What first struck Hinata and the others about the village was how stout, portly, and, well...fat, many of its inhabitants were. This was the Village Hidden Amongst the Food, a village known for its appreciation for food and it certainly showed. All around them they saw markets, restaurants, buffets, and people indulging in one of the most basic and carnal desires of mankind: eating.
“Sheesh,” Ino said. “Apparently the term ‘self-control’ doesn’t exist in this village.”
“Ino, hush,” Temari said.
“Yeah, yeah. Respectful, I know,” Ino said.
Just then, a woman appeared before them. In contrast to the other residents of the village, this woman was of decidedly average frame.
“Ah, you must be the ninjas sent by Lady Tsunade,” the woman said.
“Indeed we are, ma’am,” Temari replied.
“Then greetings,” she said. “I am Mochi, personal assistant to the village chief Lady Sushi. Please follow me.”
The group did so as they were led through the village square.
“I understand you all are newcomers to the village,” said Mochi. “In that case, allow me to give you a brief history of our village.”
Though none of them were particularly enthused about a history lesson, they obliged her offer out of politeness.
“As you may already be aware,” Mochi began. “The Village Hidden Amongst the Food is well-known for its achievements in prepared food and cuisine, a fact we are most proud of. Our achievements are owed in large part to the diverse array of flora and fauna that naturally thrive in this area. Since the village’s founding, its citizens have used these resources to create some of the most extravagant and delicious foodstuffs known to man.”
“Jeez. Too bad Choji couldn’t have come along,” Ino muttered.
"As you also may have noticed..." Mochi continued. "Many of citizens of this village have very healthy appetites. That is, many of them indulge in quantities of food that some may deem excessive."
The five kunoichi could not deny that Mochi's words rang true.
"This is due to the fact that many of them possess a kekkei genkai known as the Gonaka. As the name implies, those who possess the Gonaka have five stomachs. And with five stomachs, they must consume five times as much food. Not only that, but the Gonaka also makes their bodies more stretchable to accommodate the extra food they must eat."
Hinata and the others looked around and saw various villagers indulging their appetites. Many of them had bellies that were quite noticeably expanded. A few of them were gorging themselves on meals so large, they had to stretch out their jaws far wider than any normal would be able to; almost like a snake swallowing its prey. No doubt, they were possessors of the Gonaka.
"Of course, the Gonaka also comes with the benefit allowing its holders to maintain and reserve far more chakra than the average person. The original members of the Gonaka tribe are the ones who founded this village and it has flourished ever since."
Turning their gaze away from the villagers, Hinata and the others looked straight ahead and saw an incredibly large and opulent building.
“And here…” Mochi said. “…is where the illustrious Lady Sushi performs all her governing duties. Now, I warn you, she may seem a bit…imposing. But I can assure you she’s a very kind and compassionate woman.”
And so the group was led into Lady Sushi’s estate. After ascending several staircases, they came up to a large pair of double doors.
“Ladies,” Mochi said. “The village chief, Lady Sushi.”
The doors opened and before them sat the most obese woman any of them had ever seen. It seemed unbelievable, but this was, in fact, Lady Sushi, the village chief. Though they were in her presence, she seemed to pay them no mind as she was shoveling handful after handful of food into her mouth. Naturally, she also possessed the Gonaka. it was the only way she could as much as she had. Eventually, she finished off her food and then turned her attention to the group of kunoichi.
“Ah, the ninjas from the Leaf and Sand Villages,” she said.
“At your service, m’lady,” said Temari.
With some assistance from Mochi, Lady Sushi rose to her feet and walked over to the group, her blubbery body shifting and bouncing with each step.
“Now…” said Lady Sushi. “I have summoned you here…to track down a rogue ninja. You see, two days ago…one of our most powerful ninjas…fled this village…renouncing her allegiance…and stole one of this village’s most…sacred treasures. It is an ancient artifact of…most terrible power.”
“What is the ninja’s name, m’lady?” Temari asked.
“Her name…” Lady Sushi said. “…is Marunomi. As I’m sure you’re aware…the people of this village…pride themselves on…their passion for food…and Marunomi was no exception. Like...many others in this village...Marunomi possesses the Gonaka...but her appetite far eclipses that...of even a normal Gonaka-holder. In fact…she perhaps has the greatest passion for food of anyone I have ever seen. But…a few years ago, something dark awoke within her. She developed a lust for food and power that seemed insatiable. And so she turned to ninjutsu, hoping that it could provide the answers she sought. And she did find an answer: a horrible dark forbidden jutsu. And now Marunomi has awoken an appetite for her fellow man.”
“Are you saying she’s a cannibal?” Ino asked.
“Essentially, yes,” Lady Sushi said. “But Marunomi intends not only to consume human beings, but their chakra. She has discovered a jutsu by which she can transform and condense people into pure chakra. And once she devours them, their chakra will be added to her own chakra reserves. She believes this is the only way to satisfy her hunger. And, to that end, she stole one of this village’s most sacred treasures: The Behemoth’s Tongue. It is the only way by which she can perform the forbidden jutsu. Now she’s out there, somewhere, and I don’t know what she’s planning, but I know it can be nothing good. So I beseech you, please find Marunomi. Defeat her and stop her mad ambitions.”
“You can count on us m’lady,” said Temari.
"Thank you," Lady Sushi said solemnly. "But please, be cautious. Marunomi's appetite is without limit. Last we checked, she was able to consume up to five times her own body mass, and her hunger has probably grown even more since then. She will not hesitate to consume you."
Lady Sushi's words chilled Hinata to the bone. She knew the mission would be dangerous, but facing a foe that could devour them was not something she expected. In fact, it quite frightened her.
---
Marunomi had just finished setting up another pillar. She placed the Behemoth’s Tongue, which was attached to her arm, into a slot inside the pillar. She activated the artifact and the pillar hummed to life with energy. Only two more pillars remained until the preparations were complete.
