Chapter 1 version 1.2 status: Unknown
* Nodoka's dream needs to be described here. *
Nodoka woke, sweat drops covered her face as she breathed hard. The nightmare was so real and threatening that she knew it was a warning. Her son's path wasn't right. Teaching a dojo would destroy him, but the dream was already slipping away. All she knew was one simple fact. Her son had to change his aspiration. If he wanted to help people get physical, then he had to do it at a school of some kind, like a middle school or high school.
'It's the only way my boy can be safe.'
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The next day, she went over her game plan. She knew the two things that her son could not refuse. A request from her and a challenge. In her hand was part two of her plan. Martial Arts Tutoring. It was an ancient skill of Saotome women that she found locked in a giant iron safe. In side was a technique used to trick Saotome men into loving homework, studying, and schooling.
'Even if it kills me, I'll help you get the grades you need to pass high school with straight 'A's!'
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Nodoka quietly entered Ranma's room and set up the incense pot. She knew she'd have to be quick since Ranma's body had already been exposed to various other types of incense before, so it was possible that he might notice it before it could start working.
'My mother told me this incense is guaranteed to increase the mental abilities of any male, no matter how dumb they are. I only hope it works on Ranma and that lazy husband of mine,' she thought as she added a double mix into the burner. 'The more it has, the faster it works... I hope.'
As the incense waffed through the air, Nodoka began lightly hitting a series of pressure points on Ranma's head to increase blood flow and neural activities. She'd learned once that doing this usually caused Saotome men to have increasing realistic dreams. She wondered if that was true, but decided it didn't matter. All that really mattered was finished the points and getting out of his room without getting caught.
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A week later, Ranma's mind swirled. He reached over and tried to grab the counter. Something was wrong. As he tried to figure out what, he suddenly saw it. The answer was clear. His mind. That was what was wrong. Or at least, not the same.
'If I had to guess, I'd say the individual neural transmitters have each doubled in size... What the hell?'
He still felt odd, but the fuzz quickly disappeared and was replaced with a clarity he'd never felt before. In his mind, he could see everything he'd ever learned. Worst of all, he couldn't control which part of his past to see, so it was all coming at him in a giant jumble.
Slowly, as time went by, the images began to play themselves more individually. Within a half an hour, he'd seen his entire life, played on fast forward three times. Now, if someone had told him a month ago this would happen and then asked him what part he'd pay attention to, no one would have known what he'd have said. It wasn't the traveling, or the fighting. It wasn't even the training or the fiancées.
The part's he really focused on was the times he spent in a classroom or the times he spent studying for whatever reason. It all made sense too. He could remember math problems, science questions, and history even though he'd never really cared about it before.
His life was being changed and for the better. He felt the need to thank whatever god was watching him from above.
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Kasumi woke to a startling realization. She finally remembered how come she became such a good cook. It happened shortly after mother died and she was forced to learn or the family would starve.
'What would happen with Akane's cooking if I started refusing to cook," she thought to herself. 'Starting tomorrow, no more cooking for the family. Just myself!'
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Nodoka was so amazed at the changes in Ranma that she decided to try it on her husband. She had serious doubts about whether the bald martial artist own mother preformed this on him or not. She knew the worst that could happen was that Genma could get a law degree and become a lawyer.
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A week passed by and Genma had been waking up much easier then he'd ever been able to in the last several years. In fact, he felt it safe to say he felt better then he'd ever felt. His mind had opened up to some strange stuff lately and he wondered why it took him so long. An odd memory came to him.
When he was about three, his mother was pregnant and soon delivered a second child. Oddly enough, the child disappeared. When he asked about his brother later, his parents told him his brother died at birth, but he never believed it then. Something back then had told him it was a lie. Unfortunately, he was too young to care for long.
Genma decided it was way past time to find out the truth about his brother. He marched down to the public records and began his first research project in over thirty years.
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Out of hunger, Akane had started eating while she was cooking. Actually, she was trying to eat while she cooked, but she was learning that some things weren't good mixed together.
"No more attempting to add white wine or vinegar," she stated. "Now if I could just find something that tasted good with hoarse radish..."
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Several months have passed by and Ranma's teachers have gotten together to discuss their newest rising star and someone that they normally plotted against.
