Ranma: The Tenth Hakkeshu or Ranma's Cousin Iori
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Disclaimer: I do not own Ranma 1/2. That is property of Rumiko Takahashi. I do not own The King of Fighters, that is property of SNK. I do however suggest you look up information on these two properties. You won't be disappointed.
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Note: This takes place well after the Ranma 1/2 manga and during the King of Fighters '98.
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Ranma: The Tenth Hakkeshu Chapter 26: It's Not What You Think!!!
Rugal sits at the helm of his ship the Black Noah. Steering her through the seas of Japan. Soon China shall be reached, and than the fun begins again! Sure, the Black Noah is actually computerized for the most part, and a main console below deck actually controls where it sails, but Rugal loves to use the steering wheel for an added effect. A devious smile crosses his lips when he thinks of all the power he'll get from the Tenth Hakkeshu. Goenitz, before the Black Noah set sail, stopped by to give Rugal some information on the Tenth Hakkeshu that he had acquired a few days before from an 'anonymous source'. The information, Rugal finds quite useful. Rugal knows that Goenitz likes to work secretively, and that always gets on his nerves. Throughout the tournament, Goenitz has stopped by numerous times, dictating to Rugal what he should do next. If it were up to Rugal, all the fighters that have lost already would have been thrown off his ship. But Goenitz insists they stay, saying how their presence and interaction can create high amounts of energy when certain events work into a domino effect. Rugal wouldn't have believed this, if it weren't for the fact that a few 'events' did happen. Like when Iori's sister Ranko appeared, or when Ranma went into the Neko-Ken. Rugal frowns with thoughts of Neko-Ken. His ship had been ruined, and repairs were costly. And when he found out how to learn Neko-Ken, it turned out that the trainee had to be under 10-years old for it to work. Rugal still hasn't been able to look at his pet panther the same way since than. His right eye glows brightly as he thinks of how Vice and Mature purposely withheld the information and let him make a fool of himself, and allowed him to go through a lot of pain. Some fighters are still mocking him when one of them had seen and recorded a special off of Fox called "Failed Suicide Attempts" and showed it to all the other fighters. Turns out, Rugal's Neko-Ken training was the main highlight of it. Rugal gets so angry he grabs his steel wine goblet and crushes it in his hand. He throws it against the deck. The wine spreads all over, and he imagines it to be the blood of all his enemies, particularly Mature and Vice. The devious smile on his face returns with that thought. And he thinks out loud to himself.
Rugal: Soon... Soon I shall be in power once again. Once my life is guaranteed and I don't have to worry about just disappearing from the face of the world again, I shall take over. Sure, it will be a tough climb through power again, but I'll have the time and the energy. My enemies will be dead, and I shall have the Tenth Hakkeshu's power as my own. Than Vice and Mature will die for their treachery, and than... Hm hm hm hm hm...... 'He' will then bow before me for a change. For I WILL have Ranma's power, and become stronger than he is at the moment. After all, anything one can have, can be taken away as well. I SHALL BE IN POWER ONCE AGAIN! YOU HEAR ME!? WITH RANMA'S POWER I SHALL TAKE YOU DOWN!!! BWAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAAAAA!!!
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As Rugal laughs to himself about how he shall conquer Goenitz and become the one true master of all, a tall man standing in the shadows has heard everything. While still cloaked in shadows he goes back to his cabin to contemplate what he heard Rugal saying. Once inside his cabin he turns on the desk light. His features are now clear and we see it to be Wolfgang Krauser. He sits down at the desk, and takes out a piece of paper and pen. He writes down what he had heard, that he feels to be of importance. He than reads it back to himself quietly, as to make sure no one hears him.
Krauser: Life guaranteed. Disappearing from the world. Gaining the Tenth Hakkeshu's power. Killing Vice and Mature. Ranma's power. 'He' will bow low. Hmm... What does this all mean?
Krauser thinks back to other things he heard Rugal say. And contemplates how very little of it makes sense.
Krauser: Life guaranteed... But he is here... Why would he need it guaranteed? The Tenth Hakkeshu? From what I know about last year's tournament, there are only supposed to be eight of them. Nine when you take into consideration that Yakuza gang member Ryuji Yamazaki is one as well... Killing Vice and Mature... Why would he kill them? They are his partners and, from what I recall, they work for him... Ranma's power... That boy is indeed a good fighter, or at least I hope he is. But Rugal can't take the boy's power. True the boy is of Orochi blood, but how's he going to take the power from him? The boy is just a fighter, and most of his strength comes from his own skill. And 'He' will bow low... Who is Rugal referring to? Kyo Kusanagi... A possibility... Perhaps Commander Heidern... No... If Rugal's after large amounts of power to defeat this 'He' person, than it wouldn't be those two. Rugal could easily take care of them as he is now... But than whom would he need the energy to fight? And how would getting Ranma and this Tenth Hakkeshu's power help him?
Krauser sits back in his chair. He traces his violet mustache, thinking of what this could all mean. After a few minutes, one connection click's into his mind.
Krauser (Eyes widen): Ranma's power... Ranma IS of the Orochi-Bloodline... And a Tenth Hakkeshu... Rugal wants that power as well... Ranma's cousin Iori is one of the Hakkeshu, as well as his other partner Leona... (Smiles wickedly). OF COURSE! Ranma IS THE Tenth Hakkeshu. And if he has powers just as great, IF NOT GREATER than the others... (A smile widens and his teeth are revealed). HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HAAAAA!!! YES! This could be the fight I've ALWAYS WANTED! THE FIGHT I HAVE ALWAYS DREAMED OF!!!
Krauser calms himself down, but the smile doesn't leave his face. He places the paper with his 'findings' in a secret compartment in his armor. He then looks into a mirror hanging in the cabin. The smile on his face pleases him. It has been such a long while since he's felt happy. Heck, it's been a while since he's felt any powerful emotion at all. The last time he was happy was when he had fought Terry Bogard. True, he had lost to the Lonely Wolf, but he had never had such a thrilling challenge in his life. And now... Now he may actually have a challenge that will surpass the Lonely Wolf. A fighter of unimaginable power. Krauser clenches his right fist and raises it above his head.
Krauser: SOON! Soon a fight shall take place. One that shall marvel even God up in heaven himself!
Krauser's laughter continues inside his mind. His eyes flare to life with an intense light that has never been seen in them before.
