Her name... is Ranko. 19 years old, with luxuriously long red hair, very sexy and healthy body, and with a love for Martial Arts, and a feminist. All her life, she dedicated herself not to be tricked, fooled or betrayed by any man, and had set standards in Toudai for which the female population could at least voice out the abuses the males' perverted practice.
A few days ago, she had a disturbing revelation. Her sister, her lovely and cute sister, seems to be going out with a boy in college. She knew the boy a bit, and was not pleased by the newfound relationship between the two.
She had planned this from that day forth, and right now, she had waited for hours, to execute her plan. Ranko sighed. The sun in the sky shuns down on the ground mercilessly. It was fortunate for her complexion, however, as Ranko hid inside a tall tree giving her skin shade, while waiting for her prey.
Footsteps made themselves known, and Ranko prepared to launch herself to her intended prey. Never again would the boy dare try to touch her sister after this. Never again will the pervert try to make any more moves on other younger girls. Today, she was going to finish him, once and for all.
The boy moved into the right position, and Ranko's eyesight only seeing red, she shouted a battle cry. "YOU KEEP YOUR FILTHY F****** HANDS AWAY FROM HER!"
The boy looked up, shocked, surprised, and fear passed through his grayish blue eyes as the red head who was wearing a skirt was landing towards him, with no regards to her modesty...
Sakura Season: True Love
Chapter 05: Practice
"And she comes barring down to me, and before I know what happens, she punches me right in the kisser!" Ranma said, trying not to shout. The boy was telling the stories of woe to the only person who would intelligently listen to him, and give him some manly advice. Buds.
The two boys were at "Ucchan's and Kachan's Restaurant", and it was already a few hours after Buds' and Ranma' classes. Ranma gave Buds and unexpected visit, ordering a Kasumi-chan Special Meal with Dessert. Buds was behind the counter this time, so Ranma had an easy time talking to him since he too sat on the counter. It also helped that there were only a small amount of customers.
"Wait a minute," Buds raised his right arm. "You say Ranko ambushed you, and knocked you out with one punch?" Buds whistled. "Whoa. It means she got stronger, or you got weaker..." Alright, scratch the manly advice...
"Buds, do me a favor and shut your smart mouth for today," Ranma threatened. "I came here for advice, not for you to insult me."
"Advice on what?" Buds shrugged his shoulders. "How to fight Ranko back, or to make you at least withstand one of Ranko's punch?"
"No!" Ranma snapped. He was not having a good day. One punch was all Ranko needed to knock him out. Not only that, Ranko seem to combo him as there are bruises in his stomach. He just found himself awake in the clinic at the end. "I just want to ask if there is any reason for Ranko to hit me like that? I mean, I left her alone for the past weeks, and I never tried to bother her. Why all the sudden hostility?"
Buds seem to think about it, and was pacing behind the counter a bit. Ranma's mind was still a bit heavy, and his appetite was a bit ruined. It was clearly seen by the food he ordered. He didn't even eat half of it. Kasumi was a bit mad, as it was a bit of a insult to her, thinking Ranma didn't find her cooking all that pleasant. It was only by his story did she understand a bit.
Finally, Buds stopped pacing, and looked at Ranma squarely in the eye, indicating something serious. Ranma perked up. If Buds had an idea, it would mostly be correct. "What did Ranko shout towards you before she punched you?"
Ranma put a finger in his chin, and tried to remember. "Well, she kinda shouted about me keeping my hands away from someone..." Buds raised eyebrows at that.
"Someone?" Buds asked. "Male or female?"
"Ranko said 'her'," Ranma replied. "So, yeah, I guess it's a her..."
"You don't suppose its Yuka-chan?" Buds asked. Ranma narrowed his eyes towards Buds.
"When did you start calling Yuka 'Yuka-chan'?" Ranma asked, a bit angrily.
"Why, jealous?" Buds asked, and Ranma turned red. Buds laughed. "Nah, don't worry. I kinda call almost every cute female 'chan'. Nothing about it."
Ranma nodded, a bit suspicious, but nevertheless satisfied. But still, they were diverting a bit from the main subject. "Well, it might be Yuka-chan... I have no other girl... and before you question that, Buds, I state that I am a very faithful boy!"
Buds giggled. He was really going to comment about Ranma's faithfulness, but he beat him to it. Damn boring now... "Well, maybe Ranko is just watching out for Yuka. After all, Yuka and Ranko are friends. And besides, it's natural. Ranko likes Yuka, and you can tell by the way they usually hang out when you are not around."
"I know that, but why would Ranko say to keep away from her... unless..." Ranma's eyes suddenly widened, as he recalled what Buds had said. "Ranko likes Yuka... What if...?"
"Huh?" Buds asked, confused.
