Chapter 10

Ryoga was training with Akane. He was showing her some new moves and tactics in order to combat this Kodachi girl. He could see that she was very was angry about something as her moves were getting sloppy. He decided to stop her and get her to calm down. He easily caught the ribbon and stopped her.

"OK Akane, we're going to take a break. You're angry and it isn't helping you." Ryoga said.

"I'm sorry Ryoga." Akane said with a sigh. "It's just that Ranma, he infuriates me sometimes. If my dad thinks that I'm marrying that jerk, he's got another thing coming."

"Marry? What are you talking about?" Ryoga asked.

"My dad and his dad made an agreement to unite the schools by marrying their children. Since my sisters wanted nothing to do with it, I was selected to be that jerk's fiancee. Since then, he's been nothing but a pain in the ass." Akane ranted. She kept on ranting and missed the depressed look on Ryoga's face. Why did Ranma get all the luck? Why was he allowed happiness in this world while he suffered? Damn him, he would not allow this to stand. He saw hell because of the pig-tailed martial artist. Maybe it was time to return the favor.

Ryoga looked at Akane who was still ranting. He got her attention and she gave it to him.

"Look Akane, you don't need to worry about that jerk. If he can't see what a nice person you are, then he doesn't deserve you trying to be nice to him." Ryoga said. Akane calmed down and smiled.

"Thank you Ryoga. You're right, forget that jerk. Let's get back to training." Akane said. Ryoga nodded and the two went back to their training.

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Kasumi had just finished cleaning the dishes and was now making her way toward the back. She passed by and saw her father and Genma playing a game of shogi. Both were attempting to cheat the other. She saw Nabiki in the family room, watching television. Akane was on the dinning room table, doing her homework. Ryoga was with her. She gave the boy a look which made him gulp. She decided to go and see what Ranma was up to.

She exited into the back yard to see Ranma training outside of the dojo. He was throwing punches and kicks at one of the post. Kasumi did not wish to disturb him and sat quietly. She looked at the young man before her. She would often do this when he was training. She found it admirable that he was so dedicated to the art. Every punch, every kick, it was done with such discipline and grace. Not even Akane put herself into the martial arts like he did.

She continued to watch him train and couldn't help but be impressed with his physique. He was very toned for a sixteen year old boy. She even admired how his muscles contracted and flexed with every movement. The sweat that rolled down his arms and brow, it made that white muscle jersey cling to his upper body. It was a very interesting sight to see and one that she strangely enjoyed from time to time.

"Hey sis," a voice said. Kasumi jumped and quickly turned to see Nabiki. The middle Tendo gave her elder sister and strange look.

"N-Nabiki," Kasumi stuttered. She quickly calmed herself and stood up to face her. "Is there anything that I can help you with?"

"I just saw you out here and was wondering what you were doing. I didn't know that you wanted some alone time." Nabiki said. She then caught sight of Ranma who was now taking a breather and sitting down to meditate. She looked at Kasumi, then at Ranma and back at Kasumi. The small blush on her face made her grin. "So, is ogling the young stud a part of your 'alone' time?"

"Absolutely not! I didn't wish to disturb him while he trained. I was just enjoying the night sky and getting some fresh air. Now that I have, I will retire to my room." Kasumi said and went inside the house. Nabiki watched her go, the smirk never leaving her face. She looked at Ranma and rubbed the bottom of her chin.

'So, big sister has an attraction to our tenant? This could be fun. I'll let it play out for now.' Nabiki thought. She went into the house to retire as well.

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Ranma was walking around the ward by himself. He was looking for any other dojo within the area. He was getting very good at Akkido. The master of that dojo told him that he was such a quick learner and that he was very confident that he was at a intermediate level. He still continued to learn from the dojo's teachers because he wanted to be at an expert's level. Still, he was looking for another style to add to his version of the Anything Goes.

His danger sense kicked in. He turned when he heard the shrill laugh of one Kodachi Kuno. The excited girl landed right next to him. He was instantly on edge.

"Ranma-sama, how are you today? I made you something." she said while holding out a tray of cookies. Ranma took a cookie and looked at it.

"Thanks, I'll eat it later." Ranma said. He made a mental note to chuck it. "So, what brings you here?"

"I'm just making sure that you remember our deal Ranma-sama." she said.

"Don't worry, I'm a man of my word." Ranma said. He suddenly got curious about something. "Hey Kodachi, why is it that you cheat to win?"

"Cheat, my dear Ranma-sama, I just believe in fairness before the match." Kodachi answered.

"Okay but doesn't that seem, I don't know, boring?" Ranma asked. Kodachi looked confused at the question.

"I do not understand what you mean." she said.

"You are the best at this right?" Kodachi nodded at him. "So, I'm wondering if you're bored with the competition or lack of it?" Ranma asked.

"Well, I don't have much of a challenge in this ward or in any ward. I guess I do it for the fun of it." she told him. She then gave him a look. "Is that why you made that deal with me?"

"Even if Akane is getting help, I do believe that you'll still defeat her. I just think that you will have a more satisfying victory if it's fair." Ranma explained. Kodachi looked at him as if to see if he wasn't playing a trick on her. Seeing no lie, she accepted his words.

