Ranma 1/2 Fan Fiction ❯ Project III: Legend of the Wild Horse ❯ Chapter 3

Setsuna teleported towards her apartment, and found three of the Outers. Two were making out, while the other one was sleeping in the other room. Setsuna sighed. Sometimes, knowing a bit more than other people was a curse. Right now, even though she was in front of door, no sound heard, she still knew they were butt naked and licking.

 

Setsuna knocked on the door twice, smiling a bit as she heard a thump as Haruka fell down, trying to put her dress.

 

“Shit...” Setsuna heard. “I thought she was asleep?”

 

“She was...” was Michiru's voice.

 

“It's me,” Setsuna said. “I'm in the living room. Hurry. It's about the anomaly...”

 

“Alright...” she heard Haruka grumble. Setsuna sighed as she walked away.

 

-| Omega X Present |-

 

-| Project III: Legend of the Wild Horse |-

 

-| Chapter 03: The Parting |-

 

|Background music: The one in Evanglion episode 08, where Shinji and Pen^2 eating breakfast... Let's call it Breakfast Theme EVA|

 

“Ite...” Akane said, rubbing her head. She suddenly stood up. “I wasn't ready you jerk!”

 

“Whatever you say Akane,” Ranma said, shaking is head. He slowed his speed, he lessened the power behind his punches, and she still can't hit him! “You always attack when you aren't ready. Wanna try again?”

 

“I'll defeat you still!” Akane shouted, standing up.

 

“You're sounding like Shampoo... Too bad her fighting skills are better than yours...” Ranma replied, smirking.

 

“AAAGHH! DIE!” Akane charged towards Ranma.

 

|Flashbacks, a day ago|

 

Ranma returned from Dr. Tofu's clinic and boy was he smiling. Years of his living, he never really looked the world like Xander did. Sure, Ranma was observant, contrary to popular belief, but his observant skills were reserved in observing his opponent during a fight.

 

He finally reached the gates of the Tendo Household, a place where Ranma settled down after his 10 years of training, and a home for him. He jumped towards the gate, and landed neatly in the grass, almost stepping on something.

 

“Whoa...” Ranma said. “I never noticed them.” In his feet were flowers planted in a flower bed, somewhere near the koi pond, and strategically placed away from the usual hot zones where Ranma has his fights with his old man.

 

Carefully not stepping on them, he knew full well who could have planted them, and it was no violent gorilla, nor was it the money making `Ice Queen'. It had to be Kasumi, and messing around Kasumi was a no-no.

 

“Tadaima!” Ranma said, shocking at least five people in the house. Never once did they hear Ranma announce his presence like that. The only one who wasn't shocked was Kasumi, who greeted him back.

 

“Welcome back Ranma,” Kasumi greeted.

 

“Good to be back Kasumi,” Ranma said, smiling. He was a bit shocked when Kasumi actually blushed!

 

“RANMA! WHERE HAVE YOU BEEN YOU JERK?!” Akane shouted.

 

“RANMA! HOW DARE YOU CHEAT ON AKANE?!” Soun shouted.

 

“IT'S A MATTER OF HONOR SON! YOU MUST MARRY AKANE!” Genma shouted.

 

Ranma looked at them strangely, and shrugged. They were weirdoes, Ranma finally realized. He faced Kasumi and gave her a smile. “Need help in the kitchen?”

 

“No,” Kasumi replied, blushing again. “I can take care of it... and Mrs. Saotome is helping me...”

 

“Call me Auntie, Kasumi,” Nodoka replied, initial shock going away. (Is it that my son has finally learned some manners?) Nodoka thought. “Son, I have been worried...”

 

“Don't sweat it mom,” Ranma said. He gave her a big hug which made some jaws drop.

 

Nodoka smiled weakly as Ranma hugged her. Sure, she hugged him some times, but to have Ranma hugging her so... willingly, kinda gave a spark to her. She hugged him back.

 

“Ran... ma?” Akane said. For once, the arrogant jerk in front of her acted all weird... It began to scare her.

