Disclaimer: I don't own Ranma ½.
Arriving in Nerima
In a bustling port in Taiwan, a crate of fish was being carried by Ranma who was wearing his white tank top, black pants, and brown sneakers. Ranma looked over to a man on a ship who was the captain.
"I'll be delivering these fishes," Ranma said.
"Good," The ship captain said with a nod.
Ranma nodded back and then went on his way to make his delivery. It had been a month since Ranma left China thanks to the help of Chao who he stayed with at his temple and since he had that confrontation with his father Genma Saotome. Ranma hadn't had any trouble since then and since he was able to work and save up money and for him to do so, he had been traveling from one city to the next in Taiwan, taking on any jobs and saving the money he made so that he would be completely independent by the time he left to go to Nerima and stay at an apartment that was run by Chao's friend. Elsewhere in Taiwan, Genma was wandering around trying to keep track of his son's movements which he has not been successful in doing so. Genma arrived in Taiwan four weeks ago and had been looking to find his son. He knew Ranma was going to Nerima and Genma planned to get his son right where he wanted him when they arrived but Genma knew it wouldn't do him much good if he was not able to track his son's whereabouts at the moment. Genma had tried to get clues of Ranma's location but he would always come up short and every time he felt that he was close in getting to his son, he would be a second late or a step behind him. Genma yelled out his frustration.
"Damn that boy!" Genma yelled on the sidewalk, "We could be at Soun's house by now but no, he had to be a disobedient whining brat!"
The people passing by looked at Genma like he was crazy and wondered what the man was yelling about and Genma looked around and didn't care that he was stared at and just moved on. Meanwhile, Ranma arrived at the delivering area of a small seafood restaurant and the crates of taken by a chef and the chef thanked Ranma for the deliveries. Ranma nodded and was grateful for his thanks and waved him goodbye and headed back to the port. Meanwhile, Genma was feeling tired and he was resting on the side of a building.
"Damn it," Genma cursed with a frown, "that boy is slippery."
Genma took a deep breath and then just looked at his side and was surprised to see someone he recognized and it was his son as he was walking by. Genma stood up and looked as he was seeing Ranma walking through heading somewhere.
"There he is," Genma said and then he grinned, "heh, I knew I'd be able to find you," Genma had a determined expression, "I won't let you out of my sight."
Genma proceeded to follow his son. As Ranma continued to head back to the port, he felt a presence following him. Ranma narrowed his eyes, stopped, and turned his head and he didn't see anyone and the reason for that was Genma quickly hid at the side of the building. Ranma sighed and continued to walk and Genma carefully walked to follow him. Ranma continued on but knew he was being followed and then he gradually started walking faster and his father was gradually picking up the pace as well. Ranma turned to a corner and was out of Genma's sight. Genma ran after him and was surprised to see that Ranma was nowhere to be found and he couldn't believe it.
"I lost him again," Genma said surprised.
Someone suddenly jumped down and landed behind him and Genma was surprised and he turned around and then next thing he knew was that he was hit with a uppercut by his son and it caused Genma to fly a bit and then Ranma did a spin kick and kicked his father, making Genma hit the wall and he then fell in the large trash bin. Genma picked himself and Ranma walked up to the trash bin and then without saying anything, he took a 2x4 and swung it, hitting Genma in the face and knocking him unconscious and breaking the wood on his father's face. Ranma threw the broken 2x4 in the trash bin and slammed the lid and then he left to be on his way.
On a port
Ranma arrived back on port and shook hands with the ship captain after receiving his pay. He looked over and saw a huge ship and he rushed over to the ship, carrying his small bag. Ranma got to the ship where there was man with short brown hair and glasses and wore a shirt with a brown coat over it, black trousers, and black shoes.
"Are you Ranma Saotome?" The man asked.
"Yes sir," Ranma replied.
"Ah, I'm Toshiro Kagami and I'm the captain of this ship. You'll be working for me until we reach Japan."
"I am grateful for the opportunity Captain Kagami," Ranma said.
"Hmm, well hurry up, you're the last one."
"Yes," Ranma said as he rushed to get on the ship.