"You know why we're here. Ranma Saotome, a student whom until a few months ago showed no interest in school or even any ability to do well has become the top student. At this rate, he'll graduate at the head of his class!"
"Yes, we know this, but how can this be? He was so... stupid before."
"Wait a minute. I agree he's been a troublemaker and some days, he's not all with it in class, but I don't think stupid is the right word for it. I'd say unmotivated."
"But to change like this, so quickly, is unheard of. There's only one way he could be doing it. He's cheating!"
"If that were so, I'd be ok, but I'm certain he's not. Something is different. I've seen him finish his homework seconds after getting it. Once I asked to see it and all the answers were correct. It was amazing and since no one else was even close to being done, he couldn't have copied his answers."
"It just can't be... He's actually... Smart?!"
"I'm afraid so. I've made it a habit of searching his area before he arrives and I watch him closely during class. Cheating is not what he's doing."
"But if he's really smart..."
The rest of the night was spent crying as the teachers slowly and one by one realized they'd attempted to sabotage the best student they've ever had just because he got into fights and appeared to cause trouble.
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Akane lifted the spoon carefully to her lips and tasted. Seconds later, the spoon dropped.
"Kasumi!" Akane shouted. This brought the eldest daughter running.
"What is it Akane?"
"Here! Taste this!" Kasumi looked at the spoon with dread.
"I'm sure your own taste buds can do that..."
"I've already tasted it! Here!" Kasumi saw there was no way out so she leaned forward and let her mouth encompass the spoon. It was then a shock hit her from her tastebuds.
"This is... wonderful Akane."
"You think so too? Yes! Call everyone to the table. It's time for diner!"
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Over a year passed by and Genma's search for the truth of his brother was still on. He had to know what the truth really was. The records however, were less then helpful. Genma cursed as every paper trail lead to another dead end. The worst part was, all of his senses told him that some one was keeping something from him.
There was a paper trail he hadn't followed yet since it lead to officially sealed documents and he wanted to solve this problem legally. Soon it became clear that legal wasn't going to solve his problem.
Using his forbidden technique, the Umi-sen-ken, Genma sought out the records deep in the basement of city hall that he knew had to have his answers. If they didn't, then he would give up.
Cloaked, it didn't take long to find the filing cabinet. He pulled on it with all his might and it came open with a pop. Flipping through them, he finally found it. When he read the file, he gasped.
'I knew I had a brother, but it was him? All this time?'
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A day later, Genma and Soun were sitting on the porch playing their morning game of Shogi, when Soun tried his hand at cheating.
"What's that?!" Sound yelled as he pointed in a random direction.
"Tendo! You bastard! I can't stand it anymore!"
"Just who are you calling a bastard, Saotome?! As you may recall, you cheat like this all the time!"
"... Yes... I do... I do cheat... I can't believe I've been happy with myself for so long too." Off to the side, Nodoka smiled as she heard her husband's words. "Soun, I'm afraid I've got to come clean. When we made that promise to join the families, two things were wrong. First thing, we were both drunk off our asses from drinking too much sake. Well over twenty bottles if I'm not mistaken... Second, I finally managed to look up my family records and it turns out Tendo, you were given up for adoption. Before your last name was changed to Tendo, it was Saotome. That means we're related and our children can not marry since they're cousins."
"But Americans do it all the time!" Soun knew he was grasping at straws since he had no proof Americans really did that, but he figured if he didn't know, neither would Genma.
"Tendo, grow up. I know our culture isn't always that accepting of Americans, but they are not all that bad." Genma stood up and cleared his voice. "This arranged marriage is officially canceled. I think it would be best if Ranma and I left first thing in the morning. However Tendo..., Soun, I'd like to remain friends. Heck, I'd like to be brothers if your not still mad at me."
"Mad at you?" Soun starred at the table for a second. "Saotome... Genma, I'm not mad. Perhaps a bit disappointed, but I'm not mad. Your welcome to continue to stay here if you want."
"That's alright, I'm feeling like spending more time with my wife, oddly enough. I mean I love her a lot and yet I've barely spent any time with her. However, I'll tell Ranma that the offer is available if that's ok with you."
"Certainly Genma, I mean, it wouldn't do for him to have to change schools now that he's doing so well."
