Suddenly, two figures emerged from the trees. Taken completely by surprise, Marunomi turned her head and saw Sakura and Hinata bearing down on her. Just as Marunomi activated the Behemoth’s Tongue, Sakura and Hinata delivered two powerful punches, sending her flying and throwing the beam off course. The beam completely missed Temari and flayed around uselessly for a few seconds before disappearing.
Temari opened her eyes and witnessed her two saviors. She felt her spirit lift ever so slightly.
“Temari!” Hinata yelled. She and Sakura rushed to her side.
“Sakura…Hinata...” Temari said, getting back on her knees. “You…saved the village?”
“Yeah, we took care of it,” Sakura said. “Everything’s fine.”
Temari forced a smiled. “Good,” she said.
“You’re hurt,” Hinata said.
“I’m fine,” Temari said. “You two need to focus on her right now.”
Hinata and Sakura looked over at Marunomi who was recovering from their previous assault.
“She’s a tough one," Temari continued. "She's already got Tenten and Ino.”
Hinata and Sakura observed Marunomi’s large stomach and, immediately, the grim implications were all too obvious.
“Yeah…I see,” Sakura said.
“The Behemoth’s Tongue…on her arm,” Temari said. “It fires a beam that transforms you into chakra. But it needs a few minutes to recharge before she can use it again. Since she just used it…that means we have some time. We need to find a way to take it from her before she can use it again.”
“No problem,” Sakura said. “We’re going to destroy it.”
“What? No!” Temari cried. “Our mission is to-”
“It's okay," said Hinata. “Lady Sushi gave us permission. She said it was too dangerous to be allowed to exist anymore.”
After what she had witnessed, Temari couldn’t exactly disagree with that assessment. And, frankly, she was quite relieved to hear it. Of course, she also wished that Lady Sushi had decided it a bit sooner.
"Alright, fine," Temari said. "But be careful. Her body is extremely flexible. She can maneuver and dodge almost any attack you throw at her."
“Just leave it to us,” Sakura said, and then turned to her teammate. “Hinata.”
Hinata nodded. Though still nervious, she stood side-by-side with Sakura, staring down Marunomi who had managed to recollect herself. She stared back at the two of them.
“Oh, so you two decided to show up, eh?” Marunomi said. “I guess this means you took down my Melting Pot.” She turned her head, looking in the direction the village. “A shame, but I never really expected to get away with it anyway. This was more of a test run. But you two, I'm so glad you could make it. Now I have five tasty girls for my five stomach. You'll fill me up perfectly.”
Doing their best to ignore Marunomi’s words, Hinata and Sakura tried to focus and come up with a plan.
“Hinata,” Sakura said. “See if you can give me an opening. Then I’ll swoop in and destroy it.”
“Right,” Hinata said.
The three continued to stare for a few moments until, finally, Hinata charged at Marunomi. Hinata used her Gentle Fist technique, make several swipes, but Marunomi dodged each of them. Meanwhile, Sakura attempted to maneuver around Marunomi, trying to stay out of sight, but also trying to maintain an advantageous position. Hinata continued to attack until Marunomi decided to end her assault and delivered a swift punch to her abdomen. Hinata was knocked back, fairly hurt, but was still able to stand.
“Hmph, just another weakling,” Marunomi said.
Marunomi then went on the offensive and delivered her own wave of punches. Hinata managed to dodge most of them, but occasionally suffered some of the blows. It appeared that Hinata was losing her footing and Marunomi seemed to have the clear advantage. Marunomi pulled her right hand back for a severe punch and let it fly towards Hinata. The fist propelled towards the Hyuga girl at rocket speed, but, amazingly, at the last minute, Hinata managed to dodge. Not expecting to miss, Marunomi was thrown by her own momentum and lost her footing for a brief moment. In that moment, Hinata turned to the side and grabbed Marunomi’s arm with both of hers. Hinata had her locked in place.
“NOW, SAKURA!” Hinata yelled.
Her eyes wide in shock, Marunomi looked up and saw Sakura descending on her. The Leaf ninja’s fist was bearing down straight towards her arm.
*What happens next?
