To read the original versions, go to Wade's home page.
Prologue Scene: A young man in a Chinese style red silk shirt by the name of Ranma and his mother Nodoka Saotome, who was dressed in a blue kimono with a red serpent-like creature decorated on it, are walking through the streets of Nerima, a district in Tokyo, Japan. Each of them were carrying a big knapsack on their backs. Nodoka was also carrying a sheathed Katana in her arms. Ranma also had a sheathed long sword tied to his knapsack. They have just got back from a training period in China and decide to pay a visit to an old friend.
Ranma: So mom, what do you know about this Tendo person?
Nodoka: I do know that Soun Tendo is the head of the Tendo Training Hall. He was also a friend of your fathers.
Ranma: I see. Any reason why we are dropping by his house?
Nodoka: Your father, before he died, said to drop by the training hall some time.
Ranma: I guess. You know, now that I think of it, I only knew dad for a few years. I never really knew him.
Nodoka: He was a kind and righteous man, son. He may have had his bad points, but he was my husband and he was your father. I loved him. I loved him so much, that I honored his last wish. That wish was for me to teach you the martial arts and to raise you as a man amongst men. I just hope that my knowledge of the martial arts was good enough for you to run the Saotome school.
Ranma: Come on, mom. If I can kick anybody's ass, you must be doing something right.
Nodoka: (Slaps Ranma on the back of the head) Your language,
Ranma; furthermore, I did not teach you to "kick ass" as you put it. I taught you to defend yourself.
Ranma: (Rubbing the back of his head) Did you have to hit me so hard?
Nodoka: You're not supposed to use foul language in front of your mother.
Ranma: Sorry.
Nodoka: You do that somewhere else.
Ranma: Right.
Nodoka: Tell you what. You go ahead and meet the Tendo's while I go to the store to buy some groceries.(hands a piece of paper to Ranma). The address is on that paper.
Ranma: Got it. See you. (Ranma runs off).
[Ranma runs off to the Tendo training hall; Nodoka turns the opposite direction and goes to the grocery store]
[Meanwhile, an animal that looks like a cat watches Ranma from the trees. The cat decides to follow.]
Ranma 1/2 AS Originally "A Little Motherly Love"
By Serguei Rocha Original Stories by Celeste Byrd Section 1: First Meetings Scene: Ranma keeps running to make it on time to the Tendo Training Hall. He rounds the corner at high speed; he doesn't notice the woman in front of him, who was carrying a grocery bag. Ranma runs into the woman, causing her to fall to the ground and spilling her grocery bags.
Woman: Oww!
Ranma: Oh God, I'm sorry!
Woman: That's all right, young man. Just watch where you're going next time.
Ranma: Here. Let me help you up.(offers a hand to the woman).
Woman: Thank you.(takes Ranma's hand and gets up)
[As Ranma helps the woman up, he can't help but be stunned by the woman's beauty. She had brown hair that was in a pony tail. She also had a pretty face that didn't need any make up to bring out her beauty. She was dressed in a long dress; the top was a white blouse and the dress was green. The woman also had a slender figure which caught Ranma's eye. Ranma kept holding the woman's soft hands even after she got up. Ranma's mind was in dreamland]
Woman: Young man?
Ranma: Huh?
Woman: You can let go of my hand now.
Ranma: (blushes and lets go of the woman's hand) Sorry.
Woman: Honestly. Where were you going in such a hurry?
Ranma: The Tendo Training Hall.
Woman: If so, you're going the wrong way. It's on the right corner,
not the left.
Ranma: How do you know that?
Woman: I live there.
Ranma: Are you Mr. Tendo's wife?
Woman: (a little sad and hurt) Eldest daughter.
Ranma: Oops.
Woman: It's okay. I am 19, but I admit, I do look a bit old.
Ranma: (trying hard to disagree) No way! I've never met a girl as young and cute as you!
Woman: (blushes lightly) Cute?
Ranma: (nervously) What I meant was beautiful! Yeah, that's it!
Woman: (blushes a beet red)No. Cute is fine.
Ranma: (smiles)Beautiful suits you more.
Woman:(looking embarrassed) Stop it! That's enough!
Ranma: (looks apologetic but try's to keep smiling)Sorry. I got a little carried away. You are beautiful, though.
Woman: Didn't I tell you to stop?
Ranma: Sorry again. By the way, my name's Saotome Ranma.(bows to the woman)
Woman: My name is Tendo Kasumi.
Ranma: So, were you heading home?
Kasumi: I was, but now I have to get to the grocery store again.
Ranma: You won't have to.(Picks up the grocery bags) My mom went to the store; plus she told me to go ahead and meet your family.
Kasumi: Since we're both going there, we'll walk together.
Ranma: (blushing) Sure!
Kasumi: I'll lead the way.
[Kasumi and Ranma walk together to the Tendo Training Hall. On the way, Ranma talks about his martial arts training in the many parts of Japan and China. Kasumi talks about her life in general. She assumed the position as the caretaker of the Tendo Family when her mother died.]
Kasumi: You have led an interesting life.
Ranma: Well, my mom decided to take me on a training trip because it was my dad's last wish. You could say that since then,
I've had some pretty interesting adventures.
Kasumi: Since my mother died, I've done all I can to take care of my family. My father would've fallen apart if I just sat in the house doing nothing.
Ranma: You mentioned you had to quit school.
Kasumi: Family comes first, Ranma. You should know that.
Ranma: I see.
Kasumi: I mentioned that I have two younger sisters.
Ranma: (raising an eyebrow and looking at Kasumi) What about it?
Kasumi: I should warn you about them. Nabiki tends to make money off anything; I don't approve of this, but she does make a living.
Ranma: So she's shady.
Kasumi: Just be wary. My youngest sister Akane is a martial artist. But to me, she's just a very active athlete.
Ranma: A tomboy.
Kasumi: She'd have your head for that comment.
Ranma: (gulps nervously) They can't be that bad. I mean, we all have our quirks.
Kasumi: I guess.
[the two arrive at the Tendo home and are outside the gates]
Kasumi: Well, here we are.
[Ranma is impressed at the set up of the Tendo Home. Behind the stone gates, There was a two story home and on the side was the dojo. In the back yard, there was a koi pond with some beautiful colorful fish. Ranma runs around the yard to take in the surroundings. Indeed he is too impressed for words]
Ranma: ...
Kasumi: Do you like it?
Ranma: Oh yeah. A big home, a dojo, and some space. Maybe staying here won't be so bad.
Kasumi: Are you planning to stay?
Ranma: Not too long. I mean if that's a problem-
Kasumi: Not at all, Ranma-san.
Ranma: (blushes)Must you be so formal?
Kasumi: It's good manners. You know, you smell funny.
Ranma: Sorry about that. I haven't taken a bath in hours.
Kasumi: You can use mine.
Ranma: (raising an eyebrow) You're offering your bathroom to a complete stranger?
Kasumi: (smiles) I trust you, Ranma-san.
Ranma: Okay then.(setting down the grocery bags on the ground )Look, Kasumi. Before we go any further, I want to tell you something.
Kasumi: (teasing and smiling) You're not going to declare you're love for me, are you?
Ranma: (teasing and smiling) Not unless you want me too.
Kasumi: (giggles)You're a flirt.
Ranma: Seriously though. What I'm about to show you might give you a panic attack.
Kasumi: (concerned) What might that be?
Ranma: I mentioned quirks. I got a big one and it might scare you.
Kasumi: Ranma, I'm a big girl. I'm as calm as can be.
Ranma: (taking out a bottle of water from his pocket) Here goes.
[Ranma pours the water over his head. To Kasumi's surprise,
Ranma turns into a girl with red hair, a little bit short in size, and a pretty figure]
Kasumi:...
Ranma-chan: (relieved) Oh good. You didn't panic.
[because she hears the female voice, Kasumi faints]
Ranma-chan: (sarcastically) You just fainted.
[Ranma-chan picks up Kasumi and starts to the door]
Ranma-chan: (a bit sad) I guess I can't blame you. It's not everyday you meet a guy who turns into a girl. (Sighs) I guess you won't talk to me anymore. I was really beginning to like you.
Scene: Ranma is now in Kasumi's room; he lays her on the bed and covers her up. Ranma smiles at Kasumi's still form.
Ranma-Chan: She'll be up soon. I guess it couldn't hurt to use the bathroom while your family is away. I'll meet them once they get back.
[Ranma starts to the bathroom, but briefly looks over his shoulder at Kasumi]
Ranma-chan: Kasumi-chan...
Scene: Meanwhile, in another part of town, two school girls walk out of Furinkan High School side by side. One girl has short,
brown hair; the other has long, black hair. The one in brown seems to be walking calmly. The one in black seems to be angry. They both walk down the street as they head for home.
Akane: I swear. If Kuno shows up tomorrow, I'll break his back!
Nabiki: Really, Akane. Look, I know it's Kuno's fault for all those boys challenging you every morning. But I don't think breaking his back is going to solve the problem.
Akane: If you're so concerned about him, why don't you date him?!
Nabiki: I wouldn't date that loser even if he paid me.
Akane: (getting very angry) Whatever. Now there's the thing about a boy staying at our house!
Nabiki: Oh yeah. It seems daddy had a friend who died about 10 years ago. He also said that the widow and her son are dropping by. I believe that the son's name is Saotome Ranma.
Akane: (still angry) Doesn't matter! If he try's anything, I'll break his neck!
Nabiki: Come on, Akane. Must you act with every guy this way?
Akane: Serves them right for being so immature.
Nabiki: (teasing) Not like your sweet Tofu, huh?
Akane: (blushing and turning to Nabiki furiously) That's Dr. Tofu,
Nabiki, and he's not like the other guys!
Nabiki: (looks at Akane seriously) Listen, little sister. That guy-for one thing- is too old for you.
Akane: So? Love knows no bounds!
Nabiki: Second, he only see's you as a little immature schoolgirl.
Akane: (looking down sadly)...
Nabiki: The third one is really going to hurt you. The good doctor only has eyes-so to speak-for our big sister, Kasumi.
Akane: (sadly) The way Dr. Tofu acts when she's around-
Nabiki: ( Cutting Akane off) ...Has got be one of the most amusing acts I've ever seen.
Akane:(angry) Stop it, Nabiki! You wouldn't understand!
Nabiki: (raising an eyebrow) Understand what?
Akane: Being in love!
Nabiki: I got better things to do than moon over somebody all my life existence. I'm better than that.
Akane: Like counting Yen, you heartless Scrooge.
Nabiki: Now, now. That's not very nice refereeing to your big sister Nabiki that way.
Akane: (angry) Fine. Whatever.
[The two sisters arrive at the Tendo Training Hall. They first notice the gates are already opened. The two were surprised to see two grocery bags on the ground. ]
Nabiki: (calm) That's funny. Kasumi never leaves the groceries outside. Maybe she finally broke down after all these years.
Akane: It's probably nothing. Listen, I'm going to take a bath. You go ahead and take the groceries in.
Nabiki: (sounding a bit hurt) Oh poop. Must I be condemned to manual labor?
Akane: (sternly) Very funny, Nabiki. Just carry them in.
Nabiki:(Sarcastically) Woe is me.
[As Akane heads to the bathroom, Nabiki notices her father, Soun Tendo, coming in through the gates with a middle aged woman at his side. Soun seems to be sobbing for some reason, while the woman seems to be calm, yet ashamed at the man. Mostly because she was dragging him by the ear.]
Nabiki: Say daddy, are you dating?
Soun: (sobbing) No!
Lady: Act your age, Tendo-san! Honestly.
Soun: (sobbing happily) This is my departed friends wife, Saotome Nodoka.
Nabiki: (Bows to Nodoka) Good afternoon, Saotome-san.
Nodoka: Good afternoon, Nabiki-chan.
Soun: (still sobbing) Oh happy day!
Nodoka: Is your father always like this?
Nabiki: Most of the time. Anyway, I thought you were bringing your son over.
Nodoka: He went on ahead. I was going to buy some groceries, but I bumped into your father. He was so happy to see me that he burst into tears and was babbling about a deal being held up. I swear, if I wasn't who I am, I'd have you father committed to the psychiatric ward. Of course I had to drag him home and I had to forget about the shopping.
Nabiki: (curious) You say your son went on ahead. But I haven't seen him yet.
Nodoka: That's funny. Ranma should be here by now.
[Everyone hears a scream from upstairs, which brings attention to the people who are outside. It even brings Soun out of his sobbing state. Then Akane runs out of the house, screaming angrily as she picks up a nearby boulder.]
Akane: I'll kill the pervert! I swear I'll drown him in the tub!
Nabiki: (a bit concerned) Hey Akane, what's up?
Akane: There's a pervert in the bathroom!
Nabiki: {Didn't think there was anyone brave enough to peek on Akane} Why didn't you just kill him with your bare hands?
Akane: Because I was afraid!
Nodoka: Put the rock down. Akane, is it? That won't be necessary.
Akane: (whirling to Nodoka) I think it's very necessary!
[Ranma enters the yard with a sheepish grin and rubbing the back of his head with his left hand. Everyone takes notice, including a hopeful Soun.]
Nabiki: You're Ranma, right?
Ranma: (sheepishly) Yeah. Sorry about this.
[Soun runs over to Ranma and hugs him tightly. Soun sobs in happiness while Ranma feels the tight embrace.]
Soun: Oh happy day! Oh how I waited long for this!
Ranma: {This guy's really emotional!} Will you stop that?! You're going to break me half!
[Kasumi comes downstairs. She was feeling a little lightheaded after waking up.]
Kasumi: (yawns) Did I hear Akane scream? I could've sworn
[Kasumi notices Ranma and quickly runs to him. She quickly pushes Soun, causing him to let go of the embrace. Kasumi quickly observes and examines Ranma from head to toe.]
Kasumi: (curiously) I wasn't dreaming, was I?
Ranma: (Nervously) Ah, no.
Kasumi: (quickly hugging Ranma and sobbing a bit) I'm so glad you're here for real, Ranma-san. This confirms that I'm not crazy and I don't need therapy.
Ranma: (smiling at Kasumi) If anybody tells you that you need therapy, I'll kick their sorry behinds from here to America.
Kasumi: (looking up at Ranma and instantly kisses him on the cheek) Thank you, Ranma-san. But you don't have to resort to violence just to appease me.
Ranma: (blushing) I'll try.
[There's a silence. There was also several faces looking at Ranma.
Nabiki with a raised eyebrow of curiosity, Nodoka just looking calm, Soun looking a bit confused, and Akane looking a very shocked at the development.]
Nodoka: Maybe we should address ourselves to the living room and get acquainted. Maybe calming down a little with some tea.
Scene: Ranma, his mother, and the Tendo Family are in the living room; They are all at the dinner table sitting down. Kasumi,
Nabiki, and Akane, who is really angry, are sitting together. Ranma sits along her mother and Soun is standing over the Saotome's.
Soun: (now serious faced) I think proper introductions are an order. This is my departed friends wife...
Nodoka: Saotome Nodoka. This is my son...
Ranma: Ranma.
Nodoka: As Kasumi already knows, my son has a certain condition.
Ranma: Mom, it's a curse.
Kasumi: (looking sad, looking down) If you think being a girl is a curse...
Ranma: (desperately) I didn't mean it like that, Kasumi!
Kasumi:(relieved) Thank you, Ranma-san.
Nodoka: (hands Ranma a squirt gun) Son...
Ranma: (rolling his eyes as he takes the squirt gun) Yeah, mom.
[Ranma points the water gun to his temple as if he was going to kill himself. He pulls the trigger and cold water comes out of it's nuzzle. Ranma turns into a girl. Nabiki's eyes brighten in surprise while Akane jaw drops to the floor.]
Nabiki: (a bit calm) Interesting people you know, daddy.
Soun: Even though I haven't met the boy, Ranma wasn't always like this. Not before he and his mother undertook that terrible training exercise.
Flashback Scene: Ranma and his mother are at Jusenkyo, China. A place where there is a cursed training ground. It is the afternoon,
and Ranma, his mother, and the infamous Jusenkyo guide, finally arrive at the site.
Guide: Here, sir and madam, is the legendary training ground of Jusenkyo. More then hundred springs here. Each one has own tragic legend.
Ranma: Mom, are you sure this is where all the hot martial artists train?
Nodoka: That's what my guidebook says, dear. Not impressed?
Ranma: (yawning) Not much. Don't see what's so special about this place.
[both combatants jump onto a bamboo pole opposite of each other]
Guide: Sir! Madam! What you doing?!
Nodoka: Son, I know how much you love the martial arts, but haven't you thought of settling down? (Taking a crane stance while balancing on the bamboo pole)
Ranma: (smiles challengingly)I'll settle down when I'm dead,
mom.(taking a defensive stance)
Nodoka: You should apply yourself with studying more, son. I mean, martial arts can't dominate everything in your life.
Ranma: Martial arts doesn't dominate my life. (Jumps at Nodoka with a flying punch) Martial arts is my life, and nothing is going to change that!
Nodoka: (changes stance to a defensive one) Then show me what you have learned, son and pupil of mine.
[Nodoka kicks Ranma in the midsection as he approached. Ranma is sent flying into the air, but safely lands on another bamboo pole.]
Nodoka: (keeping her balance)Just because I'm your mother doesn't mean I'll go easy on you, Ranma.
Ranma: I know. {Believe it or not, mom, that's the way I like it}
[Both combatants leap into the air. When they meet, they start attacking at an amazing speed. As they descend, the two fighter leap off each other and land on their respective bamboo poles. They do this for an extensive period of time, attacking each other at full speed and anticipating each others moves. Having enough, Nodoka whips out her Katana. Ranma then whips out what seems to be a long sword]
Nodoka: Son, where did you get that?!
Ranma: I found it somewhere. I figured I would give it to you as a present since you like swords so much.
Nodoka: I prefer my Katana, Ranma. Besides, I think you should have it.
Ranma: But I hate weapons, mom! Besides, I'm better without them!
Nodoka: Sometimes I wonder about your confidence, Ranma. There's going to come a time when you face an unfair opponent,
and you're going have to resort to a weapon. It has a longer reach and it increases your defense. I'm glad you found that long sword.
Ranma: (Aiming sword at his mom) All right then. We'll fight with swords. But if I win, no more weapon lessons.
Nodoka: Your funeral, son of mine!
Guide: (from a safe distance) Sir! Madam! Very bad if you fall in spring!
[both combatants resume the fight, blades clashing. At first Ranma has the upper hand, but Nodoka's weapon experience gets the better of the young martial artist. Ranma begins to tire and slow down and his concentration begins to weaken. Then Ranma notices a low thrust by Nodoka, which wasn't aimed at him. This confuses Ranma and that cost him. He doesn't notice the Bamboo break under his feet and he begins to lose balance. Ranma falls into a spring, a shocked expression on his face. There's a loud splash. The sword lands somewhere near the spring.]
Guide: Aiya! Not spring of drowned girl!
[The surface of the water is calm for a moment. Then Ranma erupts from the spring like a rocket and lands on an undamaged pole. Nodoka looks at his son closely. Her face is the expression of total shock.]
Nodoka: Son?
Ranma: (high pitched voice) What's up, mom? We done already?
Nodoka: (shocked) Am I going mad?
Guide: There's a tragic story of a girl that drown in spring 1,500 year ago. Now whoever fall in spring-
Nodoka: Ranma, look at yourself! You're my daughter now!
Ranma: (confused) What the...?!
[Ranma looks down at his body and notices that he was a she. Ranma couldn't bring him/herself to scream, for he/she was in too much of a shock.]
Guide: -take body of girl.
Nodoka: (still in shock) Guide, please tell me that there's a cure!
Guide: Hot water will reverse the effect, but cold water will return your son to cursed body.
Nodoka: (calming down and sighing) Oh that's good. We'll just have to find some hot water then.
Ranma: (muttering as she was looking down at herself) My life is going to be interesting from this point on.
-end of Flashback scene-
Scene: Back in the present, Kasumi is in a bit of surprise at the story. She feels sorry for poor Ranma, but at the same time she thinks that the boy shouldn't have gone to that horrible place. You get what you wish for, she thinks. Nabiki looks at Ranma with several degrees of shock. Akane loses her angry expressions.