The two men grasped each other and embraced each other fiercely. Nodoka continued to smile as a tear rolled down her face.
'My husband is turning out to be a good man after all... Too bad I had to use my technique on him before he learned how...'
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Akane finished straining out the water as she tried to keep another pot well stired.
'This is it! All of my hard work is going to pay off tonight!' she thought as she looked over the various pots of steaming, bubbling, boiling foods.
"Akane, what is that delisious smell?"
"Oh, hi Kasumi. It's some recipes I found at the library."
"Oh my... That's a lot of food..."
"Well, I figured after having to eat nothing but Raman and curry, the family would die for something a bit more... complex."
"Well, I'm sure they'll love it," Kasumi stated as she breathed in the aroma.
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Three years and several months passed. Genma and Nodoka stood in the crowd and watched their child, Ranma Saotome made the speech. When he was done, there wasn't a dry eye or unused tissue to be found.
Just as Ranma was about to walk away from the podium, Nodoka ran up and started to snap pictures of Ranma in his flowing blue gown. All he could do was stand there and blush.
"Mom..."
"Ranma Saotome, me havin somethin very special for you." Ranma turned to see the Principal approaching him. "I still no like that pigtail of yours, but you done well in your years of school. So, in honor of your turn around, please take this as a tokin."
Ranma half expected an exploding coconut, but instead got a plaque with his name on it.
"Thanks..."
"Me wantin you to know ya make the big Kahuna very happy." Stepping towards Ranma, he embraced the off balance martial artist. After a few seconds, the principle stepped back and began to clap. Soon everyone joined in. The applause was almost deafening, but it made Ranma feel great.
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His mother told him that if he wanted to help students then he should think about putting his talents to good use and try teaching. At first, tried he cling to the old idea of his father. He still loved the martial arts more then anything, but it was becoming clearer every day that a dojo was not the way to earn a decent living.
Before long, he was completing a physical education degree at Tokyo University as well as an English and Science. He was qualified to teach any where in the world now. The real question was, where to teach? He thought about his own high school, but decided against it. Now matter how many years went by, the students never seemed to change even though they were completely different people.
It didn't take long before he found the school he wanted to teach at. It was a perfect school with a good reputation for molding students. And best of all , several positions had recently opened up. It wasn't a high school, but he didn't care. A middle school just meant he could have a better effect on the students.
At least, that's what his college girlfriend told him. She'd gone to the middle school called Seitow Sannomiya Private School. Every time she mentioned it, her eyes got a sparkle in them. That was more then enough to sell him on the idea of teaching there.
He quickly found a place to live that was located very close to the school. Thankfully, his mother gave him a very large sum of money before he left, so paying the rent up front wasn't a problem. Soon though, he learned that his real problem was about to start.
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He spotted security at the front gate and approached them casually.
"Halt!" The one on the left shouted.
"Hey, I come in peace officer," Ranma jokingly said. He then tried to reach out to shake their hand. " I'm here to apply for one of the teaching jobs."
"Sorry, but no men are allowed on the campus unless their here to see their children."
"What?"
"That's the rule. Sorry, I didn't make it. I just enforce it."
"Then how am I supposed to get this job if you won't let me on the campus?" The guards didn't answer and just laughed. "Fine, be that way, but your not stopping me."
As he stood in front of him, he took up a stance and began to fade away from sight.
"Ah!!!! It's a ghost!" The two guards started to run and picked the wrong directions to head as they smashed into each other.
"Looks like I won't need the Umi-Sen-ken to get in... Still I should keep using so I can scout the place out without getting caught."
Ranma moved in quietly and began to search the halls. He was pleased to see it was just a typical middle school.
'I'll enjoy working here. I just know it.' After a few minutes of searching, he finally found his goal. The principals office. Gently, he knocked on the door as he reappeared.
"Come in." He opened the door and for a second he thought how nice his new boss sounded. "What? Are you a parent?"
The woman asking the question was dressed in what appeared to be a kimono. Based on the little knowledge Ranma had on the subjects of kimonos, he was sure it was a very traditional one. He wondered if the kimono was a reflection of the person's personality.
"No ma'am. I'm here to apply for a teaching position."
