Ranma 1/2 Fan Fiction ❯ The Honest Truth ❯ Ready? Fight! ( Chapter 5 )
[ P - Pre-Teen ]
By: harmonious jade 
Family honor is at stake. Who will be the one to defend it? (Please R&R)
Anime/Manga: Ranma 1/2 Fan Fiction | Genre(s): Angst / Drama / Action | Type: Continuation | Uploaded On: 10.26.2004 | Pages: 4 | Words: 3.7K | Visits: 1.7K | Status: Work In Progress
Family honor is at stake. Who will be the one to defend it? (Please R&R)
Anime/Manga: Ranma 1/2 Fan Fiction | Genre(s): Angst / Drama / Action | Type: Continuation | Uploaded On: 10.26.2004 | Pages: 4 | Words: 3.7K | Visits: 1.7K | Status: Work In Progress
Ranma 1/2 owned by Rumiko Takahashi and Viz. All original characters are my own. (* denotes thought.)
The Honest Truth
a Ranma 1/2 story
by harmonious jade
Chapter 5: Ready? Fight!
The next day at school, everything was back to normal for the most part. Takewati challenged Ranma and lost quickly. Miss Hinako drained him even though he wasn't late. The worst part was that Akane was still gone.
Ranma and Yoko had planned on calling Kasumi at lunch. Megumi had gotten them the number. Unfortunately, Principal Kuno called Ranma into his office to berate him for dishonoring his daughter. He now had three months worth of detention.
After school, he went to serve his detention and Yoko went home. She was very upset with all that had happened. It seemed that no matter what, no matter that he wasn't to blame, Ranma always got shafted. She decided to get some practice as she waited for him by the koi pond.
Ranma cleaned the boys locker room in record time and quickly made his way back to the Amagawa estate. He saw Yoko performing her katas in the yard. She was impressive in her ability. He quietly made his way over to watch.
Her eyes were closed as she slowly went through each step of the kata. The fluidity of her movements was like water. Without stopping, she opened one eye and looked at Ranma, "So, how was detention?"
He nearly fell off the back of the bench when she spoke. "How?"
She grinned, still performing her kata. "Your ki. I sensed you approach."
"Ah." He rubbed the back of his neck nervously. "Well, it was detention. Lucky I'm so fast."
Her kata finished, she turned to face him. "Join me?"
He leapt from the bench to land beside her and cracked his knuckles. "I need a good cool down after working so hard."
She grinned and they began. In his male form, she was nearly as tall as he was. They looked much like twins. After a few moments, Yoko stepped in the opposite direction and began mirroring Ranma's movements. It looked like a beautiful dance, the way their movements moved in and out of each other. Finally, they finished facing each other and bowed.
"That was fun!" Yoko said with a huge smile.
"Yeah, it was," Ranma replied with his own smile. "It was kinda like some dance when you started mirroring me."
"We should do that again sometimes. I think I've about got the hang of going in the opposite direction."
"Oh, so that's why you were going so slow."
She smacked the back of his head and laughed. "Yes, silly. Hey, why don't we go try and call Akane?"
"Really?"
"Really," she replied. "But only after you go bathe." She grasped her nose between her thumb and forefinger, waving her other hand in front of her. "You stink."
"Ono residence."
"Kasumi?"
"Oh my, Ranma? Is that you?" A large smile covered Kasumi's features.
Ranma's own grin was just as large. "Yeah, it's me. It's so good to hear your voice."
"I certainly agree. How are things? Are you enjoying being at your great aunt's home?"
"Yeah, me and mom are settling in fine. Um, oh, I guess I should say 'congratulations.' I didn't know you and Dr. Tofu were seeing each other."
Kasumi giggled. "Of course you didn't. We were keeping it a secret. Pretty good job, huh?"
He chuckled. "Yeah. Well, um, is... is Akane there?"
"Oh, I'm sorry, Ranma. She is down helping Tofu-chan."
"Oh." He sounded very dejected.
Kasumi really did not want to upset him. "Oh! How about you and your cousin Yoko come have dinner with us tomorrow!"