Soun: Jusenkyo. The legendary training grounds. It's location has always been shrouded in secrecy. But why would they make that horrid place a tourist attraction?
Nabiki: (answering a matter-a-factly) People need to make money,
right? Take me, for example.
I can make money of anything. You just name it.
Soun: (pouring contents of a boiling kettle on Ranma) So, hot water changes you back into a boy.
Ranma: (a little miffed and gritting his teeth) Hot, not boiling.
Soun: (patting Ranma on the back) Well, your problem's not so bad now, is it?
Ranma: Why's that?
Soun: Let me re-introduce you to my daughters. You've already met my eldest daughter, Kasumi; she's 19. The one in the short hair is Nabiki; she's 17. The youngest is my only martial arts pupil,
Akane; she's 16. Pick one.
Ranma: Huh?
Soun: Years before your father died, he and I agreed that you would marry one of my daughters.
Nodoka: Ranma, remember when I mentioned that your father had his bad points?
Ranma: Yeah?
Nodoka: Well, your father wasn't the brightest person in the world. This arrangement has got to be one of the stupidest ideas he's ever had. Plus, he never told me about this because he knew I wouldn't have approved of this.
Ranma: (turning to Soun) Tendo-san, let me be frank. (Shouting)
You expect me to be engaged to one of your daughters on the basis that I've only known them for an hour?!
Nodoka: I'm sorry, Soun. I raised my son to know that love isn't instant. Besides, this whole arrangement is too old fashioned for him.
Soun: (Bursting into tears) But it's for family honor!
Ranma: (whispering to his mom) Niagra Falls.
Nodoka: Or a reasonable facsimile thereof.
Akane: (standing up, enraged) Why would we marry a pervert like him?!
[Silence engulfs the room. Akane is a little disturbed]
Kasumi: (sternly) Akane, be nice!
Ranma: Hold up, Akane. What did you just call me?
Akane: A pervert, pervert!
Kasumi: Akane!
Ranma: Why am I pervert?
Akane: Because you were in my bathroom, pervert!
Ranma: Kasumi let me use the it! You walk in on me, and I'm the pervert! Yeah, very nice conclusion, Akane!
Nabiki: He's got a point there, little sister.
Akane: Sure, take his side!
Ranma: (impersonating Jack Nicholson) What's the matter, Akane?
Can't handle the truth?
Akane: I'll show you truth!
[before Ranma could react, Akane lifts up the table. Everybody but Ranma is wise enough to get out of the way. Akane then smashes the table over Ranma's head. Needless to say, Ranma goes down;
his world becomes black.]
Akane: While we're on the subject of Crazy Jack, here's another one for you! (Lifts up the table again) Here's Johnny!
Kasumi: (now standing between Ranma's still form and the angry Akane. She looks at her littlest sister sternly) Akane! I think that is quite enough!
Akane: (looking at her eldest sister in shock) Kasumi!
Kasumi: If mother was still with us, she'd tell you to go to your room and think about what you just did!
Akane:(calming down) But-
Kasumi: You don't treat guests like this, Akane. Now I 'm taking Ranma upstairs and treat his head. Then I'm going to assure him that he is very welcome in this house!
[Akane falls silent as she let's go of the table. She falls to her knees and bows her head in shame.]
Kasumi: (Scoops up Ranma in her arms, looking at him sadly) Poor boy. (Turns her face to Akane with the same sadness) Maybe you can't handle the truth, little sister.
Akane: Kasumi...
Nabiki: Knives through the heart, big sister.
[Kasumi takes Ranma upstairs]
Nodoka: That was surely interesting.
Nabiki: I'm sorry for my little sister, Saotome-san. She tends to be a violent maniac.
Akane: (sadly) No more knives, Nabiki.
Nabiki: We were on the subject of this engagement. I may have an idea on how to handle this. But's it's going to cost you.
Akane: Nabiki, now is not the time for Yen.
Nodoka: (raising an eyebrow) How much?
Nabiki: 20,000 Yen should cover it.
[Nodoka pulls out a bundle of money strapped to a rubber band. Since it's a lot of money, Nabiki starts to drool]
Nodoka: I use this for travel expenses, dear. (Looks a Nabiki) Wipe that drool off. You look disgusting.
Nabiki: (embarrassed) Oh, sorry.
[Nodoka hands Nabiki 20,000 Yen. Nabiki gladly takes it]
Nabiki: Okay. The thing is, there won't be an engagement.
Soun: (starts crying again) But Why?!
Nabiki: Because, daddy, Ranma's right. Being engaged in less than a day is being unreasonable.
Soun: But-
Nabiki: I'm not finished! Now here's what I propose. The Saotome's will stay here to see if Ranma is compatible with one of us. But if there is going to be an engagement, it will be between Ranma and one of us. You get me, daddy?
Soun: Oh, my daughter is trying to ruin me!
Nodoka: That seems pretty reasonable, Nabiki.
Nabiki: Thank you, Saotome-san.
Nodoka: Let's humor your father, Nabiki. Call me Auntie.
Nabiki: If you insist.
Akane: Count me out, Nabiki. I'm not going to play a part in this. (Gets up angrily and walks through the sliding screen. She slams it on the way out.)
Nodoka: I fear for my sons safety.
Nabiki: She'll cool off.
[Meanwhile, outside the home, a little man watches the house from the shadows with binoculars. He dashes off before he's noticed.]
Scene: After four hours, Ranma finally wakes. He finds himself in a room and he's on a bed. Ranma feels his head and feels a bandage on his head. He was about to fall asleep, but notices a girl in a nightgown, and wakes up fully, never minding the pain.
Ranma: Whoa...
Kasumi: (gasps)Oh, your awake.
Ranma: (sheepishly) Hey. Didn't mean to startle you.
Kasumi: (smiling) I know. By the way, sorry for my little sister's behavior.
Ranma: (groaning and feeling his head) Thanks for bringing that up.
Kasumi: I swear. She gets mad at the slightest things. I don't know why she acts this way.
Ranma: Look, her behavior is not your fault. Maybe it's just the way she is.
Kasumi: But I tried so hard to calm her down. But her behavior towards the opposite sex is still the same. She hates boys.
Ranma: I can see that. Man, my head hurts.
Kasumi: Just lie still, Ranma. By tomorrow, you won't feel any pain.
Ranma: Let me get this straight. Not only did you let me use your bathroom, but your letting me crash into your room for the night.
Kasumi: It looks that way, Ranma-san.
Ranma: Does mom know about this?
[knock on the door]
Kasumi: (whispers) Lie still and close your eyes. It might be Akane. Oh, look away.
Ranma: (whispers) Got it.
[Ranma does as Kasumi says and covers up in bed.]
[Kasumi opens her door. She sees Nodoka]
Kasumi: Saotome-san. Did your day at the mall go well?
Nodoka: Yes, Kasumi. Is my son awake yet?
Kasumi: Uh, no he isn't.
Nodoka: I guess that blow to the head was pretty bad.
Kasumi: Saotome-san, can I ask you a favor?
Nodoka: (raising her right eyebrow) Yes, Kasumi?
Kasumi: (sweating a bit, her heart racing) Can Ranma stay here in my room for the night?
Nodoka: If he's going to be like that for the rest of the night, then I guess there's no problem.
Kasumi: Thank you, Saotome-san.
[Kasumi watches Nodoka leave down the hallway. Nodoka stops about a few meters away and turns her head around.]
Nodoka: Kasumi?
Kasumi: Yes, Saotome-san?
Nodoka: (smiles) Try not to be too rough on my boy. He's all I have left.
Kasumi: (blushing) Saotome-san!
Nodoka: (laughs) Just kidding, Kasumi. {I hope she doesn't try to take advantage of him.}
Kasumi: (still sweating) Good night, Saotome-san.
[Kasumi closes her door. She turns around and sees a nervous Ranma in front of her. Kasumi smiles at this.]
Ranma: (nervously) Uh, Kasumi-
Kasumi: (smiles) It's all for the best, Ranma-san. You are safe here.
Ranma: (sweating and eyes growing wide) I am?!
Kasumi: (assuring) Very.
Ranma: Look, Kasumi. You're very nice, but aren't you being a little bold?
Kasumi: (approaching) Whatever do you mean, Ranma-san?
Ranma: (gulps) Please don't.
Kasumi: You know, Ranma-san, you are different. It's not because of your curse.
Ranma: Then in what way, pray tell?!
Kasumi: You don't bore me.
Ranma: Huh?
Kasumi: Usually, young boys bore me to death. Not you. (Lies beside Ranma) Do you like me, Ranma?(wraps her arms around Ranma's neck.)
Ranma: (Now nervous more than ever) {What do I say? Man, this whole situation is nuts! I mean, I know a lot of girls went after me everywhere I went, but I always took it calmly. I usually either ignored them or turned them down as gently as possible. So what the hell is the matter with me?!}
Kasumi: Ranma, you're tense.
Ranma: ...
Kasumi: (lets go of Ranma and giggles) Relax, Ranma. I'm only teasing.
Ranma: {Thank God!}
Kasumi: Can you turn off the lights, Ranma?
Ranma: (relieved) Sure.
[Ranma reaches for the lamp and switches it off. Ranma lies down beside Kasumi. ]
Kasumi: (kisses Ranma on his cheek) Ranma, I'm sure we will become good friends.
Ranma: {Good friends, she says.}
[Kasumi sleeps peacefully while Ranma stays awake. ]
Ranma: {Still, she is very beautiful. I'm surprised she doesn't have a boyfriend. (Scoots away from Kasumi) Kasumi-chan, why do I feel this way? Have I fallen in love with you?}
[Ranma looks at Kasumi's sleepy face]
Ranma: (sighs) {It could never work. She's three years older than me for crying out loud. The only thing I can think of her is a friend. That's all.}
[Unbeknownst to Ranma, Kasumi was also in thought. ]
Kasumi: { Oh, Ranma. I hope I do get to know you better. You have so much to tell. I know I'm a bit older than you, but as I remember it, love knows no bounds. Don't worry, I won't move fast on you. I'll go my own pace. I like you, but neither one of us is ready for this. I guess being friends won't be so bad after all.}
Scene: Interior of the Kuno mansion's dojo. A man no older than 18 swings his bokken for practice. He has a serious face of determination as he practices.
Man: {Soon, Akane-chan, you will be mine. For I, Kuno Tatewaki,
shall seek your love.}
[A small man in a ninja uniform and mask enters the dojo. He kneels down before Tatewaki.]
Small man: My lord!
Tatewaki: What is it?! This had better be good, for you have interrupted my training!
Small man: Forgive me, my lord. But I have news.
Tatewaki: News? Does this concern my beloved Tendo Akane?
Small man: Very much so. It seems that a man has moved into her home.
Tatewaki: (Furious) A man?!
Small man: Yes, my lord. He goes by the name of Saotome Ranma. Apparently he has some sort of deal with the Tendo family.
Tatewaki: A deal?
Small man: It seems that his father and Akane's father made a pact. It looks like this Ranma fellow has the choice to choose a fiancee.
Tatewaki: What?!
Small man: It looks like you've gained a rival, my lord.
Tatewaki: No such thing to me as a rival. This Ranma person shall pay the price for interfering in my affairs. I, Kuno Tatewaki, shall make this insolent commoner pay.
Small man: But he is not worthy of your punishment, lord Kuno. He will be no match.
Tatewaki: How do you presume that, lowly servant?
Small man: Although he is the heir of a martial arts school, Ranma has been solely raised by his mother.
Tatewaki: A man raised by a female parent. He is no man then. This Ranma may as just well be a scholar rather than a fighter. But I have trained in the art of Kendo for the most part of my life. I am the captain of Furinkan High School Kendo club. My skill has no equal, save for the lovely Tendo Akane. No man can beat me, nor this Saotome nat. He is like an insect to me. Even though he is under-skilled, he will meet justice at my hands.
Small man: But my lord. Let me have the honor of disposing Saotome.
Tatewaki: Silence, servant! He will likely choose Akane-chan for his fiancee. Saotome will see that it is an error to choose such beauty, such strength, and such grace the likes of Tendo Akane. Under-skilled or not, Saotome will meet justice at the hands of Kuno Tatewaki! May the Kami be with Saotome, because no one on this earth will.( Begins to laugh at the top of his lungs as he raises his bokken.)
[a woman with black hair and in a kimono, a bit younger than Tatewaki, enters the room.]
Woman: (yawns) Dear brother. You bore me with you constant warriors act. Must you play with the peasants to gain your goals?
Tatewaki: Silence, insolent sister. I must prove to my love that no commoner is worthy of her. The only one worthy of Tendo Akane is I!
Woman: You could avoid all this barbarism if you only listen to me.
Tatewaki: I'd slit that tongue if you weren't family, Kodachi.
Kodachi: (smiles evilly) Oho, brother dear. Akane can be yours if you would use one of my potions. It's as simple as that. Why, she could be yours forever.
Tatewaki: The great Kuno Tatewaki will never stoop as low as to use sorcery to gain my love. Such acts are that of a coward, and might I add, un-manly.
Kodachi: Such acts are wiser to begin with. For example, the man in my life is very shy, so I must use persuasion to get his attention. But he can't admit his love to me because he is stunned by my modest beauty. He always turns away from me so I must use my spells to get him.
Tatewaki: He sees through your trickery, witch. Now leave me be. I must contemplate on my strategy. {Twisted sister. What does she know of love?}
Kodachi: You are forever the idiot, Tachi.
Tatewaki: Never call me that, you twisted, evil witch.
Kodachi: I leave you to your boyish plans then.
[Kodachi bounces of outside the dojo and cackles loudly. This sends shivers down Tatewaki's spine.]
Tatewaki: Such a sound shivers someone such as I. (Kneels on both legs and begins to concentrate.) No matter. I must plan for tomorrow. Servant! Leave me! I must meditate with no interruptions.
Small man: Yes, my lord.
[small man leaves]
Tatewaki: (In deep thought) {Saotome Ranma. Scholar or no, you will meet justice.}
Scene: It is now the next day in the morning. Akane comes downstairs from her bedroom in a blue dress and white blouse,
ready for another school day. She notices only a few people in the living room: Her father and Nabiki are waiting for breakfast and Kasumi was in the kitchen. Akane walked into the kitchen.
Akane: Morning, Kasumi.
Kasumi: (turns around for a bit to look at her sister, then concentrates on the food again) Good morning, little sister.
Akane: Look, about last night-
Kasumi: All is forgiven, Akane. Despite your childish behavior, the Saotome's will indeed stay here for the time being. I expect you to treat them with respect.
Akane: If you're saying I should respect that pervert, fat chance!
Kasumi: (sighs) He's really a nice boy, that is if you don't push him.
Akane: He didn't do anything while you were asleep, did he?
Kasumi: Akane, you knocked him out cold. Besides, Ranma wouldn't do that.
Akane: He looked at my body, Kasumi. How can you be so trusting with a guy like that?
Kasumi: Because I want to be his friend, Akane. He's really nice. In fact, it was nice of him to help me out with making breakfast. Ranma really knows his way around the kitchen.
Akane: (sarcastically) So where is Mr. Perfect anyway?
[From outside, there's a male scream, followed by a splash.]
Kasumi: At the moment, he's in the pond where his mother threw him.
[outside, Ranma rises from the pond in his girl form.]
Ranma-chan: Whoa! No fair, mom!
Nodoka: (sternly) Son, I don't know what was distracting you. But either way, you lost, and that means you go to school like we agreed. Honestly. When you set the stakes, you wind up falling on your face.
Ranma-chan: (mad) Fine. Maybe I won't set the stakes next time.
Nodoka: Go towel off, dear. Your school clothes are upstairs in the guest room.
Ranma-chan: School clothes?! Mom, I'll go to school. But don't make me look like a dork!
Nodoka: (sternly) Ranma...
Ranma-chan: (noticing the tone of his mother's voice) Yes mom.
Scene: Ranma, Akane, and Nabiki are on their way to school. Akane and Nabiki are occasionally glancing up at Ranma walking on the fence. Ranma is whistling an amicable tune and seems to be happy, despite his clothes, which was made up of a short sleeve white collar shirt and greyish pants.
Nabiki: So, Ranma. You enjoy yourself last night?
Ranma: (stops whistling) Huh?
Nabiki: I mean, did you like spending the night with my sister?
Ranma: (gets a little unbalanced but regains his composure) I wouldn't know because I was out cold all night.
Nabiki: Sure, Saotome. You're just too shy to admit.
Akane: Look, Nabiki. Kasumi said that he didn't wake up until this morning. He wouldn't have let that jerk stay in his room if he woke up yesterday. You know that Kasumi always tells the truth.
Nabiki: You're so naive, little sister. Why, I was eavesdropping on them last night.
Akane: (angry) What?!
Ranma: (nervously) Sure you were.
Nabiki: (impersonating Kasumi's voice) Oh, Ranma-san. Please make me yours! Take this innocent body! Oh yes, right there. How I wanted you for so long!
Ranma: (shocked) Stop that! That didn't happen and you know it!
Akane: Then what did happen, Ranma?! You didn't obligate Kasumi to lie, did you?!
Ranma: (trying to save himself) I was out cold! Honest, I was!
Nabiki: (still impersonating Kasumi) Ranma-san, you're so bold. I like it when you kiss my-
Ranma: That's enough!
Nabiki: (using her normal voice) You're so touchy, Saotome. But I was telling the truth about eavesdropping. You were awake, but Kasumi let you stay. Plus, she was teasing you. I would have paid half of anything to see your nervous face.
Akane: You probably thought you were going to get some, huh Ranma?
Ranma: Will both of you shut up?!
[Ranma doesn't notice the edge of the fence and falls on his face to the pavement]
Nabiki: Nice balancing skills, Saotome.
Ranma: ( a bit miffed as he gets up ) Shut up.
Akane: Okay. We're almost to the school. When we get there, we don't know you.
Ranma: Fine. I know when I'm not wanted.
Scene: Back at the Tendo Home, Kasumi was busy hanging clothes out to dry. She was humming a happy tune and was unaware of her surroundings.
Nodoka: Kasumi?
Kasumi: (gasps) Auntie! You startled me.
Nodoka: I guess when you're in a world of your own, people can get a little scared when they snap out of it.
Kasumi: I guess so.
Nodoka: So tell me, Kasumi-san. Why exactly did you want to spend the night with my son?
Kasumi: (sweating and blushing internally) Well, he was out cold and I didn't dare move him; plus Akane might have killed him in his sleep. So I thought it was best to stay in my room. Don't worry about anything, Auntie. It won't be a regular event, I promise.
Nodoka: I hope not. I don't think my son I ready for that kind of relationship.
Kasumi: I guess.{Oh No!}
Nodoka: You took advantage of my son, didn't you?
Kasumi: ( Sweating more ) I was only teasing him, Auntie!
Nodoka: I never thought I'd see the day when my son would catch the eye of someone older than him.
Kasumi: (Blushing) It is not what you think, Auntie! I just want to be his friend!
Nodoka: You like him, don't you?
Kasumi: (sweating bullets) He's a friend, Auntie. Nothing more.
Nodoka: If you say so. But my son likes you too.
Kasumi: (blushing) He Does?
Nodoka: He hasn't said anything, but your friendly manner is one of your attributes he's fond of. But since you say he's only a friend,
please tell him. I don't want my son's heart broken later on. (Takes out her Katana) He's all I have left, Kasumi. I don't want my son hurt.
Kasumi: (gasps) Oh my...
Nodoka: I'm just kidding about the sword, dear.
Kasumi: (relieved) {Thank Goodness}...
Nodoka: Really, Kasumi. You thought I was threatening you.
Kasumi: Um, no. I knew it was a joke all the time.
Nodoka: Anyway, is there anything I should know about the school Ranma's attending?
Kasumi: I used to attend it myself. Furinkan High is not your normal everyday high school. In fact -over the years- it's been pretty crazy there.
Nodoka: (concerned) Oh?
Kasumi: The student body isn't very normal, especially one individual. His name is Kuno Tatewaki. He's a martial artist, but in the art of kendo.
Nodoka: A sword user?
Kasumi: You could say that. I bet once he hears that Ranma-san is staying here, this Kuno person is going to lash out at him.
Nodoka: My son is skilled enough to handle someone with weapons. He should be okay.
