Ranma was very quiet on the trip back home so far only breaking his silence to respond when spoken to or when asked a question, Cologne had decided that everyone was in no condition to be walking all the way back and they would be using modern means of Transportation to Return to Japan at her and the tribe's expense, In other words She was paying for the Transportation, but they still had to walk a considerable distance to reach the nearest Train station.
During the walk to the nearest Train station as it was reaching time to have Lunch Cologne called for everyone to take a 1 hour break for lunch, During which Ranma and Cologne made some stew for lunch, Cologne having told Shampoo to try and find some wild vegetables for the stew, "S…Ranma" Cologne started quietly enough for only her and Ranma to Hear Yes Elder? Ranma Politely Responded in Flawless Mandarin just as quiet as Cologne, Cologne Stopped Stirring the Stew and Just Stared at Ranma in shock, for the second time in as many days Ranma had been the first to Completely Shock and or Surprise Cologne in the last 280 Years.
"Ranma" Cologne started again after recovering from her shock, "When I found where you were yesterday I noticed you seemed to be talking with someone, but I could not see who, could you tell me anything about this person, and if you know why I could not see them?" she asked, And since When can you speak Mandarin? Cologne added in Her native tongue, Ranma simply replied with "The time for even myself to know the answer to that has not yet arrived, all that I know is that that time is close at hand. Once that time arrives, you have my word that I will tell you as soon as I can." Then added I'll tell You later! Cologne eyed Ranma curiously then simply Nodded at what Ranma had said, To say that this Disturbed Cologne would be the understatement of the Century, but it was not the only thing that was Disturbing to her, it was Ranma's Sudden Change in Speech and Personality and the fact that he could no suddenly speak Mandarin seemingly perfectly, however Cologne decided to ask about that later.
Ranma? Cologne asked a little later in Mandarin, Yes Elder? Ranma responded in the same language, Ranma, I would like to Offer you a gift. Cologne simply stated, Ranma Raised an Eyebrow on hearing this, and what might this gift be Elder? Ranma Asked, Cologne chuckled a bit just Cologne Ranma, no need for any formalities Cologne then Added as for the Gift, I would like to make you an Amazon Warrior Just then Shampoo had came back with a basket of wild vegetables, and promptly proceeded to drop them in total shock, Shampoo remained speechless as Ranma Looked Thoughtful for a moment before asking And what have I done to Deserve something that would normally be an impossibility in your tribe? This caught Cologne off guard for a moment, but she responded a moment later I see that I cannot avoid telling you this, but I will only tell you what you need to know at this time she said, I see, that will be acceptable Ranma Replied, to that Cologne Nodded and said By you Defeating Saffron in a Single Fight Yesterday You Have Fulfilled Part of a Joketsuzoku Prophecy that is nearly 3000 years old at this point Shampoo collapsed on the ground staring with a look of disbelief on her face, Ranma only Nodded, Cologne Continued and as a result All previous Joketsuzoku claims on you are now null and void at this point Shampoo feinted for a moment before excitedly saying in Flawless Japanese "Great Grandmother, is this true? Or am I hearing things? Can I finally stop this stupid pursuit of Ranma?" Cologne Raised an eyebrow before saying "Yes it is Great Granddaughter, and I am Glad to see that you have ended the dumb blonde act at last" to which Shampoo looked embarrassed, Cologne then added while turning to Ranma "Which reminds me Ranma, why since the end of the battle have you begun speaking more fluently? And when did you learn Mandarin?".
Ranma Looked thoughtful for a moment and then said "After the fight, I broke down many mental barriers, one of which affected my quality of speech, and another of blocked memories a Master I once trained under who taught me various Languages as well as Martial Arts Techniques, I don't remember yet why I had those mental blocks, but I am willing to guess that my 'father' is responsible somehow" Cologne raised an eyebrow at this, but not only at the information about the mental blocks, but the way Ranma had almost spat in disgust when referring to his father, "Ranma, when we return I would like to help you to remove any more blocks that you may have if you would be willing" Ranma Nodded in acceptance and said "I would be very grateful for that Elder" causing Shampoo to feint at the unexpected way Ranma spoke, both Cologne and Ranma chuckled at this, then Cologne turned and said to Ranma "Ranma, Your Defeating of Saffron was something that not even the entire Tribe of the Joketsuzoku combined could have accomplished, and despite that I could tell that you were still Holding back, please tell me, by how much were you Holding back?" On hearing this Ranma got a look of Saddened Regret before saying "A lot more than I should have, my arrogant brainwashed insistence on holding back nearly cost Akane's Life." Ranma grumbled while fighting down anger over it, Ranma's Openness took Cologne by surprise to some degree, but she decided it must have been due to one of the barriers Ranma had spoken of braking down, "you didn't say how much you were holding back Ranma!" Cologne said, in Response Ranma turned and whispered something that only Cologne could hear, resulting in Cologne falling off her Staff...
Next Chapter: The Return.