Ranma's eyes lit up happily. He looked over at Yoko who was shaking her head up and down. "Yeah, we can do that. Thanks Kasumi. We'll see you then."
"Miss Kodachi Kuno?" asked the man in the business suit with glasses.
The entire Rhythmic Gymnastic club of St. Hebereke's School for Girls stopped what they were doing and looked at their star gymnast. The dark haired girl blinked, but finished her routine before answering the man. "I am Kodachi Kuno."
One of the two policemen beside him handed her a piece of paper. "I am from the law offices of Hayashibara, Kanno and Amagawa," said the bespeckled man. "We hereby serve you with this restraining order. In ordnance with this, you will not step within one hundred meters of Ranma Saotome, Yoko Miyazawa and the pig-tailed girl or face the consequences."
Kodachi's jaw dropped as she read the order. "But... but... Ranma is my iinazuke. You cannot do this to me!"
"I'm sorry, but there is nothing in writing that states that you are anything to Mr. Saotome. It is not our fault you were duped by a known thief. Perhaps next time you will be more careful about handing your money to strange men."
"But, I didn't know he was a thief! Hm, I suppose that I shall have to take care of this myself." She whipped out a rose only to find two guns leveled at her.
"I wouldn't do that, ma'am," one of the officers said. "This is a very legal and binding piece of paper. I'm sure you would not want to find out what the consequences are for breaking it."
Kodachi sighed and pouted. "This isn't fair."
"Not much in life is, ma'am."
The next morning dawned bright. Ranma walked along the fence whistling a happy tune. Yoko walked along the sidewalk below him. His newfound attitude made her happy. Now she hoped that Akane would behave herself. The mood didn't even sour as they approached the school.
Ranma jumped down in front of her, hands in his pockets. She detected his change immediately. "Afraid Kuno's gonna be waiting for you?"
He merely shrugged and grinned roguishly.
As if on cue, the daily barrage began. "Halt foul sorcerer! I, Takewati Kuno, the Blue Thunder of Furinkan High, am here to defend my sister's honor."
Ranma stopped walking and looked at the Kendo master like he was crazy, which was closer to the truth than the Kuno family wished to admit. "Say what??"
"You who are betrothed to my sister cast her aside and have placed a restraining order upon her. How could you do such a thing to your iinazuke??"
"She ain't my fianc‚e, so back off."
"You, honorless ronin, dare to deny your father's word and forsake my sister?"
Behind Ranma, Yoko's battle aura flared. As he started to step forward to challenge the upperclassman, he felt a strong hand on his arm. He looked to see Yoko, her ki glowing about her, push him back as she stepped forward. "I'll handle this," she growled quietly as she passed.
"Step aside, lady," Kuno said readying his sword. "I must finally deal the death strike to this ronin."
Her battle aura flared behind her, taking the shape of an ancient dragon. "DO NOT EVER CALL RANMA RONIN AGAIN!"
Ranma watched in awe as her aura sank back into her, but remained strong. Kuno was awestruck. Between his feet was a small puddle. Ranma couldn't help but chuckle.
Yoko growled. "The accusations you make against my cousin are false. Genma Saotome is no longer a member of Ranma's family. Ranma is a member of the Amagawa clan. You calling him ronin is calling me ronin. *I* defend my family honor, not Ranma. *I* challenge you to a battle of family honors."
Despite being slightly afraid, Takewati could not ignore the challenge. "I am sorry, but I do not fight girls."
"What about Akane and the pig-tailed girl?" she spat at him.
"But they wish to fight to go on a date with me. Is that what you wish to do? Do you wish to date me?"
She slapped her hand over her face and groaned. "Are you that stupid? No, I wish to fight you to defend my family's honor. Kendo style."
He looked at her again. "You know Kendo?" He shook his head. "No matter. I still will not fight someone weaker than myself."
She pulled a piece of paper from one of her books and threw it at the upperclassman. "What about now?"
He picked up the paper and read it. It said that Yoko Miyazawa was a master of the Hasagawa form of Kendo. He knew of this school. It was one of the largest in Tokyo. Perhaps he would just have to show this young whelp who was better at Kendo. "Okay, I accept your challenge." He slid into a defensive position.
