"Fire Release: Small Fireball Jutsu!"
Anko expertly performed the hand seals, then gathered Chakra at her throat for nature transformation, and finally spewed out a fireball the size of a head.
Watching the flame leave a scorched mark on the ground, Anko wore a smug smile.
"Heh, heh, it has to be me; next time I'll definitely take first place in Group C!" Anko laughed with hands on her hips.
Hagane Kotetsu, who had only managed to produce some tiny electric arcs, silently stopped his practice.
"Izumo, don't you think Fire Release is a bit easier to learn? It seems those learning Fire Release are progressing quickly," Hagane Kotetsu said to Kamizuki Izumo, who was practicing Water Shock nearby.
Kamizuki Izumo nodded earnestly and analyzed, "I think so too; maybe Teacher Mokgetsu is best at Fire Release, so his teaching is better than others."
Anko wasn't pleased and complained, "Is it that hard to admit I'm too excellent? No matter how much you guys belittle me, my strength is real."
"Very hard," Hagane Kotetsu answered honestly.
He'd rather go argue with his cousin than genuinely praise Anko for being outstanding.
"In my heart, there's only one genius in our class, and that's Shisui. You've learned Fire Release Ninjutsu too; why not look for a chance to challenge Shisui? If you win, I guarantee the whole school will praise you as a genius," Kamizuki Izumo egged her on.
Kamizuki Izumo admitted Anko had some skill, but compared to Shisui, even if Anko from this year fought Shisui from last year, she might not win.
Although Shisui didn't attend special training this year, Kamizuki Izumo thinks Shisui must be engaging in stricter training at his clan, learning family ninjutsu and whatnot, surely growing more powerful.
"Why don't you go? If you win, I'll call you bro," Anko didn't fall for it.
Honestly, the prospect of the whole school praising her as a genius was appealing to Anko, but she's not foolish; she has seen Shisui fight, and even Shisui's Fire Release from a year ago was more formidable than hers now. Winning is impossible; only getting beaten up awaits.
Kamizuki Izumo showed a regretful expression, feeling like Anko had developed immunity after being tricked multiple times; ordinary persuasion no longer worked.
"Everyone gather around." Teacher Mokgetsu's voice rang out.
The students in the three groups quickly stopped their cultivation upon hearing Mokgetsu's words and gathered towards Mokgetsu, despite it being close to class end time as they were all practicing instead of resting or preparing to go home.
"The Third Hokage heard about your earnest learning, so he's planning to come watch and guide during the final exam," Teacher Mokgetsu clarified straightforwardly.
This wasn't too surprising, as Sarutobi Hiruzen came last year, but being the Third Hokage, he's very popular among students and can further motivate them to cultivate diligently.
"Teacher Mokgetsu sure has face; the Hokage didn't come during last year's second special training."
"Maybe we should thank that time's teachers; if they hadn't performed so poorly, perhaps Teacher Mokgetsu wouldn't have taken over special training again."
After hearing this, the students first showed surprised expressions, then complained about the second special training last academic year.
At that time, Mokgetsu was in charge of internship programs, and Sarutobi Hiruzen thought it might be good to explore other educational talents, so he chose a few teachers who performed well in regular classes to handle the special training.
Without comparison, there's no harm; after experiencing that second special training, students recognized even more strongly the overwhelming teaching prowess of Mokgetsu, and that there are gaps between teachers.
"Izumo, it seems our opportunity has come again!" Hagane Kotetsu said solemnly to Kamizuki Izumo.
"Yes, a year has passed, and perhaps the Hokage has already forgotten us; we need to leave a deeper impression," Kamizuki Izumo nodded with a serious expression.
He sees this as a crucial opportunity; if he and Hagane Kotetsu can successfully impress the Hokage, they might be greatly valued right upon graduation.
"But aside from Deception Jutsu, it seems we have no other noteworthy ninjutsu, and we've already used Deception Jutsu last time, what to do?" Hagane Kotetsu showed a hint of worry.
He too felt this was a rare chance, but Hagane Kotetsu couldn't think of how to showcase himself.
"Indeed, although Deception Jutsu is excellent, a second use might not yield good results," Kamizuki Izumo displayed a thinking demeanor.
"Izumo, you're full of ideas, quickly think of a way," Hagane Kotetsu placed his hopes on Kamizuki Izumo, who often has good tactics.
"I can't think of a good method for now," Kamizuki Izumo shook his head, but he still suggested an idea that wasn't really a plan.
"We could brainstorm, and seek help from Ebisu bro; if he can't help, then try Asuma bro."
Hagane Kotetsu's eyes lit up, feeling Kamizuki Izumo's suggestion made great sense.
Of course, they didn't forget to invite their good friend, Anko.
But Anko was busy trying to secure the top spot in Group C, uninterested in their plan.
The two vented their complaints about Anko and quickly sought out Ebisu.
For some reason, seeing Hagane Kotetsu and Kamizuki Izumo staring at him expectantly, Ebisu felt a sudden sense of foreboding.
"Ebisu bro, we need your help!" Hagane Kotetsu and Kamizuki Izumo earnestly spoke.
"Please teach us how to leave a lasting impression on the Third Hokage."
Upon hearing this, Ebisu's mouth twitched; he recalled last academic year's special training, preferring the Third Hokage forget memories related to him rather than leaving an impression.