"Stupid male, you should have done your homework before applying here." Ranma wondered if that statement was some kind of school teachers joke. He tried to laugh, but the look on the principal told him that wouldn't be a good idea.
"So what does that mean?"
"We do not hire men at this school."
"You don't hire men?"
"That is what I said. I swear, if we didn't need men to keep up the population, then I'd wish them all dead."
"Why would you say such a thing? I mean, men are just as capable as women."
"Here at this school, we have a motto. It's simply this. 'Ai Isshin!'. * Love is all * Since men are incapable of showing love, they are not worthy to teach children."
'Not capable of showing love?' His mind reeled. This can't be true, but what about Akane. I've tried to tell her so many times, but failed each time. "No, I can't accept that. Men are able to love."
"Whatever. I've told you what I told the other man that tried. Now, leave or I'll call the guards."
"I'm leaving for now, but your guards..."
"What about them?"
"They're taking a little nap. Seems they ran into each other..."
"Stupid males..."
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'So that principal thinks men can't show love... Well, I do always feel a bit more emotional when I'm a girl, but still... I've felt love a lot of times. I know I can even show it real well. The girlfriend I had during college would agree... I hope... I have to get that job!... I wonder who that other guy was...' Ranma was so wrapped up in his thoughts, he almost ran into someone. "Sorry about that."
"That's alright." The woman replied. Ranma noticed she was wearing a short green skirt and a yellow jacket complimented by a skirt that screamed too short in Ranma's opinion. The strangest part of the woman's attire was the heart choker she wore. It seemed a bit too tight on her neck. "I'm sure I was probably not being as careful I could be. Hey, did you just come from the middle school?"
"Yeah, I was tryin to get a job there, but the stupid hag they got in charge there won't hire men." For a second, Ranma was certain, he saw the woman's eyes grow sad at the statement. "Don't worry about me though. I've got a plan to make her change her mind. I'll get hired no matter what I have to do..."
"That's the spirit..." She grimaced. 'Not another one. Go away buddy or you'll blow my cover.'
"Hey, I'm Ranma Saotome." He bowed slightly and extended his hand.
"Oh, I'm Amawa Hibiki."
'Hibiki... Oh crap... As long as she's not shouting die Ranma, I'll be ok...' Ranma thought. "Hey, you wouldn't happen to be related to a Ryoga Hibiki would you?"
"Yes, I am. He's my brother. I don't get to see him much since he's got the family curse..."
"That no sense of direction thing? Yeah, the pork butts always gettin lost."
"Pork butt? Why'd you call him that?"
"Huh... Oh... no reason. I'm sorry. It's just he always pickin fights with me."
"Ah... Well, I'll be off now. I have to get to my interview. It's been nice talking with you." Amawa quickly headed towards the middle school and Ranma turned and went into the apartment.
"Strange, I never knew Ryoga had a sister. She's a bit odd though. Something just ain't right about her..."
"Hello Ranma. How'd it go?" A short older woman asked as Ranma came in.
"Ba-chan? No good. You were right. They won't take men. I'm just getting started though! I'll get hired there within the week! No, make that the end of tomorrow!"
"You've got spunk kid. Need any help?"
"Nah, I've got my secret weapon still." Ranma said with a grin. 'I wouldn't do this if there was another way...'
"If it fails, my offer still stands. Your the first person here to pay several years in advance. That and I just love helping anyone that wants to piss of that old hag at the middle school!"
In case you've lost track of where everyone is currently at, check this list out.
Genma - going to college to finish his doctorate
Shampoo - trying to find Ranma after he disappeared
Ryoga - out training in the mountains
Dr. Tofu - working at UMKC in Kansas City, MO teaching the next generation of doctors
Ranma - Goshico preparing his plan
Akane - In the kitchen preparing her next meal
Cologne - working at the Nekohaten
Soun Tendo - teaching class in the dojo
Nodoka Saotome - preparing a feast for her busy husband
Ukyo - setting up a fifth shop in Juban
(* I'm not sure if they do the valedictorian speech in Japan high schools, so I'm basing it off American High schools instead. If anyone out there knows if it is different, please let me know and I'll change it at once. Also, if someone would like to write a tear enducing speech, I can put in in here and give the writer credit.