She rolled her eyes. "Not now, you idiot. After school. Here. Bring a second to be witness when I kick your ass from here to Hong Kong."
"Perhaps you should bring a second as well when I show you that the Kuno School is the most powerful of all the Kendo schools in Tokyo."
"Right," she said as she rolled her eyes. "If you will excuse us, we need to get to class."
Kuno bowed and let them pass.
"I coulda handled that," Ranma grumbled as they headed to class.
"I know you could have, but he insulted my family." She kept looking forward, not daring to glance at him. That would only upset her.
"How do you figure that? I'm the one he called ronin." He kicked a can clear across the school.
"Like it or not, Ranma, you're a part of my family. I know you're used to fighting all your fights alone, but you're not alone anymore. This fight is mine, however. A challenge that will publicly release you from any promises your father made. Genma is the ronin, Ranma, not you."
He stopped and she kept on walking. He stared at her back, unable to truly believe what she had said, but knew she was right. "Hey, Yoko," he said softly.
She stopped and turned to face him. "Yeah?"
"Thanks." He moved over to stand in front of her. "And I mean it. I've never really had a family, you know. It's gonna take some getting used to. I just hope that maybe we can consider Akane and Kasumi part of the family too."
She smiled. "I'm pretty sure that can be arranged." Taking his arm, she led him to class.
"Welcome to class, Ranma," Miss Hinako said with an evil grin. She raised her hand and began the Happo Five Yen Satsu.
Yoko whipped a piece of paper out of her bag and slapped it against the teacher's face. The girl immediately put her hands up in the warning symbol. "Sorry, Miss Hinako. We're on time." She dragged a very confused Ranma into the room.
The frustrated teacher pulled the paper off her face. The more she read, the angrier she became. It said that if she were to ever drain a student without provocation, she would be fired. There was a list of rules and conditions she would have to abide by when using her power. At the bottom, it was signed and stamped by the superintendent of schools for all of Tokyo.
Yoko grinned as she heard the blood-curdling scream emanate from the hallway. "Ah, music to my ears."
Ukyo and Ranma slid closer to her. "What was that?" asked Ukyo.
"Yeah," interjected Ranma. "What was on that paper you gave her?"
The tall girl grinned from ear to ear. "Oh, just something that will forbid Miss Hinako from ever draining another student again."
The young girl/woman stormed into the room. "Let's get started class. This is going to be a VERY long day for you all."
Yoko looked at the gathering crowd and grinned. "This is going to be fun."
Ranma, hands in his pockets, rocked on his heels beside her. "I wouldn't be so sure about this. Do you really know how to use a blade?"
"I learned everything I know from your mother. You don't think she has that sword just for show?"
He rubbed the back of his neck nervously. "Well, no, I guess not."
"My mother was a hand-to-hand combat artist. Your mother is a Kendo master. I was taught by both and used what I knew to create more and better attacks and blocks." She began walking towards where Kuno was standing, her books discarded near the door to the school. "Now remember the plan. I don't trust Kuno."
Ranma fell into step behind her. "I don't either," he growled as they approached.
Yoko stepped forward and bowed curtly to Takewati. "Glad to see you didn't chicken out, Kuno."
"I could say the same about yourself. Shall we begin?" He gave her a nod and grasped the hilt of his bokken.
"Perhaps we should agree to conditions first." She cleared her throat and began speaking loud enough for the assembled crowd to hear. "I, Yoko Miyazawa, challenge you, Takewati Kuno to a duel of swords. If I win, you will give up on trying to get Akane Tendo or the pig-tailed girl to date you. You will also leave Ranma Saotome alone and remind your sister of the same." She looked over and grinned at where Kodachi stood with two policemen beside her. Kuno's sister frowned then growled her way.
"I, Takewati Kuno, the Blue Thunder of Furinkan High, accept your challenge." He smiled smugly. "And when I win, the fair Akane Tendo and the pig-tailed goddess will be free of the evil sorcerer Ranma Saotome."
"You wish," Ranma growled from behind them.