Kagami looked around and went on the ship himself. Later on, the ship's horn blew signaling that the ship was leaving port. On the other side, Genma was running and saw the ship leaving port and he was able to catch sight of his son and he clenched his teeth. Genma ran to get to that ship but by the time he got where the ship was, it was too late as the ship sailed. Genma figured that the ship that had just left was heading for Japan and Genma decided to catch up to it, no matter what it took. Genma looked around and he saw another ship. Genma went and asked someone about the ship and he was informed that it was indeed another ship heading for Japan but it was ship carrying animals for the zoo in Tokyo. Genma looked at the ship and then grinned as he had an idea. It was later on that Genma was able to get on the ship as a panda as the crew thought one of them was being careless of letting a panda out of their sight and they directed the panda that was Genma on the ship and placed in a cage. Genma figured that his curse wasn't really all that bad as he was sitting in a cage and was ready for the sail to Japan.
Fifteen Days Later at the Port of Tokyo
The ship arrived at the port of Tokyo and people were getting off the ship and the sailors were being paid by the captain of the ship. Ranma was getting off as well with his bag and he received his payment and thanked the captain with a bow. Ranma walked around in the port and took out a piece a paper that he had in his pocket. He read the paper and then proceeded to head on to Nerima.
Nerima
Ranma had finally arrived in Nerima and was walking on the sidewalk. He looked around searching for a certain building. He took out the paper again and proceeded to keep going. After some time, he looked at a very tall building and it was an apartment complex. Ranma looked over the sign and looked at the paper and he smiled as he saw the place he was looking for which was called the Sakurai Apartment Complex.
"There it is," Ranma said to himself, "the place that Chao told me about," Ranma took a deep breath, "okay, here we go."
Ranma went and proceed to enter in the complex. Ranma entered in the complex and looked around and he was awestruck in how big it was as he looked at the stairs and the many doors at every turn.
"Can I help you young man?" A man asked.
Ranma turned and saw a middle aged man with short black hair with some white streaks on the side and wore a business suit.
"Hello," Ranma greeted, "I'm looking for the owner of this building, Munechika Sakurai."
"That's me," The man named Munechika Sakurai responded, "what business do you have with me boy?"
Ranma bowed and then stood up straight to face the man.
"Greetings, I am Ranma Saotome, I was told by Chao Tseng in China to meet with you."
"Oh, so you're Ranma Saotome," Munechika said and then he nodded, "yes, I've been expecting you. Come, we'll talk in my office."
"Yes," Ranma nodded.
Ranma followed Munechika to his office and discuss his living conditions.
"So Chao tells me that you're a martial artist," Munechika said.
"Yes, that's right," Ranma answered.
"What style do you practice?"
"Musabetsu Kakuto Ryu."
Munechika stopped when he was surprised and looked at Ranma and Ranma was surprised when he saw Munechika's reaction.
"Um, is something wrong?" Ranma asked with worry.
Munechika composed himself, "Sorry, I was just surprised. Your surname is Saotome, would you happen to be related to Genma Saotome?"
Ranma frowned, "Yeah, that's my old man."
"I see…"
"Is it going to be a problem?"
"Not really but I'm sure I can guess why you want nothing to do with him but let's see I'm guessing right when I ask you some questions."
"Do you know my old man?"
"Not personally, but I do know of him and his friend, Soun Tendo. He practices the same style as well…well, I should really say he used to practice the style religiously but that changed ten years ago."
"Huh, what happened ten years ago?"
"His wife passed away and he hasn't exactly been the same since."
"I see…um, what more do you know about Soun Tendo?"
"Well I do know that he has three daughters and their names are Kasumi, Nabiki, and Akane. Also out of the three girls, it seems that Akane Tendo is the only one practicing the art."
"I see…do you know much about them?"
"Well, actually there is something that I know for a fact about Nabiki Tendo," Munechika looked at Ranma, "you would be wise not to associate with her, she's trouble."
"Trouble?" Ranma replied raising an eyebrow.
