Chapter Notes - Hey been a while, sorry about that. On the bright side, here's a long chapter because dear god I have made too much plot for this series. So much in fact that I started writing a prequel on the side which covers that dark alternative timeline that I kept hinting at. I'm not going to make it necessary reading to understand this story just like how I'm not going to make this fic necessary reading for that one. I honestly just loved writing that flashback chapter too much and there are other character relationships (one of which is going to be hinted at in this chapter) that I wanted to cover. If this prequel idea sounds cool or terrible, let me know!

For readers, I wanted to mention that I upload slightly faster over on Ao3, it's under the name 'Dear Mom' which is the updated name for the story. Same username so it should be easy to find.

It was late in the evening at the Tendo's. Atop the roof, laying on its tiles was Saotome Ranma, watching the winter night sky. He was doing something which many claimed him incapable of doing; thinking. Ranma was perfectly capable of doing it, his amazing ability to adapt and learn in martial arts demonstrated that alone. A combat genius few would counter. His lacklustre academic performance is due to a combination of two things. His wanderer upbringing meant he lacked much education growing up and as Japanese schooling relies on having certain foundations, his performance suffers. The other is his father's influence. Genma wanted Ranma to only and only ever focus on martial arts, for fear that any distraction would keep him from becoming the perfect martial artist he dreamed of. Genma can also be blamed for his lacklustre emotional and inner intelligence. Much of martial arts has components or even focuses on introspection and inner peace, but having found no value in it himself and his master's combat abilities reinforcing it, Genma saw it as another distraction from learning the 'art'. Ranma also found being introspective to be a terrible experience. It made him miserable like nothing else. Saotome Ranma always wins, but his inner self is something he couldn't beat, he knew it easily, so he never challenged it. Whether it was memories of the traumatic training he endured, his abysmal people skills, or that weird distaste for himself when he examined himself, it all hurt. Hence why he took his father's advice without much issue. Understanding oneself was a distraction and he would just ignore or deflect it best he could. Was his childhood horrifying, well he's the best martial artist because of it! He can't understand others and feels lonely. People suck anyhow, so screw them! They just can't see his greatness. He doesn't feel like a real man? Well he's a pure guy and he will beat up anyone who says otherwise! Funnily enough, this was the first thing he realized upon trying to find his true happiness.

'Huh, I'm really screwed up aren't I?' Indeed, Ranma's mental scape was like Nerima itself, utter chaos that was a confusing mess to understand and probably had a number of sexual and gender issues in it. Not that Ranma would ever acknowledge some of those issues.

'Maybe I should get some help on this?' Trying to think of people he could go to however was a challenge.

'Pop's a hard no, following his advice is how I ended up like this. Ma' I risk reinvoking the seppuku pledge with one wrong word. Akane will probably hit me for saying something prevented in her eyes. Nabs will charge me and then sell anything I spill. Kasumi is nice but I feel like she won't understand me, she seems to have trouble understanding most things around here. Tendo-san will try to get me married right away as a solution. Ryoga does seem to struggle with this sorta stuff, but I feel like he'll just attack me for not being grateful for my life. Ukyo will probably try to use this as an excuse to marry me. Anko I can't trust at all, I don't know what her angle in all this is. Tofu is still gone on that sabbatical thing. That leaves the Amazons, Shampoo is of course a hard no as she'll probably offer me some drug to cure me. The old ghoul is a risk as she is a schemer, but she's also probably my best bet…

Man, my life sucks.

Wait, Kasumi seems the happiest person I know in Nerima and she just ignores everything. I just got to be like her and pretend to be happy until I am happy!'

The martial artist began to cackle loudly.

'I'm a genius,'

His laughter however woke some inhabitants. 'Mom has a stupid plan doesn't she?' thought the resident time traveller.

"Go to sleep asshole!" yelled Akane.

Instead of apologizing and going to bed, Ranma chose to employ the special Saotome technique Put-Foot-Into-Mouth.

"Why? It's not like any beauty sleep could make you look better anyhow." A collective groan could be heard from the majority of the residents, save Genma, master of sleeping through shit, who realized no peace would be found until a certain someone was sent flying into the night sky.


It was a quiet early morning. The sun had barely risen and the morning alarm of a martial artist falling into a koi pond hadn't occurred yet. The only ones who were typically awake at this time were Kasumi and, on the odd occasion, her father. Kasumi hummed to herself in the kitchen. The early mornings were her time, the chaos of Nerima was thankfully a late riser. Which is why it was odd to hear the quiet sounds of someone going through a kata in the yard. There was no yelling, but with the speeds local martial artists attained, the force of their punches and kicks were often audible. Kasumi peeked out from the corner of her kitchen and into the yard. Anko was tearing a tank top, sports bra, and cargo pants. Despite the lack of clothing and cold weather, steam was rising off the woman. Perhaps due to the loose clothing, the woman often wore, but Kasumi hadn't realized how… muscular the woman was. She was a little taller than Ranma's female form but looked over all of a stocker build, reminding Kasumi a bit of Genma's form. There was definitely more force behind the woman's attacks versus Ranma's but grace wasn't forgotten either as her footwork had her dancing around the yard. Kasumi wondered to herself why she kept thinking of Ranma as she watched Anko perform her katas. She had avoided the art after the death of her mother, it was too closely associated with her for Kasumi and unlike her mother's other duties, it wasn't desperately needed in her absence. Something was alluring to Kasumi as she watched Anko practice. While Ranma moved with confidence and calmness, Anko moved with a fury of emotion, her face shifting from angry to despair as she fought her imaginary opponents. Moving into the living room to watch closer, she saw how the woman's body was covered in scars of burns and other sorts. Ranma and the others certainly had their own fair share of scars, Ranma had a particularly great number of small claw marks over his body. But they had healed well, Anko's had clearly not. Lumps, discoloration, jagged large scars, and a left shoulder that hung lower than the other. The old massive burn scar that went from her left wrist to her back stood out particularly. 'And are those bullet holes marks?' Kasumi could often be criticized for being obvious to things around her, but she often was focused on things others did not see. Watching Anko now Kasumi realized that the relaxed and joker energy that characterized the woman was likely a mask. Kasumi was strangely reminded now of her middle sister who hid her own grief and emotions in a similar manner. That settled it for Kasumi, this woman was one of them. The combative dance ended as Anko neared the house, her eyes noticing her watcher. They refocused on their imaginary opponent, finishing with a triple strike and high kick before recomposing herself and bowing. Kasumi gave a small applause while Anko gave a half-hearted wave and a light chuckle.

