CHAPTER 4 – Sorting
Morning at the Tendo dojo was starting out in the usual manner with Kasumi already setting the table for breakfast. There were two extra settings added to the table though in a few minutes, another would have to be added.
"Keep your guard up, boy! You're letting yourself slack down! A true martial-artist never let's his guard down.........aacckkk!" was heard from Genma as he suddenly found himself in the koi pond.
Ranma was only toying with him, letting Genma believe that there were lots of openings in his guard as they did their usual morning-sparring. A huge panda emerged from the pond as Genma's curse took effect. It had a feral look and let out a snarl as it held out a sign that read: 'That was cheating, Ranma! How dare you fool your father in an honorable spar like that!'
"You were just careless pop, that's all. Why don't you just admit that I'm way better than you now," Ranma teased as he dodged a pail of water that Genma had launched at him.
True enough, of the three Ranma's that were currently staying in the dojo, Ranma was getting to be better than the others when it came to all around Anything-Goes skill. E-Ranko could fight him to a tie but it was more often than not a losing stalemate for her as Ranma would eventually overpower her in the end. Ranko on the other hand, was still slightly faster than him but he could now take her hits better while she suffered more damage with the hits that he got through her defenses.
Ranma was about to gloat further when he got splashed by the water which he thought he had dodged earlier. He looked round and saw who had splashed him.
"What's the big idea......?!! Oh...., it's you!" Ranma declared as he saw E-Ranma holding the pail that Genma threw earlier.
"Yeah, it's me, Ranma. Nice feint you did a while ago but that stuff won't work on me," E-Ranma replied, with the same smirk that somehow had the same effect albeit on Ranma this time: he was pissed-off by it.
"Oh yeah? I'd like to see you try and beat me. These two couldn't," Ranma declared as he referred to E-Ranko and Ranko who were sitting by the sides as their sessions with Genma ended before Ranma's.
"Why you arrogant idiot! I'm gonna make ya eat those words......erk!" Ranko screamed but was cut short by E-Ranko who made her sit down again.
"Now, now, Ranko; this is their fight, not ours. Let Ranma have a go at him. I'd like to see what our dear brother is capable of after his disappearance," E-Ranko stated as she glanced a look at E-Ranma who just gave her a slight, well-meaning grin.
E-Ranko of course was just hiding her slight nervousness as she shot back a similar smile at him. She was unnerved by the fact that she was only sensing in him an aura similar to hers. From what she sensed, E-Ranma was only slightly better than Ranma as was the case with her and Ranko.
Ranma produced hot water and restored his male form. The two teens went into their respective fighting stances and sized each other up. Genma produced a sign voicing his objection to the fight citing his right to test E-Ranma's skill first.
"Stay out of this, dad. Ranma already beat you fair and square a while ago. You don't need to get hurt any further," E-Ranma stated as he hit a pressure-point on the panda's nape, paralyzing him but not knocking him out.
Kasumi and the others were surprised at this even as Nabiki appeared from inside the house. E-Ranko noted the lack of ego in E-Ranma's voice and the others noted this as well.
The fight began in earnest as the others looked on. They could only contain their amazement as both male Ranma's blurred in combat. Their speed was getting faster as the fight progressed. Ranma realized that he would have to go all out against his opponent as each strike he launched was either parried or blocked while any hit he got through was matched by one that got through his defenses. E-Ranma noted the improvement in his younger counterpart's skill and power as well. The fight went on with neither side getting the upper hand.
"Is that the best you got, bro?" Ranma teased as he wanted to see what his older counterpart was capable of.
"You really want more?" E-Ranma asked to which Ranma nodded.
"Your grave,"
"Huh?!!" was all that the younger Ranma could say as his opponent suddenly blurred from his sight.
What followed as a flurry of strikes that utterly destroyed the younger Ranma's defenses. E-Ranma was a lot faster and more powerful than Ranma and this put Ranma at a substantial disadvantage. Ranma was shocked at this new development so he did the only move the he thought would make him win: the Heavenly Dragon Ascenscion Fist.
