Back in the Village Hidden Amongst the Food, things had calmed down a bit. As Lady Sushi had told Sakura and Hinata, the people who been transformed into chakra orbs were turning back to normal. However, the people were still understandably nervous about the events that had transpired. Lady Sushi did her best to assure the people that everything would be fine, though she wasn’t entirely sure herself. Her mind intermittently went back to the five kunoichi, whom she couldn’t help but feel that she may have sent off to their doom.
Just then, a voice cried out.
“It’s them! They’ve returned!”
---
After defeating Marunomi, Sakura and the other took measures to ensure she would not escape or try to attack them again. Though Hinata believed that her Gentle Palm attack would leave Marunomi unable to use her chakra for several hours, and Sakura believe her punch would keep her knocked out for about as long, they nevertheless bound her in the same chains Ino and Tenten had used to restrain her arms. Once she was tied up, Temari slung her over her shoulder like a parcel (or perhaps an animal carcass) to be delivered. And so the five made their way back to the Village where they were met with celebratory applause.
The five walked through the village square amidst crowds of cheering people, their bounty in tow, and they approached Lady Sushi.
“Lady Sushi,” Temari said. “We have defeated and delivered the rogue ninja Marunomi, as you requested.”
With that, she plopped the still-unconscious Marunomi on the ground before her. Lady Sushi looked over the beaten body of her former pupil. There was no doubt it was, in fact, Marunomi. For the first time since they met her, Lady Sushi showed an expression of happiness.
“Amazing,” she said. “You five really are amazing. Not only have you stopped a dangerous criminal, but you managed to save this village and who knows how many others.”
“All part of the job, m’lady,” Sakura said.
Lady Sushi then gave an admiring congratulatory gaze at each of them. As she did, she observed the tattered state of some of their clothing.
“Looks like some of you could use some new clothes,” she said. She then sniffed her nose and winced in repulsion. Marunomi’s stomach had left quite a stench on them. “Phew, and a bath.”