 

Nabiki, the more observant individual in the family, noticed something finally weird with Ranma. “Hey, Saotome, where did you get the new look?”

 

Ranma separated from his mom and gave a questioningly look at Nabiki, who gave him a hand mirror. Looking at his reflection, Ranma gasped.

 

His eyes changed. On the left was grayish blue, while the right one was blue! “What the...” and he moved his head around. His black hair done in a pigtail now supported blue highlights and his bangs were a bit more sharper, and if he put it on an angle, it showed that his bangs were dark blue.

 

“That's strange...” Ranma whispered. “Maybe it has to do with soul combination... Maybe my DNA makeup changed, and merged...”

 

“What did you say, my boy?” Genma asked.

 

“Oh nothing,” Ranma lied. “It's just a... new technique, that right. I've been training ever since we returned. I think my new training made me change my look.”

 

Genma nodded and looked at Soun. He was still looking at Ranma, so Genma just rearranged a few pieces in the shogi board.

 

Ranma shrugged his shoulders. Nothing wrong with his looks. It just made him look more dashing, but so what? He was handsome before, and he knew it. I mean, that's why he has a lot of confidence, right?

 

(Wait a minute...) Ranma began. (I lied! And I didn't stutter!) Ranma stared at his hands and slowly smiled. Combining wasn't too bad!

 

Ranma looked around and saw Akane, who still looked at him like he was a weirdo. “I need to talk to you, Akane,” Ranma said. He motioned her to follow him.

 

“Sigh, my son is so manly...” Nodoka said. She proceeded to the kitchen to help Kasumi.

 

Akane stared dumbly at the empty space where Ranma used to stand, and it took five full minutes, a slap from Nabiki and Soun saying that her husband is calling her, Akane finally snapped.

 

“He is not my husband!” Akane said.

 

“See Tendo, they are perfect for each other, like I always said!” Genma said.

 

Akane `humped' and stomped towards the direction where Ranma went, leaving the two old fools playing their stupid game. She walked towards Ranma's room, and knocked once. No reply, and she knocked again. Still no reply.

 

“Ranma?” Akane asked. She opened the door.

 

“YAAAAHHH!” came a battle cry and Akane didn't have enough time to scream as the figure attacked her.

 

The window in Ranma's room enlarged as the two figures exploded towards the grounds and began dishing out. The cloaked figure was blocking Akane's hits and hitting her back. Akane grit her teeth as her arms began to sore. The figure stopped attacking, and Akane thought she found an opening. She attacked back, punching the figure.

 

The cloaked figure blocked her punches, and it hissed, “You are telegraphing. You won't stand a chance if you move this slowly!”

 

Akane growled and began punching and punching again.

 

“WAAAHHH! My little baby is in trouble!” Soun wailed.

 

“RANMA! Where are you boy! Defend you're fiancé!” Genma shouted.

 

“What in the world is going on?” Nabiki asked.

 

Akane lunged towards the hooded figure, intent to kill, but then, the figure just blocked the punch and delivered a hard fist towards Akane's face. Wind blew from her face and parted her hair as the fist stopped a few inches away from Akane's face.

 

“If I wanted to finish you, all I had to do was make contact,” the hooded figure said, and took a neutral stance. Akane reluctantly followed and after a minute, the hooded figure nodded and smiled. He took of his cloak.

 

Akane gasped. “Ranma?”

 

“Now you know how much you are lagging,” Ranma said seriously.

 

“Why did you do that you jerk?” Akane said, her aura bursting around her.

 

“To show you something. A lesson is better understood when experienced,” Ranma said wisely. “I'll be in the dojo. Come at once, and no, I wont attack,” Ranma said.

 

“RANMA! HOW DARE YOU HURT AKANE!” Soun went to his demon-head attack. Ranma looked at him for a second and turned around, stopping Soun's attack at once. “Wha... He didn't react?”

 

Soun scratched his head. Even the dreaded master wouldn't ignore the Demon-Head attack. How come it's not affecting Ranma?

 

“SON! Apologize to your fiancé!” Genma said, jumping towards Ranma.

 

POW! SLAM! KICK! KAPOWIE!