Kasumi: {I hope so. It's Kuno's annoyance I'm worried about.}
Scene: Ranma, Akane, and Nabiki enter the school gates of Furinkan. There's a mob of boys waiting inside. Nabiki holds Ranma back while Akane moves forward.
Ranma: What the heck are you doing?!
Nabiki: Watch this. You're in for a show.
[Ranma saw the mob of boys charge at Akane. Before Ranma's eyes, Akane beats the living daylights out of the boys with such brutish tactics that the boys looked to be hospitalized for about a week. Ranma saw a few of the boys fly into the sky thanks to Akane. Ranma had a face of surprise because Akane can hold her own ground against the numbers, but at the same time is disappointed at the lack of skill of the tomboy girl. After Akane finished, she looked bored.]
Akane: (bored) Can't these boys give up?
Ranma: (walking along side Nabiki) Look, Nabiki. You go ahead. I'll be in soon.
Nabiki: Your funeral, Saotome.
[Nabiki dashes into the school while Ranma calmly approaches Akane.]
Ranma: You do this every morning?
Akane: Yeah, and I'm getting sick of it!
Ranma: Ever try- you know-talking to them?
Akane: No, because it doesn't work on these guys.
Ranma: I see.
Voice: Truly such a boorish lot.
[a man in his late teens appears in samurai garb and a bokken in hand.]
Ranma: Here comes another one.
Akane: Back off or you'll get hurt.
Ranma: Thanks for the warning, but I don't need it.
Akane: Hmph!
Man: (smelling a red rose) Ah, Tendo Akane. You are as beautiful as ever. Truly these eyes are blinded by this.
Akane: (gets in a defensive stance) Don't you ever quit, Kuno-
sempai?!
Tatewaki: Alas, Akane-chan, I'm not here to challenge you this day.(points bokken at Ranma) I am here to release you from this cur's clutches.
Ranma: (frowns) You talking to me?
Tatewaki: (faces Ranma) Yes. I already know who you are. So it is best that I give my noble name first.
Ranma: { Man, this guy is a regular Don Quixote} If you want.
Tatewaki: I am Kuno Tatewaki, but you may refer to me as Kuno-
sempai. Junior group E. I hold the rank of captain of the high school kendo club. I am undefeated in the fencing world. But I also have the reputation of being called "The Blue Thunder of Furinkan High."
[Lightning flashes]
Ranma: Nice touch.{better get in soon.}
[ From every floor of the school, people see what transpires on the school's courtyard. They are chattering on what's going on between Tatewaki and the new school arrival.]
Girl 1: Blue thunder?
Nabiki: That's a new one.
Boy 1: Hey, who's the guy facing Kuno?
Girl 2: Doesn't matter. He looks cute.
Boy 2: Whoever it is, he's in big trouble! He's facing Kuno!
Girl 3: Such a cute face, only to be ruined by that jack-ass Kuno!
Girl 2: If he survives, I get dibs on him.
Girl 3: Says you! I'm getting him!
Nabiki: {I feel a fan club brewing. First day in Furinkan and Saotome's already popular amongst the girls.}
Boy 3: Girls, he's facing Kuno. This guy's not going to last very long. I mean, what chance does he have?
[Back at the court yard, Ranma ignores the students chattering. His focus is only on Tatewaki.]
Ranma: Look, pal. I really need to get going.
Tatewaki: Silence, scholar! I shall bring you to justice for holding Akane-chan hostage!
Ranma: Akane, get inside. This loser looking for trouble.
Akane: Don't you tell me what to do!
Ranma: (sighs) Just do it. I'll be in class in a second.
[Akane angrily walks into the school building.]
Ranma: Look, Kuno. I don't have time for this. Since you're so into chopping me in sushi, why don't we settle this later.
Tatewaki: As much as I hate to preempt your demise, I will accept your offer! Know this well, Saotome: You can't delay what is already destiny. Your fate is sealed, insolent scholar.
Ranma: I may be a scholar, but I'm as much a martial artist as Akane. Maybe even more. Your in for a fight Kuno, and I guarantee it!
Tatewaki: Then I shall meet you at yonder soccer field after school then. I advise you to be prepared. Do you wish to surrender,
Saotome?
Ranma: Surrender? To a quixotic like you? As if!
[Ranma walks past Kuno as he enters the school. ]
Tatewaki: (Yelling at Ranma) You can't stop destiny, Saotome!
Ranma: {Watch me.}
Scene: About a few minutes later, Ranma enters his home-room class.
Teacher: Students, I would like you all to meet a new student from China. Saotome Ranma, say hello to the class.
Ranma: (smiles as he bows to the class) Hello and good morning.
Teacher: Please take a seat, Saotome-san.
Ranma: Hai.
[Apparently, because of Ranma's smile, several girls from the class faint. Ranma's a bit confused by this but see's that these girls may have a crush on him. Ranma knows this because many times at other schools, girls simply adored him. He didn't know what was so special about himself, but he didn't mind the girls giving him attention. Ranma took his seat and quickly reminded himself to keep his head straight. The martial arts were only thing for him. Then Ranma notices a girl on the floor, apparently staring at him.]
Ranma: Can I help you?
Girl: (embarrassed) Sorry! I was looking for my pencil!
Teacher: Sayuri-san, will you please stop staring up at Ranma's pants and pay attention.
[The whole class starts to laugh and snicker, except for Ranma though. Sayuri quickly takes her seat and bows her head in shame. Ranma, in the meantime, stares outside the window, wondering when the rain was going to stop. He snaps out of his trance when he notices a note on his desk. ]
Ranma: (taking the note and opening it) Hello, what's this?
[Ranma reads the note and his eyes widen at the contents.]
Note: I want you in bed so badly. Sincerely, Yuka.
Ranma: ( sweating a bead from his head) {Uh huh. That was subtle.}
[Ranma looks for the source of the note. He finds it a few seats behind him. A girl with long hair, seemingly looking away in shame because of what she wrote.]
Ranma: (Turning his head around and trying to pay attention in class.) {We'll at least she didn't say it at the top of her lungs. }
Scene: About a few hours later, the school's lunch hour commences. Inside the cafeteria, the boys place their bets on the upcoming fight between Tatewaki and Ranma. The girls, on the other hand, are sitting at the table where Ranma is sitting at. Ranma doesn't mind the company, but the fact that he was the only boy sitting at the table made him a bit nervous. Still, Ranma tries to keep his composure.
Girl 1: (smiles nervously) So, uh, you're the new guy.
Ranma: So I am.
Girl 2: Tells us about China, Ranma-kun!
Girl 3: Ooh, China. Please tell us!
Girl 4: Yeah! Tell us!
Ranma: Maybe later.
Girl 5: Then at least say you're available(blushes).
Ranma: (confused) Available for what?
Girl 4: Silly. We want to know if you can tutor us.
Girl 2: Me First! I have him for home-room.
Girl 1: Says you! I saw him first!
Ranma: (sighs) {It's the same thing everywhere I go. I go to school, and every girl on campus wants a piece of me. Any guy would die to have all this attention. Any normal guy, anyway.
(Looking a bit sad) But I'm not normal. Not since China.}
Girl 2: Why do you look sad, Ranma-kun?
Girl 3: It's probably the fight. Maybe he's having second thoughts.
Ranma: (Serious) Hey, when I get myself into a fight, I don't have second thoughts!
Girl 3: (worried) But you're facing Kuno...
Ranma: Doesn't matter. I'll give Kuno the fight he wants!
All girls: Oh, your so brave, Ranma-sama!
[Meanwhile at another table, Akane sits angrily as she stares at Ranma and the girls sitting next to him. Nabiki is too busy taking bet money from the male students. ]
Akane: This guy is so enjoying this.
Nabiki: Almost any guy would, Akane. He's a popular item with the ladies, just as you are with the boys.
Akane: Don't compare me with that pervert, Nabiki.
Nabiki: At least he's cordial with his fans, Akane. You could learn from him.
Akane: (incredulously) Learn what, if you don't mind my asking!?
Nabiki: Well, you could act more sane towards your admirers.
Voice: I bet 80,000 Yen on Saotome.
Akane: Hey, that voice sounds like-
Voice: Long time no see, Akane-chan.
[Akane noticed a boy with vagabond attire. He was rather tall and had messy black hair. He also sported a yellow and black bandanna. Akane recognized him and smiled.]
Akane: Ryoga!
Nabiki: Hey, lost boy. How's globetrotting?
Ryoga: Very funny, Nabiki. Put me down for 80,000 Yen on Saotome.
Nabiki: (raising an eyebrow) You know I'm only favoring the odds for Ranma because I want to make some dough. Or is there something you're not telling us?
Ryoga: When's the fight?
Nabiki: After school at the soccer field.
Ryoga: Well, I'm off then. I'll collect my winnings next time I come to the training hall. (Hands Akane an envelope) Akane, give this to Ranma once he's done thrashing that poetry spouting jerk-
off.
Akane: (curiously) Ryoga, do you know Ranma?
Ryoga: (smirking) He was a rival of mine.
[Ryoga left, leaving a shocked Akane and Nabiki behind. Both knew too well about Ryoga's incredible strength and unmatched skill in the martial arts. To hear that Ranma was a rival of his was incredible. They both sweated beads behind their heads.]
Akane: (eyes wide) Did I hear right?
Nabiki: (eyebrows twitching) Ranma the rival to the monstrously powerful Hibiki Ryoga? That's way past impossible!
Akane: {How could Ranma be that good at the art?! If what Ryoga said is true...}
Nabiki: Kuno is so dead.
Scene: Furinkan High soccer field. Although the field has been dry ever since the rain stopped, the bleachers weren't. This was reason enough for the students to bring towels to sit on so they won't get wet. Meanwhile, Nabiki was counting the money she was making. Her plan was working perfectly. By putting Kuno as the underdog,
more of the students confidently bet on him. Of course the girls thought that Nabiki knew something about Ranma, so they bet on him instead. Anyway, Ranma and Kuno were at a distance from each other at the soccer field, facing each others way. Kuno's little Ninja assistant handed him his bokken and a microphone.
Tatewaki: (spouting on the microphone) I've heard a lot about you,
Saotome.
Ranma: (yelling) Not enough is my guess!
Tatewaki: Silence! I only heard what needed to be heard!
Ranma: And that is?{Inquiring minds want to know.}
Tatewaki: You reside with the Tendo girls!
[Everyone gasps; Akane and Nabiki bow their heads in disgust.]
Ranma: {What is this guy, a stalker?!}
Tatewaki: That is not all, you foul knave! You reside with them with the intention of making one of them your bride! Unforgivable !
[Louder gasps are heard from the crowd. They began to chatter amongst themselves. Rumors are spread and so are so comments. At the bleachers, the boys and girls were firing questions at Akane and Nabiki.]
Student 1: Is this an engagement!?
Student 2: Ranma's so lucky! He gets to do what we guys only dream of doing!
Student 3: Man! And I thought you hated boys, Akane!
Akane: (furiously) Wait! The engagement! It's not true-
Student 4: How could you do this to me, Akane!?
Student 5: How much were you paid, Nabiki!?
Nabiki: It was my dad's idea! He-
Student 1: She probably wasn't payed anything!
Student 4: Why's that?!
Student 5: Because I saw Nabiki holding hands with Saotome when they came to school!
Student 4: By the Gods! Your right!
Nabiki: (losing her composure and getting miffed) Hey!
[all the while, Ranma listens to the rumors and thinks about telling them what's really going on. But he thinks that it's useless, taking in account the density of some of the students.]
Ranma: (yelling) Louder Kuno! I don't think all of Japan heard you!
Tatewaki: I, Kuno Tatewaki, shall bring you, enemy of women, to justice! Then I shall show the students that you are indeed no man!
Ranma: That tears it! Bring it on, Kuno!(gets in a defensive stance)
[Kuno throws the microphone aside. Then he rushes toward Ranma , bokken aiming towards him. Kuno, as he got close to Ranma,
slashes down with his bokken with the intent of killing Ranma. Ranma is just too fast for Kuno as he steps aside to dodge the strike. Ranma is behind Kuno now and gets ready for make his own strike.]
Ranma: About face, Kuno!
Tatewaki: (turns around to see Ranma) What manner of-
[Kuno doesn't get to finish his sentence as Ranma lands a punch on bokken boy's face, sending him almost across the soccer field. Kuno lands a few meters away.]
Ranma: Finished yet, Kuno?
Tatewaki: (stands up and looks at Ranma angrily) Never, you foul fiend!
[Kuno charges towards Ranma again, this time with more speed. But the extra boost is wasted as Ranma dodges all the sword blows.]
Tatewaki: Stand still so I can smite thee!
Ranma: Fat chance, Kuno-sempai!
[Ranma is able to stop Kuno's motion by putting a well placed fist into Kuno's stomach. Kuno backs off momentarily, catching his breath.]
Tatewaki: { This mere underclassman is skilled. I may have been wrong about him. Nevertheless, he will suffer for his villainy.}
[Kuno lashes out at Ranma again, but Ranma kept dodging the strikes with some ease. He even got in some well placed hits. This causes Kuno to look staggered. He backs off to catch his breath again.]
Tatewaki: Such skill for a scholar. You have proven yourself well,
Saotome. But I'm afraid I will have to conclude this game. Feel the wrath of my best attack!
[Kuno starts to attack with a barrage of bokken strikes. Ranma frantically dodges the strikes, but notices his clothes being rip to shreds despite his dodging. Ranma quickly backs off but Kuno is still coming in for the kill. Noticing Kuno's speed of his strikes increasing, Ranma begins to dodge again; at the same time he tries to find a way to break the rhythm of Kuno's attack. Ranma jumps from place to place to find a weak spot, but Kuno's constant attack keeps him from his goal. Ranma also notices as he dodges that a lone tree was already ripped to shreds.]
Ranma: { No doubt about it! That is his best attack! He even managed to Swiss cheese my clothes! Mom's going to kill me!}
[From the sidelines, Akane and Nabiki watch the fight in amazement. ]
Nabiki: {Nice tactics, Saotome. Maybe Ryoga was right about you.}
Akane: Kuno's never this all out against me.
Nabiki: That's because he takes it easy on you, sister.
Female voice: Did I miss anything, little sisters?
[Akane and Nabiki look up and notices Kasumi.]
Akane: (surprised) Kasumi! What are you doing here?
Kasumi: I was coming by to ask Ranma if he could go shopping with me, but I see he has other matters at hand.
[Kasumi sits by her sisters and watches the fight with some interest. She is also amazed by Ranma skills. His mother taught him well,
Kasumi thinks as she sighs. Kasumi also smiles as she put her right hand on her cheek, sighing some more, watching only Ranma.]
Nabiki: Want to get Saotome in bed again, sis?
Kasumi: Nabiki, I'm shocked! How could you even think that?
Nabiki: Get a grip, big sister.
[ The three sisters notice Ranma roll towards them in a ball. He stops his motion in front of Akane. ]
Akane: (Looking down at Ranma) I think you should know that whenever Kuno-sempai fights a male opponent, he is very skilled.
Ranma: (annoyed while still on his head with his arms crossed)
Doesn't take a rocket scientist to figure that one out. (Notices Kasumi) Hey, Kasumi.
Kasumi: Good afternoon, Ranma.
Akane: Oh? (Punts Ranma towards Kuno) Go ahead and get yourself killed!
Kasumi: (sternly) Akane!
[Ranma arcs his body to perform several somersaults. Kuno readies his bokken for another strike as Ranma comes closer.]
Tatewaki: The game ends, Saotome.
[Kuno jumps towards Ranma and is about to swing his bokken. He notices Ranma ready to block the strike so he changes the direction of the sword and slashes Ranma on the side of his ribs, drawing blood.]
Ranma: (feeling the pain)Augh!
[On the side lines, Kasumi notices this and is now fully concerned about Ranma's safety.]
Kasumi: Ranma!
[Back on the battle field, Both combatants land at opposite directions. Kuno stands resolute and Ranma, after his landing, curls up in a ball of pain, feeling the cut on his side.]
Ranma: (gritting his teeth) {Lucky shot, you pompous ass-hole.}
Tatewaki: (noticing Ranma's predicament and feels great joy)
Hahahaha! Now you see what happens to foul villains like yourself, Saotome. (Approaching Ranma) No one crosses the great Kuno Tatewaki.
Ranma: {Yeah, you jerk. Come a little closer. I got a surprise for you.}
[Kuno finally reaches Ranma and looks down at him in disdain. He raises his bokken for an over head strike.]
Tatewaki: Your time is at an end, foul being. (Slashes his bokken downward.) Die!
[Ranma then pulls a wooden sword out of nowhere and blocks Kuno's strike.]
Ranma: (smiles confidently) Made you look.
[Ranma, with his weapon, disarms Kuno from his weapon; it lands at the far end of the field. Ranma stakes his own sword on the ground and points a finger at Kuno. Kuno's confused by this tactic.
So confused that he doesn't notice Ranma land an uppercut to his chin. The uppercut sent Kuno flying into the horizon. A few seconds later, Kuno crashes down to earth, leaving a small crater.]
Crowd: MARVELOUS!
[The crowd realized that the fight was over. Ranma had beaten Kuno. Then they started to cheer loudly as some of the crowd started to chant Ranma's name. Ranma knelt down because the cut started to affect him again. At the sidelines, Kasumi notices Ranma's plight and decides to help him.]
Kasumi: You two go on home. I'll tend to Ranma.
Nabiki: When will you be back, Kasumi?
Kasumi: Not until sunset. Ranma and I are going shopping and I might need him for some heavy lifting. But first I should take him to a doctor.
Akane: I'll come with you, Kasumi.
Kasumi: (sighs) Very well.
[Kasumi rushes toward Ranma. She reaches him before Akane.]
Ranma: (looks up at Kasumi and smiles) Hello again.
Kasumi: Ranma, you were magnificent.
Ranma: Thanks. Well, it was nothing.
Akane: {Nothing, he says.}
Kasumi: Come along, Ranma-san. We are going to a doctor.
Ranma: (trying to hide the pain) The cut doesn't even itch.
[Akane pokes Ranma's injury and Ranma doubles over in pain again.)
Kasumi: (smiling)Dr. Tofu will love to have a new patient.
[About a few moments later, the school grounds become clear of students. All except for the still form of Kuno and his ninja assistant.]
Ninja: (crying) How could this be?! The great Kuno Tatewaki defeated by a mere scholar! Such a shame! Such a shame!
Voice: Oh, stop bawling over him!
[The ninja turns to the voice and he finds to be Kodachi in her school uniform of St. Hebereke.]
Ninja: (kneels down before Kodachi) Mistress Kodachi!
Kodachi: (looking at her brother's still form) You brought shame to our house, Tachi. I knew one day another man would best you in combat. (Turns to the ninja) Servant, take this poor excuse for a martial artist to our mansion.
Ninja: What will you do, mistress?
Kodachi: What I do does not concern you. But I'll be back at night.
Ninja: Whatever you wish, mistress.
Kodachi: (noticing something on Kuno's forehead) Hold Servant! Check my brother's forehead!
[The ninja checks to see Kuno's forehead. The word 'fool' is written on Kuno's head.]
Ninja: What is the meaning of this!?
Kodachi: It means that Saotome is right. My brother is a fool.
Ninja: We should have that insolent boy's head on a plate! Let me at him, mistress!
Kodachi: Leave the commoner be. It is my brother's fight. He'll handle it.
[As Kodachi walks away, she begins laughing at the top of her lungs. The ninja sweats a little.]
Ninja: {I gotta get another job.}
Scene: Dr. Tofu's clinic somewhere in Nerima. Kasumi waits outside while Akane and Ranma see the doctor. Outside, Kasumi waits, pondering.
Kasumi: I wonder why Akane told me to wait outside. This is most peculiar.
[inside the clinic, Dr. Tofu tends to Ranma while Akane waits.]
Dr. Tofu: Well the cut isn't so bad. How long ago did you say this was?
Ranma: A few minutes ago. I got into a fight and my opponent got a lucky shot in me.
Dr. Tofu: The cut is healing nicely, but a bandage might help things smoothly.
Ranma: I guess.
Dr. Tofu: What about this bump on your head?
Ranma: Akane hit me with a table yesterday. Put me out until it was dark.
Dr. Tofu: Akane, why?
Akane: Well, um...