Thanks again for reading.)
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* Nodoka's dream needs to be described here. *
Nodoka woke, sweat drops covered her face as she breathed hard. The nightmare was so real and threatening that she knew it was a warning. Her son's path wasn't right. Teaching a dojo would destroy him, but the dream was already slipping away. All she knew was one simple fact. Her son had to change his aspiration. If he wanted to help people get physical, then he had to do it at a school of some kind, like a middle school or high school.
'It's the only way my boy can be safe.'
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The next day, she went over her game plan. She knew the two things that her son could not refuse. A request from her and a challenge. In her hand was part two of her plan. Martial Arts Tutoring. It was an ancient skill of Saotome women that she found locked in a giant iron safe. In side was a technique used to trick Saotome men into loving homework, studying, and schooling.
'Even if it kills me, I'll help you get the grades you need to pass high school with straight 'A's!'
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Nodoka quietly entered Ranma's room and set up the incense pot. She knew she'd have to be quick since Ranma's body had already been exposed to various other types of incense before, so it was possible that he might notice it before it could start working.
'My mother told me this incense is guaranteed to increase the mental abilities of any male, no matter how dumb they are. I only hope it works on Ranma and that lazy husband of mine,' she thought as she added a double mix into the burner. 'The more it has, the faster it works... I hope.'
As the incense waffed through the air, Nodoka began lightly hitting a series of pressure points on Ranma's head to increase blood flow and neural activities. She'd learned once that doing this usually caused Saotome men to have increasing realistic dreams. She wondered if that was true, but decided it didn't matter. All that really mattered was finished the points and getting out of his room without getting caught.
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A week later, Ranma's mind swirled. He reached over and tried to grab the counter. Something was wrong. As he tried to figure out what, he suddenly saw it. The answer was clear. His mind. That was what was wrong. Or at least, not the same.
'If I had to guess, I'd say the individual neural transmitters have each doubled in size... What the hell?'
He still felt odd, but the fuzz quickly disappeared and was replaced with a clarity he'd never felt before. In his mind, he could see everything he'd ever learned. Worst of all, he couldn't control which part of his past to see, so it was all coming at him in a giant jumble.
Slowly, as time went by, the images began to play themselves more individually. Within a half an hour, he'd seen his entire life, played on fast forward three times. Now, if someone had told him a month ago this would happen and then asked him what part he'd pay attention to, no one would have known what he'd have said. It wasn't the traveling, or the fighting. It wasn't even the training or the fiancées.
The part's he really focused on was the times he spent in a classroom or the times he spent studying for whatever reason. It all made sense too. He could remember math problems, science questions, and history even though he'd never really cared about it before.
His life was being changed and for the better. He felt the need to thank whatever god was watching him from above.
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Kasumi woke to a startling realization. She finally remembered how come she became such a good cook. It happened shortly after mother died and she was forced to learn or the family would starve.
'What would happen with Akane's cooking if I started refusing to cook," she thought to herself. 'Starting tomorrow, no more cooking for the family. Just myself!'
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Nodoka was so amazed at the changes in Ranma that she decided to try it on her husband. She had serious doubts about whether the bald martial artist own mother preformed this on him or not. She knew the worst that could happen was that Genma could get a law degree and become a lawyer.
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A week passed by and Genma had been waking up much easier then he'd ever been able to in the last several years. In fact, he felt it safe to say he felt better then he'd ever felt. His mind had opened up to some strange stuff lately and he wondered why it took him so long. An odd memory came to him.
When he was about three, his mother was pregnant and soon delivered a second child. Oddly enough, the child disappeared. When he asked about his brother later, his parents told him his brother died at birth, but he never believed it then. Something back then had told him it was a lie. Unfortunately, he was too young to care for long.
Genma decided it was way past time to find out the truth about his brother. He marched down to the public records and began his first research project in over thirty years.
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Out of hunger, Akane had started eating while she was cooking. Actually, she was trying to eat while she cooked, but she was learning that some things weren't good mixed together.
"No more attempting to add white wine or vinegar," she stated. "Now if I could just find something that tasted good with hoarse radish..."
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Several months have passed by and Ranma's teachers have gotten together to discuss their newest rising star and someone that they normally plotted against.
