Akamine continued cooking as he waited for the strangers to finish their conversation. "Why are you with that boy?" Pansa asked in a serious tone. "He had resources which I tried to take but I was defeated." Chisana explained sounding frustrated. "If we were to attack him now, it would be an easy win." Shion, the leopard stated in an confident tone. "You may be correct. However, there would be no honor in that. We should find out his intentions." Tora, the linx replied plainly as she put her weapon away.
"She is right, he could have done anything he wanted but decided to let me go. He even promised to help out with the village." Chisana clarified as she stared into the distance. "Let's hear what he has to say. I want to find out if he's an ally or enemy." Pansa, the Bobcat stated. She got a little excited for some reason.
A scent wafted over which the cat women noticed immediately. "What is this delightful aroma?" Tora asked. "I smell it, too. Where is it coming from?" Pansa enquired while looking around. "I know, follow me." Chisana stated as she walked into the forest.
After walking for a few seconds, they came upon the source. Nagishima poured a red sauce over the kabobs as they cooked over the open fire which created a savory scent that drew the girls in. "Hey, you're back. The food's almost ready, just give it a few more minutes." Akamine stated happily as he fanned the flames.
Chisana went over to the hooded boy and sat behind him, intensely watching him cook. She then started smiling, clearly enjoying the show. However, the three women were still apprehensive about Akamine which is why they stood a few feet away as they looked on. "Come on, already. If I wanted to fight, I would have done so by now. Just have a seat." Nagishima reassured without turning, eyes fixed on his work. Two of the femme felines slowly walked over and sat on the log while the third, Tora was walking gingerly toward the others. She was limping but attempted to hide it. Akamine handed Chisana a kabob which she took then bowed slightly before eating. He then did the same with the other two, taking a kabob in each hand before offering one to each woman. "I'm not the bad guy you think I am, can't we be friends?" Akamine asked with a smile.
Pansa and Shion saw how genuine he was being and accepted his gifts. Nagishima turned to the struggling girl and picked her up in a bridal carry position. "You have to stay off that leg." he stated. The three other women blushed deeply as they watched the act. The muscle girl's serious expression softened then her face slowly reddened after noticing what he did. Tora became flustered and started to flail around like a child. "I don't want you to hurt yourself. Please stay still." the hooded boy stated calmly. The linx woman stared up at him blushing even more. She stopped fighting then placed her arm around his shoulder, allowing him to carry her.
Akamine brought her over to the log then sat her down. He gives her a kabob then went to get his backpack. Nagishima returns and takes a seat in front of the girl. He lifted her leg, placed it on his lap then examined it. There was a purple mark on her left ankle. "It's swollen, how did that happen?" Akamine asked as he continued to look a her injury. "I recently started using a new weapon, the Kusarifundo. I hurt myself while practicing." Tora explained, seeming a bit bashful. She looked as if she wanted to say something else but Akamine went first. "I can tell you are a skilled fighter but learning how to use a weapon, especially one such as that would be hard for anyone." he stated. "He understands. Maybe we can get along." the Linx girl whispered softly, after being taken aback by his words. "Did you say something?" the hooded boy asked. "Maybe I did." the retorted then giggled which surprised Akamine a little.
Nagishima began to massage her ankle with an ointment he got from his Medkit. Tora ate her kabob as she watched the boy work. "Look at her getting the royal treatment." Shion stated finally starting to eat. Pansa took a bite and was amazed by the flavor. "This is delicious!" the Bobcat woman stated. "Such a rich flavor, I've never had anything like it." Shion commented. "What do you think, Miss?" Nagishima asked. The linx girl looked at him beforing saying "It tastes so good." she drew out each word then appeared to wink at Nagishima. However, she was rubbing her eyes after. Maybe he just imagined it, something was in her eye is all.
"Thank you for your kind words. My name is Nagishima Akamine, I'm on a journey to map the country while making note of it's people and resources." the hooded boy introduced. "I am Pansa Ueno, of Mizu Village." the Bobcat girl stated. "My name is Shion Hayashi of Mizu Village." the Linx girl explained. "Hey, you're massaging the leg of Tora Matsumoto from Mizu as well." Tora clarified in a regal tone. She heard the "royal treatment" comment her friends made and that was her response.
"I'm Chisana Ito, we've already met." she stated pointedly making it obvious she was still angry about him defeating her. "Okay, tell me what happened in the village." Nagishima asked. This causes all four women to become serious. Pansa started to explain.