Hmm...

Be sure to cultivate and awaken, those are basics which I'm sure you've got down already

Do team instance, try to get the best ninja tools, and replace any older ones with better ones (Make them even better by merging the tools)

Be sure to do magatama stuff frequently, along with group skills. If you're a few ounces of power away, doing bond stuff would get you there.

I'd suggest waiting for armor rebate, since it'll give you more in the end, but hey, if you really want those higher..."rewards", go on and do it now.

Just be sure to have a good time, that's the most important thing..at least in my opinion.