E-Ranma chuckled to himself as he saw what Ranma was doing.
"He thinks that'll work, eh? I'll humor him," he thought to himself as he allowed himself to be drawn into the familiar pattern of the move and even added more 'hot' chi as he knew that Ranma had focused his Soul Of Ice by this time.
Ranma was a bit surprised at how fast he was able to gather both 'hot' and 'cold' chi. He saw that the time right so he launched his move.
"Hiryu Shouten Ha!"
E-Ranma let himself get drawn into the maelstrom of the resulting vortex. The others sighed in chagrin as they all thought Ranma had won this round. Soun, Genma, and Ranko were about to stand up and proceed to the table when they heard E-Ranma's voice coming from within the vortex.
"Not bad, brother. You're getting really better though I'm afraid you'll have some catching up to do," E-Ranma stated as he launched his counterattack.
"Umi Ken Sen no Ryu. Katana revised!" E-Ranma simply stated as a thousand ki-charged vacuum-blades blazed from his palms and thoroughly shredded the vortex surrounding him.
Ranma was all in awe at what his older counterpart did. In all his battles, no one could withstand the Dragon Ascension Fist. Even Saffron was damaged though Ranma admitted that his attack was augmented by a special weapon that time. But save for that, no opponent stood up from that attack. Ranma had to shield himself from some of the ki-blades that went in his direction and his clothes were slightly damaged. He found himself kneeling as he felt drained.
E-Ranma landed on his feet after neutralizing his younger counterpart's attack. Ranma could only shake his head at what he saw in E-Ranma as the older boy approached him. E-Ranma helped Ranma up to his feet, assessed the damage and smiled as he ascertained that Ranma was not hurt.
"Yup. You're getting better. But you have to train some more if you want to pay me back for this morning's session. I'll be expecting that bro, so I suggest you brush up ASAP. Let's get some breakfast. I'm starved," E-Ranma stated with an honest, fraternal grin that disarmed the younger Ranma who could only nod in agreement.
"Uh, yeah," was all that Ranma could utter in reply as he followed E-Ranma into the dojo.
"That was great 'RAN'," Nabiki greeted as the two teens entered.
"Really? Glad you think so, Nabiki. This guy here will be the one to help me train, you know," E-Ranma replied as he elbowed Ranma jokingly.
"Train? What for?" Ranma asked.
"I'll tell you later, after breakfast," E-Ranma replied.
They all took their respective places around the table even as Kasumi placed another setting for E-Ranma who sat beside Nabiki. The meal began normally: in utter chaos as Genma, Ranma and Ranko went about stealing food from each others' chopsticks.
"Hey! That was my dumpling!" Ranma complained as Ranko filched it out of his chopsticks.
"Slowpoke! Serves you right! Huh? Hey! No fair, pops!" Ranko replied then complained as the food she stole was stolen in turn by Genma.
"Look who's calling someone as slowpoke!" Genma chided as he ingested the dumpling.
This went on for a while but things were getting worse. The three engaged in an all out war over the food. E-Ranko shook her head in dismay and was about to start scolding the three when she noted that she, Soun, Kasumi, Akane, and Nabiki were able to eat normally despite the commotion. She saw the reason why this was so: E-Ranma was deftly parrying the three's attempts at stealing when each tried to filch food from the others save from themselves. However, Ranko went overboard and kicked Ranma in the face when Ranma succeeded in getting food back from her.
"Ouch! No fair! You were the one slow this time!" Ranma stated, as he was about to retaliate.
"Serves ya right, slowpoke!" Ranko teased as she bopped Ranma on the head as he dove for a piece of pork.
E-Ranma snorted in disgust at the three. Genma was suddenly paralyzed while Ranma was flung aside. Ranko suddenly found E-Ranma in front of her. She was about to strike him when she felt a few slaps on her face.
"This stops NOW!" E-Ranma shouted.