"Then it shall be done," spoke one of the Kendo students from Furinkan in the traditional starting of match. "Prepare yourselves."
Yoko reached down and ripped away her school uniform to reveal an outfit very similar to Kuno's. The difference was her pants were forest green. She held her bokken loosely beside her, pointing towards the ground.
"BEGIN!"
Kuno immediately went on the offensive, hacking and slashing in quick succession. He drove Yoko back, giving her little time to move her bokken to block his blows. A grin crossed his face as he thought of how easy this was going to be. Looking up at her face, he saw nothing. Her face was blank.
Yoko bit back the yawn that was trying to force its way out of her. He had done exactly what she expected, so thoroughly that in her mind she was saying each of his moves a second before he did them. She lost her battle with the yawn and raised her off hand to her face as she continued to parry.
His eyes widened as he watched her hand come up to cover her yawn. She was bored! And how could she defend him with one hand? "Are you mocking me?"
"Not at all," she replied still blocking.
"Then why do you not fight back?" He pressed his attack further.
She took two steps back to regain her balance from the force of his swings. "Because I am studying my opponent for weaknesses."
He laughed. "Ha! Takewati Kuno, the Blue Thunder has no..." He was unable to finish his bravado as Yoko ducked one of his blows and smacked his shoulder with her bokken.
"One," she chanted.
He growled and tried again, only to get smacked on the other shoulder.
"Two."
The next one was a blow to the stomach with the hilt. He doubled over, gasping for air.
"Three."
Kuno backed off and glared at her. She was a tough opponent. However, he was sneakier. He feigned a swing at her right and came down to her left. As the bokken descended towards her, he pressed a button and the bamboo shell fell apart to reveal a shiny, metal blade.
The feint didn't fool Yoko. She brought her bokken up to her right shoulder. The sun glint off the metal and warned her of an imminent threat. Taking a step aside, she watched the blade slice through her bokken. With a growl, she backflipped out of the way and held her hand aloft.
The crowd had been bored with the fight, but when Kuno revealed his blade, there was a collective gasp. That was followed by a cheer from half the crowd. They watched the girl slip away from Kuno and hold her hand high in the air. From the sideline, Ranma threw a katana towards her. It landed perfectly in her hand. She brought the sword down and settled into a defensive position. "Thanks for not disappointing me, Kuno," she said before taking one hand and urging him forward.
He growled and came at her again, his newfound fury flowing through him. Their blades bounced off each other again and again, creating sparks that thrilled the crowd.
Ranma cheered and winced as the two combatants made their way around the makeshift ring. He nearly jumped into a nearby tree when he heard two soft words nearby. "Oh my!"
He turned swiftly. "Kasumi?" The eldest Tendo daughter's eyes were fixed on the fight. A hand covered her mouth as she watched in morbid fascination. Dr. Tofu lay a hand on her shoulder to comfort her. "What are you two doing here?"
"What about me?" Akane asked angrily from beside Dr. Tofu.
He looked down in shock. Slowly a smile spread across his face. "Hi Akane."
Tofu nodded at Ranma. "So, we got word that two great Kendo masters were going to fight today. I thought a doctor might be a good thing to have on hand."
A high pitched scream turned their attention back to the fight. It seemed that Kuno had actually gotten through Yoko's defenses. She grasped the wound with one hand, trying to staunch it. Out of the corner of her eye, she saw Ranma and the others. Tofu pointed to a spot on his arm and nodded. She quickly jabbed her finger in the same spot and the pain went away. With renewed vigor, she returned her concentration to the fight.
"Is Yoko crazy?! What is she doing fighting Kuno?" Akane watched the fight with her mouth agape.
"She's defending the honor of our family," Ranma answered softly.
She looked at him. He was different. He stood there calmly watching the match, although she could see him flinch when Kuno got a bit too close to Yoko. He had changed, but so had she. She stood closer to him and slipped her hand into his, grasping it tightly.
He started slightly at her touch then looked down at her. Her eyes were focused ahead on the match. He could see the concern in her face. It was her hand that confused him. She had never done this before. Maybe Yoko was right. Akane had changed, and it was for the better.