"Very well, I shall be 'fair' during my match with Miss Tendo. Just keep your end of the bargain.

"Again, my lady, I am a man of my word." Ranma said with a bow. Kodachi just laughed and took off in a rain of black rose petals. Ranma pulled some out of his hair and tossed the cookie into the canal. He watched as several fish appeared belly up. Ranma just shook his head and made his way home.

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It was the day of the match. Akane arrived with Ryoga as her partner. Kodachi chose someone on her team as her second. Ranma, Nabiki and Kuno were in the crowd and waited for the match to begin. Kodachi and Akane began to warm up and prepared themselves for the match. That's when the announcer got on the mic.

"Ladies and gentlemen, welcome to today's match between St. Hebereke School for Girls and Furiken High School. In the blue corner is a new comer to the Rhythmic Gymnastics. She represents Furiken High School, Miss Tendo Akane." There were a few claps and a huge display from Kuno. "In the red corner is the undefeated champion of St. Hebereke. The Black Rose herself, Kuno Kodachi." Since they were at St. Hebereke, their was a loud cheer for Kodachi.

"You both have been told the rules. There is no physical blows allowed. You can only win if you submit or are thrown from the ring. Everything else is legal. Do you understand?" the referee asked. Both girls nodded and went to each others corner. After a few seconds, the referee called for the beginning to the match. Akane started off with a ribbon and the menacing ball. She kicked the ball toward Kodachi who had a ribbon and a hoop. Kodachi easily dodged the attack and lashed out with her ribbon. Akane countered with her own ribbon.

Akane kicked the ball again that had bounced back to her. Kodachi blocked her attack with her hoop. Her spin pulled Akane off balance but the short haired girl rolled out of it. She whipped her ribbon free and attacked with it. Kodachi was impressed with how well she was doing. She was actually forcing her to be defensive. Akane kicked the ball again toward Kodachi. She flipped onto the ball, easily stopping it and kept her balance. She threw her hoop like a disc and flipped off the ball. She kicked the ball back at Akane. Akane whipped the ribbon, making it stiff like how Ryoga makes his belt. She cut through the hoop and the menacing ball.

Kodachi was impressed and actually eager to continue. Kodachi looked at her opponent with a grin.

"Well, I am greatly surprised by your skill in this match. For only two and half weeks, you have come quite far. It must be that boy you have as your second. Hibiki was it? Son to Hibiki Ryoko, the former queen of Rhythmic Gymnastics?" Kodachi asked. Akane, Ryoga and everyone in the arena was very surprised to hear that. "I do actually research my opponents. It was a surprise to know that the son of a legend was helping you. Let's see how well he's taught you." Kodachi called to her side for her clubs.

She quickly grabbed them as they were flying through the air. She moved quickly and was within Akane's guard. Akane's head jerked back when Kodachi landed a shot on her. Akane recovered but was stuck again by Kodachi. Akane lashed out with her ribbon but Kodachi suddenly got harder to hit. Kodachi moved like the wind and was inside Akane's guard again. She was hit multiple times with her clubs.

As she did, Kodachi had her second throw the ball. She waited for the ball to come in between them. Kodachi lashed out with a kick to the ball. Because it was so close, the ball slammed into Akane and sent her flying into the corner. The ball rolled back to her as Akane shook the cobwebs out. Kodachi did a few back-flips and regained her ribbon. She charged at Akane, whipping her ribbon at her. Akane hopped on to the top turnbuckle and ran across the top rope to her corner.

Ryoga handed her the hoop and a club. Akane threw the hoop and followed behind it. Kodachi flipped back and caught the hoop with her ankle. She then dropped to the balls of her feet. She lashes out with the hoop and tripped Akane up. Kodachi rolled out of the way as Akane fell on her face. She made it to her clubs. She saw Akane's face and saw that she was pissed.

Akane charged at her with a roar. Kodachi parried her thrust and countered with a thrust of her own. Kodachi watched with disinterest as Akane was beginning to get sloppy. Kodachi had enough and, using her foot, placed the hoop over Akane. Kodachi quickly made her way over to her ribbon and whipped it around Akane's ankle. She moved with over to her and wrapped her up. With a strong tug, she threw Akane out of the ring. Akane hit the ground with a thud and the match was over.

Kodachi soaked in the cheers and looked over to see Ranma clapping and nodding at her win. Kodachi had to admit that this victory was very satisfying.

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Ranma waited outside the school for Kodachi to appear. It didn't take her long as she was surrounding by her teammates. She caught sight of him and made her way him. They faced each other.

"That was a great match." Ranma said.

"Yes, it was. You were right about the feeling of victory. It was satisfying." Kodachi said. She suddenly got a grin on her face. "So, where will you be taking me for our date?"

"Well, I think that I'll keep that a surprise. It'll be better that way." Ranma said and made his way home.

"Ranma-sama," Kodachi called out, catching his attention. "If you still want to learn how to teach, we have practice on Tuesdays and Thursdays after school. You're welcomed to join." Ranma had no chance to answer as she took off in a hurricane of black rose petals. Ranma just smirked and made his way home.

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Author's Notes - I took time for myself so that's why you haven't heard from me. Anyway, I do hope you enjoy the new version of the match. Enjoy the chapter. See ya next time.