-Nabiki, Nabiki, wake up, please.
The girl was surprised by a male voice in a more than strange situation. There was, according to his calculations, more than three o´clock in the morning. Too late to get a scolding for some scam done on the previous day, too early to be bothered with the day's work ahead. Eventually, Nabiki opened one eye.
-You got the wrong room, little brother-in-law. If you want to surprise a Tendo in topless and vulnerable, you should head to...
-What...? What did you say...? -Ranma stammered-. If you are perfectly dressed.
-That can be arranged, if you want…-said Nabiki, making the move to get off her nightgown-. It'll cost...
-Nabiki!
-Okay! Okay! What do you want?
Ranma looked up and down with a really worried face and then whispered:
-I have a problem. You will realize about it tomorrow. I know thay you will find out its existence, anyway. And, I know perfectly well too that you will not stop until you get it and use it to blackmail me. Therefore, I came before it happens, to minimize the damage. And to tell you that you win. I will… I will give you anything in return if you destroy it... especially Akane must not know anything.
-Did I win? -Nabiki thought- So easily? Without even knowing what it is? What the hell is going on? How bad a businessman is Ranma?
The young man took a few steps to the door.
-Do you agree…?
-We'll see. Now let me rest.
Nabiki fell asleep wrapped in these and other questions and coming to the conclusion that something very special was happening. Something that forced Ranma to surrender rather than fight, that is, something that threatened his most sensitive area: his privacy.
The next day, the median Tendo sister woke up earlier than usual, climbed down the stairs that led to the front door in a flash and headed for the dining room.
Perfect! -She thought- Akane just started training at the Dojo and Kasumi went to the kitchen to prepare breakfast. It's my chance to question him alone.
With that plan in mind, Nabiki finally entered the dining room, where was waiting for her a grotesque scene.
-Sooner or later you will have to talk, son.
Genma sat next to Sown. Both outlined an expression of satisfaction. The way of splitting the corner of his mouth and the way of arching the eyebrows, left no room for doubts: it was a triumphant gesture, an arrogant one, a gesture that could only be born of the overall security of having cornered his prey.
For now, I will observe -Nabiki thought-. This will be easy.
Genma lowered his right arm that was holding a thin and black notebook. And his son, the brave and combative Ranma, never took his eyes of it and was afraid to attack him.
-You know that silence gives consent, son? Will you marry the daughter of my friend or not?
-With that brute girl that hits me every day? Never.
Ranma spoke these words at high-speed and uncontrollably. Then, tried to put their hands over his mouth but it was too late. The notebook opened magically in a particular page and Genma started reading.
-Yes, We will get married soon. Please, force us. I´m too shy to do it alone.
-You see, son? It´s not that hard to tell the truth. You love her.
Ranma moved closer. Neither the look revealed the usual defiance, or the movements, resembled a crouching animal ready to pounce on its enemies.
-Akane will not believe it.
Genma turned two pages and reread:
-Akane believes everything. One of his best qualities is naivety.
Only then, Nabiki put her hand on Ranma's shoulder.
-Quiet, little brother-in-law. I'll take care of it, -she said and turned to Soun-. Father, could you please lend me that? Or do you want me to tell Kasumi what happened on September 13th last year?
Sown looked down.
-You are not that cruel!
-SISTER!
The face of Kasumi appeared from inside the kitchen.
-Quiet, Nabiki, breakfast will be ready in a moment.
Sown´s hairs went a little up. Not too much but enough to let Nabiki guess that his father was no longer an obstacle.
-Now you, Genma, I have only two words for you: "August 18th."
Half an hour later, Nabiki was holding the book in her arms while Ranma mumbled:
-Thank you. Really.
-Great! You talked. This is going to be fun. Lets see. Page 23: "This is going to cost me more money than ever". Well, yes. You nailed it, little brother-in-law.
End of Chapter 1
This is a translation of my fanfic: "Misterios en Nerima". Since my original language is spanish, I assume tha I made a lot of mistakes. If you see that there are too many or that it make it difficult to read, please let me know, and I will stop with the translation. Thank you.