Chapter 35

In the volcanic valley called Yomogi, Ranma stood in deep concentration. He attempted to separate everything around him. He put everything out of his mind, clearing it of any emotion. When he opened his eyes, they had a very blank look in them. He looked at Soap and Cologne with those dead looking eyes. After a few moments, Ranma returned to his normal expression. He let out a deep breath and faced the two.

"Wow, this is harder than I thought." Ranma said.

"It's because you're still a child. The Soul of Ice isn't as simple as turning your aura cold. To completely devour yourself of emotions, it's a dangerous thing. However, you have done quite a lot for three days of training. I can see why Shampoo is so into you. Ah, if I was only a little younger," Soap said with humor. Cologne chuckled while Ranma sighed. Still he was grateful for the help that the two were giving him. This attack was going to be something else. He could feel it. Unknown to them, Genma was watching.

He stayed far out of sight, knowing that either of the Amazons would have sensed him. He assumed that the two women would have brought him here in order to undo the Ultimate Weakness Moxibustion as well as train him. He attempted to disrupt the training but they were able to booby trap everything and they would always be there in seconds. Lucky for him, he would always use that technique to escape. Still, he had made no head way in disruption this training. He would not give up though. He would stop this nonsense and get his son back under control.

XXX

Soun sat alone, reading the paper and drinking some coffee. He was wondering what was going on in the world and enjoyed the quiet that came with it.

"Grandpa Happosai, I am leaving now. Your lunch is in the fridge with your name on it. Just heat it up for twenty minutes and it will be ready." Kasumi told him. Happosai thanked her before she walked pass the common room. Kasumi didn't even spare him a glance and walked out of the door. It hurt Soun a lot to see that. For the past three days, Kasumi and Nabiki had been ignoring him since the revelation of his disliking Kasumi's apprenticeship. It wasn't that he didn't want Kasumi to be happy but she was the one who held the house together. Everything got done and everything was peaceful. Now, it was left to him to do it. He was getting a lot of aches from all that work.

"So, still going to sit there and not apologize to your children?" Happosai asked.

"I did not do anything wrong. Yes, I may have worded my intentions wrong but I was not wrong. Once we have humbled Ranma a bit, then I will work on making my daughters see that I was right." Soun said.

"Good plan Soun, I wish you luck. When they leave you here with Akane, I'll be there to laugh at in your face." Happosai said.

"They would not leave me!" Soun shouted.

"Are you so sure about that Soun? Why would they stay here when you do not support them? You forced you eldest into a house maid and you middle daughter into an adult. Don't get me started on your youngest. The fact is Soun, you are going to lose them and you will only have yourself to blame for the home that is beginning to break." Happosai said and made his way into the dojo to work on today's lesson. Soun was left stewing, his paper crumpled up in his hand. He threw it away and made his way to where he kept his alcohol. He would need something stronger than coffee to calm himself down.

XXX

Mousse was doing the dishes and was being watched by Shampoo's father. The man glared at him as he washed. He mistook someone's wife for Shampoo and paid the price for it. Now, he was sporting some bruises and a black eye. Because of that stunt, they had lost a customer. Shampoo's father was not happy and he kept his eyes on Mousse and the food. He was a skilled chef after all. Still, his last three days were torture. Shampoo kept her word and ignored his existence.

Mousse had tried everything to get her to notice him but it was not working. Shampoo ignored him at every turn. He even tried at her school, which did not end well for him. He was slowly going crazy by Shampoo's attitude. Why was she doing this to him? Why couldn't she see that he only wanted what was best for her? He loved her and would do anything to see her happy. She knew this and yet she chooses that half man.

Just the thought of Ranma sent him into a rage. His defeat at his hands was a small blow to his pride. It was his words that enraged him. He spoke as if he knew Shampoo, as if he knew how Shampoo felt. He didn't know anything about his precious Shampoo. He was just a fraud who spoke out of his ass. He promised himself that he was going to finish Ranma off. He didn't care if it was dishonorable. He would do anything to defeat him and make Shampoo see him again. He promised this.

XXX

Shampoo was sitting a couple of friends and her Amazon sisters at lunch. She had promised a big feast for them and she did not disappoint. As they ate, Shampoo was thinking about Ranma and hoped that he was doing well with his training. Seeing that Shampoo was in her dream state, one of her friends flicked her in the ear, knocking her out of her daydream.

"Thinking about Ranma again?" she asked with mirth. Shampoo did not look ashamed or blush at being caught, "You sure are lucky Shampoo. You got the one guy that everyone wanted. How you can share him is beyond me."

"Kodachi might be crazy but she is pretty interesting once you get to know her." Shampoo explained.

"She does have a cute crocodile." Jade added. Everyone looked at her like she was crazy. Suddenly Jade was embraced by the person they were talking about.

"That's why you're my favorite. You have such good taste." Kodachi said. She then joined the group for lunch.

"Shouldn't you be at school?" asked Lilac.

"We had a half day today. Besides, I might have found out where the scroll is." Kodachi said as she placed a dumpling in her mouth.

"What? You found the scroll?" Shampoo asked.

"Apparently, Ranma's father is very crafty but not very smart. He mailed the chart to Kuno with orders to destroy it. However, that was all it said, destroy it. Kuno and his simple mind could not understand why he should. Seeing the Chinese characters on the scroll, he immediately sent it to Hong Kong to a medical research facility. I managed to get the number for the facility and they have not received it yet. When they do get it, they promise to send it back. They even promised to ship it quickly thanks to the donation that I made in Tatewaki's name." Kodachi said with an evil smirk. Everyone laughed at that and enjoyed the lunch. Seconds later, their laughter stopped when a loud voice was heard.