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It is now morning, with the sun being up for a little more than an hour. Commander Heidern, leader of the Ikari Warriors, walks down one of the halls of the Black Noah. Being on the ship disgusts him. He still waits for Rugal to try something. But so far, besides hosting the King of Fighters Tournament, he hasn't done anything. And that puts Heidern on edge. He knows Rugal set up the tournament for revenge. But waiting for Rugal to make his move, is getting on his nerves. Heidern can't take it anymore, so he has decided he should brief his second in command Leona on this. Get her opinion on what's going on as well. After all, even though they are both in the tournament, he still hasn't really seen her since he gave her an order to keep an eye on Ranma. He's starting to regret doing that. With all the idiots under his command (such as Ralf Jones and Clark Steele), Heidern is starting to go nuts, and he misses that 'feminine touch' that Leona would add to his life. Ever since his wife and daughter had died, protecting him from a killing blow Rugal was going to use on him, Leona has been the only real contact he had with women. And he misses that. He stops when he realizes when he's at the door in front of Leona's cabin.
Heidern (Knocks on door): Leona? (No answer, he knocks again). Leona, are you there?
Getting no answer still, Heidern jiggles the handle of the door to find that it is unlocked. He opens the door and walks into the middle of her cabin. He calls for her. Getting no answer still, he comes to the realization that she is not there.
Heidern: Hmm... Where could she have gone? I didn't see her walking around the ship...
Heidern walks out of Leona's room and sees a Japanese lady, carrying a bundle on her left shoulder looking at him.
Lady: Who are you? And what are you doing in Leona's room?
Heidern: I am Commander Heidern, of the Ikari Warriors. As for why I am in Leona's room, I was looking for her, so I could talk to her. I am also Leona's adoptive father.
Lady (Slightly surprised): Really? (Smiles). I know Leona, and from what I can tell you must have raised her well.
Heidern (Beams with pride thanks to the compliment): Thank you. I did my best to raise her. (Eye widens). Know her? How do you know Leona? Who are you?
Lady (Bows slightly): My name is Nodoka Saotome, Matriarch of the Yagami clan. Leona has been staying in my home while she's been training with my son Ranma, and my nephew Iori.
Heidern (Eye widens further): You're Ranma's mother? Hmm... How has Leona been during these past couple of months? I have rarely seen and talked to her.
Nodoka (Smiles): She's been doing fine. She has gotten along very well with my son, and they have become good friends. They have also been training each other, helping each other to become stronger in other fields.
Heidern (Curious): How? I saw her speed improved when she fought Shermie near the beginning of this tournament. But otherwise, nothing.
Nodoka (Shakes her head): She has improved physically, but mentally, she has grown by leaps and bounds.
Heidern: Huh? How?
Nodoka: You see, I knew Leona and her parents long ago, while Leona was a little girl. I've been trying to help her remember her past, and she indeed remembers me, among other things. It makes me so happy that Leona remembers her 'Nodosan'.
Heidern: ... 'Nodosan'?
Nodoka: Yes. 'Nodosan' was a nickname that Leona has for me. Apparently, I have had that big an impact on her life.
Heidern: ... What was she like back then? Was she shy, cold, and withdrawn?
Nodoka: No. She was very energetic. She was always playing, and laughing. She would always hang around her father. She loved him very much.
Heidern (Looks to the ground): I see...
Nodoka (Puts her hand on his shoulder): Come now. That was then, and this is now. You are her father figure. And I am sure she cares for you. I was about to go and see my son and I'm sure that there's a good chance that she's there with him. That is because as I said before, they have gotten to be good friends.
Heidern (Tense): How 'good' a friendship did they make?
Nodoka (Smiles): A very good one.
Heidern: WHERE IS RANMA'S CABIN!?
Nodoka (Eyes widen in surprise): What?
Heidern (Calms): Sorry. I'm a little edgy at the moment. Anyway, could you take me to your son's cabin? I want to see if Leona's there, or if he has an idea where she could be.
Nodoka: Oh. All right. Follow me.
Nodoka walks towards Ranma's cabin, and Heidern follows.
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Leona wakes up slowly. She notices she feels better than she ever has. After a minute, she notices she feels very warm. She opens her eyes a bit more to take in her surroundings. She sees that she is in one of the cabins of the Black Noah, but not hers. She then realizes that she's covered in a blanket, and lying in a bed next to Ranma. She blushes when she remembers about last night. But the blush is easily replaced with a smile as she remembers how kindly he treated her. She just lays her head back on his chest, listening to his heartbeat. The steady beat has a very calming effect. The smile on her face widens since she knows she's close to Ranma, closer than any other woman will be. He is so sure of himself, and that same confidence makes her feel so secure and safe when she's with him. He was the first person to make her feel good about herself, and, even after she told him a horrible thing about herself, he still loved her. That is something she'll never forget. Her eyes jerk open a bit more when she feels something move through her hair. She instinctively grabs it. It's Ranma's hand. She looks at his face to see a smile break out on it, and his eyes open slowly.
Ranma: Good morning Lechan.
Leona: Good morning yourself Ranchan.
Ranma: You have such soft hair Lechan.
Leona (Blushes): Um... Thank you.
Ranma: Feeling better?
Leona: Yes thank you for asking...... Ranchan?
Ranma: Yes?
Leona (Blushes): Thank you for still loving me.
Ranma (Smiles, raises her chin with his right hand): I wouldn't give you up for the world.
Leona: Promise?
Ranma (Nods his head): Promise.
Leona moves her head closer to Ranma's. They kiss. Whenever they kiss each other, they both feel as if nothing else in the world matters. That the connection the two of them have is all that's truly important. Because when they're with each other, all seems right with the world. Suddenly the door opens, and in steps Heidern.
Nodoka: You should knock first you know!
Heidern: I don't have the time for that. Ranma, do you know where Leona...
Heidern stops mid-sentence. His eye widens and his jaw drops in shock when he sees them. Ranma and Leona stop kissing. Their eyes widen a bit in fear when the see their parents and they jump out of bed to either side of it.
Leona (Blushes, salutes): COMMANDER! What a surprise meeting you here!
Heidern just shakes his head in disbelief. Ranma looks at the two.
Ranma: Um... Hi?
Nodoka (Smiles, eyes sparkle): ... You and Leona... AH HA HA! OH HAPPY DAY!
Ranma & Leona (Blush): IT'S NOT WHAT YOU THINK!!! REALLY IT'S NOT!!!
Nodoka doesn't hear them. She just twirls around in the same spot, sprinkling confetti she keeps on her for just such an occasion. Heidern's eye narrows at Ranma, and his jaw sets back into place. His shock replaced by anger.
Heidern (Angry beyond Ryoga levels): Ranma...... HOW DARE YOU TAKE ADVANTAGE OF MY DAUGHTER LEONA!?!?!?
Ranma (Raises hands defensively): I DID NO SUCH THING!
Leona (Puts her hand on Ranma's shoulder): YEAH! HE DIDN'T DO ANYTHING TO ME! WE JUST SLEPT IN THE SAME BED! THAT'S ALL!
Apparently Leona coming to Ranma's defense just made things worse than they already were. All Nodoka and Heidern had to hear were the words 'we' and 'slept' and they came to their own conclusions...