"Morning' Kasumi-san,"

Kasumi gave a small gentle smile, "Good morning to you as well, and please just Kasumi,"

"Right," Anko scratched the back of her head, "Uh, enjoy the show? I'm not used to people-watching."

"It was certainly something. I may not know much about martial arts, but I feel the emotion in your movements."

"Yeah, it's kinda a special style of mine. It's how I empower my ki, powerful emotions."

"Is it really something that special? I know the others can often get… intense in

their playing."

"Kinda. Often intense emotions weaken oneself, becoming enraged and whatnot and thus lose rational thought. Hence why the Saotome technique Way of the Mosquito is so effective, but for me, I trained my mind so that it never becomes distracted from a fight, fighting is my basic instinct so I can mostly freely rely on my emotions to empower my abilities."

"I see," Kasumi's eyes turned upward, considering the explanation.
Anko looked away from Kasumi, "Sorry, can't imagine me rambling was interesting."

Kasumi shook her head, "Not at all. As I said, I'm not one for martial arts, but hearing you discuss it taught me a little about yourself."

"Oh, well I am happy to chat with you about other stuff."

"That would be lovely. Could I perhaps recommend a bath first though?" Kasumi looked away, her cheeks lightly blushing.

Anko looked down, noticing how her sweat-soaked tank top was showing her bra now and other features, "Uh yeah, I actually have to head out early this morning too, it would be a good idea to jump in now. Thanks, Kasumi-sa… Kasumi."

Kasumi nodded her head, "Whatever you need Anko, I will do my best to provide for you."

For a brief moment, the two lingered looking at one another before the sound of a grunting panda from upstairs made them self-aware. Kasumi went back to the kitchen and Anko left for the bathroom.

'What's making that burnt cheese smell?' Kasumi thought smelling the air.

Meanwhile, in the guestroom, a young martial artist woke up peacefully for the first time in what like felt years. Ranma grinned as he turned to his father, who grumbled rather loudly as a panda wrapped in chains. 'Glad I found a use for all those extra weapons Mousse leaves around the place' the martial artist laughed to himself and certainly did not giggle. Stepping downstairs, again certainly not skipping, Ranma found Kasumi making breakfast.

"Morn' Kasumi."

"Ah, good morning, Ranma," Kasumi's eyes never her cutting board.

'Odd' Ranma thought, "You good, Kasumi?"

"Yes, my mind was elsewhere is all." Kasumi's cheeks lightly blushed.

"Alright'," Ranma scratched at his cheek, "Hey alright if I ask a question Kasumi?"

"Of course, how can I help you?"

"I was wondering how you're like, happy all the damn time?" Kasumi stopped in her cutting.

"Ranma?"

"Yeah?"

"I… don't think I'm someone you should look to as an example," She looked at him in his eyes.

"Wait, but why? You're almost always smiling."

"Mhh, it is hard to describe but being content is different from happiness. I have accepted my life and try my best with it, but I don't think I can say that I am happy with my life," she turned to him, "Ranma, do you know why I go so regularly to Dr. Tofu's clinic?"

"Well, you read a lot of his stuff don't you?"

"Well that is true, it originally started as a means to hide the real reason for my visits, I needed to pick medication and I rather not worry the family."

"Wait, what kinda medication?" Kasumi opened her mouth but shut it as her father turned the corner.

"Ah good morning father,"

"Good morning Kasumi, has the paper arrived yet?

"Yes, it's on the table all ready for you."

Ranma looked at Kasumi wanting further answers, but she had already returned to her preparation for breakfast. Ranma decided it best to leave it be for now. Eventually, the rest of the family made its way down, even Genma although his chains hadn't been removed.

"Oh my, Uncle Genma, are you training to create a new method to escape chains?" Kasumi asked. With his arms immobile, Genma could not use his usual 'sign' language to answer Kasumi, only grunting.

"A martial artist's journey never ends." Soun said, still engrossed in his paper. Kasumi nodded at this explanation while Genma merely growled at a whistling Ranma. The final member of the family made her way down, three cups of coffee with triple sugar already ready for the resident Ice Queen.

"Mhhh, dark times are upon us," the Tendo patriarch muttered as he read further into his paper.

"What was that Daddy?" Asked Akane.

"The news has shared that the yakuza are having some sorta inner dispute or even 'gang war'. Several high-ranking members have been found castrated."

"Ha, served those bastards right!" Nabiki laughed.

"Nabiki!" Akane cried.

"What, those sexist pigs deserved it. Did you know they don't even allow female members?" Nabiki sipped her coffee.

"Well, apparently the culprit is someone known as the "White Devil"," Nabiki spat out her coffee. 'The White Devil? As in Anko's boss?' Before she could inquire any further, a rushing Anko ran down the stairs, wearing a suit of all things.

"I'm late, I'm late!"

"Anko-chan?"

"Sorry Kasumi, can't enjoy your wonderful cooking today, I've got to run!" Kasumi merely smiled and held up a bento to her.