"From this day forward, none of you will steal food from each other or anyone for that matter. Meals will be held in the normal fashion like civilized people," E-Ranma declared.
"Foolish boy! You should respect your elders.....OOOFF!!!" was all Genma could say as he got struck in the gut by E-Ranma.
"Shut up, you old goat! You of all people should've ceased with this aspect of training long ago. For goodness' sake, we're no longer on the road now! We're living in a dojo!" E-Ranma rebutted.
"And you Ranma, you should've put dad in his place long before. Heaven knows we were capable of doing do long ago. And don't ever hit back at a woman like that except when she's threatening your life!"
"And you Ranko, you will stop acting like a spoiled brat and accept things the way they are now or else!, E-Ranma warned the young girl.
Ranko was not about to let herself get ordered around by anyone and was quick to retort.
"What gives you the right to tell us these things?! You haven't been around these past few days! Why I oughta.......ouch!!!" was all Ranko could say as she got slapped a few more times again.
"Right? I have every right by virtue of beating the one who defeated Genma: Ranma. He already beat you and our sister here before so you can't question me. Being your oldest sibling now gives me the right as well," E-Ranma added.
All in the house were surprised at E-Ranma's declaration especially the three Ranmas.
"Siblings? Is that how you want us all to be now?" E-Ranko asked.
"Yep. It's high time we stopped debating as to who is the real Ranma now. As far as I'm concerned, he is Ranma, not any of us. It's time we made our own identitites," E-Ranma replied while referring to Ranma.
Ranko was about to voice more of her protest when E-Ranma looked at her sternly yet gently, making her back down.
"Look you guys, we don't know if things will ever get back to the way they were so I guess this is more or less a permanent situation. But if we're able to make our own life, then no one can question us anymore. Wouldn't that be a better proof of who we are? We all want to be 'THE' Ranma but it's not possible now. For the first time in my life, I can do something about all this stupidity that pop here brought about," E-Ranma began as he kicked Genma in the gut.
"It'll be even easier for you two because you DON'T have to deal with all this. You can make your own lives now. Ranko, you are NOT a living aspect of the curse we got from Jusenkyo. I suspect you're getting used to being what you are now, haven't you?" E-Ranma asked. Ranko wanted to say something else but deep inside her, she knew he was right.
"And I believe the same is true for you, isn't it, sis?" E-Ranma asked E- Ranko.
"My-my. You're getting deep and all-knowing all of a sudden, brother. But you are correct. I don't feel like I'm 'Ranma' anymore," E-Ranko replied.
"Good. I'll need all your help in sorting out matters especially you, sis," E-Ranma replied as he smiled at E-Ranko.
Things quieted down at that. E-Ranko was impressed with E-Ranma while Ranko couldn't help but be amazed at her "older brother's" reasoning and skill. Ranma was silently digesting all of this while Nabiki was feeling proud of E-Ranma at what he had just achieved. No one had hope of clearing things and up until his arrival, the whole house was in total chaos every mealtime.
"Well now, let's finish breakfast. We have a busy week ahead of us. Nabiki, we'll need your help with our identities as only Ranma here is the legally existing individual. Sis, err..what name WOULD you prefer, by the way?" E- Ranma asked E-Ranko.
"I'd like to be called 'Ritsuki', if you all don't mind," she replied as she helped Kasumi put the dishes away.
"Okay, Ritsuki, it is. You'll have to call mom and ask her to come over ASAP. I bet she'll be happy to know she has another son AND two daughters, too," E-Ranma stated as he mussed up Ranko's hair to which she snorted at but smiled at the thought.
"What? You can't do that! She'll ask us to commit suicide!" Genma wailed as he had turned human again after getting hot water.
"Really now, dad? You think mom would be so shallow like that? If anything, YOU'RE not in danger as this situation proves YOUR manliness," E-Ranma replied.
"Eh? How so?" Soun asked.
"Why, you just gave her more children!" E-Ranko replied. Genma thought about it then beamed with delight.