Nodoka (Tears of joy, waves victory fans): MY SON IS SO MANLY!!! RANMA, YOU MAKE YOUR MOTHER PROUD!!!
Heidern (Does the Demon head trick that Soun uses): RAAAAAAAAANNNNNMMMMMMAAAAAAAAAAAAA!!!
Ranma: ACK! Now THAT is scary!
Leona: Ranma...
Ranma: Yeah?
Leona: I think it's time for the Saotome Secret Final Attack.
Ranma: I don't run.
Leona: Please. For me?
Ranma looks at Leona's pleading eyes. He also looks at Heidern in the corner of his cabin assembling an AK-47 automatic rifle. Those two things are ALL the encouragement he needs.
Ranma: Saotome Secret Final Attack... RUN AWAY!!!
Ranma takes off from his cabin like a bat out of hell.
Heidern (Poises rifle): RANMA! GET BACK HERE AND DIE LIKE A MAN YOU COWARD!!!
Heidern gives chase leaving a mortified Leona and a VERY HAPPY Nodoka.
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Iori gets up. He opens his door to go for a morning walk on the ship. He is wearing nothing but his shoes and pants. Ranma runs past him at blinding speeds, followed closely by Heidern.
Ranma: I DIDN'T DO NOTHING!!!
Heidern: LIAR! YOU SHALL DIE FOR WHAT YOU DID TO LEONA!!!
The two are out of sight, leaving a confused Iori in their wake.
Iori (Stares at nothing in particular): ............ I'm not even going to ask...
Iori turns around and walks back inside to his cabin, closing the door behind him.
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The Mess Hall of the Black Noah. Kasumi works diligently preparing meals for the breakfast mob she's sure will come through. Few fighters are already up and eating. That includes the Fatal Fury Team, Mai, the Special Team, and Vice and Mature.
Vice (Eats her pancakes): DAMN THIS IS GOOD! (Looks at Kasumi). What brand do you use?
Kasumi: I don't use any brand. I make the meals from scratch.
Joe (Gets on knees): I LOVE YOUR COOKING!!!
Mai (Whaps Joe with a fan): Don't be so over dramatic.
Kasumi: Oh my...
Terry: One thing's for sure. Kasumi is A GREAT COOK!
All (Cheering Kasumi): HERE, HERE!
Kasumi (Blushes): Oh my...
Suddenly, the doors to the Mess Hall burst open. Ranma comes running in wearing his boxers and a white shirt, while being chased by Heidern, who is in full uniform, wielding an automatic weapon.
Ranma (While he runs): I'M TELLING YOU, IT'S NOT WHAT YOU THINK!!!
Heidern: LIAR!!! STAND STILL AND DIE LIKE A MAN!!!
Heidern shoots his weapon at Ranma, completely missing him, but obliterating Yamazaki's bowl of cheerios.
Yamazaki (Horrified): MY CHEERIOS!!! NOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!
Mary: And thus, we have another casualty of war...
Billy: He kills small animals for fun and profit, and a destroyed bowl of Cheerios sickens him?
Ranma runs out of the Mess Hall. He jumps onto Billy's head, smashing it into his pancakes, and bouncing out through the doors of the Mess Hall. Heidern follows Ranma thee exact same way, leaving shocked onlookers in his wake.
Billy (Face in pancakes): ... Ow...
Terry: ... What happened?
Andy: I'm dead... Right?
Yamazaki (Teary eyed): My Cheerios...
Mai: I WAS SO FRIGHTENED! (Throws herself in a shocked Andy's arms). HOLD ME ANDY!!!
Yamazaki: My Cheerios...
Joe (Holds Kasumi): Are you okay!?
Kasumi (Stares at Joe): Um...
Mary (Kicks Joe in his ass): DAMN IT! STOP BEING A PERVERT!
Yamazaki: My Cheerios...
Kasumi: Oh my. Ms. Ryan, violence is not needed. Just look at what happened with Ranma and that Cycloptic fellow...
Yamazaki (In all out anguish): MY CHEERIOS!!! OH WHAT DID THESE INNOCENT CIRCLES OF TOASTED WHOLE GRAIN OATS DO TO DESERVE THIS!?!?!?
Billy (Takes face out of pancakes): DUDE! WILL YOU SHUT UP ABOUT THE GOD DAMN CHEERIOS!?
Ryuji Yamazaki stares at Billy Kane with hate-filled eyes.
Billy: Um... I'll be going now...
Yamazaki (Grabs Billy): HOW DARE YOU HAVE NO REMORSE FOR THE CHEERIOS!?!? YOU SHALL DIE!!!
The scene that follows is one of much gratuitous violence, which ends up with Billy getting his pole staff shoved up his ass sideways with a twist.
Terry: Dear God...
Kasumi: Oh my...
Andy (Throws up): BAAAAAAARRRRRRRFFFFF!!!
Yamazaki: EH HEH HEH HEH HEH HEH HEH HEH HEH HEEEEEEEHHHHHH!!!
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After about an hour of running, Ranma finally got away from Heidern, when he slipped on a puddle of wine on the deck, and slips all the way over board. A thoroughly soaked 'Ranko' gets back on. No longer to be harassed by Heidern, but...
Kyo: RANKYO MY LOVE!!!
Kuno: RANKO! COME TO ME, YOUR 'SCARRED ANGEL OF FURINKAN HIGH'!!!
Kyo (Magatama appears on his fist): WHAT!? RANKYO IS MINE!
Kuno (Poises his bokken): SURELY THOU JESTS! I SHALL NEVER SUBMIT THE PIG-TAILED GODDESS TO YOU!
Kyo (Pissed off): HEY! DON'T CALL ME SHIRLEY!
Kyo and Kuno start fighting each other.
Ranko (Stares at the two idiots): ... Whatever...
Ranko leaves the two to beat the crap out of each other.
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It is now the afternoon and it will still be a couple of hours before the Black Noah reaches China. Ranma is currently in his Cabin thinking to himself
Ranma (Thinks): Why can't anything go right for once? I mean sure, we did sleep in the same bed, but now almost everyone thinks we did 'it'... ARGH! WHAT DID I DO TO DESERVE THIS!?
There's a knock at the door.
Ranma: Who is it?
Daisuke and Hiroshi storm in.
Daisuke and Hiroshi: RANMA!!!
Ranma: What?
Daisuke and Hiroshi: WE KNOW YOU SLEPT WITH LEONA! TELL US WHAT IT WAS LIKE!
Ranma face-faults.
Ranma (Gets up): Is that ALL YOU CAN THINK OF!?
Daisuke and Hiroshi: Yes.
Ranma face-faults again.
Ranma (Gets up again): Look, I didn't do it. All right?
Hiroshi: You telling the truth?
Ranma: Positive.
Daisuke: You mean it?
Ranma: Absolutely.
