Ranma belongs to Rumiko Takahashi.

The Perfect Ingredient
by Thermopyle


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Genma's chopsticks snapped under the attack, and his son quickly ate the
last piece of chicken. "Ungrateful boy," groused Genma, staring at his
now-empty plate. What had he done to deserve such a thieving, deceitful
brat?

"Whatever, Pop," said Ranma.

Genma carefully sucked the last bit of flavor from his teeth, then
sighed. The meal was over, and he would have to wait another day for
another of Kasumi's perfect dinners. Nobody cooked as well as Tendou's
oldest daughter.

"Kasumi," he said, and the girl looked at him. "This was delicious."

She brushed prettily. "Thank you, Uncle Saotome."

Why couldn't the boy notice what was right under his nose? Kasumi would
be a much better match, and she served a heavenly meal. He sighed
again, this time for effect. "It's true. Your mother was a marvelous
cook, but you're much better."

Tendou started balling about his dead wife, and Ranma snorted. "Quit
trying to smooth-talk bigger portions out of her, old man."

He scowled. Damn punk. Genma tried again. "Your meals are special.
You put everything you have into them, and it shows. You are the
perfect cook."

"Hey, I put everything into my cooking, too!" Akane said.

"You tell him, Akane!" Nabiki laughed, and the youngest Tendou scowled.

Kasumi just looked at him with wide eyes, her expression thoughtful.
The next evening, Genma stepped into the kitchen, worried. Kasumi
hadn't called them to dinner yet, and the meal was usually out on the
table by now. He heard the oven buzzer sounding, and turned it off. On
the counter was a note from Kasumi.

Uncle Saotome--
I have some errands to run tonight, but I prepared dinner before
leaving. Just take it out of the oven when the timer goes off, and put
it out for everybody to eat. I hope you enjoy the meal, as I have truly
put my heart into this one.

He frowned, wondering where the girl had gone off to, then opened the
oven. The scent was magnificent, and different from anything he'd
experienced. What had she made this time? It looked like an ordinary
meat pie, but the smell...his mouth watered.

Genma pulled the dish out and carried it into the dining room, where the
table had already been set. He couldn't wait to dig in.

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Heh. It's lame, but it fits in with all the other variations on this
theme. I just couldn't resist twisting the usual approach.