 

Genma was flying towards the koi pond, and SPLASH! Out came a panda.

 

“I won't apologize, because I didn't hurt her,” Ranma began. “And Akane is a martial artist! She can claim it herself, right?” Ranma asked Akane.

 

“Damn right I am!” Akane said.

 

“Good. A martial artists' life is always in peril, or so some panda said,” Ranma said. “Come on Akane. Dinner will be ready, and I really need to talk to you.”

 

Akane look bewildered. Ranma, called her a martial artist? Not insulted her? What the hell is going on here?

 

Nabiki looked just as confused as Akane was. Was this the same jock who invaded their home and caused immediate damage ever since he arrived?

 

Akane looked towards Nabiki, who shrugged her shoulders. Ranma was getting weird. Akane approached the entrance of the dojo carefully. When she entered, she saw Ranma sitting down in a relaxed manner, waiting for her.

 

“Akane,” Ranma began when he saw her. “Let me ask you... would you have married me?”

 

“No,” Akane scowled. “Why would I marry some egoistical pervert?”

 

Ranma smiled. He actually smiled at that, and bowed his head. Akane looked confused. “Thanks, Akane.”

 

“Thanks for what?” Akane asked.

 

“Well, if you were honest with me, thanks for telling me how you feel,” Ranma said. He stood up and looked at the garden around the Tendo hall. “I'm leaving.”

 

Akane perked up. “What?”

 

“I said I'm leaving,” Ranma sighed. “It's getting worse now. Ever since Jusendo, I thought a normal life would have been open for us, Akane. I was wrong. You're sister invited the loony club and blew up our wedding, and then, only after a week of peace, the same shit happens.”

 

Akane froze, listening as the voice grew with intensity. Something was definitely wrong with Ranma.

 

“I'm getting tired Akane. I might not show it, but I'm tired of the same shit everyday. Tired of using my skills dodging, tired of Ryouga coming out and blasting his way, I'm tired of the Amazons,” Ranma said softly. “Akane, how would you feel after all the things you did, you didn't get anything in return?”

 

“What are you saying Ranma? How can you leave? I mean, you'll abandon your honor?” Akane asked, her voice whispering.

 

“No. I began thinking like Nabiki when you hit me towards the fountain today,” Ranma said. “Yes, I deserved it, or whatever you say. Our pops keep saying uniting the schools, and that is what I'll do. Tomorrow Akane, I'll begin to train you of the Saotome Ryu.”

 

|End Flashback|

 

(With the scrolls I asked Tendo, and with the scrolls in mom's possession, teaching both the Saotome and Tendo Ryu wouldn't be too hard...) Ranma thought, then punched. Akane rolled on the ground, groaning in pain. (But the way Akane is going, she would take forever to even learn the basic move!)

 

Normally Ranma would never hit Akane, but with his mergence with Xander, he realized how stupid his thinking was. Since he never hit Akane, her skills dampened and she lets her anger get over her.

 

(Sure, anger is a good way to channel her ki, but she doesn't focus!) Ranma thought, as he blocked another kick from Akane. He reversed and threw Akane towards the wall of the dojo and hit her head hard.

 

“Ow...” she complained and rubbed her buttocks. “It was a fluke!”

 

Ranma sighed. “Akane, I'm going to tell you. You can be faster than this, but you keep on sticking to the basics. You attack, reverse and then, blank, you get hit. You have to mix up your moves, and most of all, you have to control your anger. Martial arts are a discipline. It needs control over the emotions and focus...” he paused and let his words sink in. “I mean, how could you improve, you flat chested tomboy?”

 

“WHAT DID YOU CALL ME?!” Akane screamed, taking a mallet out of no where. She began to hit Ranma, who just stood there until the last moment and then, blocked her attack.

 

“See what I mean? Your anger controlled you, and you became sloppy,” Ranma began. “You need to control those feelings, or else you won't be able to improve.”

 

“Are you saying I have no control?” Akane said. “That I have no focus?”

 

“I'm saying you have them, but don't use them,” Ranma replied. “Hey, how's you're cooking Akane? Still making sludge repellants?”