Hiroshi and Daisuke: ... DAMN IT! YOU HAVE A BEAUTIFUL WOMAN AND YOU HAVEN'T SCREWED HER!?!? YOU MAKE US SICK!!!
Ranma at this point literally kicks Hiroshi and Daisuke out the door of his cabin. He settles back into thinking when there's another knock at the door.
Ranma: Who is it?
No answer. Ranma, knowing it's gonna be bad anyway, opens the door... To reveal Leona's partners from last year Ralf and Clark.
Ranma: Hi. What can I do for you?
Ralf and Clark (Angry, battle auras rise): RANMA, PREPARE TO DIE!!!
Yup... This was gonna be one of 'those' days for Ranma...
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Leona sits on deck of the ship. She thinks to herself, wondering why everyone is being so mean to Ranma. Sure, the guys are trying to protect her, but from what? Ranma is the sweetest guy that she's met. He's the only guy to ever treat her as a woman, and she wonders what's so wrong with that. A woman walks up to her.
Ukyo: So, someone finally caught Ranchan's heart. I will admit, I'm surprised it's you.
Leona: Huh? Oh... Ukyo... Let me guess... Come to kill the one who stole 'your' Ranma?
Ukyo (Shocked): CERTAINLY NOT! Whatever gave you THAT idea?
Leona points to an unconscious beat up Kodachi.
Kodachi (Hallucinates): Ranma-sama...
Ukyo: ... Ooooooooookay... I guess everyone's giving you a hard time about it, huh?
Leona: Not really. Only one person went after me so far. Everyone else that feels this involves them has gone after Ranma.
Ukyo: ... Sorry to hear that. Well, did you do 'it' with him?
Leona (Blushes): No!
Ukyo (Stares at Leona): ... Okay then. I believe you. After all, Ranma was able to fight off hordes of girls for two years straight. I'm sure he could have fended them off longer if needed. After all, Ranma had a certain amount of respect for women. Even Akane, who was the worst to him, he tried to be nice to. And what did it get him? At least three beatings everyday.
Leona: Poor Ranchan...
Ukyo: Yeah. Look at it this way. You got his heart. That's something girls have literally tried to kill for. Feel lucky that he loves you.
Leona (Smiles): I most certainly do.
Ukyo is about to talk further, but a certain Uncute Tomboy interrupts her.
Akane: WHERE IS SHE!? WHERE IS THAT BLUE-HAIRED WHORE!?!?
Leona stands up to Akane. Ukyo watches intently.
Leona: And you insult me because?
Akane (Angry, aura flares to life): YOU!!! YOU STOLE MY RANMA! YOU TOOK HIS VIRGINTY! GIVE IT BACK RIGHT NOW YOU SLUT!
Leona: Sigh... I never took anything from him in the first place, so I can't give it back. We didn't do anything. And I never stole Ranma. He chose to be with me. You have to realize that Ranma is not a prize, which you can just 'win'. He is human, and has emotions like everyone else.
Akane (Aura rises): LIAR! YOU TOOK RANMA FROM ME! HE'S MY PROPERTY! AND WHAT DO YOU MEAN HE HAS EMOTION!? HE IS NOT HUMAN! RANMA CAN TAKE ANY BEATING I GIVE HIM AND COME BACK FOR MORE! SO HE'S A DAMN DEMON LIKE YOU!!!
Leona (Angry, narrows her eyes): If you hate him so much, than why won't you leave him alone? And Demon? Ranma and I are not demons.
Akane (Charges at Leona): DIE YOU EVIL BIT...
!
Akane crumples to the deck. She feels a burning pain in her rib cage. Leona had grabbed her and smashed her in the chest with a well-aimed stabbing-punch as she had charged at her. Akane comes up with one of her usual comebacks when defeated.
Akane: You... Cheater... (She faints).
Leona: Poor, deluded fool...
Ukyo (Claps): GREAT! I'm now sure that you can DEFINETLY be Ranma's girl.
Leona (Confused): Huh?
Ukyo (Smiles): Well, being the girl Ranma likes causes A LOT of jealousy. So, you better be prepared to defend yourself.
Leona: Don't worry, I am.
Ukyo: Good. (Gets up). Well... I gotta go check on my teammates.
Leona: The dried monkey mummy that tried to kill me and the boy named after a piece of women's underwear that turns into a strange bull creature?
Ukyo: Sigh... Yeah... I can't BELIEVE they were the only ones available for partners...
Leona: Maybe you should have gone single.
Ukyo: Yeah... And get my ass kicked easily? No thank you.
Ukyo walks off, leaving Leona where she is. Leona picks up Akane, and throws her right next to Kodachi.
Leona (Thinks): Seriously though... Why do they go after Ranma? He hasn't done anything for them, and they don't do anything for him. So what makes them think that he is their 'property'?
Leona may never know.
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Rugal stands on the deck of the Black Noah, and looks out to the docks.
Rugal: Finally... CHINA!!!
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In the Medical Bridge of the Black Noah, Tofu had gotten Billy's pole out of his ass.
Tofu: How're you feeling?
Billy: Like hell.
Tofu: Let me check your temp.
Tofu places his hand on Billy's head when Kasumi walks in.
Kasumi: Hello Doctor Tofu.
Tofu (Glasses fog up): KASUMI! WHAT A PLEASANT SURPRISE!
Tofu turns Billy's head 180 degrees counter clock-wise.
!
Billy (Eyes water): ............... This hurts so much, that I can't scream...
Mary: Dear God...
Yamazaki: Eh heh heh...
Kasumi: Oh my. Are you all right Dr. Tofu? Let me check to see if you have a temperature. (Places her hand on Dr. Tofu's head).
Tofu (Grabs Billy): K, KASUMI!!!
Billy (Very high-pitched voice): HELP ME!!!
Pan to a shot of the Black Noah from afar. We hear Billy Kane's inhuman scream of pain, and Ryuji Yamazaki's thunderous laughter.
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Ranma sits with Leona at the Chinese docks. They'll be heading out into China for the fights. It's just that Ranma doesn't like where they chose the fights to be held...
Ranma: Amazon Village... Crazy Central...
Leona: It's like letting the lunatics run the asylum...
Iori (Walks up to them): Ranma... Prepared to defend yourself if need be?
Ranma (Smiles): You bet!
Iori (Smirks): That's the Ranma I know! ... By the way...
Ranma and Leona stare at Iori.
Iori: Is it true that you two slept together?
Ranma and Leona face-fault.
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End Chapter 26
Next Time: Jusenkyo troubles. Some new springs have popped up, and some reappeared. AND ONE OF THE FIGHTERS TAKES THE JUSENKYO PLUNGE! WHO WILL IT BE!?!?!?
Send your questions and comments to either RedPriest17@aol.com or Ryutsurugi@yahoo.com
This is RedPriest17, signing off.