"Yes! You're right!" Genma triumphantly declared.
"You're getting good at fixing things, RAN," Nabiki teased as she smiled slyly at E-Ranma.
"Hey, you helped a lot," E-Ranma answered as he recalled last night's events in Nabiki's room as they discussed things.
"I never thought about it that way but I guess you're right there, bro. But what about us? No offense but, you and I STILL turn into girls with cold water; not very manly as far as mom's concerned, right?" Ranma asked.
"I know. That's why I'm going off to China to find a cure. I've been making preparations to make sure I get it right this time," E-Ranma replied.
"And by the way, You can all call me 'RAN' now," E-Ranma added.
Later that day, Ranma was executing a kata under E-Ranma's watchful eye. This was the third time he was going through it as E-Ranma still found small imperfections with his motions. The third one was satisfactory though, and E-Ranma let Ranma rest.
"That's our ever-effective learning curve at work. I thought you'd take longer but you did well, bro. Even better than P-Chan," E-Ranma declared.
"Ryouga?" Ranma asked. E-Ranma told him of the few days he spent in Ryouga's campsite.
"Gee, he's that good now, huh? I'll really have to practice then. By the way, what training were you referring to a while ago?" Ranma asked even as he saw E-Ranma's flawless execution of a similar kata to what he was doing a while ago.
E-Ranma took a few seconds after concluding his own kata then explained to Ranma his plans.
"You're gonna fight illegally?!!" Ranma blurted.
"Not so noisy, bro! Yes, I will. There's no faster way to earn cash right now. As it is, the first few winnings I get will go to Ritsuki's and Ranko's education, not to mention food and lodging expenses here in the dojo," E-Ranma replied.
Ranma couldn't help but agree.
"I actually want to suggest to Ritsuki and Ranko that they live with mom. There's too much insanity around here for them to have normal lives. Ranko especially, needs mom's guidance," E-Ranma added.
"You're right about that. So, we get to stay here then,"
"Yep. We get to sort out YOUR fiancée mess,' "
Morning at the Tendo dojo was starting out in the usual manner with Kasumi already setting the table for breakfast. There were two extra settings added to the table though in a few minutes, another would have to be added.
"Keep your guard up, boy! You're letting yourself slack down! A true martial-artist never let's his guard down.........aacckkk!" was heard from Genma as he suddenly found himself in the koi pond.
Ranma was only toying with him, letting Genma believe that there were lots of openings in his guard as they did their usual morning-sparring. A huge panda emerged from the pond as Genma's curse took effect. It had a feral look and let out a snarl as it held out a sign that read: 'That was cheating, Ranma! How dare you fool your father in an honorable spar like that!'
"You were just careless pop, that's all. Why don't you just admit that I'm way better than you now," Ranma teased as he dodged a pail of water that Genma had launched at him.
True enough, of the three Ranma's that were currently staying in the dojo, Ranma was getting to be better than the others when it came to all around Anything-Goes skill. E-Ranko could fight him to a tie but it was more often than not a losing stalemate for her as Ranma would eventually overpower her in the end. Ranko on the other hand, was still slightly faster than him but he could now take her hits better while she suffered more damage with the hits that he got through her defenses.
Ranma was about to gloat further when he got splashed by the water which he thought he had dodged earlier. He looked round and saw who had splashed him.
"What's the big idea......?!! Oh...., it's you!" Ranma declared as he saw E-Ranma holding the pail that Genma threw earlier.
"Yeah, it's me, Ranma. Nice feint you did a while ago but that stuff won't work on me," E-Ranma replied, with the same smirk that somehow had the same effect albeit on Ranma this time: he was pissed-off by it.
"Oh yeah? I'd like to see you try and beat me. These two couldn't," Ranma declared as he referred to E-Ranko and Ranko who were sitting by the sides as their sessions with Genma ended before Ranma's.
"Why you arrogant idiot! I'm gonna make ya eat those words......erk!" Ranko screamed but was cut short by E-Ranko who made her sit down again.