 

Akane shook, but didn't do anything. She just looked Ranma with a cold face.

 

(Impressive...) Ranma thought. (Akane may actually go through it!)

 

“Begin!” Ranma said, and Akane blurred at once, taking Ranma by surprise. Ranma blocked the first two attacks, but the third attack went through his defenses and Ranma tasted the floor for the first time.

 

“HAH!” Akane said as she took a neutral stance. “Didn't expect that one, didn't you jerk?”

 

Ranma coughed a bit, but smiled. “Great Akane, you are beginning to step in a larger world. That will be enough for today. Try to do what you did today. Practice.”

 

“Uh, Ranma,” Akane began before Ranma left. “Where are you going?”

 

“Visiting someone,” Ranma said.

 

=Nerima Streets=

 

Somewhere around the place, a short figure feared in the place was dancing around. He was fast. He was skilled. He was a monster... he was a pervert. He was... Happosai!

 

“What a haul!” Happosai said as he skipped through the houses, after grabbing a lacy red panty from the clothesline. He smelled it. The soap didn't take away its addicting smell. He was in heaven.

 

“Hey, ya old freak,” Ranma said, coming up beside Happosai.

 

“Ranma! How dare you boy! Have you no respect to your master?” Happosai asked.

 

“Well, you are not my master until I accept you teaching me right?” Ranma asked. “So, how about we start today?”

 

Happosai face faulted during a jump, making him land painfully in the concrete. Ranma slowed down and jumped towards the old lech. “Hey, you okay?”

 

“Ranma my boy!” Happosai began. “Did you actually say what I think you said?”

 

“Yes. I want you to teach me all you know,” Ranma replied.

 

Happosai became teary eyes, and began to make a dramatic pose [not so dramatic, believe me. Think of the pose like Happosai telling the story about Lychee and the Scroll of the Seven Lucky gods Martial Arts]. “Oh, my day has come. I thought I would die in an old age and not pass my knowledge to the next generation...”

 

Ranma looked sarcastically at Happosai. “Ya lived for three generations, old leech.”

 

“Ranma! Have respect to your new master!” Happosai said.

 

“So, you'll take me in?” Ranma asked.

 

Happosai paused, and seemed to think. “Well, I don't know if you are ready yet...”

 

Ranma looked at Happosai with a funny face. “I just defeated a demi-god and Phoenix named Saffron. What makes you think I'm not ready?”

 

“Well, let's see. Did you know that while we were talking, we were noticed?” Happosai asked, pointing at the window.

 

“What do you mean...” Ranma looked at the window. His eyes widened. “No fucking way...”

 

Inside the window were almost three dozens girls wrapped in towels. Happosai landed on the window behind the bath house, and the women were looking at them.

 

“EEK!” “HENTAI!” “PEEPING TOM!” “PERVERTS!”

 

“Oh shit...” Ranma said as the place began to rumble. The window exploded and both Ranma and Happosai jumped towards the roof.

 

“HO! We are in trouble now Ranma!” Happosai cheerfully said.

 

“What?! How can you be so happy about this?” Ranma asked.

 

“It's the thrill of the chase!” Happosai said. “Come on Ranma! Haven't you ever felt so alive, being chased by beautiful women, in towels?”

 

Ranma was about to say no when memories flooded him. Memories where the Senshi of Mars and Uranus gathered their friends during Easter to have an Easter Xander Ryu Hunt. Xander was chased for almost the whole day, and looking back, Ranma actually felt what Happosai said. “You're right, ya old master. Come on!” Ranma began to look forward to his new training as both he and Happosai went from roof to roof, walking on the fences and running away as fast as they could.

 

Later, after an intense hour of running, dodging baskets and some metallic cooking utensils, Happosai and Ranma finally found a safe place to rest in of the houses in Nerima.

 

“Well, I have to admit, boy,” Happosai began, “you still have it in you. Balance, sense of grace, the sixth sense as you dodged projectiles, changing positions in the air. You are more than ready.”

 

“Thanks,” Ranma said, still panting.

 

“What happened to you Ranma?” Happosai asked, a bit worried. “You look different.”