"Yes…"
Three Days Later
Genma had arrived in Nerima still in his panda form and was in a foul mood. He had thought that he would arrive in Tokyo the same day as his son and that way, he would capture him and drag him with him to his friend's house but it was not to be as the captain and the crew of the ship he was on had other ideas and they took a scheduled stop at a port in South Korea and Genma was stuck and his plan was ruined already and he knew that his son would be on his way to wherever he was going. Genma's plan to capture his son at the port in Tokyo was ruined and he wasn't even at the port yet and when he arrived at Tokyo Port, he was able to make his escape and the sailors scrambled to try to catch Genma but had no luck. Genma continued to travel in his panda form and headed to Soun Tendo's house with people walking by and staring at him, shocked to see a panda just wandering and with no care. Genma stopped and looked at the people staring at him and glared at all of them and growled at him daring anyone to do anything. It made the people around nervous and they backed away. Genma then continued to be on his way while thinking of making his son regret for defying him.
Tendo Residence
Soun was sitting in his living room and was reading the postcard he got from his friend, Genma. Soun was pleased to know that Genma was on his way and he was excited with the prospect their shared dream would finally be realized. Soun smiled and called his three daughters.
"Kasumi! Nabiki! Akane!" Soun called.
One of the girls poked her head out the kitchen and it was the eldest of the three girls, Kasumi.
"Yes?" Kasumi asked.
Another girl who had short hair came downstairs and it was the middle daughter, Nabiki.
"What is it Dad?" Nabiki asked.
"Girls sit," Soun said with excitement, "I have something to tell you," Soun looked around, "where's Akane?"
"She went out for a jog," Kasumi answered, "she should be back soon."
Outside near the Tendo residence, a girl with long hair wearing shorts, a tank top, sneakers, and wore a headband and had a towel around her neck was jogging and was heading back into her home and it was Soun's youngest daughter, Akane.
"I'm home!" Akane announced as she got inside.
Akane went to her family's dojo and changed into her karate gi and smashed bricks. She was very pleased with herself and nodded. Nabiki showed up and crossed her arms as she sighed.
"You know, it's no wonder that the boys think you're weird Akane," Nabiki commented.
"Hmph, not everyone thinks the world revolves around boys Nabiki," Akane replied.
"Oh really?" Nabiki shrugged, "Then I suppose this wouldn't interest you."
"Huh, what are you talking about?" Akane asked confused.
Akane was in the living room with her older sisters and her father and Akane was shocked in what her father had just said. Nabiki was sipping a drink from a straw and Kasumi was surprised as well.
"F-Fiancé?" Akane asked shocked.
"That's right," Soun said, "The son of a very good friend of mine and the son's name is Ranma Saotome. If one of you three marries my friend's son, then the Tendo School and the Saotome School will join and with that, our legacy will be secured."
"Wait a minute Daddy!" Akane said, "Don't we have a say in the matter. This is the first time any of us have heard about it."
"Akane has a point Daddy," Kasumi added, "besides, none of us have actually met or even heard of this Ranma person."
"That is true but it won't be a problem, I'm sure you girls will like him the moment he arrives and besides, they'll be coming from China."
"Oh, China?" Nabiki replied intrigued.
"Yes, they were on a training journey," Soun explained, "and they just finished and are on their way here."
"How old is he?" Kasumi asked, "Younger men bore me."
"Is he cute?" Nabiki asked getting excited.
Akane looked away and had her thoughts, "I don't want anything to do with this and who cares about some trip in China?"
"So Dad, what is he like?" Nabiki asked.
"Actually, I don't know," Soun answered.
This surprised his daughters again.
"You…don't know?" Kasumi asked.
"No, truth is that I never actually met the lad."
"You never met him and yet you want one of us to just marry him?" Akane asked upset, "Daddy, are you serious?"
"It'll be all right," Soun assured.
"How can you say that when you don't have a clue about him?" Akane replied upset, "The only thing you seem to really know about this Ranma guy is that he's your friend's son. That doesn't mean much. You're asking us marry someone that you don't even know, that we don't even know."
"N-Now Akane, calm yourself my daughter."
"How can you ask me to calm down when you pull this on us? All this time, not once did you ever mention this and now you want us to go along with it and just marry some stranger just because he's your friend's son?"
"Akane, please calm down," Kasumi said.
"Yeah, I mean who knows," Nabiki said, "he might not be so bad."
"Aren't you two bothered in what Daddy is doing?" Akane asked her sisters.