Kasumi clutched Tofu's arm as she watched the fighters. She gasped and winced with each hit. "We don't have to stay here," he said softly to her. She quickly shook her head and continued to watch.
Nabiki watched the small group from nearby. She was going to make a killing off this match, one way or the other. However, she was saddened to see her sisters so happy without her. *Maybe if I apologize...* she thought then sighed. That probably wouldn't work. Begging, that is what she'd have to do.
The Honest Truth
a Ranma 1/2 story
by harmonious jade
Chapter 5: Ready? Fight!
The next day at school, everything was back to normal for the most part. Takewati challenged Ranma and lost quickly. Miss Hinako drained him even though he wasn't late. The worst part was that Akane was still gone.
Ranma and Yoko had planned on calling Kasumi at lunch. Megumi had gotten them the number. Unfortunately, Principal Kuno called Ranma into his office to berate him for dishonoring his daughter. He now had three months worth of detention.
After school, he went to serve his detention and Yoko went home. She was very upset with all that had happened. It seemed that no matter what, no matter that he wasn't to blame, Ranma always got shafted. She decided to get some practice as she waited for him by the koi pond.
Ranma cleaned the boys locker room in record time and quickly made his way back to the Amagawa estate. He saw Yoko performing her katas in the yard. She was impressive in her ability. He quietly made his way over to watch.
Her eyes were closed as she slowly went through each step of the kata. The fluidity of her movements was like water. Without stopping, she opened one eye and looked at Ranma, "So, how was detention?"
He nearly fell off the back of the bench when she spoke. "How?"
She grinned, still performing her kata. "Your ki. I sensed you approach."
"Ah." He rubbed the back of his neck nervously. "Well, it was detention. Lucky I'm so fast."
Her kata finished, she turned to face him. "Join me?"
He leapt from the bench to land beside her and cracked his knuckles. "I need a good cool down after working so hard."
She grinned and they began. In his male form, she was nearly as tall as he was. They looked much like twins. After a few moments, Yoko stepped in the opposite direction and began mirroring Ranma's movements. It looked like a beautiful dance, the way their movements moved in and out of each other. Finally, they finished facing each other and bowed.
"That was fun!" Yoko said with a huge smile.
"Yeah, it was," Ranma replied with his own smile. "It was kinda like some dance when you started mirroring me."
"We should do that again sometimes. I think I've about got the hang of going in the opposite direction."
"Oh, so that's why you were going so slow."
She smacked the back of his head and laughed. "Yes, silly. Hey, why don't we go try and call Akane?"
"Really?"
"Really," she replied. "But only after you go bathe." She grasped her nose between her thumb and forefinger, waving her other hand in front of her. "You stink."
"Ono residence."
"Kasumi?"
"Oh my, Ranma? Is that you?" A large smile covered Kasumi's features.
Ranma's own grin was just as large. "Yeah, it's me. It's so good to hear your voice."
"I certainly agree. How are things? Are you enjoying being at your great aunt's home?"
"Yeah, me and mom are settling in fine. Um, oh, I guess I should say 'congratulations.' I didn't know you and Dr. Tofu were seeing each other."
Kasumi giggled. "Of course you didn't. We were keeping it a secret. Pretty good job, huh?"
He chuckled. "Yeah. Well, um, is... is Akane there?"
"Oh, I'm sorry, Ranma. She is down helping Tofu-chan."
"Oh." He sounded very dejected.
Kasumi really did not want to upset him. "Oh! How about you and your cousin Yoko come have dinner with us tomorrow!"
Ranma's eyes lit up happily. He looked over at Yoko who was shaking her head up and down. "Yeah, we can do that. Thanks Kasumi. We'll see you then."
"Miss Kodachi Kuno?" asked the man in the business suit with glasses.
The entire Rhythmic Gymnastic club of St. Hebereke's School for Girls stopped what they were doing and looked at their star gymnast. The dark haired girl blinked, but finished her routine before answering the man. "I am Kodachi Kuno."