"You know why we're here. Ranma Saotome, a student whom until a few months ago showed no interest in school or even any ability to do well has become the top student. At this rate, he'll graduate at the head of his class!"
"Yes, we know this, but how can this be? He was so... stupid before."
"Wait a minute. I agree he's been a troublemaker and some days, he's not all with it in class, but I don't think stupid is the right word for it. I'd say unmotivated."
"But to change like this, so quickly, is unheard of. There's only one way he could be doing it. He's cheating!"
"If that were so, I'd be ok, but I'm certain he's not. Something is different. I've seen him finish his homework seconds after getting it. Once I asked to see it and all the answers were correct. It was amazing and since no one else was even close to being done, he couldn't have copied his answers."
"It just can't be... He's actually... Smart?!"
"I'm afraid so. I've made it a habit of searching his area before he arrives and I watch him closely during class. Cheating is not what he's doing."
"But if he's really smart..."
The rest of the night was spent crying as the teachers slowly and one by one realized they'd attempted to sabotage the best student they've ever had just because he got into fights and appeared to cause trouble.
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Akane lifted the spoon carefully to her lips and tasted. Seconds later, the spoon dropped.
"Kasumi!" Akane shouted. This brought the eldest daughter running.
"What is it Akane?"
"Here! Taste this!" Kasumi looked at the spoon with dread.
"I'm sure your own taste buds can do that..."
"I've already tasted it! Here!" Kasumi saw there was no way out so she leaned forward and let her mouth encompass the spoon. It was then a shock hit her from her tastebuds.
"This is... wonderful Akane."
"You think so too? Yes! Call everyone to the table. It's time for diner!"
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Over a year passed by and Genma's search for the truth of his brother was still on. He had to know what the truth really was. The records however, were less then helpful. Genma cursed as every paper trail lead to another dead end. The worst part was, all of his senses told him that some one was keeping something from him.
There was a paper trail he hadn't followed yet since it lead to officially sealed documents and he wanted to solve this problem legally. Soon it became clear that legal wasn't going to solve his problem.
Using his forbidden technique, the Umi-sen-ken, Genma sought out the records deep in the basement of city hall that he knew had to have his answers. If they didn't, then he would give up.
Cloaked, it didn't take long to find the filing cabinet. He pulled on it with all his might and it came open with a pop. Flipping through them, he finally found it. When he read the file, he gasped.
'I knew I had a brother, but it was him? All this time?'
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A day later, Genma and Soun were sitting on the porch playing their morning game of Shogi, when Soun tried his hand at cheating.
"What's that?!" Sound yelled as he pointed in a random direction.
"Tendo! You bastard! I can't stand it anymore!"
"Just who are you calling a bastard, Saotome?! As you may recall, you cheat like this all the time!"
"... Yes... I do... I do cheat... I can't believe I've been happy with myself for so long too." Off to the side, Nodoka smiled as she heard her husband's words. "Soun, I'm afraid I've got to come clean. When we made that promise to join the families, two things were wrong. First thing, we were both drunk off our asses from drinking too much sake. Well over twenty bottles if I'm not mistaken... Second, I finally managed to look up my family records and it turns out Tendo, you were given up for adoption. Before your last name was changed to Tendo, it was Saotome. That means we're related and our children can not marry since they're cousins."
"But Americans do it all the time!" Soun knew he was grasping at straws since he had no proof Americans really did that, but he figured if he didn't know, neither would Genma.
"Tendo, grow up. I know our culture isn't always that accepting of Americans, but they are not all that bad." Genma stood up and cleared his voice. "This arranged marriage is officially canceled. I think it would be best if Ranma and I left first thing in the morning. However Tendo..., Soun, I'd like to remain friends. Heck, I'd like to be brothers if your not still mad at me."
"Mad at you?" Soun starred at the table for a second. "Saotome... Genma, I'm not mad. Perhaps a bit disappointed, but I'm not mad. Your welcome to continue to stay here if you want."
"That's alright, I'm feeling like spending more time with my wife, oddly enough. I mean I love her a lot and yet I've barely spent any time with her. However, I'll tell Ranma that the offer is available if that's ok with you."
"Certainly Genma, I mean, it wouldn't do for him to have to change schools now that he's doing so well."