Note: Flames will be read and than used to fuel the Orochi fire.
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Disclaimer: I do not own Ranma 1/2. That is property of Rumiko Takahashi. I do not own The King of Fighters, that is property of SNK. I do however suggest you look up information on these two properties. You won't be disappointed.
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Note: This takes place well after the Ranma 1/2 manga and during the King of Fighters '98.
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Ranma: The Tenth Hakkeshu Chapter 26: It's Not What You Think!!!
Rugal sits at the helm of his ship the Black Noah. Steering her through the seas of Japan. Soon China shall be reached, and than the fun begins again! Sure, the Black Noah is actually computerized for the most part, and a main console below deck actually controls where it sails, but Rugal loves to use the steering wheel for an added effect. A devious smile crosses his lips when he thinks of all the power he'll get from the Tenth Hakkeshu. Goenitz, before the Black Noah set sail, stopped by to give Rugal some information on the Tenth Hakkeshu that he had acquired a few days before from an 'anonymous source'. The information, Rugal finds quite useful. Rugal knows that Goenitz likes to work secretively, and that always gets on his nerves. Throughout the tournament, Goenitz has stopped by numerous times, dictating to Rugal what he should do next. If it were up to Rugal, all the fighters that have lost already would have been thrown off his ship. But Goenitz insists they stay, saying how their presence and interaction can create high amounts of energy when certain events work into a domino effect. Rugal wouldn't have believed this, if it weren't for the fact that a few 'events' did happen. Like when Iori's sister Ranko appeared, or when Ranma went into the Neko-Ken. Rugal frowns with thoughts of Neko-Ken. His ship had been ruined, and repairs were costly. And when he found out how to learn Neko-Ken, it turned out that the trainee had to be under 10-years old for it to work. Rugal still hasn't been able to look at his pet panther the same way since than. His right eye glows brightly as he thinks of how Vice and Mature purposely withheld the information and let him make a fool of himself, and allowed him to go through a lot of pain. Some fighters are still mocking him when one of them had seen and recorded a special off of Fox called "Failed Suicide Attempts" and showed it to all the other fighters. Turns out, Rugal's Neko-Ken training was the main highlight of it. Rugal gets so angry he grabs his steel wine goblet and crushes it in his hand. He throws it against the deck. The wine spreads all over, and he imagines it to be the blood of all his enemies, particularly Mature and Vice. The devious smile on his face returns with that thought. And he thinks out loud to himself.
Rugal: Soon... Soon I shall be in power once again. Once my life is guaranteed and I don't have to worry about just disappearing from the face of the world again, I shall take over. Sure, it will be a tough climb through power again, but I'll have the time and the energy. My enemies will be dead, and I shall have the Tenth Hakkeshu's power as my own. Than Vice and Mature will die for their treachery, and than... Hm hm hm hm hm...... 'He' will then bow before me for a change. For I WILL have Ranma's power, and become stronger than he is at the moment. After all, anything one can have, can be taken away as well. I SHALL BE IN POWER ONCE AGAIN! YOU HEAR ME!? WITH RANMA'S POWER I SHALL TAKE YOU DOWN!!! BWAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAAAAA!!!
(------)
As Rugal laughs to himself about how he shall conquer Goenitz and become the one true master of all, a tall man standing in the shadows has heard everything. While still cloaked in shadows he goes back to his cabin to contemplate what he heard Rugal saying. Once inside his cabin he turns on the desk light. His features are now clear and we see it to be Wolfgang Krauser. He sits down at the desk, and takes out a piece of paper and pen. He writes down what he had heard, that he feels to be of importance. He than reads it back to himself quietly, as to make sure no one hears him.
Krauser: Life guaranteed. Disappearing from the world. Gaining the Tenth Hakkeshu's power. Killing Vice and Mature. Ranma's power. 'He' will bow low. Hmm... What does this all mean?
Krauser thinks back to other things he heard Rugal say. And contemplates how very little of it makes sense.
Krauser: Life guaranteed... But he is here... Why would he need it guaranteed? The Tenth Hakkeshu? From what I know about last year's tournament, there are only supposed to be eight of them. Nine when you take into consideration that Yakuza gang member Ryuji Yamazaki is one as well... Killing Vice and Mature... Why would he kill them? They are his partners and, from what I recall, they work for him... Ranma's power... That boy is indeed a good fighter, or at least I hope he is. But Rugal can't take the boy's power. True the boy is of Orochi blood, but how's he going to take the power from him? The boy is just a fighter, and most of his strength comes from his own skill. And 'He' will bow low... Who is Rugal referring to? Kyo Kusanagi... A possibility... Perhaps Commander Heidern... No... If Rugal's after large amounts of power to defeat this 'He' person, than it wouldn't be those two. Rugal could easily take care of them as he is now... But than whom would he need the energy to fight? And how would getting Ranma and this Tenth Hakkeshu's power help him?
Krauser sits back in his chair. He traces his violet mustache, thinking of what this could all mean. After a few minutes, one connection click's into his mind.
Krauser (Eyes widen): Ranma's power... Ranma IS of the Orochi-Bloodline... And a Tenth Hakkeshu... Rugal wants that power as well... Ranma's cousin Iori is one of the Hakkeshu, as well as his other partner Leona... (Smiles wickedly). OF COURSE! Ranma IS THE Tenth Hakkeshu. And if he has powers just as great, IF NOT GREATER than the others... (A smile widens and his teeth are revealed). HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HAAAAA!!! YES! This could be the fight I've ALWAYS WANTED! THE FIGHT I HAVE ALWAYS DREAMED OF!!!
Krauser calms himself down, but the smile doesn't leave his face. He places the paper with his 'findings' in a secret compartment in his armor. He then looks into a mirror hanging in the cabin. The smile on his face pleases him. It has been such a long while since he's felt happy. Heck, it's been a while since he's felt any powerful emotion at all. The last time he was happy was when he had fought Terry Bogard. True, he had lost to the Lonely Wolf, but he had never had such a thrilling challenge in his life. And now... Now he may actually have a challenge that will surpass the Lonely Wolf. A fighter of unimaginable power. Krauser clenches his right fist and raises it above his head.
Krauser: SOON! Soon a fight shall take place. One that shall marvel even God up in heaven himself!
Krauser's laughter continues inside his mind. His eyes flare to life with an intense light that has never been seen in them before.