"Oh my god, Kasumi you are the best! Thank you, thank you!"

"It was no trouble at all, good luck with today." Anko ran out the door.

"Where's she off to?" asked Akane.

"Well, yesterday she told me she was hired at a new job," Kasumi explained.

"Wait, she isn't going to be just another deadbeat?" Nabiki asked much to the grumbling of Ranma and Genma.


Ranma hummed to himself, oblivious to the world around him, as he walked the chain fence to school. Akane meanwhile was already analyzing her fiance. Akane wasn't much better than the rest of Nerima for noticing things but she did have an almost supernatural second sense if something funny was up.

"What's got you humming?"

"Ohh, me?"

"Yeah, you've been pretty gloomy ever since Anko beat you," a dark cloud appeared over Ranma, "Ah sorry."

But he bounced quickly back with a forced smile, "You see Akane I've discovered the secret to true happiness," he crossed his arms.

Akane raised her eyebrows, "Oh?"

"Indeed, the secret to being happy is to be… happy no matter what!" He began to laugh like a maniac.

Akane sweated dropped, "Ranma, you're an idiot…"

"Huh, what'd-" no sooner as he was about to question his fiancé than the fence began to wobble.

"Wo, wo," balanced himself just right, he had the fence onto the street instead of the river which Ranma "frequented". He smirked at Akane but was rewarded with a splash to the face from the water pail woman. Ranma sighed.

"Honestly Ranma trying to stay happy constantly isn't possible, especially with how often you get transformed," she smirked while Ranma joined her in walking on the street.

"Well the transformation is annoying, being happy as a girl is if anything easier then when I'm a guy."

"Huh, what makes you think that?"

"Well being a girl is so much easier than being a guy, as long my family ain't around and no annoying perverts are after me."

"Ranma, you have no idea how awful it can be to a woman. It's like a curse in it of itself some days."

"If you're saying that because of periods, Akane, don't bother, I get them too."

"But as a woman, you have all these expectations to fulfill!"

"Expectations? That's all being a guy is I swear, be honourable, be manly, no cuteness allowed here, fight this fight that-"

"Ranma you love fighting,"

"I mean I do but it gets tiring to be expected to be in charge of everything, to fight literally everything that comes your way."

"My beloveds!" Shouted a familiar voice.

"Speaking of beating the shit out of people…" Ranma muttered. Ranma and Akane readied themselves to be pounced or groped by Nerima's infamous blue thunder, but instead, they saw him walking at a steady pace towards them from another street.

"A fine morning isn't it?"

"It was," Akane said, and to the shock of both of them, Kuno's face reacted to what she said.

"Oh my apologies I must be delaying you both on your way to school," he bowed, "My sincerest apologies.

"Did he just… apologize?" Akane spoke aloud in disbelief.

Ranma, still irritated, poked Kuno in the chest, "What and you're skipping school or something?"

"Unfortunately yes, I have an appointment to attend to. But I must not keep you two any further, I bid you both a pleasant day," he waved and continued on his way. Akane and Ranma stood there stunned by what just transpired. That is until the distant school bell rang. Awakened, Akane tapped Ranma with her school bag.

"Ranma, come on we're going to be late!" Both booked it at full speed to the school.


"Alright, that's it for attendance," Mr. Tomoyuki said as he straightened a pile of papers on his desk, "Today I'd- Yes, Saotome?"

"Uh sensei, Kuonji isn't here."

"Ah yes, she called earlier today, apparently she is ill and won't be attending class today."

'Huh, Ucchan's rarely sick, maybe she just wanted to work some extra hours? I'll check in after school' Ranma thought to himself as his stomach growled eternally hungry for free handouts.

"Today class, I thought it was interesting to cover a bit of local mythology pertaining to Nerima itself." the class ears pricked up at this.

"Kazuma, kindly hand out these pamphlets to classes if you'd be so kind."

The class rep stood and began to hand out the pamphlets around, eventually arriving at Ranma's and co.'s desks. It was a single-page document with a copy of a nihonga art piece attached to it, its title "The Demon of Nerima".

'Of course, this city has its own demon' Akane thought to herself.

"Now this legend dates back around five hundred years ago, before the area was a part of Tokyo, then known as Edo. A demon, said to be a sorcerer of sorts, terrorized the land, burning down towns that challenged its rule, tricking local warlords into serving it and devouring countless people. Eventually, though, a warrior wielding an enchanted naginata wounded the demon, driving it away from the land and back to its realm. The name of this warrior should be familiar to all of you, Tendo Shinzo." Everyone in the class looked at Akane who for her part looked bewildered.

"Wait, was he my ancestor?"

"Likely, the Tendo family has long roots in the land and it is said after the battle, he found a dojo on the battleground where he fought the demon. It is likely that the dojo has been rebuilt many times since, especially with the war since then, but the ground where it stands remains the same as the legend. Now, you should all look to the name of the artist…" Tomoyuki-sensei began one of his long rambles. Meanwhile, Ranma examined the art dramatizing the event. A blue-haired warrior with a bandana in samurai armour stabbing his naginata into a giant multi-limb demon made of flame and shadow, its eyes full of hatred. Something about the demon unsettled Ranma while Akane could not take her eyes away from the art.

'Huh, wonder if it's still around somewhere' Ranma pondered before nodding off.


"How unassuming a location," Kuno looked at the business card and then back at the building before him, "this Hashimoto Mitsuru must be a cunning master." Before him stood a three-story building, his destination, an unnamed office, on the second floor sandwich between a nail salon on the bottom and a special massage service on the third. Making himself up the stairs Kuno found himself before the office door which had a simple sign on its glass, "Office of Hashimoto Mitsuru".

"Aha, my prize awaits me," Kuno let himself in.