"It is a surprise I admit," Kasumi said, "but if Daddy believes it's for the best…"
Akane clenched her teeth and looked away, "I doubt I'll like him…tch, boys…"
"Now, now Akane, give him a chance," Soun said, "it'll be just fine and besides, the joining of the schools is at stake here."
There was a knock on the door and the Tendos looked over.
"Oh, it's must be them," Soun said with excitement.
Soun rushed to get to the door with his daughters following him. Soun opened the door and found a panda standing before them and they were surprised and confused.
"A panda?" Soun asked.
"Oh my," Kasumi said, "What's a panda doing here?"
The panda smiled and waved happily and then held up a sign.
"It's good to see you again my old friend," The sign read.
"Uh?" Soun responded confused.
"What the heck is going on here?" Nabiki asked.
"You're friends with a panda Daddy?" Akane asked confused.
The panda brought out another sign, "Could you bring me some warm water, please Soun?"
"Warm water?" Soun asked.
"Oh, I'll get some," Kasumi said as she went to kitchen to warm up some water.
Kasumi returned with a pot full of warm water and then panda took the pot and poured on himself and changed back to his original form. Soun and his daughters were surprised in what they saw.
"G-Genma," Soun said.
"It's been a long time my old friend," Genma said happily with a grin, "I'm glad to see you doing so well."
Soun smiled, "Y-Yes, I'm glad to see you as well Genma, please come in."
Genma entered his friend's house and they were all in the living room sitting by a table. It was then that Genma explained how he was a panda.
"I see, the Jusenkyo," Soun said amazed, "to think such a cursed spring existed in China."
"Indeed," Genma responded with his arms crossed, "it was quite an ordeal."
"Well I'm glad that you're here my friend so now it begs the question, where's your son?"
"Yeah, where is he?" Nabiki asked, "Isn't he suppose to be here as well?"
Genma cleared his throat, "Yes, about that…we got separated."
"Separated?" Kasumi asked, "What do you mean?"
Genma sighed, "It's my son, he's being very shy about the whole thing, so shy that he took off on his own."
They were surprised to hear what Genma had just said about Ranma.
"He took off?" Soun asked surprised, "What do you mean?"
"He left ahead of me to come here," Genma said, "I figured that I would meet him when I arrived here but I haven't been able to find him. He didn't even tell me where he would be."
"Genma," Soun spoke with worry, "Is the schools…?"
Genma knew what Soun was going asked patted on his shoulder.
"Don't worry, Ranma will be here soon," Genma assured and then he looked at the Tendo sisters, "so Soun, they must your daughters, right?"
Soun smiled and nodded, "That's right," Soun pointed to Kasumi, "My eldest daughter Kasumi."
Kasumi bowed to Genma and Soun pointed to Nabiki.
"My middle daughter, Nabiki," Soun introduced.
"Hi," Nabiki greeted with a wave.
Soun then pointed to Akane, "My youngest daughter, Akane."
"Hello," Akane said deadpanned.
Soun chuckled nervously at Akane's response and Genma smiled and nodded with approval.
"Such lovely young ladies," Genma commented, "Ranma will be here and when he takes one look at all of you, he'll be all for it."
"We'll just have to see when we meet him, won't we?" Nabiki said.
"Indeed, I am curious," Kasumi said.
"I'm still not happy about this arrangement," Akane said.
"Now Akane…" Soun said.
"I don't care who he is, I'm not going to get married. I can't stand boys," Akane insisted.
"Still though, is he really shy as you say?" Nabiki asked.
"He just need to think things through," Genma assured, "he'll come around, I know it."
"Ah, it makes me glad to hear that," Soun said feeling relief.
Genma nodded and then glanced away with his thoughts, "You're not going to ruin this boy. You will marry one of these lovely girls here…or help me, I will…"
Sakurai Apartment Complex
In a small apartment on the fourth floor, Ranma stepped walked out to his balcony and looked out at the view of Nerima and took a deep breath.
"A pleasant day for me," Ranma said.
Ranma went back inside and picked up a brochure from his small table and it had information on Furinkan High School.
"I need to attend school," Ranma said as he continued to look over the brochure, "I also need to get a job."
That's it for this chapter. Next chapter: Ranma starts his first day of school and starts his job search while continuing to train himself.