Ranma: Because she has a tough time handling the truth.
Akane: Why you idiot! (Starts to dislocate almost everything in Ranma's body, making him look like a human pretzel) Say that again and I'll-
Dr. Tofu: Akane, I know I'm the chiropractor, but you didn't have to twist him up to show him that I can fix dislocations.
Akane: (blushing) I'm sorry, Dr. Tofu.
Ranma: {What's with the sweet and innocent act, Akane?}
[A few minutes pass and suddenly Dr. Tofu starts to snap Ranma's arms, neck, and legs back into place.]
Ranma: Oww!
Dr. Tofu: You're Ranma, aren't you?(Punching Ranma's spine and twisting Ranma's head back into place) I heard that you are to wed one of the Tendo girls.
Akane: That's what my father decided, not us!
Dr. Tofu: Well it is to early too decide, huh? You're just children after all.
Akane: {Nabiki was right. Dr. Tofu really does see me as a child}
(sighs sadly)
Ranma: (yelling) That hurts, Doc!
Dr. Tofu: It still hurts somewhere? Show me.
[Ranma notices that he's been fixed up and the pain is gone.]
Ranma: Hey, I'm okay.
Akane: Isn't he a great doctor?
Dr. Tofu: Will that be all?
Akane: Yes, Dr. Tofu. I'll see you soon.
Dr. Tofu: Very well, Akane.
[Akane leaves the clinic and shuts the screen on her way out.]
Dr. Tofu: She's a very sweet girl.
Ranma: Maybe in front of you she is.
Dr. Tofu: Fiancee or not, do try to get along with them.
Ranma: Look. I get along Kasumi just fine but-
[Ranma notices Dr. Tofu tense up and his glasses fogging up.]
Ranma: (raising his right eyebrow) {Uh Huh.}
Dr. Tofu: (regaining his composure) What about the other two?
Ranma: I really don't know about Nabiki, and I think Akane is just waiting to kill me like a crazed predator.
Dr. Tofu: Well, if that's all for today, then I'll see you again soon.
Ranma: Thanks, doc.
Dr. Tofu: Please do try to get along with them.
Ranma: (rolling his eyes up) I'll make it an effort.
[Ranma leaves the clinic and shuts the screen. He see's Kasumi waiting outside.]
Kasumi: How did it go, Ranma?
Ranma: Just fine, Kasumi. I'm all right now.
Kasumi: That's good. I heard some yelling and screaming.
Ranma: Akane twisted me into a pretzel.
Kasumi: (sighs) Sometimes I think my littlest sister will never change.
Ranma: Well, at least she has a soft spot.
Kasumi: She likes the doctor.
Ranma: That explains why Akane acted all innocent in there.
Kasumi: Ranma, can I ask you something?
Ranma: Shoot.
Kasumi: Um, after you change your clothes, maybe you and I can go shopping.
Ranma: (looking down at his clothes) Oh, right. Yeah, I love to.
Kasumi: I knew you would agree.
Ranma: Why?
Kasumi: Just because.
Scene: A clothing store. Inside, Ranma is trying on some T-shirts and some jeans to replace his shredded up school clothes inside the dressing room. After a few minutes, he comes out dressed in blue jeans and a white shirt. Kasumi looks at him curiously.
Ranma: Well?
Kasumi: You look like a meat packer but It will have to do.
Ranma: (Sarcastically) Gee, thanks.
Kasumi: Come on. Lets go shopping.
Scene: After shopping at the marketplace, Ranma and Kasumi headed for home. Kasumi carried a bag of groceries while Ranma carried a few boxes that he was trying to balance. It was still the afternoon, 4 o'clock to be exact.
Ranma: You know, this is a lot of stuff. Are we feeding a small army?
Kasumi: (giggling) No. It's just restocking. Remember that your mother didn't go shopping because of my father.
Ranma: (sheepishly) And because I spilled most of the groceries yesterday.
Kasumi: Did the teachers leave you any work to do?
Ranma: Not that I know of.
Kasumi: (smiling)Then let's go to the park. We can talk there.
Ranma: (smirks)Aren't we inquisitive.
Scene: The park. A few children can be seen playing at the play fields and some parents talking amicably to the other parents. Ranma and Kasumi are sitting on a bench together. Kasumi was trying to figure out what was she going to say while Ranma relaxed,
resting on the bench.
Ranma: (curious) So, anything you have to say to me?
Kasumi: I just like to thank you.
Ranma: It's no problem. A few boxes doesn't even strain me.
Kasumi: Besides that. I like to thank you for coming into my life.
Ranma: Glad I could be of service, Kasumi-chan. I would've thought you'd keep away from me because of my-
Kasumi: Ranma, I don't care about your condition. I care about you.
Ranma: (nervously) Pardon?
Kasumi: (assuring) I just want to be your friend, Ranma. Last night you showed me that I can trust you. You didn't try to take advantage of me and I like you for it. Besides, I really need someone to talk to.
Ranma: Don't you talk with your sisters?
Kasumi: Yes. But I haven't had a friend as young as you since high school. Everyone I knew has gone on with their lives while I stayed here. I get pretty lonely whenever father is out but with you here, I know I won't be lonely anymore.
Ranma: And my mother?
Kasumi: (shaking) She makes me nervous.
Ranma: (confused) Come again?
Kasumi: Well, your mother and I were talking about you today in the morning and then suddenly she takes out her Katana. I know she was just fooling around, but my goodness, I really thought she was going to kill me if...
Ranma: If what, Kasumi-chan?
Kasumi: If I broke your heart. Ranma, I know you don't want this engagement that our fathers placed on us. I know that you rather be dead than to settle down. Your mother has told me everything about you. At least I think she did. I'll try to respect that.
Ranma: I'll try to respect you as a friend, Kasumi. Though I think my fans would ask too many questions about us.
Kasumi: I can't say that I blame them. You are cute.
Ranma: It's not like I ask them to chase me.
Kasumi: It doesn't matter. I just hope none of those girls makes same decree that Kuno person did.
Ranma: Let me guess. Kuno made a decree that if a male student wanted a date with Akane, you have to beat her in a fight. Which explains the mob of boys at school this morning. If you ask me,
Kuno is a real loser. He acts like this middle age knight and it hurts my ears when he spouts bad poetry. I just hope he got the message that I'm better at the art.
Kasumi: It's better to have friends. Speaking of which, Akane gave me this letter.(takes out an envelope) It's addressed to you. (Hands it to Ranma)
Ranma: (opening the letter and reading it)...
Kasumi: Well?
Ranma: Son of a bitch. Never thought I hear from him again.
Kasumi: From who Ranma?
Scene: Back at the Tendo training hall, Akane was practicing her skills by breaking a few bricks at the dojo. She was a bit irritated but breaking the bricks seemed to calm her down somewhat.
Akane: {Dr. Tofu, why can't you see me as a woman?}
[Nabiki decides to enter the dojo.]
Nabiki: (sounding a bit depressed)Yo, Akane. There's a guest here to see you.
Akane: From the way you sound, I'd say it's Ryoga.
Nabiki: He's waiting in the living room.
Akane: (sternly) Just don't hold out on him on the bet. He's a very sweet boy and I don't want you to hurt him.
Nabiki: Gee, wouldn't want to hurt you're boyfriend.
Akane: He's just a friend, Nabiki.
Nabiki: Yeah, and Ranma isn't in love with Big sister Kasumi.
[Akane meets Ryoga in the living room. Ryoga looks a bit nervous but tries to stay calm in Akane's presence. Both talk about the days events, especially the fight between Ranma and Kuno.]
Ryoga: Told you that Ranma would win.
Akane: I thought the jerk was good. But when you told me and Nabiki that he was your rival, it was impossible to understand. When he fought Kuno though, I understood completely.
Ryoga: Well, you got to understand that Ranma was on the road a lot, training in the art with his mother and learning new things. He's like me in some ways, but I had to learn on my own.
Akane: I don't really know what he was to you, but to me, Ranma is an egotistical jerk and I might add, a pervert.
Ryoga: (assuring)He's egotistical, but I don't think he's a pervert.
Akane: You know him a lot more then I do, Ryoga. How did you meet him anyway?
Ryoga: We were in an all boys school together a few years back. But we didn't meet on friendly terms.
Akane: {All boys? I guess Ranma didn't have the curse all the time.}
Flashback Scene: Three years back, in a high school cafeteria, a horde of boys wanted to get what remained of the food. The last of the food was a piece of curry bread that the students wanted so badly. The lunch attendant was getting bored so she decided on a course of action.
Lunch Attendant: Here's the last of the curry bread! Hyah! (tosses the piece of bread into the air. )
Ryoga: It's mine!(Jumps into the air to catch the bread.)
[Just as Ryoga's hands were about to catch the bread, another boy bounces of his head and catches one side of the bread with his mouth. The boy makes a one point landing in front of Ryoga, who is apparently angry.]
Ryoga: You! Who are you?!
Boy: (takes the bread out of his mouth)Saotome Ranma.
Ryoga: Saotome, I will never forget the offense of the curry bread!
Ranma: (sighs) Look, if you want so much, here.(Tears the bread in half and tosses Ryoga the half of bread untouched by his mouth.)
There you go.
Ryoga: (catches the bread.) ...
[Ranma leaves the cafeteria and Ryoga watches him in anger and confusion. Anger because Ranma got the last of the curry bread,
and confusion because of Ranma's generosity.]
Ryoga's Narration: I tried to stay mad at Ranma. But his generosity confused me. It kept me from going after him and beating his brains out. But I couldn't bring myself to do it. I decided that I didn't want to see him again.
Akane's Narration: But you did, didn't you?
Ryoga's Narration: Yes. It was right after school and I thought I was on my way out.
Flashback Scene: The locker room area was being destroyed by Ryoga because he couldn't find his way out of school. He was thrashing all around and acting like a maniac.
Ryoga: (screaming)Where the hell is the exit!? Why does this keep happening to me?!
Voice: Man, the school board is going to have a coronary if they see what you did to this place.
Ryoga: (turns around to the voice) Shut the hell up! (noticing that it's Ranma and gets angry) You again! Get out of here, Saotome! I don't want to see you!
Ranma: Calm down, man. Now will you tell me what you're problem is?
Ryoga: (turns his back on Ranma and folding his arms angrily)
That's none of your business! Now leave me alone!
[Ranma thinks about it, but he wonders about Ryoga and figures out something.]
Ranma: You're Hibiki Ryoga, aren't you?
Ryoga: Yeah, so?!
Ranma: You're they guy who's always getting lost, huh?
Ryoga: (smoldering anger) Shut up.
Ranma: The guys always talk about you. They say that every six days or so, you arrive at school because you can't find your way.
Ryoga: (getting angry and his voice is sounding choked up) Shut up!
Ranma: Do you get lost all time?
Ryoga: (Turning around and grabbing Ranma by his shirt and pushing him to the wall) Shut the hell up!
Ranma: Hey, what's your problem, Ryoga?!
Ryoga's Narration: I had him. I had Ranma in my grasp. I wanted to shut him up so badly. I wanted to hurt him. Twist him. Break his back. Rip his head off. Anything.
Akane's Narration: I would've. He shouldn't have stuck his nose in your business.
Ryoga's Narration: But I couldn't do it. I couldn't do all those things to him. Because deep down inside, I knew Ranma was right. I was trying to at least be angry at him. But I finally let go of him. I couldn't beat him up because he was telling me the truth. I finally went down on my knees, frustrated because I couldn't handle the truth. I even bowed my head to the floor.
Ranma: (concerned) Hey, are you okay?
[Ryoga doesn't answer; he puts his over his face, covering his eyes.]
Ranma: Look, I can walk you to your house if you want.
Ryoga: I want no more of your kindness! Just get out of my life!
[Ranma shrugs and leaves.]
Ryoga's Narration: Believe me, Akane. If Ranma was a any nicer to me, I would've gone crazy. The thing is, no one has ever been nice or kind to me. But still, I never ever wanted to see him again. His nature was to good to be true.
Akane's Narration: But you met him again.
Ryoga's Narration: Yes. I met him on my way home from school. I managed to finally find my way out of school. I least I thought I was heading home.
Flashback Scene: It is now nighttime in the town. Ryoga seems to be running frantically from place to place, trying to find his way home. Little by little, he was losing hope.
Ryoga: (screaming) Where am I!? Where's my home?! I know it's right here somewhere!
[Ryoga keeps on running until he see's Ranma and an older woman in a kimono besides him. Each were carrying shopping bags.
Ranma and the woman catch the sight of Ryoga.]
Ranma: Hello again.
Woman: Is this the boy you were telling me about, son?
Ranma: Yeah, that's him, mom.
Ryoga: (panicking) No! You got it all wrong! I was just passing through!
Ranma: (raising an eyebrow) More like running through, Ryoga. Say, when did you find your way out of school?
Ryoga: (sweating) Um, hours ago! Why do you ask?!
Ranma: No reason. Did you find your way home?
Ryoga: (panicking and sweating) Um, well, that is-
Ranma: No, huh?
Nodoka: Ranma, why don't you take Ryoga home? I'll have dinner ready for you when you get back.
Ranma: Sure, mom.
Ryoga: I can get there myself, thank you very much!
Ranma: Look, you stubborn jack-ass, it's obvious that you can't find your way to the bathroom without getting lost. Just tell me your address I'll take you there.
Nodoka: (sternly) Ranma, your language!
Ranma: Sorry.
[End of flashback]
Ryoga: So I gave him my address and he quickly led me home. Seeing home was one of the happiest days of my life. The truth is, I haven't seen home in days. The next few days after that, he helped me get to school on time and helped me find my way home. Me and Ranma became good friends those few days and we always talked about simple inane things. There was a downside to all this,
though.
Akane: And that is?
Ryoga: Every time there was a last piece of bread in the cafeteria,
he always got to it first. But like the first time, he'd always split it with me.
Akane: What a hog! I can't believe you became friends with him. I'd have beaten him senseless if he did that to me. You know,
snatching the bread.
Ryoga: You don't know him like I used to, Akane. Anyway, he told me one day that he was leaving to train in the martial arts in China. But I wasn't going to let him go. Not without a match. So we did have our man-to-man fight at last.
Scene: Later in the day, sunset in the town, Ranma and Kasumi are seen walking towards home. Ranma had the grocery boxes while Kasumi was just carrying a grocery bag. Ranma talks to Kasumi about the first meeting with Ryoga and the events that followed.
Kasumi: So when did you have your fight with Ryoga?
Ranma: Four days after the scheduled date. Actually, I was going to leave on the third day, but mom convinced me to stay. I swear,
he'd be after my blood if followed me to China. He would've trailed me to the depths of hell if I skipped out on the fight.
Kasumi: He must have been a difficult opponent to defeat.
Ranma: The guy's got the endurance and strength of a monster, I'll give him that much. He was also a better man at skill. Whatever he was doing lost all those times, I certainly doubt he was just walking. I bet he trained in some unknown fighting style that I yet need to master.
Kasumi: I don't know how he was when you first fought him, but Ryoga has many abilities that can cower any fighter of any size.
Like you said, he has monstrous strength. Plus he has the ability to make some pieces of his apparel into sharp objects. His bandannas especially.
Ranma: (nervous and confused) Is that so?
Kasumi: The letter he sent you today. You never told me what was in it.
Ranma: It's a letter of challenge, Kasumi. It says that he'll challenge me anytime and anyplace.
Kasumi: I do hope you know what you're doing fighting him again.
Ranma: Ah, don't worry. I'll just beat him again like I did last time.
Kasumi: (kissing Ranma on the cheek) Your bravery surprises me,
Ranma.
Ranma: Hey, don't do that. I might drop these boxes because I couldn't concentrate.
Kasumi:(smiling) At least you are not as nervous as the last time I kissed you.
Ranma: (smiles) We're friends, right? Why should I be nervous?
[Unbeknownst to the conversing pair, Dr. Tofu was hiding behind an alley. He's been following Ranma and Kasumi ever since they left his clinic. The doctor was a bit envious at Ranma because this boy could have a decent conversation with Kasumi without going bonkers. He also sensed that Ranma likes Kasumi in some way,
and maybe Kasumi likes Ranma also.]
Dr. Tofu: { I envy you, Saotome. I wish I had the courage to speak to Kasumi like you do. What I need is your bravery, Saotome. The bravery I need to finally propose to Kasumi. For that, I will have to work very hard to be courageous. Just wait, Kasumi-chan. Please...}
[Unbeknownst to the doctor, a pink cat was also watching the conversing couple. The cat appeared sad and decided to follow them.]
Scene: The Kuno Mansion's hall of mirrors. Tatewaki was looking at himself in one of the mirrors. He looked at his forehead and examined what Ranma did to him during the fight. He saw the word "fool" on his forehead.
Tatewaki: {Saotome. You had me at a disadvantage today. I truly thought that you were just a mere scholar who was just insolent enough to challenge my might. But that is only half the truth, is it not? No matter. You dared to defy me and got away with it. Such acts against someone such as I are indeed unforgivable. } Saotome Ranma! You will meet your demise!
[The small ninja enters the hall of mirrors.]
Small Ninja: My lord(kneels down before Tatewaki). Let me avenge the honor of the Kuno Family name. This boy will indeed suffer for this.
Tatewaki: Silence, servant! No one will challenge Saotome. I shall smite this cur and send him to the depths of hell!
Small Ninja: As you wish, my lord. I'm here to also inform you that mistress Kodachi will be in later on.
Tatewaki: (sighs) My foolish sister still searching for that vagrant idiot that saved her life. Truly I pity the man when Kodachi finally has her clutches on him. Servant! If that will be all, leave me. I must be alone.
Small Ninja: Yes, my lord.
[Small Ninja leaves.]
Tatewaki: { Tomorrow, you fiend. You shall meet your end and Akane will be free of your villainous hands. I swear by the great name of Kuno, I shall deliver you to the hands of justice.}
Scene: This is the next day. It is as early as 5:00am at the Tendo training hall and for some reason, Ranma is sleeping inside the dojo. He begins to stir and finally he wakes up slowly. Ranma rubs his eyes and it becomes clear that he slept all night at the dojo area. He also realizes that he has a flute in his right hand.
Ranma: (yawns) Oh yeah. I fell asleep at the dojo. I guess mom was right: Music does relax me. I just didn't know it could make me relax enough to fall asleep here. Well, that and reciting a Tao poem and doing different kinds of Kata. (Remembering something)
{Akane said that Ryoga stopped by here yesterday to collect his winnings. I gotta hand it to Ryoga. He bet on a sure thing. Too bad he didn't stay here because I really looked forward to that rematch if his challenge was any indication. The fight with Kuno was okay,
but if Ryoga's skills are anything like Kasumi said, then I can't wait to fight Ryoga. }
[Ranma then steps out of the dojo and makes a long jump to the koi pond. As soon as he hits the cold water, Ranma turns into a girl,
activating his curse. Ranma-chan then steps out of the pond and walks towards the dojo. Ranma-chan stops just a short distance and makes a very high jump toward the dojo roof; She makes a one point landing. Ranma-chan then sits on the roof and plays the flute he had on her right hand. ]
Scene: Inside Kasumi's room, Kasumi begins to stir slowly. She fully wakes up as soon as she hears a flute playing outside. Kasumi seems to like the melody so much that she tries to find the source of who's playing it. She opens her window and hears that the melody is coming from the roof. Kasumi puts on her robe and dashes outside, grabbing a ladder on the way. Kasumi followed the source of the music realizes that it was coming from the roof. She sets the ladder against the dojo and starts to climb. Kasumi reaches the roof and finds that it's female Ranma playing the flute. Kasumi smiles at this and sighs, watching Ranma starting to dance around on the roof.
Kasumi: {How sweet. Ranma not only trains in the art of fighting,
but also music. He seems to try to relax like last night when he played that instrument. But I didn't think he would fall asleep in the dojo. I didn't want disturb him last night while he played. He looked so cute. And the way he slept...Oh my! Kasumi, Ranma is your friend. Don't think about him that way.}
[Kasumi started to blush at that last thought; Ranma finishes playing the flute and notices Kasumi.]
Ranma-chan: Hey, Kasumi.
Kasumi: (snapping out of her thoughts) Oh, um, good morning,
Ranma.
Ranma-chan: Good morning to you, too.