"You know, what if Ranko likes Yuka, likes Yuka... likes Yuka... likes Yuka... you know, likes her like that..." Ranma replied.
It took a while, but Buds finally understood what Ranma was saying. "Oh... OH! You mean, Ranko likes Yuka, like you like her, right?"
Ranma nodded. "What do you think?" Ranma asked, clearly not liking the idea. He didn't want any competition, even if it was a girl.
"Well, Toudai is not a Military Institute, but a high standard College. People are more open about stuff like this, and since we are all still young, experimentation is so normal," Buds replied, shrugging nonchalantly. Ranma had a sick face on. Oh, he definitely didn't like the idea...
=Martial Arts Club=
Ranko suddenly was plunged to the floor as she began sneezing a fit. Shampoo and Kiima, who were sparring with each other, stopped with some apprehension, and a few sweat drops as their friend and sempai on the floor, coughing like mad.
"Uh, Ranko, are you okay?" Xian Pu.
"Cough... cough... someone... cough... must be talking about me..." Ranko tried to stand up, and began to whack herself in the chest. "Damnit... I wonder if it was Ranma..."
Kiima suddenly looked surprised. "Why would Ranma talk about you?"
Ranko suddenly looked embarassed. "I was... stalking a boy who was... having some perverted ideas with my sister... so I awaited for him... and I think I snapped... I just attacked Ranma..."
Kiima and Xian Pu stared at Ranko with wide eyes. "You didn't..." Kiima began.
"I did... kinda," Ranko replied, bowing her head. "What a great martial artist I am, huh? Discipline, control, inner calmness, all down the drain."
"Ano... you didn't kill Ranma, right?" Xian Pu asked. Kiima and Ranko stared at Xian Pu with raised eyebrows.
"Xian Pu, you know Ranko doesn't..."
"WHAT?!" Ranko shouted. "Kill Ranma?! I WISH!" Kiima face faulted.
"What?! How could you think something like that?!" Kiima shouted. Sure, she was comfortable teaching perverts some lessons and manners, but Ranko seem to be enjoying what she does, beating up boys. It is also weird since Ranko has an ongoing relationship with another boy Kiima never met. One can never cease to wonder.
"Look, I don't usually ask any of you why you hate some boys," Ranko began. "So would you please extend the same courtesy to me? I have my reasons why I detest Ranma."
"So, you beat Ranma up because you detest him?" Xian Pu asked.
"I wish," Ranko replied. Taking a look around, she looked out if there was anyone listening to them. Seeing no one, she sighed. "I was... trying to teach a SOB about taking advantage of my sister..."
Kiima and Xian Pu gasped. "T-taking advantage... o-of your s-sister?!" Kiima asked, surprised. "Ranma?"
Ranko scowled. "No! Not Ranma! I was waiting for Buds!" By the time Ranko said that, Kiima and Xian Pu raised their eyes in disbelief.
Buds had been the hot number of rumors the whole week. His absence, and seemingly the ignorance of the professors when his name was mentioned, it was a mystery everyone wanted to solve. Many tried to figure out for his disappearance. Alien abduction, Death, Accident, and not the least, the most famous one, Elopement.
There were rumors Buds had eloped with an older woman. Those rumors started when one of the News Club had photographic proof that Buds had some relationship with an older woman he was seen playing basketball with outside the Toudai.
The Elopement rumor went to a great uproar when Buds came back, seemingly losing interest in basketball and now moving to music. Many have said that Buds broke up his relationship with the woman, and had been divorced.
Kiima had to facefault every time a girl from the Martial Arts Club would whisper how Buds' pervertedness would be able to lure an older woman to his web of deceit and lies. It also didn't help that another one suggested that the woman had been pregnant, and Buds had to break up with her because he couldn't take the responsibility.
Xian Pu and Kiima were smart enough not to listen to the rumors. It was sort of mind boggling on how the girls would easily believe such out of the question gossip. Ranko, fortunately like Kiima and Xian Pu, always wanted proof about any statement before believing. Reiko was... unusually quiet about Buds. Even when Ranko catches him and Ranma doing something a wee bit perverted, she would always be in the back of the group, all quiet. It was weird.
"Are you sure Buds was... taking advantage of your sister?" Kiima asked, believing Ranko broke from the pressure. The tournament was two more days, and she's been cracking her brain too much. "I mean, although he is a... normal boy..." by that, she meant a sexually active young man, "but he doesn't give me an impression of being a manipulative SOB."
"That is what you think," Ranko said, gritting her teeth. Right now, she had a dummy set up, holding a guitar looking stick, and she began kicking the dummy in the crotch. "I saw him, and Rana. He was waiting for her, and then, he grabbed her... and he forcefully kissed her... and... and... AAAGGGHHH!!!" she began to kick the dummy with more intensity.