(------)
It is now morning, with the sun being up for a little more than an hour. Commander Heidern, leader of the Ikari Warriors, walks down one of the halls of the Black Noah. Being on the ship disgusts him. He still waits for Rugal to try something. But so far, besides hosting the King of Fighters Tournament, he hasn't done anything. And that puts Heidern on edge. He knows Rugal set up the tournament for revenge. But waiting for Rugal to make his move, is getting on his nerves. Heidern can't take it anymore, so he has decided he should brief his second in command Leona on this. Get her opinion on what's going on as well. After all, even though they are both in the tournament, he still hasn't really seen her since he gave her an order to keep an eye on Ranma. He's starting to regret doing that. With all the idiots under his command (such as Ralf Jones and Clark Steele), Heidern is starting to go nuts, and he misses that 'feminine touch' that Leona would add to his life. Ever since his wife and daughter had died, protecting him from a killing blow Rugal was going to use on him, Leona has been the only real contact he had with women. And he misses that. He stops when he realizes when he's at the door in front of Leona's cabin.
Heidern (Knocks on door): Leona? (No answer, he knocks again). Leona, are you there?
Getting no answer still, Heidern jiggles the handle of the door to find that it is unlocked. He opens the door and walks into the middle of her cabin. He calls for her. Getting no answer still, he comes to the realization that she is not there.
Heidern: Hmm... Where could she have gone? I didn't see her walking around the ship...
Heidern walks out of Leona's room and sees a Japanese lady, carrying a bundle on her left shoulder looking at him.
Lady: Who are you? And what are you doing in Leona's room?
Heidern: I am Commander Heidern, of the Ikari Warriors. As for why I am in Leona's room, I was looking for her, so I could talk to her. I am also Leona's adoptive father.
Lady (Slightly surprised): Really? (Smiles). I know Leona, and from what I can tell you must have raised her well.
Heidern (Beams with pride thanks to the compliment): Thank you. I did my best to raise her. (Eye widens). Know her? How do you know Leona? Who are you?
Lady (Bows slightly): My name is Nodoka Saotome, Matriarch of the Yagami clan. Leona has been staying in my home while she's been training with my son Ranma, and my nephew Iori.
Heidern (Eye widens further): You're Ranma's mother? Hmm... How has Leona been during these past couple of months? I have rarely seen and talked to her.
Nodoka (Smiles): She's been doing fine. She has gotten along very well with my son, and they have become good friends. They have also been training each other, helping each other to become stronger in other fields.
Heidern (Curious): How? I saw her speed improved when she fought Shermie near the beginning of this tournament. But otherwise, nothing.
Nodoka (Shakes her head): She has improved physically, but mentally, she has grown by leaps and bounds.
Heidern: Huh? How?
Nodoka: You see, I knew Leona and her parents long ago, while Leona was a little girl. I've been trying to help her remember her past, and she indeed remembers me, among other things. It makes me so happy that Leona remembers her 'Nodosan'.
Heidern: ... 'Nodosan'?
Nodoka: Yes. 'Nodosan' was a nickname that Leona has for me. Apparently, I have had that big an impact on her life.
Heidern: ... What was she like back then? Was she shy, cold, and withdrawn?
Nodoka: No. She was very energetic. She was always playing, and laughing. She would always hang around her father. She loved him very much.
Heidern (Looks to the ground): I see...
Nodoka (Puts her hand on his shoulder): Come now. That was then, and this is now. You are her father figure. And I am sure she cares for you. I was about to go and see my son and I'm sure that there's a good chance that she's there with him. That is because as I said before, they have gotten to be good friends.
Heidern (Tense): How 'good' a friendship did they make?
Nodoka (Smiles): A very good one.
Heidern: WHERE IS RANMA'S CABIN!?
Nodoka (Eyes widen in surprise): What?
Heidern (Calms): Sorry. I'm a little edgy at the moment. Anyway, could you take me to your son's cabin? I want to see if Leona's there, or if he has an idea where she could be.
Nodoka: Oh. All right. Follow me.
Nodoka walks towards Ranma's cabin, and Heidern follows.
(------)
Leona wakes up slowly. She notices she feels better than she ever has. After a minute, she notices she feels very warm. She opens her eyes a bit more to take in her surroundings. She sees that she is in one of the cabins of the Black Noah, but not hers. She then realizes that she's covered in a blanket, and lying in a bed next to Ranma. She blushes when she remembers about last night. But the blush is easily replaced with a smile as she remembers how kindly he treated her. She just lays her head back on his chest, listening to his heartbeat. The steady beat has a very calming effect. The smile on her face widens since she knows she's close to Ranma, closer than any other woman will be. He is so sure of himself, and that same confidence makes her feel so secure and safe when she's with him. He was the first person to make her feel good about herself, and, even after she told him a horrible thing about herself, he still loved her. That is something she'll never forget. Her eyes jerk open a bit more when she feels something move through her hair. She instinctively grabs it. It's Ranma's hand. She looks at his face to see a smile break out on it, and his eyes open slowly.
Ranma: Good morning Lechan.
Leona: Good morning yourself Ranchan.
Ranma: You have such soft hair Lechan.
Leona (Blushes): Um... Thank you.
Ranma: Feeling better?
Leona: Yes thank you for asking...... Ranchan?
Ranma: Yes?
Leona (Blushes): Thank you for still loving me.
Ranma (Smiles, raises her chin with his right hand): I wouldn't give you up for the world.
Leona: Promise?
Ranma (Nods his head): Promise.
Leona moves her head closer to Ranma's. They kiss. Whenever they kiss each other, they both feel as if nothing else in the world matters. That the connection the two of them have is all that's truly important. Because when they're with each other, all seems right with the world. Suddenly the door opens, and in steps Heidern.
Nodoka: You should knock first you know!
Heidern: I don't have the time for that. Ranma, do you know where Leona...
Heidern stops mid-sentence. His eye widens and his jaw drops in shock when he sees them. Ranma and Leona stop kissing. Their eyes widen a bit in fear when the see their parents and they jump out of bed to either side of it.
Leona (Blushes, salutes): COMMANDER! What a surprise meeting you here!
Heidern just shakes his head in disbelief. Ranma looks at the two.
Ranma: Um... Hi?
Nodoka (Smiles, eyes sparkle): ... You and Leona... AH HA HA! OH HAPPY DAY!
Ranma & Leona (Blush): IT'S NOT WHAT YOU THINK!!! REALLY IT'S NOT!!!
Nodoka doesn't hear them. She just twirls around in the same spot, sprinkling confetti she keeps on her for just such an occasion. Heidern's eye narrows at Ranma, and his jaw sets back into place. His shock replaced by anger.
Heidern (Angry beyond Ryoga levels): Ranma...... HOW DARE YOU TAKE ADVANTAGE OF MY DAUGHTER LEONA!?!?!?
Ranma (Raises hands defensively): I DID NO SUCH THING!
Leona (Puts her hand on Ranma's shoulder): YEAH! HE DIDN'T DO ANYTHING TO ME! WE JUST SLEPT IN THE SAME BED! THAT'S ALL!
Apparently Leona coming to Ranma's defense just made things worse than they already were. All Nodoka and Heidern had to hear were the words 'we' and 'slept' and they came to their own conclusions...
