Answer:
a) 粒 -> 音 -> 明 -> 腕
粒 RYUU, tsubu - a grain
音 ON, IN, oto, ne - sound
明 MEI, MYOU, aka(rui), a(keru) - bright
腕 WAN, ude - arm, ability, talent, skill
b) 切 -> 召 -> 吐 -> 地
切 SETSU, ki(ru), ki(reru) - cut
召 SHOU, me(su) - summon, wear, take
吐 TOU, ha(ku) - spew, vomit, give vent to
地 CHI, JI - earth, land