Xian Pu looked at Ranko, and began to approach Kiima slowly. When she was near her, Xian Pu whispered into Kiima's ear. "I think Ranko watched too much TV..."
Kiima nodded. "I agree..."
"FINE! WHO ASKED YOU PEOPLE!" Ranko shouted as she punched the dummy head on, and broke the strings, releasing powder in her hands. Kiima and Xian Pu sighed.
"Look, it is just that we don't believe Buds is capable of doing things like that," Kiima began.
"For one, Buds is scared of you," Xian Pu began, remembering Buds from a week ago.
"Not now, he isn't," Ranko declared sounding both respectfully and angrily. "Just yesterday, when he showed up again. I bumped into him, and he wasn't all that meek anymore, but more outspoken. He grew, although impossible as it may seem, a backbone."
Kiima and Xian Pu stared at each other. That was new.
"Uh... Anyway, look, we all know Buds for how many years? Ever since the Ranma ½ show, right?" Kiima asked Xian Pu and Ranko. "We all know him. Xian Pu knows him! I know him! We both know that no way in hell would he pull a stunt like this. Even Reiko would agree with us, what you saw was not real! He would never try to do that to any female, any less your sister!"
"And I am telling you, I saw what I saw!" Ranko replied. She sighed. This argument was useless. They need to train. Speaking of which... "Hey, where is Reiko by the way?"
Kiima and Xian Pu silently sighed at the change of subject. "Reiko told us she would train with Tatewaki for a while."
"Tatewaki? The Kendo Champion?" Ranko asked.
Tatewaki was one of Toudai's legendary Kendo practitioner. Having learned the art of the sword since the age of 10, Tatewaki had the prowess and skills that made him respected among peers. And no, his last name isn't Kuno. And no, he doesn't speak poetry. And no, he isn't a cheating bastard. Last Ranko heard was Tatewaki was still having an ongoing long time relationship with Kodachi, his fiancée.
"Yeah, Reiko said she needed to sharpen her Kendo skills against 'him'," Xian Pu replied. "I, too, asked my father to teach me more Kung Fu, so I can be very ready against Mousse."
"I am already developing moves to counter against Tarou's grappling techniques," Kiima replied.
Ranko nodded. "Alright, people. You guys practice, while I think of a way to get that SOB back."
Kiima and Xian Pu groaned.
"Ranko, look, can we just concentrate on our situation right now?" Kiima asked. "After this is all over, then you can concentrate more on Buds. But please, for the sake of our faction, ignore him..."
Ranko gritted her teeth. "I'll try... but I won't promise."
=Ucchan's and Kachan's Restaurant=
"There is a boy... who is weak as he can be... never to realize... that he is the weakest anyone can see! Being punched... by a red head girl! Knocking him out... like a rag doll on a whirl!"
"Would you do me a great favor?!" Ranma asked nastily. "COULD YOU PLEASE STOP SINGING?!"
Buds frowned, putting down his guitar. "What is wrong with you, Ranma? How can you condemn a poor boy because he was just singing?!"
"Singing about me!" Ranma replied. "Yeah, like I will allow you to insult me like that!"
Buds smirked, and made a fake sigh. "Sigh, Ranma, if you always seem to lose your temper and make yourself look guilty, you are missing a lot! So what if a cute red head kicked your ass?"
"Yeah, say it louder, and I'm going to drop my drum set at your head!" Ranma threatened.
"Geez, violent college boy," Buds replied. Putting down his guitar, he began to unbutton his white shirt, ignoring Ranma's shaking figure.
It was almost dinner time, and Buds' shift was going to an end. With the night shifters already lining up, Kasumi was sweet enough to dismiss Buds earlier.
Ranma had a curious look at Kasumi. Although she was usually cheerful, he noticed something when Kasumi seem to regard Buds. Her voice was more... soft spoken. Her demeanor changed from cheerful to serious, and her eyes seem to regard the boy with fire. Ranma concluded only one thing...
The heck, is Buds having a relationship with Kasumi? Ranma thought. With that, he looked at Buds preparing his bag, while Kasumi was chatting with him. They were a bit serious. Damn that Buds! How can he have a relationship with his boss? And he tells me I have a weird relationship with Yuka, who used to hate me... which reminds me... why did she hate me?
Ranma's mind went to thinking mode as he suddenly realized why did Yuka hated him before so much. Sure, he was a bit of a pervert, but she seem to dislike him strongly. Now, they were doing way much better than before, yet there is still that nagging feeling in Ranma's heart. What was the reason why Yuka seem to hate him so?
"Hey Ranma!" Buds shouted, waving his hand in front of Ranma's face. Ranma blinked, and recovered. Looking back at Buds, he saw that the boy was ready to leave, with his backpack, guitar, and...
"Buds... what is that thing you are holding?" Ranma asked, pointing at a tube Buds was holding.