"Now, now, Ranko; this is their fight, not ours. Let Ranma have a go at him. I'd like to see what our dear brother is capable of after his disappearance," E-Ranko stated as she glanced a look at E-Ranma who just gave her a slight, well-meaning grin.
E-Ranko of course was just hiding her slight nervousness as she shot back a similar smile at him. She was unnerved by the fact that she was only sensing in him an aura similar to hers. From what she sensed, E-Ranma was only slightly better than Ranma as was the case with her and Ranko.
Ranma produced hot water and restored his male form. The two teens went into their respective fighting stances and sized each other up. Genma produced a sign voicing his objection to the fight citing his right to test E-Ranma's skill first.
"Stay out of this, dad. Ranma already beat you fair and square a while ago. You don't need to get hurt any further," E-Ranma stated as he hit a pressure-point on the panda's nape, paralyzing him but not knocking him out.
Kasumi and the others were surprised at this even as Nabiki appeared from inside the house. E-Ranko noted the lack of ego in E-Ranma's voice and the others noted this as well.
The fight began in earnest as the others looked on. They could only contain their amazement as both male Ranma's blurred in combat. Their speed was getting faster as the fight progressed. Ranma realized that he would have to go all out against his opponent as each strike he launched was either parried or blocked while any hit he got through was matched by one that got through his defenses. E-Ranma noted the improvement in his younger counterpart's skill and power as well. The fight went on with neither side getting the upper hand.
"Is that the best you got, bro?" Ranma teased as he wanted to see what his older counterpart was capable of.
"You really want more?" E-Ranma asked to which Ranma nodded.
"Your grave,"
"Huh?!!" was all that the younger Ranma could say as his opponent suddenly blurred from his sight.
What followed as a flurry of strikes that utterly destroyed the younger Ranma's defenses. E-Ranma was a lot faster and more powerful than Ranma and this put Ranma at a substantial disadvantage. Ranma was shocked at this new development so he did the only move the he thought would make him win: the Heavenly Dragon Ascenscion Fist.
E-Ranma chuckled to himself as he saw what Ranma was doing.
"He thinks that'll work, eh? I'll humor him," he thought to himself as he allowed himself to be drawn into the familiar pattern of the move and even added more 'hot' chi as he knew that Ranma had focused his Soul Of Ice by this time.
Ranma was a bit surprised at how fast he was able to gather both 'hot' and 'cold' chi. He saw that the time right so he launched his move.
"Hiryu Shouten Ha!"
E-Ranma let himself get drawn into the maelstrom of the resulting vortex. The others sighed in chagrin as they all thought Ranma had won this round. Soun, Genma, and Ranko were about to stand up and proceed to the table when they heard E-Ranma's voice coming from within the vortex.
"Not bad, brother. You're getting really better though I'm afraid you'll have some catching up to do," E-Ranma stated as he launched his counterattack.
"Umi Ken Sen no Ryu. Katana revised!" E-Ranma simply stated as a thousand ki-charged vacuum-blades blazed from his palms and thoroughly shredded the vortex surrounding him.
Ranma was all in awe at what his older counterpart did. In all his battles, no one could withstand the Dragon Ascension Fist. Even Saffron was damaged though Ranma admitted that his attack was augmented by a special weapon that time. But save for that, no opponent stood up from that attack. Ranma had to shield himself from some of the ki-blades that went in his direction and his clothes were slightly damaged. He found himself kneeling as he felt drained.
E-Ranma landed on his feet after neutralizing his younger counterpart's attack. Ranma could only shake his head at what he saw in E-Ranma as the older boy approached him. E-Ranma helped Ranma up to his feet, assessed the damage and smiled as he ascertained that Ranma was not hurt.
"Yup. You're getting better. But you have to train some more if you want to pay me back for this morning's session. I'll be expecting that bro, so I suggest you brush up ASAP. Let's get some breakfast. I'm starved," E-Ranma stated with an honest, fraternal grin that disarmed the younger Ranma who could only nod in agreement.