Kasumi: That was wonderful. The way you just played the flute and started dancing without a care. You looked very cute.
Ranma-chan: (blushing and rubbing the back of his head) Gee Kasumi-chan, thanks.
Kasumi: (smiling) You would have looked cuter if you did it as a man.
Ranma-chan: Oh no. I don't want to embarrass myself.
Kasumi: (disappointed and sad) But you really looked cute when you played it as a man last night.
Ranma-chan: (sweating) You mean you saw that?!
Kasumi: The whole thing. (Stepping on to the roof and sits then next to a nervous Ranma) Ranma, it really shouldn't matter to you what you do as a man.
Ranma-chan: It doesn't! It just that-
[Kasumi shuts Ranma up by kissing her on the lips briefly. Kasumi thinks that she's easing Ranma's sudden nervousness, but Ranma just gulps and blushes deeply.]
Ranma-chan: (still nervous and blushing a bit) You realize that you just kissed a girl on the lips.
Kasumi: (noticing her blunder) Oh my. So I did.
Ranma-chan: Look, I won't tell anyone about this if you promise not to tell anyone about me playing the flute as a guy.
Kasumi: Ranma, that's extortion!
Ranma-chan: (smirks)Now were even.
Kasumi: (sighs)...
Ranma-chan: Kasumi, I'm kidding.
Kasumi: Ranma, I-
Ranma-chan: I'm sorry, Kasumi. It was wrong of me to play around with you like that.
Kasumi: Sometimes a man can't help himself. Don't worry. You are still my friend.
Ranma-chan: (nervous) Please don't kiss me again. I'm still in girl form.
Kasumi: Very well. It's still early in the morning. Let's have a have some tea.
Scene: About a few minutes later, Ranma, back in male form, and Kasumi sit together at the living room having some hot tea. Ranma was trying to gather his thoughts about what to say to Kasumi. Ranma really liked her a lot, but deep down inside, he knew Kasumi wasn't right for him. She deserved better. Meanwhile, Kasumi was deep in thought. She knew that coming on to Ranma was wrong. Kasumi was only making Ranma nervous by doing that. And kissing him while he was in girl form was totally ludicrous.
Ranma: Um, Kasumi...
Kasumi: Yes, Ranma?
Ranma: How can I put this. Ever since I came here, you're the only one in this house that's been nice to me. I thank you for it. But the thing is, your kindness kinda makes me nervous. Don't take it the wrong way. Your kindness is one of the things I'm fond of.
Kasumi: (blushes slightly) Thank you.
Ranma: But I think their's some kind of attraction between us. If I'm wrong about this, please tell me now.
[Kasumi shakes her head, indicating that Ranma isn't mistaken.]
Ranma: (bowing his head in frustration) I don't know what's wrong with me. I suddenly find it hard to talk to you after only three days here. I'm used to talking to girls most of the time and in complete calmness. But for some reason-
Kasumi: Ranma, just tell me what you want to say.
Ranma: (raising his head) Kasumi, can I ask you a question?
Kasumi: (curious) What is it?
Ranma: Are you coming on to me?
Kasumi: (innocently) Why would I do that?
Ranma: Well, you let me sleep in your room and you even kissed on the lips me when I was in girl form.
Kasumi: I was testing you.
Ranma: Come again?
Kasumi: (smiles) The reason why I acted that way the first day you came here is because I wanted to know if I could trust you. You didn't try to take advantage of me that night when we slept together and I thank you for it. You are a true friend, Saotome Ranma.
Ranma: What about the kisses?
Kasumi: Those are because I like you, big silly.
Ranma: {My god!}
[At that moment, Soun decided to pop out of nowhere and hugged Ranma and Kasumi in joy. He started crying because he was so happy that Ranma is going to marry into the family and uphold his end of the deal. Ranma Kasumi looked startled.]
Soun: Oh happy day!
Ranma: Mr. Tendo, where did you come from?!
Soun: Truly this is a joyous occasion! Genma's son has finally agreed to marry into my family!
Kasumi: (a bit miffed) Father!
Ranma: And just how did I do that?!
Soun: My Elder daughter really likes you, and besides, you two are really good friends! Oh, son. Thank you! You've made this old man happy!
[ Kasumi could only watch her father in shock and disappointment. It is obvious that her father has gone delusional. Kasumi's father then let go of Ranma and Kasumi and started dancing in mad joy. He then went to a nearby cabinet and pulled out a bottle of saki and started to drink the hole thing as if his life depended on it. Ranma was a amazed that Kasumi's father was chugging down that entire bottle of saki. Kasumi was only thinking that her father might have a bad hangover later.]
Ranma: Man, he's really taking a swig of that thing.
Kasumi: (sighing in disappointment) Honestly. My father always jumps to conclusions.
[After Soun drinks the entire bottle of saki, he suddenly decided to sing. The singing was so off-key that Ranma and Kasumi stepped out of the living room to avoid any bleeding from their ears. They finally make it to the backyard, where they stopped walking.]
Kasumi: I think I better start on breakfast. Since you already practiced ahead of time, you can take a shower.
Ranma: Sure thing, Kasumi.
[Ranma walked towards the bathroom, leaving Kasumi to her duties. As he walked, Ranma was thinking that he had just removed some weight of his shoulders this morning.]
Ranma: (smiling){Well, I guess that's it. Now I don't have to be nervous around Kasumi anymore. Since we consider ourselves friends, there won't be much tension between us. Besides, Kasumi deserves to be with someone more deserving. But now, Tendo-san thinks by accepting Kasumi as a good friend, I might just marry one of his other daughters. I guess all victories come with a price.}
[Ranma finally arrives to the bathroom. But when he opened the slide door, he saw a virtually nude Akane in front of him. Needless to say, Akane gets angry and punches Ranma through the roof,
sending him into orbit. Ranma can heard screaming as he ascends to the sky.]
Akane: (still angry) Damn pervert!
Scene: About sometime later that morning, Ranma, Nabiki, and Akane were heading off to school. Ranma had a bandage on the left side of his cheek. As the day before, Ranma walked on the fence while the two Tendo sisters walked on the sidewalk. Ranma was trying to keep his mind occupied on how he settled things with Kasumi. He was happy with the results.
Nabiki: Yen for your thoughts, Saotome?
Ranma: (snaps out of his thoughts) Huh?
Nabiki: Look, I noticed during breakfast that you and Kasumi didn't really talk. In fact, you two were quiet throughout breakfast. I didn't want to press the issue, but now that this conversation is between the three of us, you might want to answer us.
Ranma: Look, Nabiki. Me and Kasumi are just friends. Nothing wrong with that.
Nabiki: I not blind to the truth, Saotome. I know you like our big sister but deep down inside you think that you aren't worthy of her. That's probably true, but you can't keep denying your feelings. You can't hide them forever.
Akane: (to Nabiki) What would you know about feelings?
Ranma: Say what you want, Nabiki. Kasumi and I are just friends.
Nabiki: Sure, Saotome.{Big fat liar.}
[The three finally arrive at school and once again, they are greeted by a mob of boys. Akane gets in a defensive stance and once the boys were near enough, Akane started to beat them up. At the end,
there were piles of trashed school boys all over the place. Akane brushes some sweat of her brow as soon as she's finished fighting.]
Akane: (frustrated) This is getting boring.
[Akane then begins to see a huge crowd of girls heading her way, or so she thought. Akane gets in a defensive stance again just in case. The huge crowd of girls run past Akane and start to surround Ranma and Nabiki. Nabiki nonchalantly walks away but Ranma is a bit confused about this reception.]
All Girls: Good morning, Ranma-sama!
Ranma: (confused) Uh, hi.
One girl: Ranma, you were awesome yesterday! That Kuno guy had that beating coming for a long time.
Another girl: Yeah! Now you're Furinkan High's newest and cutest champion.
Ranma: (turning red inwardly and rubbing the back of his head)
Gee, thanks.
Shy Brunette girl with glasses: Ohiyo, Ranma. You forgot your weapon yesterday.
[The brunette had Ranma's wooden sword in a bundle of cloth. She hands it to him and Ranma gladly takes the bundle.]
Ranma: (smiles and bows) Thank you.
Brunette girl: (heart racing) {He smiled at me...}
[Brunette girl faints.]
Ranma: (sweating) Uh huh. Well, it's been fun, girls. But I really need to get to class.
All girls: The hunk is entering the building!
Ranma: {Who am I, Elvis?}
[ Ranma walks into school with his wooden sword in hand while Akane and Nabiki follow him. Akane could only watch Ranma with anger.]
Akane: {I can't believe the female student body of this school can like a pervert like Ranma. It's as if the standards those girls are way down. What the hell is so special about a stupid jock like him anyway?!}
Nabiki: (looking at Ranma with some interest) {He is pretty cute. I can see why all those girls want to stake Saotome as their own. Maybe I can make a profit out of this.}
Scene: Near lunch time, Ranma was dozing off during math class. He found the class pretty boring as the teacher went on and on about algebraic formulas and equations. Ranma finally gave in to his senses and laid his head on the desk he was sitting at. Ranma then started to snore, which really annoyed the teacher.
Teacher: Saotome-san!
Ranma: (suddenly waking up) Uh, 2x+4=6 is 1!
[The teacher looks at the chalkboard and sees that the answer to the equation is correct. Nevertheless, the teacher decided to give Ranma his punishment.]
Teacher: (sweating) Uh, right answer! But you were going to sleep during class, Saotome-san! Stand in the hall!
Ranma: {better than sitting around here listening to you rant,
sensei.}
Scene: Ranma stood in the hall alone, holding in each hand a bucket of water. He was still pretty bored even though he was able to skip the yawning math class. He looked at his watch that his mother bought for him sometime ago and realized that lunch time was near.]
Ranma: (Yawning) Well, at least I have something to look forward to.
[Ranma notices a brunette girl step out of his math class with a bucket of water in each hand. The girl stands beside him and starts to look at Ranma with dreamy eyes.]
Ranma: (looking at the girl) Yes?
Girl: Ranma-sama, I-
Ranma: Look, just call me Ranma. Don't be nervous.
Girl: Uh, well. How can I put this? During the fight yesterday,
Kuno-sempai mentioned that you're engaged to the Tendo girls. Is that true?
Ranma: Not in a sense.
Girl: Pardon?
Ranma: Well, the thing is this. Way before my father died, he and Tendo-san agreed that the their martial arts schools should be united. So the agreement was that in order to unite the Saotome and Tendo schools, I, being the only son of the Saotome line, I have to marry one of the Tendo girls. Of course my father never told me or my mother about this. My mother would've disagreed, maybe not.
Girl: I see. Ranma do you have any interest in marrying one of them?
Ranma: Why do you ask?
Girl: I mean, the girls just want to know if you're available.
Ranma: If you're asking me if I'm single, then yes.
Girl: But you live with the most popular girl in school.
Ranma: You mean Akane, right? So what?
Girl: You mean you've been living with her and you're not falling for her?
Ranma: I just don't see what's so hot about a girl who beats up misguided boys everyday in the morning.
Girl: She's proving that girls can be just as masculine as boys. Either that, or he hates boys all together.
Ranma: Well, Akane doesn't hate the male gender all together. She just doesn't like the younger set.
[at a nearby hallway, Nabiki walks pleasantly. She couldn't help but overhear the conversation between the girl and Ranma. Nabiki tries her best to keep quiet so she can eavesdrop. She hid in hall near Ranma.]
Nabiki: {Well, well. What do we here?}
[Ranma and the girl still converse.]
Ranma: What about Nabiki? I mean, she's way cuter than Akane;
plus she's more mature.
[Nabiki hears this and bears an evil smile as she folds her arms across he chest.]
Nabiki: {Flattery will get you nowhere with me, Saotome.}
[Back to the conversation.]
Girl: She's an evil, cold hearted witch!
Ranma: Interesting choice of words.
Girl: What I meant to say was bitch.
Ranma: (sweating) Okay. Kasumi mentioned that Nabiki has the ability to make money off anything.
Girl: (confused) Kasumi?
Ranma: The eldest of the Tendo girls. She's really nice and she treats me well.
Girl: Oh. As I was saying, Nabiki doesn't care about anything but money. She may act all mature and grown up, but money is her true love. Some of the guys like her, but the majority of them like her sister Akane more. I think they'd rather get beat up than owe Nabiki money or pay blackmail to her.
Ranma: Come on. She can't be that bad.
Girl: (crying) She's worse! Nabiki once tried to blackmail me! I have this deep, dark secret that I kept to myself for months and she threatened to reveal it if I didn't pay my debt, plus interest.
Ranma: That's not very nice. Secrets are a person's most valuable possession. If one has reason to keep it to him or herself, it has to be a good reason.
Girl: That hateful Tendo Nabiki! I despise her!
Ranma: (wondering something) Does Furinkan High allow the students to have part time jobs?
Girl: No. The board thinks that it interferes with studies.
Ranma: I see. I guess Nabiki does have a good reason for earning money the way she does. She has her families interests at heart.
Girl: Yeah, right. Since when does that girl care about anything but herself.
Ranma: Look, I just try to understand villainy sometimes. There's a logical reason why people do things. Mind you, I don't like Nabiki's way of earning money. Its just that I try to understand why she does these things. I just hope I'm not wrong about my assumption. If I am, I'd be disappointed in her. She does seem like a nice girl, though. But she has to be pretty lonely if all she cares about is money.
Girl: You like her, don't you?
Ranma: I try to understand people sometimes.
[Meanwhile, Nabiki listened to Ranma's words intently. Her heart started to beat at a fast pace.]
Nabiki: (faintly smiles) {Saotome.}(Shakes her head) {Settle down,
girl. Who cares what that dumb jock thinks of you. What does he know.}
[Nabiki walks back to her class.]
Scene: The classroom at the lunch hour. Ranma tries to have some quiet time to himself; but unfortunately he wasn't going to get any peace as two boys decide bug him about the previous day. They sit next to him.
Student: (patting Ranma on the back) Hey, man. How's it going.?
Ranma: Who are you?
Student: Name's Hiroshi. (Introduces his friend by his side) This is my sidekick, Daisuke.
Daisuke: How you doing?
Ranma: Fine. I assume you want to talk about yesterdays fight.
Hiroshi: I gotta say It's about time that someone else besides Akane beat that Kuno guy's brains in.
Ranma: I just can't believe that he managed to get a lucky shot at me. The cut's nothing now, though.
Daisuke: (nudges Ranma) So what happened after the fight?
Hiroshi: Yeah. Did Akane give you a reward for beating Kuno?
Ranma: Why would she give me anything?
Daisuke: Come on, Saotome. Don't hold out on us.
Hiroshi: Tell us how you had you're way with Akane.
Ranma: Had my what?!
Hiroshi: Don't tell me you didn't sleep with Akane after what you went through to trash Kuno.
Ranma: Are you guys demented?!
Daisuke: It's every guys dream to at least get a date with Tendo Akane. Besides, getting punished by Akane makes me hot!
Hiroshi: (drooling) Oh, Akane. Beat me! It's so sexy!
Ranma: You guys are demented.
Voice: Saotome Ranma!
[Ranma's attention is diverted as he hears his name called out loud. It was the voice of Kuno Tatewaki.]
Tatewaki: So here you be!
Ranma: Hi, Don Quixote.
Tatewaki: I shall smite thee!
[Kuno pulls out his bokken and charges at Ranma]
Ranma: (sitting up and heading towards an open window) Let's take this outside, Kuno-sempai.
[Ranma jumps out the window and Kuno follows suit. It doesn't take Kuno long to realize that he just jumped from a three story window, which shocks him. Ranma doesn't seem to mind, though.]
Ranma: (taunting) Hey, Kuno. Why didn't you tell me you were scared of heights?
[Ranma realizes that there's a swimming pool at the bottom when he looks down.]
Ranma: {Holy crap!}
[Ranma and Kuno drop to the pool fast. Once they make contact,
there comes a big splash.]
[Underwater, Ranma frantically swims to get out of the pool before Kuno notices.]
Ranma-chan: {I gotta get out of here! If anybody discovers me,
I'm done for!}
[Unfortunately, Ranma gets grabbed by Kuno as soon as both resurface from the water.]
Tatewaki: (grabbing Ranma) Ranma! I fight on!
[Ranma tries to get out of Kuno's grip, but to no avail. Then Kuno notices something odd about Ranma when he started to grab what seemed to be a woman's breast. This really irritates Ranma.]
Tatewaki: Huh?
Ranma-chan: (really peeved) You pervert!
[Ranma turns around and punches Kuno in the face. This sends Kuno flying into the school wall. Ranma quickly gets out of the pool and leaves into the school woods.]
[From the classroom where Ranma jumped, everyone who was present watched what transpired with interest and confusion.]
Hiroshi: Ouch. Ranma really smashed Kuno that time.
Daisuke: Say, didn't Ranma get smaller when he got out of the pool?
Student: Nah. Must have been an illusion.
[Akane and Nabiki enter the classroom.]
Akane: We heard some noise. What happened?
Student: Kuno decided to take on Ranma, but both jumped out the window. Thank God there was a swimming pool there.
Akane: {That idiot!} Come on, Nabiki!
[Meanwhile, Kuno is still on the wall where Ranma punched him to. He groggily wakes and was trying to gather the events on what exactly happened.]
Tatewaki: {That was a woman. A woman. That can only mean...}
[Kuno finally gets out of the wall and angrily starts looking for Ranma.]
Tatewaki: That coward! Saotome Ranma, you cannot hide from the great Kuno Tatewaki!
[All the while in the school woods, Ranma sits on a tree branch,
wringing out his clothes. She grimaces as she recalls what happened.]
Ranma-chan: {That pervert! He didn't have to squeeze me so hard!}
Well, I guess he knows about me.
Voice: You dumb idiot!
[Ranma turns around at the source of the voice and notices that it's Akane. She is joined by Nabiki.]
Akane: How can you even think of jumping into the swimming pool out of your own free will?!
Ranma-chan: Hold on! I didn't know there was a pool when I jumped!
Akane: You expect me to believe you can survive a three story fall without getting hurt?!
Ranma-chan: It's possible.
Akane: Whatever.
Nabiki: Hey, Saotome. Need a thermos? (Throws Ranma a thermos container filled with hot water.)
Ranma-chan: (catches the thermos but starts to lose balance on the tree branch) Whoa!
[Fortunately, Ranma regains balance. All the while, Kuno is looking for Ranma.]
Tatewaki: Wither Saotome Ranma?!
[Back in the forest, Akane hears Kuno from a distance.]
Akane: I'll buy you some time, Ranma. Just change back.
[Akane leaves to find Kuno.]
Ranma-chan: Ahh. sweet, hot water.
[Ranma starts to pour hot water over his head, or at least he thought. He notices that the thermos is empty, as no water poured out.]
Ranma-chan: What the hell! This thing is empty!
Nabiki: (remembering something) Oh yeah. I used the hot water to make myself some tea.
Ranma-chan: (frowning) That's it. I'm not trusting you anymore.
[Kuno seeks out Ranma as he searches the school forest. During the search, Kuno spots Akane running toward him. Kuno is delighted by this.]
Tatewaki: Ah, fair Tendo Akane. Have you come to jump into my arms?
Akane: (stops running and gets into a fighting position) Kuno-
sempai, I challenge you to a duel!
Tatewaki: (sighing) Akane-chan. Never did I dream that you would challenge me for a date. (Readies his bokken) So be it! I you shall somehow defeat me, I shall allow you, fair one, to go out with me! Thus, I shall lose with all my might.
Akane: (repulsed) Who in hell would want to go out with you!?
[Kuno steps forward and slashes his bokken downward on Akane. At the last moment, Akane claps her hands, catching the blade in her palms. Using the blade as a lever, Akane drops to the ground,
trips Kuno onto her leg, and like a spring board, Akane kicks her leg out, causing Kuno to fly deep into the woods.]
Akane: (panting) That'll take care of him. (Realizing the trajectory of Kuno's flight) Oh great!
[somewhere else in the forest, Nabiki is boiling a kettle filled with water while Ranma waits impatiently on the tree branch.]
Ranma-chan: Hurry up with that, will you.
Nabiki: (imitating Scotty from Star Trek) I'm boiling as fast as I can, Captain!
