I had to do the 50 save file trick to increase my chances. Did you know that on the fiftieth save file that you'll magically have a key item in your inventory called Ancient Elixer that is said bring a certain someone back to life? It actually gets imbued in the lifestream and turns all the hooded clone guys into clones of that certain someone. It makes sephiroth go crazy and creates an alternate ending to the game.