Similar things were happening at training grounds all over the village.
At a secluded training ground near the Hyuga Clan Grounds, Neji and Rock Lee were engaged in a contest between Gentle Fist and Steel Fist.
Although Neji ultimately won, Rock Lee's fierce Steel Fist had left a deep impression on him and given him new anticipation for the upcoming final exams.
At another training ground, Shikamaru, Choji, and Ino were practicing a new tactic.
As the new generation of Ino-Shika-Cho, the secret techniques of their three clans were highly complementary. They had the "Human Bullet Tank" for frontal attacks, the "Shadow Imitation Technique" for control, and the unpredictable, hard-to-defend-against "Mind Body Switch Technique."
Now that they were gradually mastering their clans' core secret techniques, their team was not to be underestimated.
Kiba, Shino, and Hinata were also practicing tactics at a secluded training ground.
Their team had a Byakugan, Kikaichū, and Ninja Dogs with exceptionally keen senses of smell, giving them top-tier scouting capabilities.
As long as they were careful enough, they could avoid most powerful opponents.
Just as all the Ninja Academy students were trying every possible way to improve their strength, Haku and Karin went to find Shinji.
"Shinji, do we really not need to practice together?" Haku asked.
"I heard the other teams are doing their final training," Karin added. "Isn't it bad for us to just sit around?"
Shinji waved a hand. "It's fine. It's just a final exam!"
Haku asked tentatively, "Shinji, are you worried that Karin and I will hold you back? Don't worry. We'll do our best in this exam!"
"Mm-hmm!"
Karin nodded repeatedly.
Though Haku and Karin needed to hide their abilities, they wouldn't hold Shinji back. After all, the exam was conducted in teams of three. If they concealed too