Ranma-chan: (sarcastically) Funny. Real funny.
[Suddenly, Kuno falls down out of nowhere and his head buried in the ground. He quickly recovers and stands up. He notices Ranma,
in his female form sitting on the tree branch.]
Tatewaki: You are that girl!
[Akane finally makes to the scene.]
Akane: You're still a girl?!
Ranma-chan: (frowning) The thermos was empty.
Tatewaki: Quick, pig-tailed girl! Have you seen a boy with a pigtail like yours?
Ranma-chan: Uh-uh.
Tatewaki: No doubt he feared my prowess. If he ran away, then he is no man. He is no man!
Ranma-chan: {This guy is really starting to piss me off!}
[Ranma jumps off the tree branch and hits Kuno with a punch that sends him flying to a nearby tree.]
Ranma-chan: (gets into a fighting stance) I'm not going to take this bad mouthing from you! Let's get it on!
Tatewaki: How amusing. (readies his bokken) If you win, I will allow you to date me.
[Kuno strike with his bokken as he runs towards Ranma, who dodges. Ranma then elbows Kuno in the chest, low sweeps him,
and hits him hard on the back of the head. This chain of events sends Kuno face first into the ground. Ranma solidly puts her foot down on Kuno's back.]
Ranma-chan: And just who the hell is asking to out with you?!
Tatewaki: {This girl is just as skilled as Akane. No. Better than Akane.}
Ranma-chan: Let me just remind something. Saotome Ranma's better than me!
[Kuno slowly reaches inside his shirt and pulls out an envelope. He hands it to Ranma.]
Ranma-chan: (taking the envelope) Give me that!
[Ranma takes out the letter and reads it.]
"After school. The court yard."
Ranma-chan: I'll be there!
Scene: The school courtyard after class has been dismissed. There was a smaller crowd compared to the day before surrounding Ranma-chan and Kuno Tatewaki in a large circle. Akane and Nabiki were also in the crowd, looking at Ranma-chan and Kuno as they prepared themselves. The crowd knew there was going to be a fight, so they gave the two combatants the space they needed.
Tatewaki: So, we meet at last, pigtailed girl.
Ranma-chan: I guess that beating during lunch didn't set your head straight. (Noticing that Kuno is unarmed) Where's your sword?
Tatewaki: I won't be needing the sword today.
Ranma-chan: Pretty confident, are you?
Tatewaki: Enough confidence to give you this!
[Kuno throws something at Ranma-chan and she catches the object above her head. Ranma notices a few red rose petals flowing downward when she caught the object Kuno threw at her. Ranma-
chan realizes that it's a bouquet of roses. Ranma-chan is dumbfounded.]
Tatewaki: (walking away but turns around briefly) Pigtailed girl, I love you.
[The crowd was shock. They expected to see a fight and what they saw was Kuno declaring his love for the so called pigtailed girl. All the while, Ranma began to have a funny feeling in her stomach. The feeling of utter repulsiveness.]
Ranma-chan: {I am going to be sick.}
Scene: On the way home, Ranma, now in male form, Akane, and Nabiki wondered about what transpired after school. Ranma kept clenching his stomach and it appeared like he was about to throw up while Akane held the roses that Kuno gave to Ranma, chuckling to herself at Ranma's situation. Nabiki just kept quiet for the moment.
Ranma: (looking at Akane) What's so funny?!
Akane: (between laughs) He loves your girl side and I think it's hilarious!
Ranma: (angry) Will you shut up?! I'm a guy!
Akane: This is so rich! Kuno hates you as a guy, but likes you as a girl! Thanks a lot, Ranma! You probably got that swash-buckling moron off my back! {And now I can concentrate on Dr. Tofu. Life is good.}
Ranma: I said shut up!
Nabiki: Yeah, Akane! Quit it!
Akane: Like you care if I hurt this pervert's feelings or not, Nabiki.
Nabiki: ...
Akane: Ha! Thought so!
Nabiki: Be silent, little sister!
Ranma: {This is nuts. I got a poetry-spouting jerk-off who's after my blood and at the same time, after my girl side! How can things get any worse!?}
[The three teenagers arrive at the Tendo Dojo. What they find as they enter the courtyard was a really angry boy in rather vagabond clothing with a spotted bandana wrapped around his forehead; plus he had an umbrella in his right hand. It took Ranma only a few seconds to recognize who the person was. It was his old friend,
Hibiki Ryoga. But Ranma was concerned on why Ryoga was angry at him. Never one to take chances, Ranma remained cautious.]
Ryoga: (angry) You will die, Saotome Ranma!
Ranma: (to the two girls behind him) Hang back. This isn't going to be pretty.
[Ranma cautiously takes a step forward.]
Ranma: Long time, no see, pal.
Ryoga: (getting angrier) Don't take that tone with me, Ranma! I know everything!
Ranma: (confused) Know what?!
Ryoga: I'll destroy your happiness if it's the last thing I do!
Ranma: And why, pray tell, should I be happy?
Nabiki: The guy just had a bad day, Hibiki. Why should Saotome here be happy?
Ryoga: Because he's got you and your sisters wrapped around in his little finger, being engaged to them even!
Ranma: Hey! When did you hear about that?!
[Just then, Kasumi appears at front door. She looks a bit sad.]
Ranma: I guess Kasumi told you.
Ryoga: That's right! (Gets into a fighting stance) For the sake of the Tendo girls, you will meet justice!
Ranma: {There's no avoiding this.} If it's a fight you want, you got it! Maybe if hit that thick skull of yours a few times, then maybe it'll knock some sense in to you!
Ryoga: You won't beat me, Ranma. I've changed a lot since we last met. I'm stronger and I have a hell of lot more resistence to injury. I wasn't just wandering around every time I got lost. I was training everyday and night. Every single hour, every minute, and every second, I trained in the art, dreaming about the day we'd meet again, and even the score with you. Now that day has finally come.
Ranma: (smirking) I have a few tricks up my sleeve, pal. Don't think for a second that it's going to be easy to trash me. (Gets into a kenpo stance)
Ryoga: (charges towards Ranma) I won't just trash you, Ranma. I'll rip your head off, and nothing is going to stop me from doing so!
[But before Ryoga could reach Ranma, a frightening laugh can be heard from a distance. This stops Ryoga in his tracks. Meanwhile,
Ranma is so frightened by the laugh that at the instant he heard it,
he jumped blindly into Nabiki's arms, much to Akane's surprise and Kasumi's unusual jealousy, who just noticed Ranma's predicament. All the while, Ryoga started to look like he was going to panic.]
Ryoga: (paling) Oh no...
Akane: (looking at every direction) Not her again!
Ryoga: (frantically running around in circles) Hide me! Hide me!
Kasumi: There's a storage room in the house, Ryoga-kun!
Ryoga: Thanks!
[Ryoga quickly runs into the house in a mad panic.]
Ranma: What in hell was that?!
Nabiki: (blushing furiously) {Resist the temptation, Nabiki.}
[Suddenly, black rose petals rain down gracefully on top of the Tendo Dojo. The residents that are outside notice that the distant laughter was closer than before. They turn to the source and see a young, beautiful lady in a leotard with a gymnast ribbon on one hand, standing on top of the Tendo home roof.]
Woman: Greetings, peasants!
Akane: You got a lot guts coming here, you psycho!
Woman: Silence! I came here for my Ryoga-sama.
Ranma: (confused) {Ryoga-sama?!}
Akane: I know why you're here! But you came here for nothing, so bug off!
Woman: Don't take that tone with me you poor excuse for a martial artist! You don't want to lose face here like you did at St.
Hebereke's.
Akane: Poor excuse?! You're the most dishonorable person I ever met!
Woman: I rather not argue with you. Where is the love of my life?
Akane: Ryoga's not here!
Nabiki: Actually, he ran past the back door just a while ago.
Ranma: Yeah. I think he said something about girls with strange laughs scaring the hell out of him!
Woman: (pointing a finger at Ranma) And how would you know what my Darling Ryoga said?!
[The woman notices Ranma's position.]
Woman: My, my, Nabiki. Finally got a man for yourself.
Ranma: (noticing his position and quickly getting off Nabiki) Oops.
Nabiki: (blushing inwardly) That's none of your business, Kuno Kodachi.
Ranma: Hold up a minute. You mean this chick is Kuno's relative?!
Kodachi: Sister, actually. And may I say that it is the honor to finally meet you in person, Saotome Ranma. (Bows slightly) You are handsome, monsieur. But not like my Ryoga-sama, I'm afraid. I simply don't know what those girls at Furinkan High see in you.
Akane: At least we agree on something.
Ranma: Hey!
Kodachi: Well, since my traveling knight isn't in this poor excuse for an establishment, I shall be off.
Ranma: (very angry) All right, time out!
Kodachi: Hmm?
Ranma: How dare you call this place a poor excuse! I happen to know that a lot and work and care has been put into the place and it's all because of Kasumi here! So when you badmouth the Tendo dojo, you badmouth her!
Kodachi: Is that so?
Ranma: Yeah! And if you badmouth Kasumi ever again, you deal with me!
Kasumi: (putting her hands on her cheeks and blushing) {Oh my!}
Kodachi: Ooh, he is your type, Nabiki. Finally a brute to heat up that cold interior of yours at night!
Nabiki: ...
Ranma: Same goes for Nabiki!
Kodachi: Why should it? Nabiki is probably the most notorious money maker in the Nerima District. Why you would defend such a person who doesn't repent her evil ways surprises me.
Nabiki: ...
Ranma: (trying to restrain himself)...
Kodachi: My business here is done.(twirling her ribbon) I shall be off!
[Kodachi prances off the Tendo Dojo roof, laughing as she left the residence through the gate. The laugh started to fade, but Ranma could still hear Kodachi loud and clear. It irritated him that he couldn't slap that big mouthed gymnast in the face, but he knew better than to hit a girl, even to those who deserved it. Ranma angrily walked into the house without a word. Kasumi watched him go, smiling.]
Kasumi: (softly) Thank you...
Nabiki: {Great! Now I'm going to have dreams about that dumb jock.} (slightly smiles) {Not that it's a bad thing.}
Akane: (angry) {One of these days, Kodachi. One of these days...}
Scene: About a few hours later, Ranma practices the martial arts in the Tendo Dojo, this time using his long sword. With every swing and every thrust, Ranma perspires more all over his body that his karate gi begins to drenched with sweat. He's being practicing many various sword technics ever since the afternoon, remembering the incident with Kodachi. Even if that event was in the past,
Ranma kept remembering as if it just a few seconds ago. Kodachi had insulted Kasumi and Ranma couldn't avenge her honor. It made him feel angry and horrible. Ranma quickened the pace of his rhythm, but is stopped suddenly by his mother's voice.
Nodoka: Ranma?
[Ranma turns around at the source of the voice and finds out that his mother was just outside the dojo door. Ranma calms down a bit.]
Ranma: Oh. Hi, mom.
Nodoka: (concerned) Is something bothering you?
Ranma: What makes you say that?
Nodoka: Well, you're drenching in sweat, you've been in the dojo since the afternoon, neglecting you're homework, and you're practicing with your sword.
Ranma: (shrugs) So what's wrong with weapon practice?
Nodoka: The only time you ever practice martial arts with that blade out of your own free will is when you're angry. (Sternly) Now spill it.
Ranma: (sighs in defeat) Fine, fine.
[Ranma sits down on the floor with his legs crossed and arms folded across his chest. He then bowed his head in shame. Nodoka was really concerned about his son, so she approached him and just sits about a few meters in front of him.]
Nodoka: Something is bothering you, son. Bad day?
Ranma: That's an understatement.
Nodoka: Was it that Kuno person, again?
Ranma: Yeah. Him and his hyena sister, Kodachi.
Nodoka: Yes, I heard about what happened here this afternoon.
Ranma: Mom, how much did you love pop?
Nodoka: Despite his faults, I loved him dearly.
Ranma: Did you ever have to lash out at anybody who trash talked about him?
Nodoka: If you mean by physical violence, then yes. A lot of people, including my father, didn't like your father and expressed that dislike openly. So I took action when enough became enough.
Ranma: Did you seriously hurt them?
Nodoka: Just my father. Everybody else I just sent a death threat notice on their doors.
Ranma: (gulping nervously) Mom, that's so unlike you.
Nodoka: I was young when that happened and I was very much in love with your father. I did calm down over the years, as you can clearly see.
Ranma: Uh huh, right.
Nodoka: (realizing something) You didn't hurt this Kodachi person,
did you?
Ranma: No, but I wish I did.
Nodoka: I guess that's why you asked me how much did I love your father. Does that mean that you hold a place for Kasumi in your heart?
Ranma: Nobody insults Kasumi that way! Especially not some laughing psychotic gymnast chick like Kodachi!
Nodoka: Well, I'm glad you didn't take physical action against her. You showed control, even in the face of temptation. I'm proud of you.
Ranma: ...
Nodoka: I also heard that Akane and Nabiki helped you out during the lunch hour.
Ranma: Like I asked them to.
Nodoka: Even a man is grateful for favors.
Ranma: Fine, I'll thank them.
Nodoka: Just towel off before thanking them.
Scene: Nabiki was in Akane's room, practicing a few leg lifts. Akane was busy doing her homework, but not in full concentration.
Nabiki: Come on, Akane. What's so wrong about being engaged to a guy who changes into a girl?
Akane: Lots of things! That pervert Ranma probably likes looking at himself when he's in girl form!
Nabiki: You're just jealous because he's got a better woman's body than you do.
Akane: Shut up! It's bad enough he's a sex changing pervert, but everybody thinks that we are his fiancee's!
Nabiki: Well, he is.
Akane: Do you want everyone to think that we're perverts to?!
[Just outside the room in the hallway, Ranma's was about to knock on Akane's door when he heard Akane's tirade. Ranma then walks downstairs angrily.]
Ranma: (thinking angrily) {Yeah. I'm supposed to be thanking her?!}
[As Ranma walked downstairs, he spotted Kasumi. When Ranma spotted her, the elder Tendo sister looked a bit worried because Ranma had been angry all afternoon. Then he saw Kasumi smile,
and calmed down a bit as he walked towards her.]
Ranma: Kasumi?
Kasumi: Ranma...
Ranma: Something on your mind?
[Kasumi slowly walks towards Ranma. When she was close enough, Kasumi envelopes Ranma in a tight embrace. She wept on his shoulder and hugged him even tighter. Ranma then embraced Kasumi and tried to calm her down.]
Kasumi: (softly) Thank you...
Ranma: Hey, somebody had to stick up for you, right?
Kasumi: ...
Ranma: By the way, where's Ryoga?
Kasumi: Well, he ran out of the house in a mad panic when Kodachi arrived; I told him to hide in the storage room, but I guess he couldn't find it, so he must be lost somewhere.
Ranma: Figures.
[Both let go of the embrace.]
Kasumi: Um, Ranma?
Ranma: Yeah?
Kasumi: I need some help in the kitchen.
Ranma: I'm going to have to take a rain check. My mom mentioned I was neglecting my homework, so I'm going to do that. Sorry.
Kasumi: It can wait.
[From out of nowhere, Soun appears and fiercely hugs Ranma and starts bawling.]
Soun: Oh happy day!
Ranma: Hey, quit that!
Kasumi: (disapprovingly) Father!
Soun: You defended my daughters honor, son. Truly you are worthy to be their fiancee's! Now I know the future of the Tendo Training Hall is secured!
Kasumi: Father, you're hurting Ranma!
Ranma: Everything...going...black...
[Just then, Nodoka appears and bashes Soun over the head with a frying pan, knocking the over emotional father to the ground unconscious.]
Nodoka: (sighs) Honestly.
Ranma: No kidding. Anyway Kasumi, I've been neglecting my homework and I think it's best if I finished. I'll help you with breakfast tomorrow.
Kasumi: Promise?
Ranma: Cross my heart.
Nodoka: And hope to be slit in the belly.
Ranma: Hey!
Nodoka: Just go, son. I'll help Kasumi with dinner.
Scene: About two hours later after dinner, Nabiki was in her room,
staring outside the window and feeling the breeze the night air gave. She sat at her desk and thought about what Ranma did for her today. Her thoughts are interrupted when Ranma appeared outside the window, hanging upside down with his arms crossed.
Ranma: Hey there.
Nabiki: Hi Dracula.
Ranma: (rolling his eyes up) Hardy har har.
Nabiki: Well, to what do I owe the honor of your visit?
Ranma: Look, I just wanted to say...thanks for trying to help me out this afternoon.
Nabiki: I really didn't do anything, Saotome. I just tried to make it up to you because I used the hot water.
Ranma: I know, but thanks anyway.
[Ranma was about to leave, but Nabiki grabbed Ranma by his shirt.]
Ranma: Hey, what's the big idea?!
Nabiki: I want to say something to you.
Ranma: ...
Nabiki: Thanks for defending me this afternoon. Nobody's ever done that for me.
Ranma: No problem.
[Ranma bends his legs, causing him to flip away from the window and on to the roof. Nabiki slightly shakes her head and closes the window. She then hears her door knock and Nabiki crosses her room to open it. Akane was on the other side.]
Akane: I heard talking. What happened?
Nabiki: Nothing. My stereo was on too loud, that's all.
Akane: Oh, okay.
[Akane leaves to her room while Nabiki closes her own. She then throws herself to her bed and begins to hug a pillow. She smiles as she begins to think.]
Nabiki: {Saotome is not entirely bad after all.}
[Nabiki then looks at he camera that sat at her desk.]
Nabiki: Hmm. Now there's a thought.
Scene: It is morning at the Tendo Household. In the kitchen, Kasumi was cooking breakfast but she wasn't very enthusiastic about it. Last night, Ranma promised her that he would help out with the breakfast this day. But Ranma wasn't there and it was already past 7:00 am. Kasumi felt her heart ache and tears began to show in her eyes.
Kasumi: Ranma, you promised...
Scene: Meanwhile, Ranma was upstairs in the bathroom drying himself. He mentally belittled himself for waking up late and not being able to keep his promise to Kasumi. Ranma felt very bad about this because he could never deny Kasumi anything.
Ranma: Sometimes I can be such an idiot. I hope Kasumi can find it in her heart to forgive me for this.
[Ranma wrapped a towel around his waist and left the bathroom. Meanwhile, just outside the bathroom window, Nabiki was a little amazed with herself. She had taken pictures of Ranma unnoticed. Nabiki sat by the window, breathing heavily, flustering, and tensely holding her camera. Her heart was racing rapidly as she tried to calm down.]
Nabiki: Calm down, girl. He just a dumb jock.
Scene: Back in the kitchen, Kasumi felt more depressed than ever. The more she thought about Ranma not being there to help, the less she was paying any attention in making breakfast. She stirred the pot slowly but wasn't feeling any better. Then the pot started to boil over and bubbling fiercely. Kasumi noticed this and turned the stove off. Then Kasumi smelled something burning; the omelet she was making was turning too crispy. Kasumi hastily tries to get the meal under control; but in her haste, she accidently knocks a bottle of cooking oil to the floor. The oil the starts to ooze all over the floor. Kasumi doesn't notice this, and because of this, she takes a step where the cooking oil was on the floor and slipped. Kasumi cried out as she slipped. Fortunately, Ranma, dressed in his school clothes, arrived in time to save her from falling on the floor. Ranma holds Kasumi in his arms, patiently waiting for her to open her eyes.]
Ranma: (softly) You okay, Kasumi?
[Kasumi weakly nodes her head, then she looks up at Ranma and stares at him sadly.]
Ranma: Kasumi?
Kasumi: You promised!
Ranma: Hey, I woke up late!
Kasumi: (punches Ranma in the stomach) You promised!
[Ranma winced when Kasumi punched him. Then Ranma felt Kasumi's head rest on his shoulder; Kasumi held Ranma tightly and cried softly. Ranma felt like a heel and held Kasumi in his arms more tightly and tried to calm her down.]
Ranma: (sheepishly) Don't be like that, Kasumi. I didn't mean to oversleep.
Kasumi: I know. I just wanted to make you feel guilty for not keeping your word.
Ranma: Well it's not too late, is it?
Kasumi: Well...
Ranma: (noticing the oil) Hey, we better get a mop for this.
