people would be sent to the Land of Water to help Mist Hidden further clear out curse spirits.
In short, it was a huge "pie" drawn for Mei Terumī.
And Mei Terumī had no choice but to accept this "pie."
After all, Mist Hidden was indeed severely weakened at this stage. If something like the previous incident happened again, Mist Hidden would be immediately removed from the ranks of the Five Great Ninja Villages.
Therefore, the help extended by Konoha at this time was very important.
Even if Konoha's reinforcements arrived in the Land of Water when Mist Hidden was already on the verge of collapse, it was still a glimmer of hope, a reason to fight desperately.
So, after arranging everything and inviting Master Enma out again to deter any troublemakers, Mei Terumī reluctantly selected ten seemingly capable Genin from the group and brought them to Konoha.
Moreover, as soon as she arrived in Konoha and arranged for her entourage, she rushed to find someone.
After listening to Mei Terumī's account and the intelligence gathered from various countries, Shinji suddenly understood.
So, Hiruzen Sarutobi's intention behind this joint Chūnin Exam was actually this.
No wonder the people from Cloud Hidden and Stone Hidden rolled their eyes and refused to come.
Those who came meant they recognized Konoha's leadership!
If a ninja alliance were truly formed to fight the curse spirits, who would be the leader?
That old man Hiruzen Sarutobi was truly calculating. He was already planning for the future at this early stage.
Indeed, one should never underestimate anyone!
"Hmm. I understand."
Shinji could understand Mei Terumī's choice and difficulties. If Mist Hidden could still struggle a bit at this moment, she probably wouldn't have come.
But there was no choice; the greater good was at stake.
After all, Konoha's promise this time was quite substantial and highly credible.
As long as Hiruzen Sarutobi didn't want to make an enemy of Mist Hidden, he wouldn't deceive them about this matter again.
Moreover, Konoha indeed needed more allies to deal with the potential crisis that might arise.
As the saying goes, even a sinking ship has three sturdy nails. At a critical moment, one more Kage-level expert could be the deciding factor.
"Understood. And then? That's it? Isn't being a consultant too easy for you?"
This time, it was Shinji's turn to be speechless. "Then what else do you want? I'm just a nominal consultant. Do you really expect me to analyze anything for you? No way, no way!"
"Besides, the fact that you've brought people to Konoha now means you've already made a decision. As the relatively weaker party, there's nothing shameful about hiding behind the strong for the time being. Rather, it's a wise choice."
"After you've recuperated and regained your strength, you'll still have the chance to restore Mist Hidden's reputation. But that's all for the future. Right now, as the Mizukage, your priority is to lead everyone to survive."
Mei Terumī's expression immediately softened, and even a hint of a smile appeared. "You're saying it quite well, my consultant."
Shinji almost rolled his eyes. This woman was probably just looking for comfort.
"Since you think I'm doing a good job as a consultant, then fulfill your duty and let me give you a reminder. However, I must state upfront that I have no evidence; it's just a guess. Believe it or not, it's up to you."
Hearing him suddenly say this, Mei Terumī immediately became serious. "Go ahead, I believe you."
Shinji smacked his lips, thinking to himself that even he wasn't sure about this matter, so what use was her belief?
"Sand Hidden's swift agreement to Konoha might not be a good thing. They might be plotting something in secret and could make a move against Konoha when the time is right. If this really happens, you and your people will be an unpredictable X-factor."
"I suspect Sand Hidden might use this opportunity to test your attitude, see if they can win you over. Of course, they might also plan to bury you all... In any case, be careful. That Fourth Kazekage is an out-and-out ambitious man. Do you think someone like him would honestly recognize Konoha as the leader?"
This time, Mei Terumī was truly unsettled.
It was just a joint Chūnin Exam, but did it have to be so grand?
"Are you serious? Would Sand Hidden really do that? Aren't they afraid of Konoha's retaliation?"
"Who knows? It's just my guess. Maybe Sand Hidden has already accepted their fate, and everyone will live in peace and harmony. It'll be a happy ending for all."
Shinji was speaking his mind. Despite his seemingly insightful analysis, he had actually cheated and already knew Sand Hidden's sinister intentions.
He wasn't sure if Orochimaru was still alive this time or if he had gotten involved with Sand Hidden again.
But Sand Hidden's quick agreement was enough to prove there was something fishy.
Of course, he was only reminding Mei Terumī, given their relatively harmonious relationship, not to fall into a trap and only realize it afterward.
Whether she believed him or not was none of his business.
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