(Team Dosu's POV)
The moon continued to rise as the night deepened, but the three members of the Dosu team were exhausted.
-Ryuta, are you still listening them?- Nanami asked, her voice clearly tired.
-Yes, they're still chasing us, they're keeping a safe distance, clearly trying to wear us down.- Ryuta said quickly, pausing occasionally to catch his breath, he was also very tired.
The best among them was Kenta, who focused on Taijutsu, even though he was already covered in sweat.
Nanami seemed extremely exasperated. -They probably know we're young, that's why they're wearing us down.
-Damn it! They're so despicable!- Kenta huffed, annoyed.
-There's nothing we can do, it seems we'll have to follow Dosu-sensei's instructions.- Nanami said.
Ryuta remained silent for a moment, his fists clenching tightly, but hearing the heavy breathing of his companions, he sighed, he had no other choice. -Come on, I'll go look for them.
Earlier that day, before they left, Dosu told them that if they ever got into trouble, they should seek out Team Kimimaro, they would help them.
Ryuta was clearly reluctant, but realizing the power difference between the two sides, he didn't want Nanami and Kenta to fail the exam because of their pride, especially since they could also die in that test.
So, Ryuta suddenly changed direction, he already knew which way Team Kimimaro was going, they just needed to run for long enough.
Kenta and Nanami wasted no time and followed him, clearly relieved. The trio didn't need to make it clear what they were going to do, they trusted Ryuta.
But after running for half an hour, Ryuta trembled, almost missing a step and falling from the tree. -This isn't good! They sped up!
-What?! - Nanami shouted, stunned.
-Damn it! How far are the Senpais?- Kenta asked hurriedly.
-Still about 2 kilometers away.- Ryuta said hurriedly. -The Kumo ninjas will catch up to us in about 3 minutes, we won't make it in time!
Nanami pursed her lips, but then stopped and spoke. -You go ahead, I'll stay behind to hold you back!
-What are you talking about, Nanami! We're not going to abandon you!- Kenta shouted angrily.
-Don't even think about it!- Ryuta said suddenly, without getting annoyed with Nanami. -Nanami, you go and take Tag, Kenta and I will hold them off.
-Yes! Nanami! You go ahead!- Kenta agreed. He felt a little bad for Ryuta, but he would stay with him. Nanami, however, was different, he couldn't bear it if anything happened to her, even the slightest injury.
Ryuta also knew that Kenta would agree, so the two quickly came to an agreement.
-Damn it! I said I'd stay! Kenta is the fastest and you can locate them, he's clearly the best option, this isn't the time to be a gentleman!- Nanami yelled angrily at Ryuta.
Kenta smiled and gave him a thumbs-up. -It's always time to be a gentleman!
Ryuta ignored her and spoke. - Keep going this way. - He pointed.
Then he turned around and ran straight towards the Kumo team.
Against Nanami's shocked gaze, she saw Kenta smile at her before running after Ryuta. For a moment she froze, they clearly didn't want to leave room for discussion, so they ran ahead.
Nanami knew she couldn't chase after them, she was the slowest among them, and besides, she was short on time, she needed to find Team Kimimaro as quickly as possible!
-Damn it, Ryuta! Kenta! If you die, I won't let you go!- Tears escaped Nanami's eyes as she screamed, then she turned and ran with all her might, her exhausted chakra burning once more, she needed to hurry!
Ryuta and Kenta ran in silence for a while before stopping.
-Let's set traps here.- Ryuta said, pulling kunai and steel wires from his ninja pouch.
Kenta nodded, looking a little thoughtful, he did the same, not far from Ryuta, in the end he couldn't help but say. - Ryuta... thank you.
-Idiot, she's my teammate too.- Ryuta scoffed, unimpressed.
Kenta paused for a moment, without turning around, a faint smile appearing on his lips. He couldn't help but think. - "Don't worry, Ryuta, I'll protect you with my life!"
After setting the traps, the pair hid, ready to ambush their pursuers.
It didn't take long for Kumo's team to appear. At that moment, Karui tripped on one of the planted traps, her foot tripping on an almost invisible wire. The next moment, a dozen kunai were thrown towards them from the treetops.
-Tsk... - Karui clicked her tongue as she pulled out a kunai and deflected the kunai that were coming towards her.
Ryuta seized this moment to attack, coming from their right side, hidden by the dense foliage, he advanced swiftly with his sonic gauntlet already raised.
Omoi, sucking on a lollipop, quickly drew his sword from his back and counterattacked, the sword collided with the gauntlet, causing a sharp sound of clashing steel.
-Hehe, it looks like those brats have stopped running.- Karui smiled happily.
-Don't underestimate them, especially since it's the Hidden Sound Village that's hosting this exam.- Samui said as she assumed a fighting stance, her face still indifferent.
But the female duo soon stopped when they noticed Omoi kneeling on one knee, nearly vomiting.
Ryuta didn't stop, as soon as the attack landed, he pulled out a kunai and pointed it directly at Omoi's chest.
-Oh my God! - Karui shouted, stunned. Samui didn't need to think twice, throwing her own kunai at Ryuta.
-Don't forget about me!- Kenta shouted as he lunged towards the kunai and deflected it with his own, then ran towards the pair, his veins bulging in his body, he had already opened the first gate.
Omoi was about to be hit, but when the kunai penetrated, Ryuta jumped back. The feeling was wrong, just as he expected, "Omoi" transformed into a piece of wood, clearly using substitution.
Not far away, Omoi appeared, breathing heavily. He was still kneeling, feeling nauseous. He looked at Karui and Samui and shouted. -Watch out for that thing on the brat's arm!
-I know!- Karui complained as she charged at Kenta, and Samui charged at Ryuta, keeping her distance, she threw another kunai.
The fight quickly picked up the pace.