Nodoka (Tears of joy, waves victory fans): MY SON IS SO MANLY!!! RANMA, YOU MAKE YOUR MOTHER PROUD!!!
Heidern (Does the Demon head trick that Soun uses): RAAAAAAAAANNNNNMMMMMMAAAAAAAAAAAAA!!!
Ranma: ACK! Now THAT is scary!
Leona: Ranma...
Ranma: Yeah?
Leona: I think it's time for the Saotome Secret Final Attack.
Ranma: I don't run.
Leona: Please. For me?
Ranma looks at Leona's pleading eyes. He also looks at Heidern in the corner of his cabin assembling an AK-47 automatic rifle. Those two things are ALL the encouragement he needs.
Ranma: Saotome Secret Final Attack... RUN AWAY!!!
Ranma takes off from his cabin like a bat out of hell.
Heidern (Poises rifle): RANMA! GET BACK HERE AND DIE LIKE A MAN YOU COWARD!!!
Heidern gives chase leaving a mortified Leona and a VERY HAPPY Nodoka.
(------)
Iori gets up. He opens his door to go for a morning walk on the ship. He is wearing nothing but his shoes and pants. Ranma runs past him at blinding speeds, followed closely by Heidern.
Ranma: I DIDN'T DO NOTHING!!!
Heidern: LIAR! YOU SHALL DIE FOR WHAT YOU DID TO LEONA!!!
The two are out of sight, leaving a confused Iori in their wake.
Iori (Stares at nothing in particular): ............ I'm not even going to ask...
Iori turns around and walks back inside to his cabin, closing the door behind him.
(------)
The Mess Hall of the Black Noah. Kasumi works diligently preparing meals for the breakfast mob she's sure will come through. Few fighters are already up and eating. That includes the Fatal Fury Team, Mai, the Special Team, and Vice and Mature.
Vice (Eats her pancakes): DAMN THIS IS GOOD! (Looks at Kasumi). What brand do you use?
Kasumi: I don't use any brand. I make the meals from scratch.
Joe (Gets on knees): I LOVE YOUR COOKING!!!
Mai (Whaps Joe with a fan): Don't be so over dramatic.
Kasumi: Oh my...
Terry: One thing's for sure. Kasumi is A GREAT COOK!
All (Cheering Kasumi): HERE, HERE!
Kasumi (Blushes): Oh my...
Suddenly, the doors to the Mess Hall burst open. Ranma comes running in wearing his boxers and a white shirt, while being chased by Heidern, who is in full uniform, wielding an automatic weapon.
Ranma (While he runs): I'M TELLING YOU, IT'S NOT WHAT YOU THINK!!!
Heidern: LIAR!!! STAND STILL AND DIE LIKE A MAN!!!
Heidern shoots his weapon at Ranma, completely missing him, but obliterating Yamazaki's bowl of cheerios.
Yamazaki (Horrified): MY CHEERIOS!!! NOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!
Mary: And thus, we have another casualty of war...
Billy: He kills small animals for fun and profit, and a destroyed bowl of Cheerios sickens him?
Ranma runs out of the Mess Hall. He jumps onto Billy's head, smashing it into his pancakes, and bouncing out through the doors of the Mess Hall. Heidern follows Ranma thee exact same way, leaving shocked onlookers in his wake.
Billy (Face in pancakes): ... Ow...
Terry: ... What happened?
Andy: I'm dead... Right?
Yamazaki (Teary eyed): My Cheerios...
Mai: I WAS SO FRIGHTENED! (Throws herself in a shocked Andy's arms). HOLD ME ANDY!!!
Yamazaki: My Cheerios...
Joe (Holds Kasumi): Are you okay!?
Kasumi (Stares at Joe): Um...
Mary (Kicks Joe in his ass): DAMN IT! STOP BEING A PERVERT!
Yamazaki: My Cheerios...
Kasumi: Oh my. Ms. Ryan, violence is not needed. Just look at what happened with Ranma and that Cycloptic fellow...
Yamazaki (In all out anguish): MY CHEERIOS!!! OH WHAT DID THESE INNOCENT CIRCLES OF TOASTED WHOLE GRAIN OATS DO TO DESERVE THIS!?!?!?
Billy (Takes face out of pancakes): DUDE! WILL YOU SHUT UP ABOUT THE GOD DAMN CHEERIOS!?
Ryuji Yamazaki stares at Billy Kane with hate-filled eyes.
Billy: Um... I'll be going now...
Yamazaki (Grabs Billy): HOW DARE YOU HAVE NO REMORSE FOR THE CHEERIOS!?!? YOU SHALL DIE!!!
The scene that follows is one of much gratuitous violence, which ends up with Billy getting his pole staff shoved up his ass sideways with a twist.
Terry: Dear God...
Kasumi: Oh my...
Andy (Throws up): BAAAAAAARRRRRRRFFFFF!!!
Yamazaki: EH HEH HEH HEH HEH HEH HEH HEH HEH HEEEEEEEHHHHHH!!!
(------)
After about an hour of running, Ranma finally got away from Heidern, when he slipped on a puddle of wine on the deck, and slips all the way over board. A thoroughly soaked 'Ranko' gets back on. No longer to be harassed by Heidern, but...
Kyo: RANKYO MY LOVE!!!
Kuno: RANKO! COME TO ME, YOUR 'SCARRED ANGEL OF FURINKAN HIGH'!!!
Kyo (Magatama appears on his fist): WHAT!? RANKYO IS MINE!
Kuno (Poises his bokken): SURELY THOU JESTS! I SHALL NEVER SUBMIT THE PIG-TAILED GODDESS TO YOU!
Kyo (Pissed off): HEY! DON'T CALL ME SHIRLEY!
Kyo and Kuno start fighting each other.
Ranko (Stares at the two idiots): ... Whatever...
Ranko leaves the two to beat the crap out of each other.
(------)
It is now the afternoon and it will still be a couple of hours before the Black Noah reaches China. Ranma is currently in his Cabin thinking to himself
Ranma (Thinks): Why can't anything go right for once? I mean sure, we did sleep in the same bed, but now almost everyone thinks we did 'it'... ARGH! WHAT DID I DO TO DESERVE THIS!?
There's a knock at the door.
Ranma: Who is it?
Daisuke and Hiroshi storm in.
Daisuke and Hiroshi: RANMA!!!
Ranma: What?
Daisuke and Hiroshi: WE KNOW YOU SLEPT WITH LEONA! TELL US WHAT IT WAS LIKE!
Ranma face-faults.
Ranma (Gets up): Is that ALL YOU CAN THINK OF!?
Daisuke and Hiroshi: Yes.
Ranma face-faults again.
Ranma (Gets up again): Look, I didn't do it. All right?
Hiroshi: You telling the truth?
Ranma: Positive.