One of the two policemen beside him handed her a piece of paper. "I am from the law offices of Hayashibara, Kanno and Amagawa," said the bespeckled man. "We hereby serve you with this restraining order. In ordnance with this, you will not step within one hundred meters of Ranma Saotome, Yoko Miyazawa and the pig-tailed girl or face the consequences."
Kodachi's jaw dropped as she read the order. "But... but... Ranma is my iinazuke. You cannot do this to me!"
"I'm sorry, but there is nothing in writing that states that you are anything to Mr. Saotome. It is not our fault you were duped by a known thief. Perhaps next time you will be more careful about handing your money to strange men."
"But, I didn't know he was a thief! Hm, I suppose that I shall have to take care of this myself." She whipped out a rose only to find two guns leveled at her.
"I wouldn't do that, ma'am," one of the officers said. "This is a very legal and binding piece of paper. I'm sure you would not want to find out what the consequences are for breaking it."
Kodachi sighed and pouted. "This isn't fair."
"Not much in life is, ma'am."
The next morning dawned bright. Ranma walked along the fence whistling a happy tune. Yoko walked along the sidewalk below him. His newfound attitude made her happy. Now she hoped that Akane would behave herself. The mood didn't even sour as they approached the school.
Ranma jumped down in front of her, hands in his pockets. She detected his change immediately. "Afraid Kuno's gonna be waiting for you?"
He merely shrugged and grinned roguishly.
As if on cue, the daily barrage began. "Halt foul sorcerer! I, Takewati Kuno, the Blue Thunder of Furinkan High, am here to defend my sister's honor."
Ranma stopped walking and looked at the Kendo master like he was crazy, which was closer to the truth than the Kuno family wished to admit. "Say what??"
"You who are betrothed to my sister cast her aside and have placed a restraining order upon her. How could you do such a thing to your iinazuke??"
"She ain't my fianc‚e, so back off."
"You, honorless ronin, dare to deny your father's word and forsake my sister?"
Behind Ranma, Yoko's battle aura flared. As he started to step forward to challenge the upperclassman, he felt a strong hand on his arm. He looked to see Yoko, her ki glowing about her, push him back as she stepped forward. "I'll handle this," she growled quietly as she passed.
"Step aside, lady," Kuno said readying his sword. "I must finally deal the death strike to this ronin."
Her battle aura flared behind her, taking the shape of an ancient dragon. "DO NOT EVER CALL RANMA RONIN AGAIN!"
Ranma watched in awe as her aura sank back into her, but remained strong. Kuno was awestruck. Between his feet was a small puddle. Ranma couldn't help but chuckle.
Yoko growled. "The accusations you make against my cousin are false. Genma Saotome is no longer a member of Ranma's family. Ranma is a member of the Amagawa clan. You calling him ronin is calling me ronin. *I* defend my family honor, not Ranma. *I* challenge you to a battle of family honors."
Despite being slightly afraid, Takewati could not ignore the challenge. "I am sorry, but I do not fight girls."
"What about Akane and the pig-tailed girl?" she spat at him.
"But they wish to fight to go on a date with me. Is that what you wish to do? Do you wish to date me?"
She slapped her hand over her face and groaned. "Are you that stupid? No, I wish to fight you to defend my family's honor. Kendo style."
He looked at her again. "You know Kendo?" He shook his head. "No matter. I still will not fight someone weaker than myself."
She pulled a piece of paper from one of her books and threw it at the upperclassman. "What about now?"
He picked up the paper and read it. It said that Yoko Miyazawa was a master of the Hasagawa form of Kendo. He knew of this school. It was one of the largest in Tokyo. Perhaps he would just have to show this young whelp who was better at Kendo. "Okay, I accept your challenge." He slid into a defensive position.
She rolled her eyes. "Not now, you idiot. After school. Here. Bring a second to be witness when I kick your ass from here to Hong Kong."
"Perhaps you should bring a second as well when I show you that the Kuno School is the most powerful of all the Kendo schools in Tokyo."
"Right," she said as she rolled her eyes. "If you will excuse us, we need to get to class."
Kuno bowed and let them pass.