It was a typical office room, dim in lightning and perhaps a bit old with that familiar 1970s building odour resulting from aging carpet and cigarette smoke. A wood desk sat center, its top cluttered with papers, at least three phones, and a number of filled ashtrays. Siting there was an older woman, late 30s likely, smoking and writing some papers. She had brown hair she wore in a simple tight ponytail. Most distinct was her eyepatch, expensive black leather, while her solo brown eye remained focused on the work before her, it tilted up to meet Kuno's gaze.

"Kuno Takewaki I presume?" she smiled. Something about this woman was familiar but Takewaki couldn't place where he had seen her before. She stood to meet him. She was wearing an expensive black suit but wore it loosely. "Hashimoto Mitsuru," she said offering her hand.

'Very western,' Kuno thought before bowing as a proper Japanese noble and presenting himself, "I am Kuno Takewaki, senior at Furinkan High School and the famous Blue Thunder." Mitsuru took her hand back, clearly not offended but also uninterested in responding properly with her own bow.

"You are exactly the person I expected you to be," the older woman smiled and looked at him with a strange fondness evident.

"Have we met before Miss Hashimoto?" Kuno questioned.

"Yes, but you won't recall the encounter I assure you."

"I see, that seems to be a recurring issue I'm having," Kuno shut and reopened his eyes, "I am here to learn your ways Master, your knowledge into defeating Saotome and freeing my loves from his enslavement is critical."

"But of course, follow me," she gestured to follow. Hashimoto grabbed a sheathed katana from behind her desk before she led him to a side room.

"You also are a follower of the art of the blade, I see I was guided to the right place."

"Yes, although in my case, I rejected the path of a warrior for too long my life and due to that, I suffered great loss."

"Your eye?"

"Hardly, this is more an inconvenience than anything. True loss, isn't so easily worked around," the Master took her seat in a couch chair, "I apologize that my only other available chair is one for my clients, but please do take a seat."

"It is no trouble at all," Kuno sat in a green chaise longue opposite Hashimoto.

"Now, it is from my understanding that Master Ryu informed you impart of what this training will entail?" Mitsuru took out a notepad and pencil.

"Partially, part of it was freeing my mind to attain my true strength."

"That's right, our minds can often restrain our true capabilities, think of it as like any other muscle in the body, we must train in activities like school but we must heal its scars to use its full power."

"I understand,"

"I will help you with this through some mental exercises and questions, so please relax and answer truthfully even if the answer isn't clear." Takewaki nodded, moving from his rigid sitting to laying down on the chair.

"Very well, let's begin. What can you tell me about your mother?"


Ranma's nap was ended by Akane whacking the back of her fiancee's head, stirring him from his sleep.

"What was that for?" He said rubbing the bruise.

"You weren't responding, what do you think of the changes?"

"What changes?"

Yuka spoke up, "Well after last week's 'incident' with the cursed painting of melting cheese, Takahata-sensei quit,"

"Where does Gosunkugi get that stuff?" Muttered Hiroshi.

"Oh yeah, wasn't there an announcement two days ago about that?" Noted Ranma.

"Yup, well there's a new teacher that's been hired but they've changed the subject," Akane explained.

"Wait, to what?"

"Music apparently."

Sayuri's moaned, "And I was already half done with the final project, ugh."

"Great, just great," Ranma sarcastically remarked.

"Hey, music could be fun!" Akane noted.

"Yeah right, pops said it's for weaklings and girls," the group stared at Ranma.

"Ranma, you forget your father's idiot right?" Akane sighed.

Ranma gave an mph, but no further retort. Before any further comments could be made, the classroom doors slid open, revealing their new music teacher. It was a shortish woman in her mid-twenties with round sunglasses with a red tinge and short sandy blonde hair. She wore a gaudy red and blue suit and a star tie.

'A foreigner? No, her skin's porcelain so likely a mixed descent rather than a gaijin' Akane thought to herself.

"Good afternoon everyone, I'm Mercury Sakura and I am your new music teacher!" she said with a chipper smile. 'Weird name' most of the class collectively thought.

"Now I am aware that Furkian has a certain reputation, particularly for delinquents, outlandish stories and being a meat grinder for teachers, but I wanted to make you all aware that I am committed to your education and am eager to foster your interest in music. So without further ado, I want all of you to follow me to the music room!"

"Uh, sensei?" the timid but high-standing Reiko raised their hand.

"Yes, you there!"

"Is this proper? Aren't we supposed to go over the course for the first day or if we are to do class in another room, meet you there at the proper time beforehand?"

"Ah yes, well you see young student I am a forerunner in Japanese education and I intend to practice more American style teaching here, more freedom for your education!" Mercury performed a fist pump. "Your principal actually hired me upon hearing that!"

'Great, another weirdo teacher…' the class collectively concluded.

"Now if there are no further questions, follow me!"

'Well, at least things are more interesting than art so far' Ranma thought to himself, 'Maybe she'll use American Music Martial Arts to discipline us on our freedom…' As the class followed their teacher through the halls, Class 3-C spotted their younger peers marching down the halls from their class indoor windows.

"Huh wonder what's up with the weirdo class today," Tanaka noted.

"Who knows, the word is the new teacher is some American rocker who-" Nabiki's analysis stopped dead as she spotted the new, but familiar, teacher walking down the halls, 'Since when the hell was Anko a teacher, and what the hell is up with her disguise?' Meanwhile, Ryu Anko hummed to herself at the success thus far with her new persona, Mercury Sakura. 'Hehe, this is fun, usually, I don't get to play such outlandish archetypes but that's Nermia for ya!' the woman giggled to herself, before arriving at their destination.

"We're here everyone!'' The new teacher opened the door. Before the class, what was an empty storage room was now an adequate music room with a few dozen musical instruments and levelled chairs. No soundproofing but this was Nerima, many residents already had hearing damage so nothing to be concerned about.