Daisuke: You mean it?
Ranma: Absolutely.
Hiroshi and Daisuke: ... DAMN IT! YOU HAVE A BEAUTIFUL WOMAN AND YOU HAVEN'T SCREWED HER!?!? YOU MAKE US SICK!!!
Ranma at this point literally kicks Hiroshi and Daisuke out the door of his cabin. He settles back into thinking when there's another knock at the door.
Ranma: Who is it?
No answer. Ranma, knowing it's gonna be bad anyway, opens the door... To reveal Leona's partners from last year Ralf and Clark.
Ranma: Hi. What can I do for you?
Ralf and Clark (Angry, battle auras rise): RANMA, PREPARE TO DIE!!!
Yup... This was gonna be one of 'those' days for Ranma...
(------)
Leona sits on deck of the ship. She thinks to herself, wondering why everyone is being so mean to Ranma. Sure, the guys are trying to protect her, but from what? Ranma is the sweetest guy that she's met. He's the only guy to ever treat her as a woman, and she wonders what's so wrong with that. A woman walks up to her.
Ukyo: So, someone finally caught Ranchan's heart. I will admit, I'm surprised it's you.
Leona: Huh? Oh... Ukyo... Let me guess... Come to kill the one who stole 'your' Ranma?
Ukyo (Shocked): CERTAINLY NOT! Whatever gave you THAT idea?
Leona points to an unconscious beat up Kodachi.
Kodachi (Hallucinates): Ranma-sama...
Ukyo: ... Ooooooooookay... I guess everyone's giving you a hard time about it, huh?
Leona: Not really. Only one person went after me so far. Everyone else that feels this involves them has gone after Ranma.
Ukyo: ... Sorry to hear that. Well, did you do 'it' with him?
Leona (Blushes): No!
Ukyo (Stares at Leona): ... Okay then. I believe you. After all, Ranma was able to fight off hordes of girls for two years straight. I'm sure he could have fended them off longer if needed. After all, Ranma had a certain amount of respect for women. Even Akane, who was the worst to him, he tried to be nice to. And what did it get him? At least three beatings everyday.
Leona: Poor Ranchan...
Ukyo: Yeah. Look at it this way. You got his heart. That's something girls have literally tried to kill for. Feel lucky that he loves you.
Leona (Smiles): I most certainly do.
Ukyo is about to talk further, but a certain Uncute Tomboy interrupts her.
Akane: WHERE IS SHE!? WHERE IS THAT BLUE-HAIRED WHORE!?!?
Leona stands up to Akane. Ukyo watches intently.
Leona: And you insult me because?
Akane (Angry, aura flares to life): YOU!!! YOU STOLE MY RANMA! YOU TOOK HIS VIRGINTY! GIVE IT BACK RIGHT NOW YOU SLUT!
Leona: Sigh... I never took anything from him in the first place, so I can't give it back. We didn't do anything. And I never stole Ranma. He chose to be with me. You have to realize that Ranma is not a prize, which you can just 'win'. He is human, and has emotions like everyone else.
Akane (Aura rises): LIAR! YOU TOOK RANMA FROM ME! HE'S MY PROPERTY! AND WHAT DO YOU MEAN HE HAS EMOTION!? HE IS NOT HUMAN! RANMA CAN TAKE ANY BEATING I GIVE HIM AND COME BACK FOR MORE! SO HE'S A DAMN DEMON LIKE YOU!!!
Leona (Angry, narrows her eyes): If you hate him so much, than why won't you leave him alone? And Demon? Ranma and I are not demons.
Akane (Charges at Leona): DIE YOU EVIL BIT...
!
Akane crumples to the deck. She feels a burning pain in her rib cage. Leona had grabbed her and smashed her in the chest with a well-aimed stabbing-punch as she had charged at her. Akane comes up with one of her usual comebacks when defeated.
Akane: You... Cheater... (She faints).
Leona: Poor, deluded fool...
Ukyo (Claps): GREAT! I'm now sure that you can DEFINETLY be Ranma's girl.
Leona (Confused): Huh?
Ukyo (Smiles): Well, being the girl Ranma likes causes A LOT of jealousy. So, you better be prepared to defend yourself.
Leona: Don't worry, I am.
Ukyo: Good. (Gets up). Well... I gotta go check on my teammates.
Leona: The dried monkey mummy that tried to kill me and the boy named after a piece of women's underwear that turns into a strange bull creature?
Ukyo: Sigh... Yeah... I can't BELIEVE they were the only ones available for partners...
Leona: Maybe you should have gone single.
Ukyo: Yeah... And get my ass kicked easily? No thank you.
Ukyo walks off, leaving Leona where she is. Leona picks up Akane, and throws her right next to Kodachi.
Leona (Thinks): Seriously though... Why do they go after Ranma? He hasn't done anything for them, and they don't do anything for him. So what makes them think that he is their 'property'?
Leona may never know.
(------)
Rugal stands on the deck of the Black Noah, and looks out to the docks.
Rugal: Finally... CHINA!!!
(------)
In the Medical Bridge of the Black Noah, Tofu had gotten Billy's pole out of his ass.
Tofu: How're you feeling?
Billy: Like hell.
Tofu: Let me check your temp.
Tofu places his hand on Billy's head when Kasumi walks in.
Kasumi: Hello Doctor Tofu.
Tofu (Glasses fog up): KASUMI! WHAT A PLEASANT SURPRISE!
Tofu turns Billy's head 180 degrees counter clock-wise.
!
Billy (Eyes water): ............... This hurts so much, that I can't scream...
Mary: Dear God...
Yamazaki: Eh heh heh...
Kasumi: Oh my. Are you all right Dr. Tofu? Let me check to see if you have a temperature. (Places her hand on Dr. Tofu's head).
Tofu (Grabs Billy): K, KASUMI!!!
Billy (Very high-pitched voice): HELP ME!!!
Pan to a shot of the Black Noah from afar. We hear Billy Kane's inhuman scream of pain, and Ryuji Yamazaki's thunderous laughter.
(------)
Ranma sits with Leona at the Chinese docks. They'll be heading out into China for the fights. It's just that Ranma doesn't like where they chose the fights to be held...
Ranma: Amazon Village... Crazy Central...
Leona: It's like letting the lunatics run the asylum...
Iori (Walks up to them): Ranma... Prepared to defend yourself if need be?
Ranma (Smiles): You bet!
Iori (Smirks): That's the Ranma I know! ... By the way...
Ranma and Leona stare at Iori.
Iori: Is it true that you two slept together?
Ranma and Leona face-fault.
(------)
End Chapter 26
Next Time: Jusenkyo troubles. Some new springs have popped up, and some reappeared. AND ONE OF THE FIGHTERS TAKES THE JUSENKYO PLUNGE! WHO WILL IT BE!?!?!?
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