[Ranma set put Kasumi down and was about to get a mop to clean up the oil. The Kasumi loses her balance again on the slippery floor. She doesn't have time to recover and ends up taking Ranma down with her. Ranma lands to the floor first and Kasumi falls on him, bracing her fall. They both lay there for a moment, a bit stunned. ]
Kasumi: ...
Ranma: Um...
[They were about to get off the floor; unfortunately the rest of the Tendo family and Ranma's mother stand outside the kitchen and take stock of the situation.]
Nabiki: Sis?
Soun: (crying happily) This is indeed a joyous moment! My daughter is getting married!(pulls out a bottle of rice wine and drinks it all in one shot.)
Nodoka: (noticing the spilled oil) Son, what happened?
Akane: (just noticing the downed couple and rolling up her sleeves) Ranma, you big perverted jerk!
[Kasumi quickly gets off of Ranma and blushes deeply.]
Ranma: (waving his arms frantically) Wait! It's not what it looks-
[Ranma's explanation was cut off as soon as Akane grabbed him by the front of his shirt, picked him up, and punched him into orbit through an open window. After that happened, Nodoka looks at Akane in disappointment and so does Kasumi. Soun was already to drunk on rice wine and singing off key. Nabiki just sighs, noting that she expected no less from her little sister. Akane then turns around to notice the look that Nodoka was giving her and the glare that Kasumi was giving her.]
Akane: (angry) What?!
Ranma: (sternly) Why did you just punch my son out of the house?
Akane: He was coming on to my sister, that's why!
Kasumi: (standing up and sternly looks at Akane) No he wasn't,
Akane! What you saw was the result of accident. Honestly, I don't know what goes on in your head sometimes, but if it wasn't for my Ranma, I would have been covered in cooking oil!
Akane: (shocked) What did you just say?!
Nabiki: (with a hint jealousy) Since when is Saotome yours?
[Kasumi gasped and covered her mouth. She was embarrassed of what she just said. So embarrassed that she quickly got out of the kitchen and ran upstairs. Nodoka was a bit confused by what Kasumi just said but at the moment, let it slide. She turned her attention to Akane, who just noticed the cooking oil on the floor. Akane hanged her head in shame, then looked at Nodoka apologetically.]
Akane: (sheepishly) I'm really sorry, Auntie. I guess I just lost my head there.
Nabiki: (rolling her eyes up) Like you never do?
[Nabiki decides to leave the kitchen and drags her drunken father with her.]
Nodoka: Sorry isn't going to help me. Try saying it to Ranma when he gets back.
[Akane looks around the kitchen and an idea forms in her head.]
Akane: (smiling) Okay. I know just how to apologize to Ranma.
Scene: Ranma was airborne and he was screaming. That all came to an end when he started to descend to ground. He ended up crashing through the roof of a building. Then there were screams coming from the inside of the building and Ranma frantically ran through out of it. When Ranma got out, there were many bathroom supplies flying out the building and women screaming at him. Apparently, Ranma was in the women's bath house. Ranma stopped a bit to catch his breath.]
Ranma: (panting) Man, and the day was starting out good.
[Suddenly a big piece of porcelain hit Ranma on the back of the head, knocking him out.]
Scene: About a few minutes later after waking up, staggers on home, supported by a big metal pole. He can still feel the pain in his head, which doesn't really help him concentrate on what just happened.
Ranma: (grumbling) Stupid...tomboy. It was an accident that ...Kasumi landed...on top...of me. It's ...bad enough...she punched me...but she punched me to a women's bath house. Made all worse...that I haven't eaten yet.
[Ranma rounds the corner on his way to the Tendo Dojo; then he notices that a trash can was shaking. He ignored it at first, but Ranma saw it shake again. When he got close to the trash can,
Ranma start to tap it with the pole. He tapped the can many times on every side but couldn't get no response. Ranma decided to hit the can really hard on the top.]
Can: Oww!
Ranma: You know, a garbage can isn't what I call a good home. I mean, your not Oscar the Grouch. Are you?
[Suddenly, a very angry boy erupts from the can and grabs a hold of Ranma by the shirt.]
Boy: You!
Ranma: (recognizing who it was) Oh, hi Ryoga.
Ryoga: You may have escaped me last time, Saotome. But this time, I'm going to kill you!
Ranma: First of all, I didn't escape yesterday; you just ran off when that Kodachi chick came by. And may I add that the smell of your trashy clothes is probably going to kill me faster than your fists will.
Ryoga: It doesn't matter. I won't let you get your hands on Tendo Akane! Never!
Ranma: Akane?! Is this what this is all about?!
Ryoga: Yes! Now Akane will be free of you once I send you straight to hell!
Ranma: Wait a second! Don't I get a final request before I die?!
Ryoga: ...
Ranma: You are a man of honor, right?
Ryoga: Fine! I'll give you a last request since we were good friends!
Ranma: Okay then. My request is a simple. How come you took it so personally when Kasumi told you about the engagement?
Ryoga: ...
Ranma: I get it. You're in love with one of them, aren't you?
Ryoga: I...that is...
Ranma: It's Akane, right?
Ryoga: ...
Ranma: I guess the mighty Ryoga has a soft spot for violent tomboys.
Ryoga: (angry) Ranma...
Ranma: I'm not interested in her, okay?
Ryoga: You lie!
Ranma: You got me by the shirt, Ryoga! Why would I lie to you?!
Ryoga: Akane is the most popular girl in Furinkan High! Her beauty and her fighting tenacity are beyond compare! Most would kill to go out with her!
Ranma: She does have tenacity, I'll give you that much; although Akane is very un-cute. But if you're into girls who hit you for stupid reasons, you can have her.
Ryoga: How dare you call her those names?!
Ranma: Because that's the way I feel about her. So stop worrying your empty little head, Ryoga. Akane is all yours. Now, will you please let go of me? The stench is getting all over my clothes.
Ryoga: (calming down and letting go of Ranma) Oh, all right. I believe you.
Ranma: Seriously, Ryoga. You were getting worked up for nothing.
Ryoga: I guess. Sorry for exploding on you like that. We're still friends right?
Ranma: Take a shower and I'll think about it.
Ryoga: You're such a kidder, bud.
Ranma: Anyway, how do you meet the Tendo family? You got lost again on your way somewhere and met them by accident?
Ryoga: Well, after you left to go to China, I couldn't get anywhere again. I got lost more often than not and I didn't have any friends again. Then one day, on my way to school, I bumped into Akane. I was at a loss for words, Ranma. I tried to ask her for directions, but I couldn't. Akane captivated my heart.
Ranma: Well, well.
Ryoga: Anyway, when we parted, I thought I'd never see such beauty ever again.
Ranma: And?
Ryoga: I ended up in Furinkan High, the school Akane attends. When I saw a mob of boys about to attack her, I was about to leap into action. But Akane had already beaten up those boys. She lacks grace in the art, but I don't care.
Ranma: You got it bad, pal.
Ryoga: Yeah, I guess.
Ranma: So have you told Akane any of this?
Ryoga: I can't, and I got very valid reasons.
Ranma: Like?
Ryoga: I'm not very good in handling women.
Ranma: That's easily fixed.
Ryoga: And the fact that Akane hates boys and beats them up make me think that I have no chance with her.
Ranma: There is that. There is also the fact that she has a tough time handling the truth.
Ryoga: Why is that?
Ranma: When I told her she was wrong about something that first day I met the Tendo's, Akane hit me over the head with the dinner table.
Ryoga: (Bawling) That tears it! I have no chance!
Voice: No chance at what, Ryoga?
[Ryoga turns around to the source of the voice and it turns out to be Akane, holding a bento box.]
Ryoga: (nervously) Oh, hi Akane.
Akane: What are you doing in a trash can?
Ryoga: ...
Akane: You're hiding from Kodachi again, huh?
Ryoga: Well, I...
Akane: Personally, I'd like nothing better than to see that hyena driven to the ground seven times over. (turns to Ranma) Ranma,
I'd like to apologize for that misunderstanding in the kitchen earlier. I guess I jumped to conclusions.
Ranma: You're telling me.
Akane: (a little angry) Are you going to accept my apology?
Ranma: Fine. I'll accept. You're forgiven.
Akane: (shows Ranma the bento box) Here. I know you haven't had any breakfast, but here's some egg noodles that I made myself.
Ranma: (a bit surprised as he takes the box) Gee, thanks.
Akane: Look, I'm going to school, so catch up. All right?
Ranma: Right-o.
[Akane leaves running for school while Ranma opens the box of noodles.]
Ranma: { I wonder if these are any good.}
Scene: Back at the Tendo household, Kasumi was in her room,
lying in bed and crying into her pillow softly. She was pretty embarrassed and shocked for claiming Ranma as her own. The fact that Kasumi said it in front of Ranma's mother didn't make her feel any better. Kasumi is snapped out of her thoughts when she heard the knock on the door. She quickly wiped out her tears.
Kasumi: Come in.
[When the door opens, Kasumi finds that Nodoka was right outside with her Katana in her hands. Nodoka gives Kasumi a look of seriousness as she tries to figure out why Kasumi said what she said in the kitchen just a little while ago. ]
Nodoka: You lied to me, Kasumi. I need to know why.
Kasumi: Auntie...I can't.
Nodoka: Look, Kasumi. My son, even though I trained him in the martial arts, is still very precious to me. Like I said before, he's all I have left. Now tell me the truth, Kasumi-san. Has there been anything between you and Ranma? Have you been taking advantage of my son?
Kasumi: Nothing physical, I assure you. (Kasumi quickly shuts her mouth)
Nodoka: So there has been something between you two.
[Kasumi became frightened and petrified. She quickly backed off of few meters and remained silent. Only fear consumed the eldest Tendo daughter.]
Nodoka: (concerned) Kasumi, what is the matter?
Kasumi: (frightened) Please don't...
[It only takes a second for Nodoka to realize why Kasumi was so frightened. She begins to chuckle with amusement, which really frightens Kasumi even more.]
Nodoka: (chuckling and unsheathing her sword) Oh, Kasumi. This frightens you, does it?
Kasumi: (trembling) Please don't kill me.
Nodoka: Now why would I do that?
Kasumi: I lied to you the first day when Ranma was in my room. He was very much awake when you came to my room, Auntie. I lied to you when I said that I only saw your son as a friend when I see him as much more than that. (sobbing) Please forgive me if I have done any wrong towards you! I'm so ashamed!
[Nodoka puts her sword back in its scabbard and gently walked towards Kasumi. She placed her hand on Kasumi shoulder. This calms Kasumi down a bit, but not completely.]
Nodoka: (calmly) Kasumi, there's nothing to be ashamed of. I believe you had your reasons for this. Taken that I don't approve of lying, but I can see why you did what you did. You wanted to earn my son's trust, and you succeeded. I'm proud of you.
Kasumi: Auntie...
Nodoka: My son cares for you deeply, Kasumi. He holds a place for you in his heart.
[Kasumi quickly hugs Nodoka and begins to sob on her shoulder. Kasumi feels that Ranma's mother has forgiven her for her actions;
plus Kasumi's glad that Nodoka didn't kill her, which relieves her somewhat.]
Kasumi: (softly) Thank you...
Nodoka: You care for my son, Kasumi-san. That's all that matters.
[Both let go of the embrace.]
Nodoka: You don't have to tell him right now.
Kasumi: (wiping away her tears) I know.
Nodoka: Anyway, Akane has decided to apologize to Ranma.
Kasumi: Oh, good.
Nodoka: It was so nice of her to cook him some egg noodles as an apology, I must say.
Kasumi: (worried) Auntie, you have to be kidding!
Scene: Ryoga is walking on the sidewalk and is carrying Ranma over his shoulder. It appears that Ranma is very sick and is retching in a paper bag. Ryoga feels very guilty for what Ranma's going through as he heads for Dr. Tofu's clinic.
Ryoga: How's the stomach, man?
Ranma: (retching into the paper bag) My god, Akane is trying to kill me.
Ryoga: No she's not. Akane tried her best.
Ranma: I appreciate you defending Akane, Ryoga. But no one can cook a meal that horrible unless it was intentional.
Ryoga: I wish I can say you're right. I've tasted her cooking before and it leaves something to be desired.
Ranma: You mean she always cooks horribly and you actually ate it once?
Ryoga: (nervously) Well, I...
Ranma: Twice?
Ryoga: I don't want to get into it.
Ranma: Three times?
Ryoga: Um...
Ranma: It is below ten, right?
Ryoga: ...
Ranma: My god, it's miracle you're still alive.
Ryoga: (crying) I've always had faith that Akane might improve her cooking as the days went on. I thought Kasumi would at least help her on this matter but it all has the same result. But I really don't care!
Ranma: You're suicidal, aren't you? Your so in love with this chick that your willing to die for her.
Ryoga: What's so wrong about that?!
Ranma: Nothing, Ryoga. On another note, have you ever told Akane about her cooking?
Ryoga: I may be suicidal, but one thing I'm not is insensitive!
Ranma: You got a point there. Telling Akane that her cooking sucks is pretty mean. But then again, the truth hurts. Look, I may be contradicting myself for saying this, but if you really care for someone you have feelings, tell the truth.
Ryoga: Why do you say that you're contradicting yourself?
Ranma: (retches into the bag) Ugh. Ryoga I'm dying...
Ryoga: Oh yeah. Now where is Dr. Tofu's clinic?
Ranma: We're right in front of it, you dick. Actually it was right across the street where I found you. You were just wandering for the past half hour.
Ryoga: (angry) Why didn't you tell me, you jack-ass?!
Ranma: I had this fool idea that your sense of direction improved. Just drop me off here, I'll see you later.
Scene: Meanwhile at Furinkan High, Nabiki and her gang were busy counting the money just outside their first class. While Nabiki's two cohorts were enjoying the fact that they made a heavy amount of money, Nabiki herself wasn't as enthusiastic. She didn't even bother to count it. She just stared it in guilt, as if she did something wrong.
Girl 1: Man, we're really in the money this time.
Girl 2: Yeah. Selling those nude photos of Ranma has got to be one of the greatest ideas Nabiki has ever had. Hell, I even bought one of these naughty pictures myself.
Girl 1: Me too. I never thought someone like Ranma could ever turn me on.
Nabiki: Will you stop it?
Girl 1: Sorry, boss. Kinda lost my head there. Still, Saotome is really the heart throb of Furinkan High. Selling those pictures to the female population really brought in the dough.
Girl 2: Oh yeah.
Nabiki: Girls...
Girl 1: Oh come on, boss. Ranma's not only cute, but he's our own retirement fund. It kind of makes me feel sorry for Ranma.
Girl 2: Why's that?
Girl 1: You know, exploiting Ranma like he was a piece a meat so that girls can just drool over him. But if it rakes in the cash, who am I to complain?
Girl 2: Yeah. Ranma's such a dream.
Nabiki: (a bit irritated) Get your minds off the gutter, will you?
Girl 1: Ooh. A little defensive of Ranma, are you.
Girl 2: I guess when you took those pictures, you thought about keeping them to yourself.
Nabiki: ...
Girl 2: That would've been rather selfish.
Nabiki: Why would that be selfish?
Girl 1: That would be like not sharing.
Nabiki: Stop it.
Girl 1: Boss, you've been down ever since we sold those photos.
You've been looking at all that yen like you don't want it.
Nabiki: Look, Saotome did something for me yesterday and exploiting him is kind of being ungrateful. Can we just leave it at that?
Girl 2: What exactly did he do for you, boss?
Nabiki: (smirks) What's it worth to you?
Voice: Fair maidens!
[Nabiki and her two gang members turn to the source of the voice and see that it's Tatewaki. Nabiki and her cohorts look at Tatewaki with boredom.]
Tatewaki: I must speak with you, Tendo Nabiki.
Nabiki: (to her gang) Well talk about this later, girls.
Girl 1 and 2: Yes, boss.
[Nabiki's associates leave for the classroom.]
Nabiki: What do you want, Kuno?
[Tatewaki shows a stuffed panda to Nabiki, who looks at it in boredom.]
Nabiki: Not my style.
Tatewaki: Did I say it was for you, Tendo Nabiki? This little treasure is for my goddess in pig-tails, the one I declared my love for the day before.
Nabiki: Excuse me?
Tatewaki: If thy ears are not well, then I will repeat my words. This little treasure-
Nabiki: I heard you the first time, Kuno.
Tatewaki: Well, then. Since you practically know who is who around this town, I should assume that you know this angel as well.
Nabiki: {Should I even tell him it's Saotome that he's talking about? Why not. Getting a loser like Kuno of his back will probably get me on grounds for forgiveness for the nude pictures.} Yeah, I know her. And there's something you should know, Kuno-
chan.
[Nabiki whispers into Tatewaki's ear. Tatewaki gets angry.]
Tatewaki: What?! Saotome, you foul cur! I shall destroy for holding the pig-tailed girl hostage!
[Before Nabiki was about explain everything, but Tatewaki just runs down the hallway, determined to face Ranma.]
Nabiki: (miserably lowering her head) God dammit...
Scene: In Dr. Tofu's clinic, Ranma was in the examination room,
sitting on one of the patient beds. Ranma waited for Dr. Tofu to give him a final analysis and with some luck, medication for his stomach.
Ranma: Well Doc, will I live?
Dr. Tofu: (chuckles) You'll be fine, Ranma. But I suggest you don't eat anything for a couple of hours.
Ranma: I'll stay away from Akane's cooking, if that's what you're saying.
Dr. Tofu: She's just trying her best, Ranma.
Ranma: (rolling his eyes up) Uh huh. Right.
Dr. Tofu: (looking at the clock on the wall) Looks like you're late for school.
Ranma: (shrugs) I'll manage. Besides, it's not like I care about school anyway; but if miss a day, my mom will have my head. And with my mom, that's a possibility.
Dr. Tofu: Be that as it may, you still need an education.
Ranma: I guess.
Dr. Tofu: Well, if that's all for today, you better hurry to school.
Ranma: (Looking at the clock on the wall) Thirty past eight. I'll be lucky if I make it to my second class. (standing up) I got to go.
Dr. Tofu: Good-bye, Ranma-san.
[Ranma was about to leave to the examination room, but he noticed a picture frame on the wall with the picture facing the wall. Ranma walked towards it and turned it around.]
Dr. Tofu: Hey, Doc. You got this picture frame backwards. What-
[Ranma took a look at the picture and found it be Kasumi's. It is here that Ranma makes an assumption.]
Ranma: You know, I thought I was imagining things when your glasses fogged up when I mentioned Kasumi the other day. (turns around to face Dr. Tofu) But now I-
[Ranma noticed that Dr. Tofu glasses fogged up; he also noticed that the doctor was getting tense. ]
Ranma: Doc, are you okay?
Dr. Tofu: (nervously) Um, Ranma, you should get going. You're late for school as it is.
[Ranma places his right hand on Dr. Tofu's head and his other hand on his fore head.]
Dr. Tofu: What are you doing?
Ranma: I'm reading your mind.
Dr. Tofu: (sternly) This is no time for games, Ranma.
Ranma: (over dramatically) I have read your mind, Tofu-sensei. It is undeniable that you are madly in love with the fair beauty known as Tendo Kasumi. (removes his hand from Dr. Tofu's head.)
Dr. Tofu: (removes his glasses and sighs) Ranma, it's none of your business.
Ranma: She's my friend, Doc. I have to be concerned if anything has to do with her.
Dr. Tofu: Fine. Yes, I'm in love with Kasumi and I've been so for many summers. I remember when her radiance first graced this clinic. I was just an assistant to the doctor who was here before. Kasumi brought in her sister that day, but all I could notice was Kasumi. Seriously, I couldn't concentrate on my work. Truly Kasumi is the light of my life.
Ranma: You've at least gone out with her, right?
Dr. Tofu: ...
Ranma: Doc, you got to at least tell her how you feel. I mean,
you're right for her, man.
Dr. Tofu: Ranma, I'm in no hurry. Really. Besides, I have all this work and my patients to worry about. I have no time for such things. Dating Kasumi isn't very important right now.
Ranma: {Not important, huh?} Well, what if I said that Kasumi was already seeing someone?
Dr. Tofu: Huh?!
Ranma: Yeah. He's bit young for her, but I hear they're really hitting it off. I guess love knows no bounds. Don't you think so,
Doc?