"Right, y'all find something calls to you, spiritually~ "

"Spiritually?" Yuka asked.

"Spiritually~" their new sensei made her arms into waves, "Although, if any of you are struggling with reaching your inner self, I'm happy to help you find your way. Also… first come first serve, American equally at its finest!"

The brawl began immediately.

"That trumpet is mine damn it, Dai!"

"Back off the guitar losers, I'm going to be a rock star!" shouted Sayuri.

'Ah, to be young and be able to be violent without accidentally killing someone, ah, those were the days…' Anko noticed one student was surprisingly refraining from the violence despite their reputation.

"Letting lady luck decide your fate, Saotome?"

"Nah, music… just doesn't suit me."

"Something you're sure about even though you's never tried it before?"

"Gah,"

"Guess I'm correct," Anko smirked "Now playing music might not be the most macho thing around, but plenty of masculine folks play and listen to it."

"I don't know,"

"Mhhh, how about this, I chose an instrument for you that requires an incredible amount of dexterity and by all rights should be impossible for you to learn to play at your age. By the end of this week, if you can adequately play a piece on it for me, I'll give you full marks."

"Wait really?" She nodded.

"Well, Saotome Ranma never backs down from a challenge!"

"Great!" and she tossed him a small case which he caught with ease. He opened it and eyed his instrument.

"Uh sensei?"

"Yes Saotome, you're not backing down now are you?"

"What, never!"

"Perfect!" Anko turned back to the rest of her class. "Ah glad you've all found an instrument for yourselves," 'Sakura' said looking over the class. Surprisingly to its students, all the instruments survived intact although that wasn't a surprise to Anko as she bought this collection second-hand from the US military who in the 1960s had attempted to weaponize band. 'The instruments only had minor amounts of radiation, that was such a steal,' but then her eye caught one student with an instrument she didn't recall getting.

"Mr. Gosunkugi, where did you find that piano?"

The class's resident forgotten occultist scratched the back of his head, "I'm not good at fighting so I was waiting in the corner to get whatever was leftover, but I found this piano underneath some sheets, alright if I use it?"

'Huh, this room was empty when I set up everything.' Anko touched the dark wooden piano only for it to emit an aura of death and horror perhaps worse than her sensei. 'Well that's concerning, wait that student' she looked at Gosunkugi, 'Doesn't someone named that cause some squid god to sink London in the future…' Anko shook her head, 'Let's deal with the other stuff first.'

"Sure Gosunkugi, just don't listen to it if it starts communicating with you, cool?"

"Yes sensei," Gosunkugi nodded.

"Now," 'Sakura' clapped her hands, "Everyone, I'm going to put on a video explaining how to read sheet music while I go over each instrument with groups or individuals on how to use their instruments, now ready!" Ranma, after much trepidation, reached into the case and pulled out his instrument; a violin.


A door in a therapy office opened and walking from it was Kuno Takewaki with Hashimoto Misturu trailing behind.

"I truly never would have thought of things in such a way, it is a brave new world you are opening my eyes to Master Mitsuru," Takewaki said with a shine in his eye.

"I'm thankful our first session proved to be so fruitful Kuno," the older woman smiled.

"It is I that is thankful, soon justice will come for Saotome and freedom for my loves will be granted."

"Speaking of which," Mitsuru took her desk seat, "I have a task for you to begin before our next session."

"I will gladly take on any challenge you give me,"

"Wonderful, I need you to train Tendo Nabiki in the art of sword-fighting."

"Tendo Nabiki, the devil woman herself?"

Mitsuru chuckled and nodded, "She too is likely to be ensnared by Saotome's black magic."

"Her own devilish ways are too strong to be controlled by his black magic," Kuno huffed.

"For now," Mitsuru continued to smile, "Ranma's strength grows and she will need a way to defend herself properly when the time comes. This is a personal favour I'm asking of you. I see my younger self in her and I fear for her,"

"I see, but how I will convince her to come under my guidance?"

"I have my ways, and with your growth, you will find it easier to convince her. But if she should give you trouble, say the following numbers; 712 - 8092."

"A code to open the lock that is Tendo Nabiki, amusing. Very well, I have memorized it and teaching is said to be where the masters' journey end. I will teach Tendo Nabiki the way of the blade."

"Thank you, sincerely."

"Think nothing of it for what you are providing me."

"Now, it is getting late and I have other duties to attend to, I will see you in three days' time, yes?"

"Of course, Kuno Takewaki is never late for his appointments. I bid you, farewell Master," Takewaki bowed and took his leave while Mitsuru waved goodbye. Once alone, Mitsuru pulled out and lit a cigarette.

"Oh Kuno-baby, you never fail to entertain," 'Mitsuru' reached for a nearby phone, "Now to see what my daughter is getting up to."


Ranma walked from the gates of Furinkan High in a daze, his mind processing things he's never had to before.

"Ranma wait up!" Ranma stopped in his tracks and looked behind, spotting a running Akane.

"Geez, you jerk I told you to wait for me outside the class,"

"Uh sorry, head was elsewhere," Ranma continued his walk home once Akane caught up with him. 'Ranma apologizing? Huh, things are getting weird around here' Akane thought to herself.

"What did you think of music class?"

"Uh, it's alright I guess."

"I was surprised by Mercury-sensei, I expected her to be terrible at first, but she's not half bad at teaching. She recommended the drums to me after I was struggling with the cello, I refused at first because the drums seemed, I don't know, boyish? But she said I shouldn't worry about whether something is feminine or not and just go along with my spirit. Turns out drums are pretty fun, they're pretty tough stuff wherever she got it from."

"Just go along with my spirit…" Ranma stopped.