The two men grasped each other and embraced each other fiercely. Nodoka continued to smile as a tear rolled down her face.
'My husband is turning out to be a good man after all... Too bad I had to use my technique on him before he learned how...'
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Akane finished straining out the water as she tried to keep another pot well stired.
'This is it! All of my hard work is going to pay off tonight!' she thought as she looked over the various pots of steaming, bubbling, boiling foods.
"Akane, what is that delisious smell?"
"Oh, hi Kasumi. It's some recipes I found at the library."
"Oh my... That's a lot of food..."
"Well, I figured after having to eat nothing but Raman and curry, the family would die for something a bit more... complex."
"Well, I'm sure they'll love it," Kasumi stated as she breathed in the aroma.
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Three years and several months passed. Genma and Nodoka stood in the crowd and watched their child, Ranma Saotome made the speech. When he was done, there wasn't a dry eye or unused tissue to be found.
Just as Ranma was about to walk away from the podium, Nodoka ran up and started to snap pictures of Ranma in his flowing blue gown. All he could do was stand there and blush.
"Mom..."
"Ranma Saotome, me havin somethin very special for you." Ranma turned to see the Principal approaching him. "I still no like that pigtail of yours, but you done well in your years of school. So, in honor of your turn around, please take this as a tokin."
Ranma half expected an exploding coconut, but instead got a plaque with his name on it.
"Thanks..."
"Me wantin you to know ya make the big Kahuna very happy." Stepping towards Ranma, he embraced the off balance martial artist. After a few seconds, the principle stepped back and began to clap. Soon everyone joined in. The applause was almost deafening, but it made Ranma feel great.
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His mother told him that if he wanted to help students then he should think about putting his talents to good use and try teaching. At first, tried he cling to the old idea of his father. He still loved the martial arts more then anything, but it was becoming clearer every day that a dojo was not the way to earn a decent living.
Before long, he was completing a physical education degree at Tokyo University as well as an English and Science. He was qualified to teach any where in the world now. The real question was, where to teach? He thought about his own high school, but decided against it. Now matter how many years went by, the students never seemed to change even though they were completely different people.
It didn't take long before he found the school he wanted to teach at. It was a perfect school with a good reputation for molding students. And best of all , several positions had recently opened up. It wasn't a high school, but he didn't care. A middle school just meant he could have a better effect on the students.
At least, that's what his college girlfriend told him. She'd gone to the middle school called Seitow Sannomiya Private School. Every time she mentioned it, her eyes got a sparkle in them. That was more then enough to sell him on the idea of teaching there.
He quickly found a place to live that was located very close to the school. Thankfully, his mother gave him a very large sum of money before he left, so paying the rent up front wasn't a problem. Soon though, he learned that his real problem was about to start.
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He spotted security at the front gate and approached them casually.
"Halt!" The one on the left shouted.
"Hey, I come in peace officer," Ranma jokingly said. He then tried to reach out to shake their hand. " I'm here to apply for one of the teaching jobs."
"Sorry, but no men are allowed on the campus unless their here to see their children."
"What?"
"That's the rule. Sorry, I didn't make it. I just enforce it."
"Then how am I supposed to get this job if you won't let me on the campus?" The guards didn't answer and just laughed. "Fine, be that way, but your not stopping me."
As he stood in front of him, he took up a stance and began to fade away from sight.
"Ah!!!! It's a ghost!" The two guards started to run and picked the wrong directions to head as they smashed into each other.
"Looks like I won't need the Umi-Sen-ken to get in... Still I should keep using so I can scout the place out without getting caught."
Ranma moved in quietly and began to search the halls. He was pleased to see it was just a typical middle school.
'I'll enjoy working here. I just know it.' After a few minutes of searching, he finally found his goal. The principals office. Gently, he knocked on the door as he reappeared.
"Come in." He opened the door and for a second he thought how nice his new boss sounded. "What? Are you a parent?"
The woman asking the question was dressed in what appeared to be a kimono. Based on the little knowledge Ranma had on the subjects of kimonos, he was sure it was a very traditional one. He wondered if the kimono was a reflection of the person's personality.
"No ma'am. I'm here to apply for a teaching position."
