(Hey um, Dragon Lady 9, did you send two of the exact same review just to get me five? If so, then thanks! I think I'll stop so you can read.)

CHAPTER FOUR: PREPARING FOR THE MISSION AT HAND

It had been about an hour since Namiko and Atsuko had met up. Namiko had gotten used to Atsuko's weight so she was able to walk a little faster.
"How's that bandage holding up?" Namiko asked as they sat down. Atsuko winced. "I think the bleeding stopped, but it still hurts."
The winds started to pick up, so they started again. A few minutes later, Namiko stopped.
"What's wrong?" Atsuko asked, who was able to walk again. Namiko turned her head. "Quiet."
Namiko was sure she could hear some sort of speaking. She walked over to a large boulder. She could hear the speaking much more clearly now.
She walked behind the boulder to find a young man sitting down.
He had short red- orange hair. He had a small pair of glasses fixated on his nose. He had a red jacket with a black shirt underneath. There was a brown strapping on top of the jacket, which was holding a type of razor sword behind him. He had a pair of beige, baggy pants on with many pockets. He also had dark brown mountain boots on, as well as purple palm coverings with oval shaped holes in the top. In his hand was a bottle of what seemed to be liquor.
The young man seemed to be drunk. He looked up at Namiko. "What?" he asked in a bored tone.
Atsuko walked up behind Namiko. "He's a damn drunkard!" she exclaimed. The young man winced. "Watch who you're calling a drunkard, you little girl," he replied.
Atsuko gritted her teeth. Her turned a beet red. "You little jerk!" She gave him a hard slap knocking him to the ground. "What was that for?!" he asked angrily.
Atsuko punched her fist into her right hand. "You called me little!"
The young man rubbed the sore spot on his face. "You seem to have temper problems. Ever tried anger management therapy?"
Atsuko prepared herself to punch him this time, but Namiko held her back. "Atsuko, stop! Calm down."
The young man stood up and dusted himself off. "Why are you two ladies out here in this mini- desert. It's not really a place to have tea- parties, in my opinion," the young man commented.
Atsuko fought against Namiko's strength. "Come on! Just let me teach this jerk a lesson!" The young man folded his arms and leaned against the boulder. "Like I said, anger management."
Atsuko almost busted. "I'll show you anger management!"
Atsuko broke free of Namiko and pushed her to the ground. She then tried to jump on top of the young man. He just stuck out his leg and tripped her. She fell with a thud.
"Why you!" she remarked. She got up and tried again, however, the young man quickly restrained her by grabbing both of her arms.
"Let me go!" Atsuko yelled. The young man blinked. "Damn. Maybe I was wrong, maybe you need advanced anger management therapy."
Namiko jumped up. "That was impressive. Where'd you learn that grabbing move?" she asked. The young man released Atsuko. "I pretty much picked it up myself.
Namiko nodded. "What's your name?"
The young man folded his arms. "Not that it's your business, but it's Ryo."
Atsuko gritted her teeth. "You better be nice to Namiko!" she blurted out. Ryo smirked. "I'm sure your friend here could provide a much more suitable fight. By the looks of it, you don't seem to be a very experienced fighter."
Atsuko was about to attack until Namiko stopped her arm. "I think that's enough. Ryo, do you know where the closest city or town is located?" Namiko asked. Ryo nodded. "The closest city would have to be Shinjuku, about another seven miles. The easiest thing to do would be to follow the road. I was headed there myself actually," Ryo replied.
Atsuko's jaw dropped. "Seven miles?!" Ryo smirked. "Too much for you? Don't worry, we'll take a breather and take a nap with our dollies," Ryo commented sarcastically.
The group started walking again. After a few minutes, Namiko turned to Ryo.
"Ryo, have you ever heard of a group called the Black Dragon?"
Ryo pushed his glasses pushed his glasses. "Can't say I have. Why?" Namiko shook her head. "It doesn't really involve you." Ryo nodded.
Atsuko glared at Ryo. "What's his problem? He's nice to Namiko, but he's mean to me," she thought. "Problem?" Ryo asked, seeing as Atsuko was staring at him. Atsuko blushed and turned away. "No. No problems," she replied. Ryo smirked and turned away.
By the time the group entered Shinjuku, it was already night- time.
"Well, I guess I'll see you two around," Ryo said. He turned and walked away.
Namiko nodded and slightly waved. "See ya." Atsuko just turned her face.
When she and Namiko started walking towards a hotel, Atsuko remarked, "I hope I never have to see his ugly face again." Namiko just giggled.
As they walked away, the person on top the building above them smiled.
"Interesting."

(That's that. Next chapter will focus more on Hotsuma, so be ready for that. Don't forget to leave a review! Remember, that tells me if you're reading.)