[Dr. Tofu was really getting nervous. He saw his opportunity to get Kasumi slip away and it was aching his heart.]
Ranma: {Now to add more fuel to the fire.} (smirks) What if I said that guy was me?
Dr. Tofu: (laughs nervously) You're joking.
[Ranma remains silent and Dr. Tofu is even more nervous and tense.]
Dr. Tofu: Right?!
Ranma: Well, I haven't really chosen Kasumi as a fiancee yet, but I might be able to learn to love her someday.
Dr. Tofu: It isn't nice to toy with the feelings of others, Ranma.
Ranma: Who says I am?
Dr. Tofu: (tense) But Kasumi is-
Ranma: Is eligible to be my fiancee. It doesn't matter if she's older than me, because I have hold my part of the bargain that my father and Tendo-san placed on me and the Tendo sisters.
Dr. Tofu: (smoldering anger) Ranma...
Ranma: Yes sir. Me and Kasumi will live happily ever after.
[Dr. Tofu grabbed Ranma by his shirt and held him up against the wall.]
Dr. Tofu: (mad) I won't let you!
Ranma: Hey, did I say something wrong?
Dr. Tofu: (calming down and letting go of Ranma) No. Fighting you won't solve anything. For years I've longed for Kasumi to be at my side as my soul mate. I've waited too long for that to happen. Now I now what I must do.
[Dr. Tofu dashes to the medicine cabinet and begins to look for something. As he was looking, Dr. Tofu was throwing some medicine containers out of the medicine cabinet, until he finally found what he was looking for. He was holding a little brown box.]
Dr. Tofu: (putting his glasses back on) Ah yes. For many summers, I've held this box in my possession. Time grows short,
but now is my opportunity to ask Kasumi for her hand in marriage.
Ranma: Uh, Doc-
Dr. Tofu: Please wait for me a while longer, Kasumi-chan! I, Dr.
Tofu Ono, am coming for you!
[Dr. Tofu dashes off to propose to Kasumi. Unfortunately, he runs into a wall, cutting his trip short.]
Ranma: Look, just send the bill to Tendo's, all right?
Dr. Tofu: (muffled) Okay...
[Ranma opens the sliding door to exit the examination room. He finds that a bunch patients, middle-aged and old, were looking at him with cold stares and angry looks. Ranma was confused by this and was trying to figure out what is going on. Then an old woman spoke.]
Old lady: You just had to mention Kasumi, didn't you?!
Middle aged man: Now you're going to get it boy!
[Ranma knew that there was danger brewing in this crowd of angry patients, so he ran past them and out of the clinic to avoid conflict.]
Old lady: Get him!
[All the patients start to run after Ranma as soon as they exited the clinic. Ranma was little bit ahead of them and was running down the sidewalk and running around every corner of the Nerima district. Unfortunately, the angry mob of patients were very fast and they were catching to Ranma and he was getting tired. Ranma turned to the next corner in order to lose the crowd.]
Ranma: I got to find a way to lose these people or I'm-
[Suddenly, Ranma is hit with cold water and transforms into a girl. This of course, stops Ranma's running. She grumbles a bit for her unawareness. Ranma then notices a little old lady with a bucket was looking at her.]
Little old lady: I'm sorry, dearie. I guess I should look where a throw next time.
[The angry mob finally catches up to Ranma, but the crowd was unaware of his transformation powers and were confused.]
Old lady: Hey, girl! Do yo know where that kid in the school uniform went to?! He had a pig-tail like yours.
Man: Yeah!
Ranma-chan: (pointing to the road ahead) He went that way.
[The crowd let out a battle cry and ran down the road until they could no longer be seen. Ranma lets out a sigh of relief.]
Little old lady: I wonder what those people were doing?
Ranma-chan: Planning an execution.
Scene: After a stop at the Laundromat, and using hot water to change back in a boy, Ranma dashed through the streets to get to school. Ranma was already an hour and forty-five minutes late and was running out of excuses for his tardiness.
Ranma: Ah, great. I'll be lucky if I don't see that mob any time soon.
[Suddenly, cold water hit Ranma again, causing the transformation. Needless to say, Ranma was irritated and stopped running.]
Ranma-chan: All right, who did that?!
[There was maniacal laugh behind Ranma. Ranma turned to the source of the laugh and it turned out to be Kodachi, who this time around, was wearing a St. Hebereke school uniform and twirling her gymnast ribbon. Kodachi stopped laughing so Ranma could be allowed to speak.]
Ranma-chan: I guess you know about me.
Kodachi: (laughing) Isn't this rich. Nerima has their very own circus freak.
Ranma-chan: You want a fat lip, Kodachi?!
Kodachi: You don't want to do that. That would be unmanly of you.
Ranma-chan: It takes a lot guts to put people down, you witch.
Kodachi: Hmph. I ordered my servant to find my traveling knight Ryoga-sama. He said he was with you.
Ranma-chan: You're out of luck. He's not with me anymore.
Kodachi: I just have this one question, Saotome Ranma.
Ranma-chan: (suspicious) And that is?
[Kodachi approaches Ranma. When she gets close enough,
Kodachi pokes Ranma's buxom with her finger.]
Kodachi: How real are these?
Ranma-chan: (flusters and slaps Kodachi hand) Hey, stop that!
Kodachi: (backs off) Oh, aren't you sensitive about your women's body.
Ranma-chan: While were on the subject, how the hell do you know about my transformation?!
Kodachi: When my servant was returning with news of my Ryoga-
sama, he saw you being chased by an angry mob. I was amazed when he told me that you instantly turned into a girl at a touch with cold water. (realizing something) You wouldn't happen to be the pigtailed girl that my dear brother keeps ranting about, are you?
Ranma-chan: What the-
Kodachi: Oh my. I didn't know Tachi was into hermaphrodites; I thought he was only interested in tomboys like that poor excuse for a lady Tendo Akane. Wait, you fight people and you are a girl now. I guess you are a tomboy then, my dear Ranma.
Ranma-chan: You're asking for it, Kodachi!
Kodachi: And just what do you plan to do to me, Ranma?
Ranma-chan: (trying to control herself)...
Kodachi: I thought so. Truly you are a gentleman, if not a brute,
dear Ranma.
Ranma-chan: Be glad you're a girl, or I would've unloaded on you!
Kodachi: Since we are talking about using force, why don't you and I have a little match?
Ranma-chan: I don't fight girls, much less hit them!
Kodachi: Oh, stop using that excuse. You may be a man, but one douse of cold water will simply solve the problem. Besides, the last fight I was in just absolutely bored me out of my mind. But you will provide an interesting spectacle. When you fought my brother,
I was intrigued by your ability to fight. You have more than meets the eye, Ranma. I always wished that another girl would have that same ability. It seems that I have found my worthy challenger.
Ranma-chan: Why you-
Kodachi: Just be at St. Hebereke High School for Girls in three days, Saotome Ranma. I do hope you are as good as your reputation proceeds you.
Ranma-chan: ...
Kodachi: By the way, I said yesterday that it amazed me that you defended a person such as Tendo Nabiki. Would you still defend her after what she did to you this morning?
Ranma-chan: What are you talking about?!
Kodachi: I stopped by Furinkan High to see if Ryoga-sama was in the clutches of that harlot Tendo Akane. Then I noticed those air-
headed school girls buying something that was very high in demand. So I disguised myself, and I bought this!
[Kodachi held a photograph in front of Ranma. When she saw it,
Ranma was at a loss for words. It was very revealing picture of herself in boy form in the bath. Ranma's anger grew; someone had exploited her and that someone was going to pay dearly. In fact,
Ranma was so angry that a red glow started to surround her body. The glow intensified with each passing second.]
Kodachi: Aw. You defended Nabiki just yesterday and this is how she repays you. She sells racy photos of you for the female student body at Furinkan High. I'm not really surprised, Saotome Ranma. To her, making a buck by selling secrets, public exploitation,
blackmail, and more secrets is all in the days work. To Nabiki,
money is the only thing. Nothing else matters.
[Kodachi's words were really angering Ranma. The red glow surrounding Ranma intensified even brighter.]
Kodachi: I can see that you are going to be busy. Ciao.
[Kodachi pranced off, leaving Ranma alone. Ranma grew angrier and he was about to lose control over himself.]
Ranma-chan: (yelling at the top of her lungs) Nabiki!
[Ranma begins to run towards Furinkan High at a fast pace. Seeing as running on the road wasn't fast enough, Ranma jumps on a wall,
then on top of the roof of a house. He begins running on the roof and hopping on another. She does this until finally she reaches Furinkan High. Seeing as the school gates were closed, Ranma leaps over them. She was about run into the school building, but Kuno Tatewaki was standing at the door. Ranma stops just a few meters away from Tatewaki.]
Tatewaki: Pig-tailed girl!
Ranma-chan: (angry) Kuno, get out of the way!
Tatewaki: What is wrong, my love? What has angered my Venus?
Ranma-chan: I warning you, Kuno...
Tatewaki: Ah, I see. You have finally had enough of that fiendish Saotome Ranma and are now in pursuit of him so you can exact your revenge.
Ranma-chan: (getting angrier) Kuno...
[By then, a lot of the students from the classrooms located at the front side of the building gazed out their windows upon what transpired at the school courtyard. They saw Tatewaki confronting a girl in boys clothing. Akane and Nabiki also gazed upon what was happening and knew who Kuno was dealing with. Nabiki tried to look calm, but deep down, she was very worried because Ranma was glowing a bright red. She knew that Ranma was angry and probably knew the reason why.]
Student 1: Look at the babe!
Student 2: I think she's from yesterday, man! I think she's pissed because Kuno tried to get her!
Nabiki: Oh no...
Akane: You think he found out?
[Back at the school court yard, Ranma's anger grew by the second. Kuno wasn't ready to budge out of the way.]
Ranma-chan: Last chance, Kuno!
Tatewaki: (running to the Ranma) I love you, my pig-tailed-
[When Tatewaki got close enough, Ranma planted a fierce roundhouse kick to the chin and sent Tatewaki flying into the sky. With that done, Ranma began to look at the students. She caught the sight of Nabiki on the third floor of the school building.]
Ranma-chan: Nabiki!
[Up on the third floor, Nabiki looked very cool and cold and folded her arms and looked at Ranma. Down in the courtyard, Ranma continued her fighting words.]
Ranma-chan: How could you do this to me?! How could you exploit like a cheap super-model?!
[On the third floor, Nabiki became the victim of cold stares by the female students in the classroom. Nabiki paid no attention to this as she only listened to Ranma.]
Ranma-chan: I did you a favor, Nabiki! I never expected anything in return! But if I knew that you would do this to me, I wouldn't have bothered!
[With each word that Ranma screamed, Nabiki felt guilty about selling nude photos of him, even though she tried to keep appearances up by looking like she didn't care. Back on the school courtyard, Ranma continued to scream.]
Ranma-chan: I guess everyone was right about you, Tendo Nabiki! You are a cold hearted, greedy bitch!
[After these words were spoken, there was sound of thunder and lightning surrounding the school. It meant that a storm was coming. It began to rain heavily as huge drops of water began to fall to the ground. Ranma was silent and the red glow that surrounded her body began to die down. His anger slowly left him. Ranma turned back and walked towards the school gate and leaped over it. Ranma had left school grounds. Back on the third floor of the school building, Nabiki slowly walked away from the classroom.]
Student 1: Man, she was pissed!
Student 2: What did you do to her, Nabiki?
Student 3: Its bad enough you exploited Ranma. Now you exploited that poor girl!
Akane: Just shut up, all of you!
[Nabiki continued to walk slowly, despite the cold stares the girls were giving her. She went into the nearest restroom, locked the door, and fell on her knees. Nabiki closed her eyes shut and let a stray tear fall from her eyes. ]
Nabiki: (sobbing) Saotome...
Scene: It is already forty-five minutes past four in the afternoon at the Tendo home. Like in the morning, it was raining and hasn't stopped since. At the front gate, Kasumi waited for Ranma to come home; she had an umbrella to keep her dry. Kasumi was worried because Ranma hasn't come home since school had ended for the day; it was natural to worry about friends that might be in danger.
Voice: I worry for him sometimes.
[Kasumi, turned around to see who spoke. It was Ranma's mother,
holding an umbrella.]
Kasumi: Auntie, you startled me.
Nodoka: Still no sign of my son?
Kasumi: None. Auntie, this is beginning to worry me. School has been out of session for almost two hours and Ranma hasn't called.
Nodoka: I know. Something must have happened to cause him to leave without a word. You should go back inside, Kasumi. Being out here in the rain isn't going to do you any good.
Kasumi: I'll wait for him here, Auntie.
Nodoka: Kasumi, you'll just get sick out here. My son will come back and then he will have to explain himself for his tardiness.
Kasumi: It would help if Akane or Nabiki explained what happened at school, but they won't say anything. I even tried to buy the information from Nabiki, but the very sight of the money I offered sickened her and she turned away from me.
Nodoka: I see. Still, we should be inside when Ranma comes home.
Kasumi: How is father?
Nodoka: Tendo-san has been asleep since he drank all that rice wine this morning. Although one can tell that he is still alive because he has been singing in his sleep.
Kasumi: (sighs) Father must be so happy. I guess that is one of the reasons why I like your son so much, Auntie. He made my father happy again. He hasn't been like this since mother died a few years ago.
Nodoka: You mean he always drank?
Kasumi: No, not that. I mean he was happy when mother was around and then he fell to pieces when she passed away.
Nodoka: She must have been some woman.
Kasumi: She was. It still tears father's heart when someone mentions her because he feels that there could be no other woman like my mother. But since Ranma came along, father was overjoyed because the Saotome and Tendo families will unite.
Nodoka: I still can't believe my husband didn't tell me about the engagement. At least he would have told me on his deathbed. By god, he was always such a dimwit.
Kasumi: It isn't nice to speak of loved ones passed on that way,
Auntie.
Nodoka: I know. Though it was nice to be married to Genma. He was very playful.
Kasumi: (shocked) Auntie!
Nodoka: I'm sorry, Kasumi. Looks like I just let that one slip. Shall we go in?
Kasumi: All right.
Scene: Meanwhile, Nabiki was in her room. Ever since the morning, she's been feeling guiltier about what happened in the morning. She was sitting at her desk, watching the rain pour down from her window.
Nabiki: {What the hell is wrong with me? Why do I feel this way? I always expose people for profit and it didn't have any effect on me. Hell, I've even sold photos of Akane; though her pictures only showed her working out. But still, why do I feel like heel for what I did to Ranma?}
Flashback
Ranma: How dare you call this place a poor excuse?! I happen to know that a lot of work and care went into this place and it was all because of Kasumi. If you badmouth this, you badmouth her.
Kodachi: Oh?
Ranma: Yeah! And if you do that ever again, you'll deal with me!
Kodachi: He is your type, Nabiki. Finally, you have a man to heat up that cold interior of yours.
Ranma: The same goes for Nabiki!
End Flashback
Nabiki: (tears streaming down from her eyes) {Damn you,
Ranma.}
[After a moment of thinking, Nabiki got up from her desk and picked up an umbrella she had in her desk drawer. She then got out of her room.]
Scene: In a local fast food restaurant called "Happy Cat", which was located in the market place in Nerima, Ranma- in his boy form-
sat at one of the tables, eating a order breaded shrimp with oyster sauce. It wasn't very appetizing, but it took Ranma's mind off what happened this morning. He was bit calm, but still irritated.
Voice: Yo, Ranma.
[Ranma looks up and finds it to be Hiroshi with a furry cat cap on his head and a blue shirt that reads "I'm a Happy Cater."]
Ranma: Nice outfit.
Hiroshi: It comes with the job.
Ranma: Doesn't the school have rules about students having a job?
Hiroshi: (sitting down at the other end of Ranma's table.) That's why I work under an alias, my friend. Just call me Jackie.
Ranma: (sarcastically) Real cute, Hiroshi.
Hiroshi: Hey, you heard about what happened at school?
Ranma: I wasn't there today.
Hiroshi: Well, some really pissed off babe beat up on Kuno and called Nabiki a bitch.
Ranma: Is that a fact?
Hiroshi: You know, for a minute there, I thought it was you because that girl wore the same pig-tail as you do.
Ranma: Gee, did her bust tip you off that she was girl?
Hiroshi: Aren't we a bit edgy today, Saotome. I guess you heard about the racy photos of yourself, huh? But how did you hear about them? I mean, you didn't even set foot in school today.
Ranma: Let's just say that word travels fast, Hiroshi.
Hiroshi: I guess. Look, I got to go home. My shift is over.
Ranma: Take care of yourself, man.
Hiroshi: You too. Try not be too hard on Nabiki, though. She may be evil, but she's such a babe.
Ranma: What I do is not your business.
Hiroshi: Okay.
[Hiroshi got up from the table and left through the front door of the restaurant. Ranma was left alone in the restaurant to ponder his thoughts. He snaps out of it when another person takes a seat in front of him. Ranma noticed that sitting at the other end of the table was Nabiki. Ranma turns his back on her.]
Nabiki: Well, hello to you, too.
Ranma: ...
Nabiki: Oh, come on, Saotome. You should be thrilled.
Ranma: Excuse me?
Nabiki: Your racy pictures sold like pancakes among the girls at Furinkan High.
Ranma: To borrow a phrase, you violated me.
Nabiki: Oh please. Those girls are only looking, not touching.
Ranma: I don't care! I can't believe you would do this to me!
Nabiki: You're over reacting, Saotome-chan. It isn't as if I sold you to a strip joint or anything.
Ranma: Selling naked photos of me isn't exactly good for my image, Nabiki!
Nabiki: You're a very high prospect, Saotome. Can't blame a girl for making a little money on the side.
Ranma: (turning his back on Nabiki) Especially when it's at other people's expense. I don't like the way you operate, Nabiki. But I guess there's no job out there that can pay the same amount of money you make in a day.
Nabiki: My daddy isn't raking in the dough because the dojo doesn't have any students. I have to resort to any method to pay the bills.
Ranma: I'm surprised that you're not part of the Yakuza. (Turning around to face Nabiki) Look, I guess you're reasons were sincere and you had your family in mind when you do these cruel things. I still disapprove of you methods.
Nabiki: It isn't a perfect world, Saotome.
Ranma:...
Nabiki: (taking out a role of film) Here. It's your birthday suit photos. I let them go for the right price.
[Ranma instantly snatches the roll of film from Nabiki's hand crushes it with one hand.]
Ranma: You're still not for forgiven.
Nabiki: And just how do you plan on carrying out my sentence?
Voice: I have a suggestion.
[Ranma and Nabiki suddenly turned around to who was talking to them. It turned out to be Kodachi in formal attire. Needless to say,
Ranma wasn't very happy to see her.]
Kodachi: A little rough housing on her privates would come to mind.
Ranma: (sternly) And what the hell are you doing here, Kodachi?
Kodachi: As much as I would've loved too see Nabiki get her just desserts, I just wanted to remind you, my dear Ranma, that our match will be in three days. (looking at a shocked Nabiki) Don't look so surprised, Nabiki. I know Ranma's little secret. That is why I challenged him to an Anything Goes Martial Arts Rhythmic Gymnastic Match; Ranma happily accepted, by the way.
Ranma: I didn't accept anything, you-
Kodachi: Temper, Temper. You should really show respect to those who are of noble blood, Ranma.
Nabiki: Saotome doesn't respect a rich snot like you! So take a hike, you uninhibited little bitch!
Kodachi: Oh. Then I guess selling racy photos of Ranma is considered normal.
Nabiki: Wait a minute! How did-
Kodachi: I bought a copy of the photo this morning and I showed it to Ranma. That's how he knows you took the picture.
Nabiki: Why you-
Kodachi: (prances out of the restaurant) See you in three days,
Ranma! Bring a leotard!
[As he watches Kodachi prance away, Ranma starts to glow red again. Nabiki backs away from him because she knew he was angry again.]
Ranma: I hate her.
Nabiki: You and me both, Saotome-chan. (Noticing Ranma's anger) Calm down, please. You're scaring the heck out of me.
[Ranma's red glow subsides and he calms down.]
Nabiki: Looks like there's no getting out of this. If you don't fight this psycho, Kodachi may very well reveal your secret to the masses.
Ranma: (miserably) You're right. There is no getting out of this. End of Section 1