"I coulda handled that," Ranma grumbled as they headed to class.
"I know you could have, but he insulted my family." She kept looking forward, not daring to glance at him. That would only upset her.
"How do you figure that? I'm the one he called ronin." He kicked a can clear across the school.
"Like it or not, Ranma, you're a part of my family. I know you're used to fighting all your fights alone, but you're not alone anymore. This fight is mine, however. A challenge that will publicly release you from any promises your father made. Genma is the ronin, Ranma, not you."
He stopped and she kept on walking. He stared at her back, unable to truly believe what she had said, but knew she was right. "Hey, Yoko," he said softly.
She stopped and turned to face him. "Yeah?"
"Thanks." He moved over to stand in front of her. "And I mean it. I've never really had a family, you know. It's gonna take some getting used to. I just hope that maybe we can consider Akane and Kasumi part of the family too."
She smiled. "I'm pretty sure that can be arranged." Taking his arm, she led him to class.
"Welcome to class, Ranma," Miss Hinako said with an evil grin. She raised her hand and began the Happo Five Yen Satsu.
Yoko whipped a piece of paper out of her bag and slapped it against the teacher's face. The girl immediately put her hands up in the warning symbol. "Sorry, Miss Hinako. We're on time." She dragged a very confused Ranma into the room.
The frustrated teacher pulled the paper off her face. The more she read, the angrier she became. It said that if she were to ever drain a student without provocation, she would be fired. There was a list of rules and conditions she would have to abide by when using her power. At the bottom, it was signed and stamped by the superintendent of schools for all of Tokyo.
Yoko grinned as she heard the blood-curdling scream emanate from the hallway. "Ah, music to my ears."
Ukyo and Ranma slid closer to her. "What was that?" asked Ukyo.
"Yeah," interjected Ranma. "What was on that paper you gave her?"
The tall girl grinned from ear to ear. "Oh, just something that will forbid Miss Hinako from ever draining another student again."
The young girl/woman stormed into the room. "Let's get started class. This is going to be a VERY long day for you all."
Yoko looked at the gathering crowd and grinned. "This is going to be fun."
Ranma, hands in his pockets, rocked on his heels beside her. "I wouldn't be so sure about this. Do you really know how to use a blade?"
"I learned everything I know from your mother. You don't think she has that sword just for show?"
He rubbed the back of his neck nervously. "Well, no, I guess not."
"My mother was a hand-to-hand combat artist. Your mother is a Kendo master. I was taught by both and used what I knew to create more and better attacks and blocks." She began walking towards where Kuno was standing, her books discarded near the door to the school. "Now remember the plan. I don't trust Kuno."
Ranma fell into step behind her. "I don't either," he growled as they approached.
Yoko stepped forward and bowed curtly to Takewati. "Glad to see you didn't chicken out, Kuno."
"I could say the same about yourself. Shall we begin?" He gave her a nod and grasped the hilt of his bokken.
"Perhaps we should agree to conditions first." She cleared her throat and began speaking loud enough for the assembled crowd to hear. "I, Yoko Miyazawa, challenge you, Takewati Kuno to a duel of swords. If I win, you will give up on trying to get Akane Tendo or the pig-tailed girl to date you. You will also leave Ranma Saotome alone and remind your sister of the same." She looked over and grinned at where Kodachi stood with two policemen beside her. Kuno's sister frowned then growled her way.
"I, Takewati Kuno, the Blue Thunder of Furinkan High, accept your challenge." He smiled smugly. "And when I win, the fair Akane Tendo and the pig-tailed goddess will be free of the evil sorcerer Ranma Saotome."
"You wish," Ranma growled from behind them.
"Then it shall be done," spoke one of the Kendo students from Furinkan in the traditional starting of match. "Prepare yourselves."
Yoko reached down and ripped away her school uniform to reveal an outfit very similar to Kuno's. The difference was her pants were forest green. She held her bokken loosely beside her, pointing towards the ground.
"BEGIN!"
Kuno immediately went on the offensive, hacking and slashing in quick succession. He drove Yoko back, giving her little time to move her bokken to block his blows. A grin crossed his face as he thought of how easy this was going to be. Looking up at her face, he saw nothing. Her face was blank.