 

“Well, its like a side effect in my new training. I mastered it, and got this new look,” Ranma replied while shrugging.

 

“Well, it doesn't matter; after all, if you look so dashing while male, you must look better as a female! SWEETO!” Happosai threw an open bottle of cold water, and Ranma was drenched at once. Happosai dove towards Ranma but was stopped when Ranma grabbed the old lech from his back, and held him in the air, with Happosai's hands a few inches away from her breasts.

 

Happosai went wide eyed as he watched Ranma-chan. She looked different. She looked more mature. Her eyes both had the same color [blue] and her red hair was still highlighted with blue lines, and her bangs still had blue spots. She looked absolutely beautiful.

 

“Ugh, Ranma! You torture your poor master!” Happosai said. “Release me!”

 

“You wouldn't be tortured if you didn't change me you nimrod,” Ranma said. “But training me is only a cover. What I really need from you is to keep my father and Mr. Tendo at bay.”

 

“What do you mean, Ranma?” Happosai asked.

 

“I'll tell you when I'm done training with you.”

 

=Two Months=

 

In two months time, just a week before the new school year starts, Akane improved dramatically. Her ki control improved by tenfold, and her strength and speed improved as well. Ranma had to quicken his pace every sparring match as Akane seemed to use her ki to strengthen and speed up her attacks. She stopped telegraphing after a week of intensive training and her skills with both Tendo Ryu and Saotome Ryu increased dramatically.

 

Ranma was actually quite surprised on how Akane began to learn quickly. It was like all she needed was a push and there she goes. Sure, her learning curve was not like his, but still, for someone who used to smash bricks only and say she was the best, it was impressive.

 

Ranma also continued training with Happosai. He learned the real technique of the Happo-Fire Burst. It was originally meant to use ki, but with much power it needs, Happosai used bombs. Ranma was able to produce his own Ran-Fire Burst [Wild Fire Burst] which inflamed the area around where he throws the energy ball. It took so much energy he could only throw three and then, lose consciousness.

 

Happosai also taught him the Moxibustion Point and the Counter-Moxibostion Point. He also taught him some Amazons techniques like Cat split Hair and others.

 

Happosai never managed to sneak a grope on Ranma, but it didn't mean he didn't try. Happosai had at least fifty tried, all fail. After Happosai taught his student everything he knew, Ranma told him his plans. Happosai smiled, yes, smiled, and gave Ranma his luck.

 

Finally, one day, Ranma decided Akane was ready after their sparring match. It went on like this:

 

“BULLET PUCNHES!” Akane shouted and her hands began to blur. It wasn't as fast as the Katchu Tenshin Amguriken, but it was still fast enough to make Ranma speed up his blocks.

 

“MEGATON PUNCH!” Akane unleashed a powerful ki powered punch downwards, towards Ranma. He dodged the punch and the floor gave way as Akane's fist made contact.

 

“Mallet-sama!” Akane unleashed her final attack, as she took her mallet with a long handle out of no where. She began using intricate motions, weaving her mallet like a sword around Ranma in fast motions.

 

Ranma dodged each whack and rolled on the floor. He reached towards the wall of the dojo, taking a two sticks. Using Arnis, he began to block and look for openings with his to sticks.

 

Ranma suddenly shifted his sticks, trying to hit Akane with both sticks in the head. She used the long handle to block the sticks, and Ranma smiled. He changed the position of his sticks, putting them under the handle, and pushed up. The mallet came upwards and Ranma kicked Akane down. He caught the mallet and with one swift motion, slammed it into her.

 

Akane closed her eyes when she saw Ranma slamming her own mallet towards her. She felt nothing, and when she opened her eyes, she saw the mallet a few inches away from her head.

 

“You did good Akane,” Ranma said. He took the mallet out of her face, and took a neutral stance.

 

“I lost again,” Akane said neutrally. She didn't mind much. She got over it after 10 sparring lessons. Soun and Genma would shout at Ranma for treating his fiancé like that, but anything they said was ignored. They finally went over it as time went by, Genma convincing Soun that Ranma wouldn't actually hurt his fiancé unless it was a good reason.

