Teamwork Trial

Kaiji had begun consistently using 50 pounds body weights on each wrist and leg.

This rigorous training had significantly improved his overall physical strength.

To gauge this improvement, after Academy classes, he asked Ren and Hiroshi if they would have a Taijutsu sparing session with him.

They agreed.

They went to one of the village's training fields. After removing his body weights, Kaiji got ready to spar against Ren.

Hiroshi stood between them, acting as referee. "Now" Hiroshi announced, "start!"

Kaiji quickly rushed towards Ren. Even without using Body Flicker, his speed was noticeably better than when he first arrived in this world 3 and a half months prior.

Ren also rushed at him. He used a kick aimed at Kaiji's left side. Kaiji quickly blocked the incoming kick with his left forearm.

He immediately used his right hand to deliver a punch towards Ren's gut.

Ren quickly took a single step back. He then used another kick, this time aimed at Kaiji's face.

Kaiji dodged the kick. He countered with a punch. Ren saw the punch coming.

He blocked it with his hand. Kaiji didn't stop. He used a kick towards Ren's face.

He continuously attacked Ren with punches and kicks, incorporating sudden bursts of speed.

Ren blocked Kaiji's attacks. He countered with his own strikes.

Their sparring match continued, a blur of motion. After 30 minutes, Kaiji fell to the ground, huffing heavily.

He was utterly out of breath. Ren was also huffing, but not to the same degree as Kaiji. He remained standing.

"You improved a lot," Ren gasped. "Looks like morning training has its own benefits."

Hiroshi watched their spar, clearly delighted. "Now my turn!" he exclaimed. "Who is going to fight me?"

"We are both tired now," Kaiji managed to say between breaths.

"Hey!" Hiroshi complained. "I also want to check how much my physical strength improved!"

Ren offered a compromise. "How about we go and eat something," he suggested, "and afterwards I will have a spar with you?"

Upon hearing about food, Hiroshi's face lit up. A slight rumble sounded from his stomach.

"Alright!" he said, grinning. "Let's go to Tsumuji Snacks!"

While having ramen for their evening snacks, Kaiji asked a question. "By the way," he said, taking a slurp of his noodles, "what kind of test takes place during the graduation exam?"

Ren shook his head, "They might check our skills in their own way" he speculated.

"Maybe with spars, or a competition, or an individual demonstration of skills."

They chattered about light, unrelated topics, enjoying the simple meal.

Later, Hiroshi had his Taijutsu spar with Ren. The result was the same as before; Ren won.

After going home, Kaiji picked up a rubber ball. He started spinning chakra within the ball, practicing step two of the Rasengan.

Kaiji reflected on his spar with Ren earlier that day. He acknowledged that he had indeed gotten stronger.

However, he still wasn't overall strong within his batch of students.

Ren was currently ranked around the top 20 students, which easily guaranteed his graduation with a 3-man squad and a Jonin sensei afterwards.

Meanwhile, Kaiji and Hiroshi, despite improving their physical strength and chakra control, were still not ranked among the top 30 students overall.

Kaiji estimated that at most, the village would provide around 9 or 10 Jonin sensei to lead 3-man cells.

This meant he still needed to improve significantly beyond just physical strength and chakra control to secure a place on a team.

With his Chakra Reserves increasing, he had been able to add a few other D-rank Jutsus to his repertoire.

Plus, his Body Flicker Technique had also improved alongside his chakra control.

He knew that all these Jutsus and Ninjutsu taught at the Academy were known to other trainees as well; they weren't unique advantages.

Despite his improvement, he still failed to grasp any Genjutsu taught in academy.

Furthermore, even in Taijutsu and Ninjutsu, many trainees in his batch were still above him in skill.

Kaiji sighed inwardly 'I don't think I have any other thing to add to my training regimen for now.' he thought.

Currently, Kaiji could only hope that he would be able to graduate and be assigned to a 3-man squad.

After practicing with the rubber ball for some time, he meditated and went to sleep.

The next day, at the Academy, Kazeo Sensei made an announcement.

"Today is going to be your last theoretical lesson" he informed the class.

"From tomorrow onwards, only sparring and training will take place."

He reminded them, "As you all know that your graduation exam takes place in around two months."

Kazeo Sensei shared information from the principal, "And the principal also tells us staff that Lord Kazekage will not only be present on the graduation exam day" he said, "but also on the day for your team assignments."

He urged them, "So make sure to give your best, as you all are going to become official Ninjas and will be doing real missions from then on, not just sparring."

In the afternoon, Takeshi Sensei arrived. He took them to the Academy training field for Taijutsu spars.

"Today," he announced "will be 3-men team spars."

He singled out two students. "While Renji and Taichi, you both will have been only a team of two."

Taichi snorted audibly, "Tch" he muttered, "why do I have to be with him?"

Takeshi Sensei then formed balanced teams for the remaining students.

Kaiji was assigned to a team with Maki and Shin. Maki was strong, Shin was weak, and Kaiji was currently about average in overall strength for his batch.

This sparring practice was intended to increase the trainees understanding of the critical need for teamwork. Then sparring sessions began.