True Mastery

Prologue - The Mystery in Mastery

By Dojo-Ranma


Here is the obligatory message that I write to make sure that everyone knows that I make nothing from this and that the characters and series was not made by me and that I am not nor intend to impersonate Rumiko Takahashi and any of her works.


"Talking"

'Thoughts'

+Panda Signs+


The master watched as his disciple ran about dodging bandannas, bonbori, chains, hammers, bokken strikes, mini-spatulas, gymnastics clubs and all sorts of random objects. The master smiled as things continued along smoothly for his pupil's training, at least in one aspect.

He leaned back and thought about the other areas that Ranma sorely lacked in. To be a true master of the art takes diligence in all areas and aspects of his life. He has proven to have enough power to take on any enemy and the cunning to prove he is a master in any martial art form that comes his way. 'He lacks the wisdom to think long term and plan ahead. You cannot win a chess match if you only look one or two moves ahead.'

The master watched as the human steeple chase made its way through the compound again with Ranma still at the forefront, followed closely by his four 'suitors', Akane, Ukyo, Shampoo and Kodachi. 'So simple minded, one of rage, of lust, of worship and of dedication. Each one could be so much better than they are, but they all suffer from the same problem. All of them are blinded by their own unique brands of 'love' for him, but act as if he is some prize to covet and own. There is no prize, and there will be none should the boy not change the way things are and make a decision. He will discover very soon that not making choices, he still makes them. And they will discover that without him, they have no drive or passion in the art.'

After the girls proceeded Ryoga, Kuno and Mousse through the yard. 'It saddens me that the boy has not finished these three off. While his power has grown immensely over the time here, only one has also improved himself, though it is hardly consolation when his depression will either destroy himself in due time, or force someone else to do it.'

He surveyed the area for other onlookers and spotted the other two Tendo girls.

One stood on the porch casually sweeping away the dust from the Tendo home while watching the boy get chased by everyone, a vacant smile across her face as if it was just a fun game of tag in which everyone was trying to tag Ranma. Her face only changed to slightly displeased when another projectile was thrown errantly causing damage to the yard.

'Pure grace.' He thought. 'She could easily be the headmistress of the entire anything goes school. What she lacks in power, she makes up for in precision and grace. It is too bad that Soun had to fall apart after his wife died. The two of them would have been unstoppable as a couple.'

The master looked over at Soun at the Shoji table, oblivious to the happenings outside trying to decide his next move. 'It pains me to see him like this. No drive or passion. The shell of the man that has remained has been dormant for too long. Only to be barely roused by the latest scheme to hitch Ranma to Akane or incident involving the two of them.'

The master turned his eyes briefly to the other Tendo female stayed prone on her belly in the living room. She faced the door to watch the show as it whizzed by.

Her legs kicked aimlessly in the air, as she watched with keen eyes, jotting down notes in between handfuls of popcorn. It would be no surprise to anyone to know that she was writing out odds and new betting ideas for her school time extracurricular. 'Intelligence. Not many people can match wits with her. Her intelligence and cunning would make her an unrivalled opponent with some training in the art. She could almost be as keen and crafty as me, if she had the drive.'

Before he could look at anyone else, Ranma appeared again in the courtyard, drenched in his female form, and made a beeline for the house. Ranma had seemingly lost or dispatched his chasers for the time being. Just glancing at his steely eyes told of struggle and frustration for control of his life. 'The balance is about to shift.' The master noted to himself as the boy turned girl passed by everyone. 'He is going to make his next move soon.'

"So how'd you get rid of them this time, Saotome?" Nabiki spoke casually as he stomped through the room.

"Feh. Baka Tomboy clipped me on the fence and sent me into the pond. They all chased me down stream while I swam upstream under the water." She paused before walking over to Nabiki, fishing some money out of his pocket. "The standard cover fee so I can at least grab a shower?"

"Why thank you, Ranma. That should do." She quipped, quickly putting the money into her pocket.

"Boy! How can you think about...?" Ranma shut his father up with a quick smack into the pond.

"Can it Pops! I've had all I can handle for one morning. I'll be down for breakfast in 20 minutes, Kasumi."

"It actually should be ready in about 15 minutes if you can hurry up. I'm sure Akane will want one when she returns home." Kasumi smiled serenely, as she made her way to the kitchen.

"Sure thing, Kasumi." He replied a little dejectedly, probably really wanting an extra-long soak.

'Oh yes,' the master thought to himself watching the boy climb the stairs. 'He is going to crack soon and his new training will begin.'

"Mister Saotome, would you like bamboo or regular food for breakfast?" Kasumi called out to Genma as he bristled off the excess water from his fur, and then held up a sign.

+Bamboo will be fine, Kasumi.+


So, my first chapter in a long time. I have had the idea for a long time, finally actually starting to put it into writing. For those that are waiting for an update on my other story, I can't say that I will finish it, I may just end up rewriting it or it may just sit. We will see how it will go. No flames please.