"Stupid male, you should have done your homework before applying here." Ranma wondered if that statement was some kind of school teachers joke. He tried to laugh, but the look on the principal told him that wouldn't be a good idea.
"So what does that mean?"
"We do not hire men at this school."
"You don't hire men?"
"That is what I said. I swear, if we didn't need men to keep up the population, then I'd wish them all dead."
"Why would you say such a thing? I mean, men are just as capable as women."
"Here at this school, we have a motto. It's simply this. 'Ai Isshin!'. * Love is all * Since men are incapable of showing love, they are not worthy to teach children."
'Not capable of showing love?' His mind reeled. This can't be true, but what about Akane. I've tried to tell her so many times, but failed each time. "No, I can't accept that. Men are able to love."
"Whatever. I've told you what I told the other man that tried. Now, leave or I'll call the guards."
"I'm leaving for now, but your guards..."
"What about them?"
"They're taking a little nap. Seems they ran into each other..."
"Stupid males..."
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'So that principal thinks men can't show love... Well, I do always feel a bit more emotional when I'm a girl, but still... I've felt love a lot of times. I know I can even show it real well. The girlfriend I had during college would agree... I hope... I have to get that job!... I wonder who that other guy was...' Ranma was so wrapped up in his thoughts, he almost ran into someone. "Sorry about that."
"That's alright." The woman replied. Ranma noticed she was wearing a short green skirt and a yellow jacket complimented by a skirt that screamed too short in Ranma's opinion. The strangest part of the woman's attire was the heart choker she wore. It seemed a bit too tight on her neck. "I'm sure I was probably not being as careful I could be. Hey, did you just come from the middle school?"
"Yeah, I was tryin to get a job there, but the stupid hag they got in charge there won't hire men." For a second, Ranma was certain, he saw the woman's eyes grow sad at the statement. "Don't worry about me though. I've got a plan to make her change her mind. I'll get hired no matter what I have to do..."
"That's the spirit..." She grimaced. 'Not another one. Go away buddy or you'll blow my cover.'
"Hey, I'm Ranma Saotome." He bowed slightly and extended his hand.
"Oh, I'm Amawa Hibiki."
'Hibiki... Oh crap... As long as she's not shouting die Ranma, I'll be ok...' Ranma thought. "Hey, you wouldn't happen to be related to a Ryoga Hibiki would you?"
"Yes, I am. He's my brother. I don't get to see him much since he's got the family curse..."
"That no sense of direction thing? Yeah, the pork butts always gettin lost."
"Pork butt? Why'd you call him that?"
"Huh... Oh... no reason. I'm sorry. It's just he always pickin fights with me."
"Ah... Well, I'll be off now. I have to get to my interview. It's been nice talking with you." Amawa quickly headed towards the middle school and Ranma turned and went into the apartment.
"Strange, I never knew Ryoga had a sister. She's a bit odd though. Something just ain't right about her..."
"Hello Ranma. How'd it go?" A short older woman asked as Ranma came in.
"Ba-chan? No good. You were right. They won't take men. I'm just getting started though! I'll get hired there within the week! No, make that the end of tomorrow!"
"You've got spunk kid. Need any help?"
"Nah, I've got my secret weapon still." Ranma said with a grin. 'I wouldn't do this if there was another way...'
"If it fails, my offer still stands. Your the first person here to pay several years in advance. That and I just love helping anyone that wants to piss of that old hag at the middle school!"
In case you've lost track of where everyone is currently at, check this list out.
Genma - going to college to finish his doctorate
Shampoo - trying to find Ranma after he disappeared
Ryoga - out training in the mountains
Dr. Tofu - working at UMKC in Kansas City, MO teaching the next generation of doctors
Ranma - Goshico preparing his plan
Akane - In the kitchen preparing her next meal
Cologne - working at the Nekohaten
Soun Tendo - teaching class in the dojo
Nodoka Saotome - preparing a feast for her busy husband
Ukyo - setting up a fifth shop in Juban
(* I'm not sure if they do the valedictorian speech in Japan high schools, so I'm basing it off American High schools instead. If anyone out there knows if it is different, please let me know and I'll change it at once. Also, if someone would like to write a tear enducing speech, I can put in in here and give the writer credit.
Thanks again for reading.)
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