"Huh," Akane looked back at her fiance, "Hey, is that your violin case?"

"Huh, oh yeah, Mercury said I should practice at home if I wanted to beat her challenge and well…"

"What is it, Ranma?"

"Akane, you ever sometimes think things are a certain way and can only be that way, only to find out there are other paths?"

"What are you on about Ranma?"

"Well, it's just that… I really like playing that violin today."

"Well, that's great, what's the issue?"

"No, I mean I really liked playing it."

"Oh?"

"Akane, my whole life, I've really known one thing and that's martial arts, and I'm great at it but…"

"You just realized that there are other things you could be great at or enjoy?"

Ranma stopped in his tracks, "Yeah?"

It had never occurred to Akane before but thinking about it now she realized that Ranma didn't have a life outside of Martial arts. Sure everyone in the Wrecking crew is pretty nuts about the art, but they had lives outside of it. She had friends and hobbies like shopping, Ukyo had her business and cooking, Shampoo had her culture and helping out with the restaurant and, heck Kodachi had her gardening and school. Her fathers were massive shogi fans and even the demon that was Happosai did things other than martial arts. Yet Ranma didn't. He had friends but he never hung out with them outside of school. School, he never invested himself in. She couldn't think of a single hobby he had besides getting dragged along with someone to something. That's right, outside of the art, the rest of Ranma's time is spent just trying to survive and solve problems. The great Saotome Ranma's life… was kinda sad.

"Hey, Akane?"

"Uh yeah, Ranma?"

"I'm going to go for a walk to clear my head,"

"Oh well, I could join you if you'd like."

"Nah, thanks though, I need some 'me' time to think things over."

"Well alright, see you at dinner?"

"Won't miss it," and with that and a hop onto a nearby roof, Ranma was gone.

"What's eating him?" Akane mused aloud before turning back to her route home, "Huh?"

But unexpectedly someone was walking towards her, someone who wasn't wearing their usual attire.

"What do you want, Kodachi?" Akane took a battle stance regardless of the fact that Kuno Kodachi was approaching her, head down and wearing a black dress. It reminded Akane of what widows would wear in the west. "Your Ranma darling isn't here!" Kodachi stopped a few meters away from Akane, her lips quivering before she visibly bite her lip.

"I am not here today to fight you Tendo Akane, I…"

"You what? Split it out!" Akane wasn't feeling patient after the long day she had.

"I am here to apologize… for everything."

"Everything?" Akane then noticed that tears had begun to fall down Kodachi's cheek.

"Yes, for attacking you countless times, your friends and family, for being… lunatic and chasing after a man that clearly holds *sniff* no affection for me."

Kodachi was sobbing now and it was one of the strangest sights Akane had ever seen, of which she had seen many. Akane despite her hatred of the woman, couldn't hold herself back and moved to the crying girl.

"Hey hey, it's ok. Like don't get me wrong you have caused me trouble but you're better than your brother," Akane reach inside her bag, pulled out her handkerchief and offered it to the girl, "Here."

"Your kindness truly knows no bounds, if only I could have seen it sooner, I could have…"

"Could have?"

"It matters not, you and I are forging a different future now. I must seem like a lunatic even now when cured of my insanity."

"What the hell are you going on about Kodachi?"

"I… received help, clearing my mind and was given a vision of what was perhaps become of us, the future." Akane could see Kodachi was clutching onto a diary in her hands. It looked old and burnt. "I know this is but a trifle compared to the suffering I ou Tendo Akane for… everything and hope you look kindly on this mad woman. Adieu~"

Kuno Kodachi turned and left Akane standing there, her mind at a standstill until Kodachi's image faded into the horizon.

"WHAT THE HELL IS GOING ON!" Akane screamed into the heavens.

Meanwhile, on the third floor of Furinkan in the abandoned science lab, Ryu Anko watched outside with a pair of binoculars.

"Kuno Kodachi just did a tearful, what I'm assuming, an apology to Akane and left, I assume this is your doing?" Anko spoke into the small cell phone.

"Oh yeah," responded a voice from the phone.

"Yeah, his ashes smelled of cheese, had to take three showers this morning to get rid of it."

"Oh that, I remember that story, it's a long one so I won't bother you with it,"

"Mph, fine, what was the guy's deal anyhow? One of her agents?"

"Nah, he was charged a few years from now for indecent relationships with students."

"Ew, now I feel like another shower,"

"Yeah, he blamed a certain student for her indecent exposure 'corrupting' his morals, said he needed-"

"Ah, don't want to hear anymore!"

"You wanted to clear your conciseness,"

"We both know that nothing's ever going to do that," a creak caught her ear.

"Mm?" Anko reached into her jacket and pulled out a revolver.

"What's wrong?" The voice asked. Anko peaked open the classroom door and checked, sniffing the air.

"Nothing, thought I heard something, but the hall's empty and I don't smell any dog," she put away her gun.

"Huh, well I guess that about wraps up our meeting,"

"Yeah, thanks for chatting ma',"

"Could you do me a favour and leave your phone in the second drawer at the teacher's desk? I need to have a chat with Ukyo tonight and she should remember where I told her to find it."

"Geez, you should have just given her one in the package,"

"My bad,"

"Fine, I'll grab it in the morning, laters."

"Love you bud,"

"Love you too, ma'," Anko left the phone where she was instructed and silently left the school, never noticing the student hiding in the nearby supply closet.