"Uh, yeah," was all that Ranma could utter in reply as he followed E-Ranma into the dojo.
"That was great 'RAN'," Nabiki greeted as the two teens entered.
"Really? Glad you think so, Nabiki. This guy here will be the one to help me train, you know," E-Ranma replied as he elbowed Ranma jokingly.
"Train? What for?" Ranma asked.
"I'll tell you later, after breakfast," E-Ranma replied.
They all took their respective places around the table even as Kasumi placed another setting for E-Ranma who sat beside Nabiki. The meal began normally: in utter chaos as Genma, Ranma and Ranko went about stealing food from each others' chopsticks.
"Hey! That was my dumpling!" Ranma complained as Ranko filched it out of his chopsticks.
"Slowpoke! Serves you right! Huh? Hey! No fair, pops!" Ranko replied then complained as the food she stole was stolen in turn by Genma.
"Look who's calling someone as slowpoke!" Genma chided as he ingested the dumpling.
This went on for a while but things were getting worse. The three engaged in an all out war over the food. E-Ranko shook her head in dismay and was about to start scolding the three when she noted that she, Soun, Kasumi, Akane, and Nabiki were able to eat normally despite the commotion. She saw the reason why this was so: E-Ranma was deftly parrying the three's attempts at stealing when each tried to filch food from the others save from themselves. However, Ranko went overboard and kicked Ranma in the face when Ranma succeeded in getting food back from her.
"Ouch! No fair! You were the one slow this time!" Ranma stated, as he was about to retaliate.
"Serves ya right, slowpoke!" Ranko teased as she bopped Ranma on the head as he dove for a piece of pork.
E-Ranma snorted in disgust at the three. Genma was suddenly paralyzed while Ranma was flung aside. Ranko suddenly found E-Ranma in front of her. She was about to strike him when she felt a few slaps on her face.
"This stops NOW!" E-Ranma shouted.
"From this day forward, none of you will steal food from each other or anyone for that matter. Meals will be held in the normal fashion like civilized people," E-Ranma declared.
"Foolish boy! You should respect your elders.....OOOFF!!!" was all Genma could say as he got struck in the gut by E-Ranma.
"Shut up, you old goat! You of all people should've ceased with this aspect of training long ago. For goodness' sake, we're no longer on the road now! We're living in a dojo!" E-Ranma rebutted.
"And you Ranma, you should've put dad in his place long before. Heaven knows we were capable of doing do long ago. And don't ever hit back at a woman like that except when she's threatening your life!"
"And you Ranko, you will stop acting like a spoiled brat and accept things the way they are now or else!, E-Ranma warned the young girl.
Ranko was not about to let herself get ordered around by anyone and was quick to retort.
"What gives you the right to tell us these things?! You haven't been around these past few days! Why I oughta.......ouch!!!" was all Ranko could say as she got slapped a few more times again.
"Right? I have every right by virtue of beating the one who defeated Genma: Ranma. He already beat you and our sister here before so you can't question me. Being your oldest sibling now gives me the right as well," E-Ranma added.
All in the house were surprised at E-Ranma's declaration especially the three Ranmas.
"Siblings? Is that how you want us all to be now?" E-Ranko asked.
"Yep. It's high time we stopped debating as to who is the real Ranma now. As far as I'm concerned, he is Ranma, not any of us. It's time we made our own identitites," E-Ranma replied while referring to Ranma.
Ranko was about to voice more of her protest when E-Ranma looked at her sternly yet gently, making her back down.
"Look you guys, we don't know if things will ever get back to the way they were so I guess this is more or less a permanent situation. But if we're able to make our own life, then no one can question us anymore. Wouldn't that be a better proof of who we are? We all want to be 'THE' Ranma but it's not possible now. For the first time in my life, I can do something about all this stupidity that pop here brought about," E-Ranma began as he kicked Genma in the gut.