 

Nabiki was getting more suspicious everyday. Inside, she was seething when she saw Akane limping towards her room, and wanted to get back at Ranma, but he became smarter. He went toe to toe with her words, and she was lost! She, Nabiki, the Ice Queen of Furinkan High!

 

“More like Ice Cream of Furinkan High,” Ranma had said, smiling. “I'll never cease to wonder why no one ever tried to look at you like that. You're pretty cute, and I'm quite sure you are tasty as well.”

 

Nabiki blushed at the memory. She wasn't used to those words, and tried to get him back by photos, but Ranma seemed to know where she kept her film. She never found them again.

 

“Anyway,” Ranma began, letting those memories fade away, “you improved dramatically in these two months, mastered Tendo Ryu and Saotome Ryu. You have become, as you always wanted, the best in Nerima.”

 

“Thanks to you Ranma,” Akane said, smiling. There was a pause between the two, as they stared at each other. Akane finally spoke. “You're leaving now huh?”

 

“I'll be telling our parents today. I believe I'll start packing tonight, then leave the next day,” Ranma replied.

 

Akane looked torn, and suddenly lunged towards Ranma, hugging him hard. She cried, yes, cried. In the two months they trained together, Ranma proved to be more than what Akane usually said. He became kinder, insulted her less [unless they trained] and didn't bother to hang around Shampoo and Ukyou. Sure, he would go out, but he was usually never found. He said he was training, and Akane didn't question it.

 

“I don't want you to leave,” Akane said.

 

“Akane,” Ranma said softly. “You told me that you wouldn't marry someone like me.”

 

“I lied.”

 

“I know, but right now, I can't marry you,” Ranma replied truthfully. “Not that you are not worthy or anything. It's just that I can't marry you.”

 

“Why?” Akane asked.

 

“Would you believe that I was a reincarnation of someone from the past, and he had a sister which looked strangely like you, except that she had blue hair?” Ranma asked laughing softly.

 

“After all we've been through, that is not so unbelievable,” Akane replied, smiling. “I look like your sister?”

 

“Yeah. It would be kinda weird to marry someone who I consider now as a sister...” Ranma said, scratching his head.

 

“Not to mention perverted.”

 

“That too!” Ranma and Akane laughed. Ranma paused a bit, and looked at the dojo floor weakly. “I would have married you if the wedding went as planned.”

 

“Oh Ranma...” Akane said. There was another pause.

 

“Come on Akane, we have an announcement to make.”

 

=Dinner=

 

“WHAT?” Genma shouted. He didn't believe what he heard.

 

“I said I'm leaving,” Ranma said. “I cant take it anymore. All those fiancés you didn't bother fixing, old man, all those times where you brought me trouble. Our past is catching on to us, and you didn't even bother fixing them.”

 

“It is a matter of honor!” Soun began.

 

“Right son. It is a matter of honor,” Nodoka said calmly, touching the handle of the Saotome Blade lightly.

 

“Why do you threaten me with the Seppuku pledge, mom? Isn't a manly man supposed to make his own decisions? Stand in his own two feet? Take responsibilities?” Ranma asked kindly. Nodoka didn't respond to that. “That is what I'm doing mom. Standing in my own feet.”

 

“But the Pledge...!” Genma began.

 

“I fulfilled it,” Ranma said. The others, except Akane, gave him an odd look.

 

“What do you mean you fulfilled it? You haven't married a Tendo!” Genma said.

 

“I trained Akane with both Saotome Ryu and Tendo Ryu of Anything Goes,” Ranma replied. “Something you should have thought about old man. Unite the schools, I did, but in another way. That's why I asked the scrolls from mom and Mr. Tendo.”

 

“But... but...” Genma began, his dream of retirement fading away.

 

Ranma looked at Akane, and nodded. Focusing their ki, they both suddenly disappeared from view. Nabiki gasped and so did Genma.

 

“That... that was the Umi Sen Ken!” Genma said.

 

Ranma and Akane reappeared in the same position. “It's an advanced version, old man. We don't need a cloth to vanish.”