'That was close,' Nabiki thought to herself, 'So to recap, Anko is likely an assassin who killed our art teacher, she's using my headquarters to chat with a likely yakuza killer who is her mother and they're manipulating the Kunos for some reason, perfect.' Nabiki would have smacked her head against the metal door was she not scared of a certain someone hearing her. After sufficient time, Nabiki exited the closet, 'Now the smart thing would be to go home and blend in, but if she's going to be using that room in future, I need to get some of our ledgers out of there.' After some hesitation, Nabiki entered the classroom and went to the teacher's desk. Opening the third drawer and its secret compartment, she pulled out her ledger. ' Perfect' only for a phone to start ringing. Nabiki knew what phone it was, she opened its drawer intending to decline the call so someone won't come, only to see text on the small screen.

-Answer the phone, Nabiki-

Against her better judgment, she picked it up and answered.

"Hello?"

"Ah, about time Biki-chan," a mature woman's voice said. It had a little raspy to it as if she had smoked a little too much, but it had a strange familiarity to it that Nabiki couldn't recognize.

"You're the White Devil I assume,"

"And you're the infamous Ice Queen, a little mini-me,"

Nabiki squinted her eyes, "I'm nothing like you."

"Oh, but you hardly know me. But I know you and you aren't as far from me as you think you are."

"What do you want?"

"A favour if you will, for both our sakes."

"Why should I listen to you?"

"712 - 8092."

"Why sho-" then Nabiki recognized the number, it was her personal secret stash's number combination, something she had never written down or told anyone.

"Ah, now that spooked you."

"What's the favour?"

"Relax, it's for both of our benefits. I need to watch over Anko for me."

"Like protect her? I'm pretty sure she could kill with her pinky if she wanted,"

"Ah so you know she's an assassin, you're not as slow as my daughter says you are,"

"Highly informed, journalist but no records of her work, incredibly dangerous with a knack for disappearing and wearing disguises, not too hard to put together. What I don't understand is why a yakuza hunter needs a high school broker to watch over her daughter."

"Ah well you see I'm indisposed at the moment, I'm certain you've heard the headlines," Nabiki felt sick to her stomach hearing the pride in her words,"I can't be around her at this moment but she needs one around her she can trust, I can trust, if she's set off."

"Set off?"

"You know how nuclear weapons have passcodes? Anko's the same, there are certain keywords which set her off and she can't control herself if she goes into that state."

"Just… how dangerous is this state?"

"I compared her to nuclear weapons for a reason. Remember the following words will trigger her, get a pen if you need it; 'honour", 'freak', 'son' and 'burn'."

Nabiki wrote the words down in her notebook, "Well I certainly heard those words before."

"Oh, I'm sure you have," Nabiki thought she heard the woman chuckle, "Now here's the critical thing, while it merely takes hearing those words within a minute of each other to trigger her, it's a full phrase to calm her although you'll need to yell it likely if she's to hear it."

"I'm ready,"

"Listen to my voice bud. Feel the snow beneath your feet, and look in my sapphire eyes."

"Odd but nothing in this conversation is understandable."

"You just lack context is all," the woman sighed, "I truly am sorry if it's any consolation."

"No, you're not."

"You're right, I do enjoy watching a player get played," the woman clicked her tongue, "Oh here's a hint that will help you solve this mystery; Anko likes to mention how this situation is like something that happened in Dragon Ball."

"Huh? I don't read shonen…"

"Nor do I, but my daughter is an otaku,"

"But… why me?"

"Because there are only three people in this world that have a chance of calming her down, me, Saotome Ranma and you."

"Wait, Ranma? And that still doesn't explain anything!"

"Sorry, I have another appointment coming up here so I'm going to cut this short soon,"

"Just tell me what you want in Nerima?"

"Well that's a secret, for now, I'll let you figure it out." Nabiki swore she heard the woman chuckle, "Just know that I swear no harm will come to your family while I still breathe."

"But-"

"Laters kid,"

The line cut.

"Damn bitch!" Nabiki slammed the phone down into the drawer, angry pushing her feet forward until she was out of the room. "Damnit, damnit!" She kept muttering to herself.

"Bad night?" Nabiki looked up and saw Ukyo walking the halls, but using a cane.

"Ukyo, what's with the cane?"

Ukyo shrugged, "I had an accident, I shouldn't have it for long," Nabiki was no martial artist but even she could tell something was off about Ukyo.

"You doing ok, Ukyo?"

"Really?" Ukyo smiled, "Concern from you of all people?"

"I don't actually have a heart of ice as rumours may say."

"I'm well aware in fact, I even know what melts that cold heart of yours."

Nabiki raised an eyebrow.

"Family,"

Nabiki averted her gaze but smirked, "Pfft, caught me red-handed there Kuonji," But Ukyo didn't avert her gaze which unnerved Nabiki. It felt like she was looking right through her. Just when Nabiki was about to question Ukyo, Ukyo moved to the science lab's door.

"Wait, Ukyo, are you involved in this too?" Ukyo stopped just as she was about to grab the handle and looked back at Nabiki, "Nabiki, every single one of us is involved in this whether we wanted to be or not,"

"Do you know what the hell is going on then? An assassin is living in my house, people are disappearing, and everyone is acting weirder and weirder."

Ukyo shook her head, "Sorry, my lips are sealed for the moment, but things will only get weirder and very dangerous too soon."

"Ukyo?"

"As weird as this may sound but you can trust Rose with your life, if not her then stick with Ranma please."

"Whose Rose?" A distance phone call could be heard ringing in the room.

"Sorry, I've said too much, you're smart I'm sure you'll have it figured out soon," she opened the door and walked in, "Another day, Nabiki."

She shut the door behind her, leaving Nabiki alone to collect her thoughts. If she was in a better state she might have considered trying to listen in on the phone convection but instead, Nabiki's feet lead her outside to the school.

"WHAT THE HELL IS GOING ON!?" She shouted to the silent heavens. 'Those keywords, and that phrase… there's only one person I know with sapphire eyes. Just what is Ranma's relationship with Anko? Anko seems to have some fixation on him. If I didn't know that she was pushing that angle that Ranma is gay, I'd start to think she's romantically interested, but then again Anko said she's gay' Nabiki looked back to school, 'She fights like Ranma too, always jabbing at her opponent and moving at insane speeds. She even looks like his girl form thinking about it. Could it be…?'