Buds raised his arm a bit, and showed Ranma the tube. "This? Oh, just a cylinder where I keep my stick."
Ranma raised his eyebrows. "Stick?"
"Billiard stick," Buds replied, taking the cover of the cylinder off. He showed Ranma two sticks, both connecting to one long stick.
"You play Billiards?" Ranma asked, surprised. Buds smiled.
"Yeah," Buds replied, smiling. Ever since the accident, Buds had wanted to find a sport which he could do with his damaged limbs. He tried table tennis, but he found out he wasn't fast enough when the girl opponent he had drove one ball up his nose. There was also chess, but Buds felt it was long and a bit boring. StarCraft was much better.
But Billiards... ah! It was a fun game in thinking again and strategizing. One would need to get the angle for hitting the ball, to know how strong one would need to hit the ball, and how to manipulate the cue ball after it hits its target.
"It's a nice game, man," Buds began. "Hey, lets pass by this place where I usually play, alright? We can both play."
Ranma smiled. "Sure!"
++++++++
The two boys walked with a certain swagger as they seem to whistle a tune. Although not mentioned before, Ranma was also in the music club. When Buds arrived yesterday, and played his guitar, the professor saw him as a boy with a gift. He had partnered Ranma and Buds together, and told them to make a piece for their project.
Buds and Ranma were friends ever since they were 15 years of age. They shared almost everything together, and had shared each others lives. Nothing, not even Ranma's acting career could stain that.
While they were walking down the street, another figure walked towards them. Female, short brown hair, and a shinai in her back. She had a clear sheen of sweat in her forehead, as her training had been increased by a notch.
Damn that Tatewaki! Reiko thought as she felt her forearms. They were aching. Why couldn't he just hold back for a bit?! I only came to train, not to challenge him!
Still, she was grateful. If Tatewaki goes out to push her hard, Reiko might be able to pull it off. She could already sense her speed increasing with each passing slash and strike. Aaron would never know what hit him!
Speaking of being hit, she was heavy in her thoughts that she didn't notice someone bump into her. She staggered back, and put one foot behind her, giving her some support. She looked at the person who she just bumped into.
Ranma's eyes went as wide as platters. He forgot the tune Buds and he were singing. He forgot they were going to a place where they would play billiards. He forgot that he had a test the next day. Right now, in his mind, was with the girl in front of them. "Re... Reiko?!"
"Oh, hey," Reiko greeted neutrally. Looking at who bumped her, she smiled a bit. "Hey Buds."
"Hey Reiko," Buds greeted, smiling too. Ranma looked at Reiko, then to Buds. What was going on?!
"Heh, you never told me why you were missing for a week," Reiko began. "I called your parents, just to make sure."
"Worried about me? Gee, I'm touched," Buds said cheerfully.
"B-Buds...?" Ranma muttered weakly. "What I going on? She's REIKO! One of Ranko's cohorts! She'll tell on us!"
Reiko snorted a bit, finding Ranma's reaction a bit weird and funny. "Gee, Buds, why is Ranma so nervous now?"
"Oh, Ranko beat him up because he was seeing Yuka," Buds replied, shrugging his shoulders. Ranma twitched. Buds was insulting him again. "So, what brings you here?" Buds asked, ignoring Ranma's reaction.
"I just finished my training with Tatewaki," Reiko replied. "You have heard about the tournament, right?"
Buds nodded. "Yeah. The male faction against the female, right?"
Reiko nodded. "You will cheer for us, ne?" Reiko asked, giving Buds a small noogie with her closed fist.
"I'll cheer for you," Buds replied truthfully. "But I can't promise to cheer for Ranko or the others."
"Hmph, typical," Reiko replied. She began to walk away. "And do tell your parents to visit my parents. It's been a while since I took my katana out on you."
Buds smiled sheepishly. "Hey, I entered by accident, Reiko. Don't tell me you are still holding that against me."
Reiko didn't reply, but walked away. Buds waved at her back. Ranma was the only person who found the scene... disturbing. After a minute of looking, back and forth to Buds and Reiko, he looked at Buds, who was still waving, and asked, "Wha... how...? When...?"
"How do I know Reiko?" Buds asked, guessing what Ranma was asking. Ranma nodded. "I knew her before I met you, Ranma," Buds replied, turning his back on the other boy, looking up in the sky with a wishy-washy expression. "I walked in on her dressing up. Boy, did it shake my psyche..." and Buds suddenly giggled. "Come on, Ranma," Buds called. "Let's see how you fare against me in 9-Ball."
Ranma sighed. "You have a weird life."
"You have no idea," Buds replied, smiling mysteriously.
To Be Continued...
NEXT: Tournment! Ranko finally confronts Buds! Xian Pu and Mu Tsu! How will it fare?!