Yoko bit back the yawn that was trying to force its way out of her. He had done exactly what she expected, so thoroughly that in her mind she was saying each of his moves a second before he did them. She lost her battle with the yawn and raised her off hand to her face as she continued to parry.
His eyes widened as he watched her hand come up to cover her yawn. She was bored! And how could she defend him with one hand? "Are you mocking me?"
"Not at all," she replied still blocking.
"Then why do you not fight back?" He pressed his attack further.
She took two steps back to regain her balance from the force of his swings. "Because I am studying my opponent for weaknesses."
He laughed. "Ha! Takewati Kuno, the Blue Thunder has no..." He was unable to finish his bravado as Yoko ducked one of his blows and smacked his shoulder with her bokken.
"One," she chanted.
He growled and tried again, only to get smacked on the other shoulder.
"Two."
The next one was a blow to the stomach with the hilt. He doubled over, gasping for air.
"Three."
Kuno backed off and glared at her. She was a tough opponent. However, he was sneakier. He feigned a swing at her right and came down to her left. As the bokken descended towards her, he pressed a button and the bamboo shell fell apart to reveal a shiny, metal blade.
The feint didn't fool Yoko. She brought her bokken up to her right shoulder. The sun glint off the metal and warned her of an imminent threat. Taking a step aside, she watched the blade slice through her bokken. With a growl, she backflipped out of the way and held her hand aloft.
The crowd had been bored with the fight, but when Kuno revealed his blade, there was a collective gasp. That was followed by a cheer from half the crowd. They watched the girl slip away from Kuno and hold her hand high in the air. From the sideline, Ranma threw a katana towards her. It landed perfectly in her hand. She brought the sword down and settled into a defensive position. "Thanks for not disappointing me, Kuno," she said before taking one hand and urging him forward.
He growled and came at her again, his newfound fury flowing through him. Their blades bounced off each other again and again, creating sparks that thrilled the crowd.
Ranma cheered and winced as the two combatants made their way around the makeshift ring. He nearly jumped into a nearby tree when he heard two soft words nearby. "Oh my!"
He turned swiftly. "Kasumi?" The eldest Tendo daughter's eyes were fixed on the fight. A hand covered her mouth as she watched in morbid fascination. Dr. Tofu lay a hand on her shoulder to comfort her. "What are you two doing here?"
"What about me?" Akane asked angrily from beside Dr. Tofu.
He looked down in shock. Slowly a smile spread across his face. "Hi Akane."
Tofu nodded at Ranma. "So, we got word that two great Kendo masters were going to fight today. I thought a doctor might be a good thing to have on hand."
A high pitched scream turned their attention back to the fight. It seemed that Kuno had actually gotten through Yoko's defenses. She grasped the wound with one hand, trying to staunch it. Out of the corner of her eye, she saw Ranma and the others. Tofu pointed to a spot on his arm and nodded. She quickly jabbed her finger in the same spot and the pain went away. With renewed vigor, she returned her concentration to the fight.
"Is Yoko crazy?! What is she doing fighting Kuno?" Akane watched the fight with her mouth agape.
"She's defending the honor of our family," Ranma answered softly.
She looked at him. He was different. He stood there calmly watching the match, although she could see him flinch when Kuno got a bit too close to Yoko. He had changed, but so had she. She stood closer to him and slipped her hand into his, grasping it tightly.
He started slightly at her touch then looked down at her. Her eyes were focused ahead on the match. He could see the concern in her face. It was her hand that confused him. She had never done this before. Maybe Yoko was right. Akane had changed, and it was for the better.
Kasumi clutched Tofu's arm as she watched the fighters. She gasped and winced with each hit. "We don't have to stay here," he said softly to her. She quickly shook her head and continued to watch.
Nabiki watched the small group from nearby. She was going to make a killing off this match, one way or the other. However, she was saddened to see her sisters so happy without her. *Maybe if I apologize...* she thought then sighed. That probably wouldn't work. Begging, that is what she'd have to do.