The school's clock ticked into a new hour and Nabiki shook her head, 'That's absurd, even for Nerima. I'm clearly letting these women and their games get to me.'


Meanwhile, on a not-too-distant river bank, sat Saotome Ranma. The sun was beginning to set now. 'Why is everything so hard?' the martial artist sighed, not noticing the person walking up behind him.

"What's got the invincible Saotome Ranma glumly?"

"Can it Anko, not in the mood."

"Oh, really?" she smiled and made her way down to him, sitting next to him. "It can't be my challenge, could it?"

Ranma grumbled loudly, "Oh my, it really is that?"

"True happiness, pfft," he stood up and pounded his chest, "I'm Saotome Ranma and I'm the best there is, what do I got to prove?"

"But what if you weren't?"

"What?" Anko didn't look at him, looking at the setting sun.

"Athletes get career-ending injuries all the time, hell you've had your strength lost from you at least once before," she looked down, "What happens when you get old and someone younger is beating you."

"I…" Ranma looked away, "I guess it won't matter if that happens."

"Don't you dare say that!" Anko stood up and faced him, "You matter even if you're not the strongest in the world, if you're not the manliest man around, if you're just you, you matter more than you could ever fathom to your family, friends, to me…"

Ranma stood stunned, "What… you sure you're not in love with me or something?"

"Ha, I'd sooner die than have sex with you, trust me."

"Then what's your deal with me seriously?!" Anko looked into Ranma's eyes.

"I… you remind me of my mother," she smiled.

"Your mother?"

"That's right. She was strong, very strong once but by the time she had me she had an injury that hindered her movement," Anko put her hands in her pockets walk towards the shallow river, "It didn't matter to me though, she was my mom, the greatest person in the world. Sure, she was rough, a real tomboy if you would, and I couldn't count the times she seemed lost in what to do or how to raise me. I wasn't planned by any stretch of the word, but it didn't matter to her, she loved me without expectations or demands."

Anko reached the water's edge and continued on without pause despite the winter's cold. Ranma almost called out to her to stop but saw that steam was rising from where Anko was walking.

"But for others, that wasn't enough. She was weak, a disappointment, just some freak because she was different," the water around her began to boil, "My grandma hated my mother, calling her slurs and countless terrible things. Sure my mom and adoptive mom said she was just a broken woman that could change, but to the hell with that. I hate her and I will never forgive her. She broke my mother's spirit down little by little until she…"

Ranma saw tears falling from Anko's face and something pulled him into following Anko into the stream, despite his curse activating and his lack of protection against the cold.

"What did she do?"

Anko stopped walking, "My grandma made my mother commit seppuku."

Ranma felt the world close in around him.

"And for that, I killed her," Anko turned and Ranma could see her face. Anko was smiling with fondness while tears fell from her yellow reptile-like eyes.

"Your… grandmother?"

Anko nodded, her smile showing sharp teeth. For the first time since meeting her, Ranma felt scared of Anko. She was a genuine murderer, others he had met before had done terrible things and tried to kill but an actual martial artist killer stood in front of him. 'Her aura… it feels sick and corrupted.'

Seconds of silence passed between the two before Ranma sneezed and woke Anko from her trance. Her eye colour changed to a familiar blue.

"Shit, you're cold," Anko moved to Ranma, but he retreated a step away, which made Anko pause before her eyes became downcast. "I guess I must seem monstrous, but… please I may be a killer but I'm not cold-hearted." Anko moved closer and Ranma didn't back away, noticing a change in her face.

"Your eyes-" Ranma was interrupted by Anko putting her coat onto Ranma.

"There, it should be pretty warm considering how hot I get," When Anko was looking back at Ranma, her eyes had shifted back to her original brown. Ranma didn't even think much of the shoulder strap on Anko carrying a revolver. The woman was a complete mystery to her.

"Shall we get home and have some of Kasumi's delicious food?"

Ranma hesitantly nodded, "Yeah, that sounds good."

They stepped out of the water and onto the shore.

"Could I ask a favour of you though first?"

Ranma instinctively went on guard, used to being conned or manipulated at times like these. "What is it?"

"Could I… could I hug you?"

"Wha?"

"Sorry, it's a weird thing but after bleeding my heart out I just kinda need to if that's alright?"

Ranma, unused to people actually asking permission for such things, nodded "Uh, sure?"

Before he knew it, Ranma was wrapped in a bear hug, with a strength he could only compare to Ryoga's past if accidental, hugs. Despite that, it wasn't unpleasant, there was a deep warmth to it and Ranma leaned back into it. Ranma swore he heard a sniffle from Anko, but she broke off at that exact moment and tilted her hat down.

"Thank you… for that, now let's get some grub!" Anko began speed walking towards the Tendo residence while Ranma followed behind.

'Wonder what her mom was like?' Ranma pondered as sunlight finally left Tokyo.

Endnotes - For those curious, Ranma learning the violin is a reference to the classic fanfic "Genma's Daughter". Also, apologies for the numerous names Rose uses, disguises are her thing (her teacher name is a random mix of Naruto names cause she's an otaku.)

Ranma will continue to be referred to with he/him pronouns in the text until they identify as female, since male is currently what they identify as. I know what pronouns one uses to refer to past selves is something debated in the community, I personally like the idea that pronouns correspond to whatever you identify at the time even if hindsight (and if you were a total egg) suggests otherwise. That's just me personally though and I imagine there's different experiences with different people.

Next chapter, my favourite Ranma ½ character finally makes his appearance in the story!