"It'll be even easier for you two because you DON'T have to deal with all this. You can make your own lives now. Ranko, you are NOT a living aspect of the curse we got from Jusenkyo. I suspect you're getting used to being what you are now, haven't you?" E-Ranma asked. Ranko wanted to say something else but deep inside her, she knew he was right.
"And I believe the same is true for you, isn't it, sis?" E-Ranma asked E- Ranko.
"My-my. You're getting deep and all-knowing all of a sudden, brother. But you are correct. I don't feel like I'm 'Ranma' anymore," E-Ranko replied.
"Good. I'll need all your help in sorting out matters especially you, sis," E-Ranma replied as he smiled at E-Ranko.
Things quieted down at that. E-Ranko was impressed with E-Ranma while Ranko couldn't help but be amazed at her "older brother's" reasoning and skill. Ranma was silently digesting all of this while Nabiki was feeling proud of E-Ranma at what he had just achieved. No one had hope of clearing things and up until his arrival, the whole house was in total chaos every mealtime.
"Well now, let's finish breakfast. We have a busy week ahead of us. Nabiki, we'll need your help with our identities as only Ranma here is the legally existing individual. Sis, err..what name WOULD you prefer, by the way?" E- Ranma asked E-Ranko.
"I'd like to be called 'Ritsuki', if you all don't mind," she replied as she helped Kasumi put the dishes away.
"Okay, Ritsuki, it is. You'll have to call mom and ask her to come over ASAP. I bet she'll be happy to know she has another son AND two daughters, too," E-Ranma stated as he mussed up Ranko's hair to which she snorted at but smiled at the thought.
"What? You can't do that! She'll ask us to commit suicide!" Genma wailed as he had turned human again after getting hot water.
"Really now, dad? You think mom would be so shallow like that? If anything, YOU'RE not in danger as this situation proves YOUR manliness," E-Ranma replied.
"Eh? How so?" Soun asked.
"Why, you just gave her more children!" E-Ranko replied. Genma thought about it then beamed with delight.
"Yes! You're right!" Genma triumphantly declared.
"You're getting good at fixing things, RAN," Nabiki teased as she smiled slyly at E-Ranma.
"Hey, you helped a lot," E-Ranma answered as he recalled last night's events in Nabiki's room as they discussed things.
"I never thought about it that way but I guess you're right there, bro. But what about us? No offense but, you and I STILL turn into girls with cold water; not very manly as far as mom's concerned, right?" Ranma asked.
"I know. That's why I'm going off to China to find a cure. I've been making preparations to make sure I get it right this time," E-Ranma replied.
"And by the way, You can all call me 'RAN' now," E-Ranma added.
Later that day, Ranma was executing a kata under E-Ranma's watchful eye. This was the third time he was going through it as E-Ranma still found small imperfections with his motions. The third one was satisfactory though, and E-Ranma let Ranma rest.
"That's our ever-effective learning curve at work. I thought you'd take longer but you did well, bro. Even better than P-Chan," E-Ranma declared.
"Ryouga?" Ranma asked. E-Ranma told him of the few days he spent in Ryouga's campsite.
"Gee, he's that good now, huh? I'll really have to practice then. By the way, what training were you referring to a while ago?" Ranma asked even as he saw E-Ranma's flawless execution of a similar kata to what he was doing a while ago.
E-Ranma took a few seconds after concluding his own kata then explained to Ranma his plans.
"You're gonna fight illegally?!!" Ranma blurted.
"Not so noisy, bro! Yes, I will. There's no faster way to earn cash right now. As it is, the first few winnings I get will go to Ritsuki's and Ranko's education, not to mention food and lodging expenses here in the dojo," E-Ranma replied.
Ranma couldn't help but agree.
"I actually want to suggest to Ritsuki and Ranko that they live with mom. There's too much insanity around here for them to have normal lives. Ranko especially, needs mom's guidance," E-Ranma added.
"You're right about that. So, we get to stay here then,"
"Yep. We get to sort out YOUR fiancée mess,' "