The next day, after their morning training session, Kaiji spoke to Ren and Hiroshi.
"I really think" he said, "you two should also start wearing weights, especially you, Hiroshi."
Upon hearing this, Hiroshi understood what Kaiji was subtly implying.
"I already told you," he protested, "I'm not that fat, okay? Stop teasing me!"
Ren and Kaiji chuckled lightly. Ren added his thoughts on the matter.
"I don't like the idea of wearing weights during training," he admitted.
"Even though it's beneficial, normal standard physical training is more than enough for me."
Hiroshi nodded, agreeing with Ren, "I think the same" he said. "But since weights work for you, you can continue to wear them."
After their conversation, they went to their homes to wash up and get ready for the Academy.
At the Academy, from today onwards, only basic training and spars would take place.
Today, Yuna Sensei took the class to the desert area around the village.
She had long black hair and fair white skin. She was their Genjutsu instructor.
Since the Academy only taught upto D-rank level jutsu, most of the Genjutsu Sunagakure possessed at low levels were related to the desert environment.
Not only Kaiji but more than half of his batch's trainees didn't have much aptitude for Genjutsu.
Yuna Sensei stood in front of all 68 trainees in the desert.
"Next two days" she announced, "you all will focus on improving your Genjutsu."
"Since many of you can't even use basic Genjutsu" she explained, "I will help you by pointing out your mistakes and helping you improve."
She added a note of caution, "Those who still wouldn't be able to improve Genjutsu till graduation exam can understand that your aptitude for Genjutsu is very low."
She emphasized the importance, "Since as Sunagakure shinobi, you should at least be proficient at Genjutsus that are advantageous in our home environment."
She then looked around at them, "We will start with E-rank Genjutsus first" she said.
"So, everyone make a team of two partners." She instructed, "You will practice Genjutsu on your partner and have them practice on your own."
Everyone then partnered up, forming a total of 34 teams.
Kaiji partnered with Hiroshi. Ren partnered with Sayo. All other trainees also formed partnerships.
Yuna Sensei addressed those who were already proficient.
"Those who have already learned and can use these," she said, "can improve them further and help your colleagues improve."
Everyone then stood face to face with their team partners in the desert area.
"Alright" Yuna Sensei said. "So first, we start with Phantom Oasis."
She stated the hand signs, "Hand signs as you know: Snake—> Dragon —>Ram. Now begin!"
Kaiji offered to go first, "Shall I try first?" he asked.
Hiroshi nodded. "Alright" he agreed.
Kaiji made the hand signs. He lightly said the name of the jutsu.
"Genjutsu: Phantom Oasis!"
This was one of the two basic E-rank Genjutsu taught in the Academy, used in the desert area.
This jutsu could create a small and unconvincing mirage of an Oasis or water source in the distance.
It was intended to briefly distract an opponent with the false hope of relief in the harsh environment.
It was just a momentary lure that could be countered by the standard Genjutsu Release, Genjutsu Kai.
Upon using the jutsu, Hiroshi didn't feel anything. He shook his head.
"Looks like it didn't work, Kaiji," he said with a wry smile.
Kaiji sighed.
"Alright," he said, "your turn."
Hiroshi also made the same hand signs. He named the jutsu. It worked; a faint mirage shimmered.
Yuna Sensei was observing all the students, walking around and pointing out their mistakes.
She also spoke to Kaiji, telling him that his lack of mental focus during the use of Genjutsu was a problem.
Many trainees who failed to use this jutsu had the same issue, she noted.
They were unable to properly imagine and focus on applying the Genjutsu when they attempted to use it.
'Kazeo sensei told me that meditation also helps in Genjutsu,' Kaiji thought inwardly.
'If I give more time to meditation, can my Genjutsu proficiency improve?'
Then came the turn for the next Genjutsu practice. It was called
"Genjutsu: Shifting Dunes!"
This Genjutsu created the illusion that the surrounding sand dunes were subtly shifting or that the ground was less stable than it was.
Its effect was to cause the target to be more cautious with their footing, momentarily slowing them down.
Its hand signs are, Ox—>Ram—>Tiger.
It could also be countered by the standard Genjutsu Kai.
The result for Kaiji was the same as before. He made the hand signs and lightly said the name of the jutsu, but it still didn't work.
While Kaiji struggled, Hiroshi was able to use the jutsu successfully.
They practiced Genjutsu until noon. After having lunch, taking a quiet munch, they again practiced until the Academy day ended.
Kaiji decided he needed to dedicate more time to meditation.
After telling Ren and Hiroshi his plan, he went to his home.
Sitting on his mat in the Lotus position, he started meditating.
Genjutsu lessons were scheduled to continue for the next two days and would remain a part of their training until the Graduation exam.
Kaiji felt he had some time until he might potentially be able to learn and use Genjutsu effectively.
Afterall, they are also a part of Graduation exam Tests.