"Kodachi!" Everyone turned to see Akane and Ukyo. The two looked dressed for battle and were angry as hornets. Kodachi looked at the two and raised an eyebrow. "It's time for payback, you lunatic!"

"Oh, are you two still angry about that? I was just getting back for what you two did to my boyfriend. You might not have been in on the plot but you certainly did help those involved. You even had the nerve to try and justify your actions as if it was Ranma's fault." Kodachi said.

"Your boyfriend got cocky and needed to be knocked off his high horse. Don't blame us just because he's as weak as a baby. If you thought you were going to get away with attacking us, you've got another thing coming." Ukyo said with an edge.

"Humph, you two are just annoying." Kodachi said and stood. She pulled out her ribbon and faced the two. "Well, if you need another beating, who am I to deny you?" With a battle cry, they charged at Kodachi. Shampoo and the other Amazons launched the table into the air so that the food did not get destroyed. Kodachi dodged their charge and flipped away. The two followed after her. The Amazons caught the table and the food. They placed it down was watched the battle that took place. Kodachi was easily avoiding the two with ease. She countered with her ribbon and used her movement to toss the two around.

"I can see why she's been the champion for so long. Her ability to duck and dodge her opponents is very good. She letting the two beat themselves up and only attack when she needs to." Ling said.

"I also see that she is using a bit of Ranma's Aikido. So, that's what they have been doing." Shampoo said with an edge. She knew that they did more than that which was cutting into her time with him. It didn't take long as Akane and Ukyo were on the ground again. Kodachi whipped her ribbon around and relaxed.

"Well, you did a bit better, the chef I mean. She lasted a bit longer than before. I'll give you credit for that." Kodachi said to Ukyo. She then looked at Akane. "You, however, are still the same. Did you really think that three days of breaking bricks would make you stronger? Well, I've had my fun so I'll be going now. Ta-ta." Kodachi then disappeared in a swirl of black rose petals. Akane growled along with Ukyo. She punched the ground with rage. The others just ignored them and continued to eat.

XXX

Genma was at his wits end. He had done everything to stop this training that the boy was doing. He messed with their stuff, stole their food and wrecked their things. Still, they continued to train without delay. From the words of that woman, Ranma was close to mastering whatever they were training him in. He cursed because that would mean that Ranma would have another weapon in his arsenal. He already had some impressive attacks and they hurt like hell. Genma sat and thought of his next move.

"So, this is where you've been hiding?" Genma spun around to see Ranma. He did not like that look in his eyes. It was devoid of any emotion. Ranma's eyes suddenly returned to normal. "That technique of yours is pretty impressive. Something tells me that you created just to rob people. Just one thing, were you ever going to teach me it?" Ranma asked.

"This technique is too dangerous to unleash on the world. How did you get behind me? How could I not sense you?" Genma demanded.

"The Amazons have some pretty cool techniques. Besides, your first sabotage was easy to figure out who was behind it. What's wrong old man, you afraid of what going to happen when I get back?" Ranma asked.

"Like you could hurt me, boy." Genma mocked. "You are as weak as a kitten. I could easily defeat you."

"Why do you try it pops? You're so brave right now because you are too afraid to fight me at full strength. Think back on every spar we have had since I took this journey to better my art. You have never defeated me. I have owned you ass in every spar we have had. So come on, give it your best shot. I'm standing right here you coward." Ranma said calmly. Genma was seething and looked ready to attack but he stopped himself. Ranma was trying something and he would not be lured into it. Still angry at his disobedient son, Genma decided to retreat.

"Mark my words boy, I will see you humbled before me. I don't know what you are learning but it will not matter. You will not win this battle." Genma stated and jumped away from the area. Ranma just watched as he jumped away. Once he was gone, Ranma made his way back to camp. He had some training to complete.

XXX

Kasumi watched and took notes as Dr. Aoki worked on his patient. She didn't only take notes but she participated with the doctor watching over her. He was a calm and easy going man who was fair to her. Kasumi enjoyed this. She only wished that her father would see how much this meant to her. She was following a dream and he was trying to crush it. While sad at the fact that she ignored and disobeyed her father, Kasumi had the blessing of her sister and grandpa Happosai. She knew that Ranma would be supportive of her as well.

After a while, Dr. Aoki sent the patient to the receptionist to set-up another appointment. He faced Kasumi and gave her a smile.

"I hope that you're learning from watching me." He asked.

"Yes sir, I am learning a lot and thank you for the books that you assigned me. This is just so exciting for me." Kasumi explained. The old man smiled and sent her to get his next patient. Kasumi made her way to the receptionist and got the name of the next patient. She looked at the name and had to do a double take. This just could not be right. Getting back on track, she looked at the people in the lobby.

"Saotome, Saotome Nodoka we are ready for you." Kasumi said. She watched as the woman stood and Kasumi just watched her. This was just a very exciting day.

XXXXX

Authors' Notes: Here's a new chapter people. Nodoka is introduced a lot earlier than the original plot. She will not be meeting Ranma yet but they will meet. The next chapter will end the Moxibustion arc and start up a new one. Anyway, please enjoy the new chapter.