 

“but... but...”

 

“I'm leaving, and that is final. I talked to Akane about this and we both agreed,” Ranma said. Then, he smirked. “Suck on that old man.”

 

“RANMA! FULFILL YOU HONOR AND MARRY AKANE!” Genma shouted, jumping towards Ranma, giving a flying kick. Suddenly, Happosai appeared from view and lashed his pipe out, blocking Genma's kicks.

 

“How dare you! Attacking your master?!” Happosai said.

 

“M-master!” Genma began. He bowed down and cowered.

 

Ranma laughed. “Well it seems that that takes care of that. I'm going upstairs to pack. I'm leaving tomorrow.”

 

“But...”

 

“Ah, shut up Genma, you pitiful fool,” Happosai said. You should be punished for attacking your master!”

 

“I'm sorry master...”

 

Ranma was on his room, packing when he heard his old man whimpering in pain. He sighed. (The old man would never learn) he thought.

 

=Next Morning=

 

|Song: I'm Leaving on a Jet Plane|

 

Ranma had his backpack carried behind him as he looked at the world around him. The sound of Soun crying, Genma complaining, and Kasumi's `Oh My' made him smiled. Nabiki was still quiet, Akane smiling, and his mother smiled weakly, approaching him.

 

“Here Ranma,” Nodoka said. She handed him a big wad of yen. “That is three hundred thousand yen, more than enough to make you start all over.”

 

“I cant take this mom,” Ranma said.

 

“Take it son,” Nodoka said. “Yesterday, you opened my eyes to something. You have become a man among men. There is no question about it.”

 

“Thanks...” Ranma said, putting the wad in his backpack. “How in the world did you hide it from pops?”

 

“Oh, Ranma. You think I'm poor?” Nodoka asked, shaking her head. “The reason you rfather married me is because I came from a rich family. My inheritance is in the bank. I just withdrew some to give you.”

 

“Thanks mom. I'll spend it wisely.”

 

“Make sure you do,” Nodoka said seriously.

 

Ranma smiled his thanks again, and approached Akane. They embraced, softly.

 

“See you, imoutou-chan,” Ranma said.

 

“Whatever Ranma,” Akane giggled.

 

When they broke the embrace, Ranma approached Nabiki. He smiled disarmingly and said, “Well, so goes on for the life of the Ice Cream of Furinkan High.”

 

Nabiki growled. Ranma smirked and approached Kasumi.

 

“Thanks for everything Kasumi,” Ranma said.

 

“You're welcome, Ranma-kun. Visit us sometimes,” she replied.

 

“Sure,” Ranma said. He began to walk away. “Thanks for everything. I'll visit again someday.”

 

“RANMA! THE SCHOOLS WILL BE JOINED!” Genma shouted.

 

WHACK!

 

“Thanks, old lech,” Ranma said to Happosai who knocked Genma out.

 

“No problems, Ranma my boy! I have enjoyed training you and I promised I would help you achieve this,” Happosai said, nodding seriously.

 

Akane gaped. Ranma, training with Happosai? “PERVERT!”

 

“Hey!” Ranma said, with his hands in front of him. “I behaved myself!”

 

Akane didn't hit him, but she looked at him with a odd expression. Ranma felt uncomfortable.

 

Ranma sighed. “So, this is farewell?”

 

“Yup,” Akane finally settled down, controlling her anger.

 

“Well, see you guys around. Old lech, cover me for a while okay? Don't want the others to hunt me to the ends of the earth,” Ranma said, walking away.

 

“Don't worry Ranma, my boy! I would never let my heir down!” Happosai said.

 

Ranma smiled as he walked away, far away from the Tendo training hall. With a small look behind him, he looked forward in visitng some old friends...

 

(Washu first before the Senshis,) Ranma thought. (She has something I need...)

 

To Be Continued...

 

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Damn long one... Anyway, NEXT:

 

Ranma visits Washu and meets some of the Tenchi Muyo gang. Also, Trouble brews as the Outers still hunt for the anomaly, and in China, a black orb begins to awaken...

 

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