Chapter 41

It had been a week since Nodoka had called her cousin. She was a little nervous because she really did not want it to be true. In a way, she did love Genma. He did give her a very beautiful son. She was torn when she allowed him to go on that trip and by the letters that she got, it seemed like she made the greatest mistake of her life. She could only hope that it was not as bad what her cousin found out. He would be here in a matter of moments.

After a short while, the door was knocked on and Nodoka quickly made her way to the door. She opened it to see Hamza at the door. The look on his face and the file that he had did not ease her. She let him in and they made their way to the common room. She sat down across from him and held her hands together. Hamza took a deep breath before speaking.

"I haven't really begun my investigation Nodoka but this is just some stuff that I picked up." Hamza started. He handed her a folder. Nodoka opened it and looked inside. As she read the file, she was horrified at what she saw.

"This… this can't be right." Nodoka said with horror.

"I wish that it wasn't but was able to trace Ranma's medical report from when he was eight years old. It was really difficult because Genma rarely went to the hospital in case Ranma got hurt. The doctor that I spoke to on the phone informed me that Ranma has had several breaks in his bones, multiple torn muscles and some head trauma. The guy actually called the police to get Genma but he quickly took Ranma and ran. This folder is something different." Hamza said and passed it to her. She opened it to see Ranma's school records. It was just horrible.

"He's only been to school once and he was only there for two months?" Nodoka asked.

"I'm sorry to say that Ranma isn't really ready for today's world. I'm happy to say that his High School grades are much better. Furinkan High School isn't what I would call the best in the Nermia ward. It's run by a nut case who calls himself Principal Kuno. He had had some issues with your son but they have all been minor. It also helps that he is dating his daughter,"

"Kodachi, I know about his girlfriends. He has told me about them." Nodoka said, cutting him off. She then sighed sadly. "I am a horrible mother."

"Nodoka, you had no idea what Genma was going to do to your son." Hamza said.

"That does not excuse what you have brought to me. My son was abused and all for the sake of him becoming a man. What type of person am I if I hold my son to that? Did you know that I had my only child put palm print of a piece of paper saying that I would kill him if he did not meet the standard that my husband promised me? What mother does that?" Nodoka asked in tears. Hamza comforted his cousin and allowed her to weep.

XXX

Ranma was on the roof of the dojo. He liked it up here as it gave him a good view of the night sky. Ranma just sighed because he needed a little break from everything. He was thinking about a lot of things lately. The first was the tournament. He was really excited to be in that tournament that was only weeks away. He felt prepared for the tournament and couldn't wait to show his hard work. He had a few bumps in the way. There was the gambling King, those four midget, bald men after the dragon whisker and that Picolet Chardin situation. However, it did not stop him from getting stronger.

Speaking of Picolet, he was glad to know that he was gone. He couldn't believe that Soun was just as much of an idiot like his father. When the rich foreigner informed the Tendo sisters of her father's actions, they were very upset with him. Nabiki and Kasumi were still ignoring him. Anyway, what really bothered Ranma was the fact that he showed too much interest in Kasumi. Kasumi did not really mind the fact that the guy could swallow a whole chicken with his skills that he learned. Picolet was all in her space and it rubbed him the wrong way. It was one of the reasons he beat the guy at his own game so that he could go away.

That brought him to the topic of Kasumi. He didn't know why it bothered him so much. He liked Kasumi as a friend. She was a great person to talk to, she gave good advice, she was a great nurse and her smile just seemed to make his day. However, Ranma was beginning to see Kasumi as he saw Shampoo and Kodachi. When he was close to her, his stomach did flips. He would blush a little if Kasumi had to heal him in so way. There was also that spark that he felt when they kind of touched. While naïve, Ranma realized that he was beginning to see Kasumi more than a friend. That was something he really did not want to happen.

Ranma already had two girlfriends and he did not want to see the reaction to a third. They barely worked together when it came to him. He could only imagine what they would do to her. Also, he felt that Kasumi was a little out of his league. While he had matured, he didn't believe that he was mature enough for her. Ranma sighed and came to a decision to just stay friends with Kasumi. He felt that it would be better for all parties.

Ranma got up and made his way inside. He had some packing to do. It would be a long drive to Osaka City.

XXX

The Tendo and Saotome family entered the Kusanagi clan grounds and looked around in awe. This place was huge compared to the Tendo compound. It was big enough to fit the group and the other several hundred fighters. Men and women from various areas and schools were standing, waiting for the host to arrive. Ranma could see that there were people as young as him to people who were very old. He realized just how big of a tournament this was going to be.

He turned his attention to some opening doors. He looked to see the head of the clan, Saisyu Kusanagi, standing before them all.

"Welcome, to the Kusanagi grounds. I hope you all had a good trip and are doing well. To see so many fighters gets my blood pumping for a fight. We will have to wait until tomorrow though as you have all traveled a long way. Since we only have room for the fighters, you will be signed in and assigned a room. Your relatives will have to find lodgings around the surrounding area. So please, form up and sign in. After which, you can tour the grounds. The rules of the tournament will be explained tomorrow. Again, I welcome you and give it your all." Saisyu said. Everyone got into a line and got signed up.

XXX

Ranma looked out into the staging area where the fights would take place. He had a serious look on his face as he looked out onto the various stages that were set up. He just pictured what it would be like when the tournament started. He just pictured his matches and what he would do. As he watched the grounds, he felt someone behind him. He turned to see Geo Hikari.

"Ranma Saotome, I was glad to hear from sensei that you would be participating in this tournament." Geo said.

"It's been a while Geo. How have you been?" Ranma asked.

"Good, good, I've heard some things about your school. Your students did well in that tournament. I'm curious as to why it is still called the Tendo dojo. The Tendo I saw wasn't impressive." Geo said.

"I don't own it but the daughter who runs it is looking to get the sign changed soon. She wants to call it the 'School of Indiscriminate Grappling' because that's what we do. However, she's getting stonewalled by her father." Ranma explained.

"Seriously?"

"Don't ask, I don't even what to explain it. Anyway, I guess I will see you tomorrow."

"Count on it. I wish you luck and honor in your battles." Geo said with a bow.

"I wish you luck and honor in your battles." Ranma returned the gesture. Geo walked away from him while he turned back to the rings. After a while, Ranma turned to go when he saw someone standing across from him. It was a woman who was looking at him. It did not take long for Ranma to recognize who this woman was. He had her picture in his desk drawer. He hid it from his father because he knew that he would try to stop him. He took that picture out when he needed inspiration. Now, his inspiration was in front of him.

"Mom?" Ranma asked.

"Ranma." Nodoka said, choking up. She ran to her son and embraced him. Ranma hugged her back and held on. Nodoka was crying tears of joy. She was finally back with her only child.

XXX

With Saisyu permission, the two were seated in a private area. He was more than willing due to the nature of the request. Son and mother sat across from each other in silence. Ranma would look at her for a second before looking down at his feet in nervousness. Nodoka would do the same. After a while, Nodoka decided to speak.

"I have dreamt of this moment for sixteen years and I can't believe how nervous I am." Nodoka said with a chuckle.

"Yeah, I know what you mean. I've faced off against every challenge without flinching and I'm a mess." Ranma said with amusement. After another bout of silence, Ranma spoke up. "So, how have you been?"

"I… have been thinking. I've been thinking of my decisions and I have a lot of regret." Nodoka said sadly. Ranma was concerned. Nodoka looked at her son. "I am so sorry about letting you go. If I knew what your father was going to do, I would have kept you with me and never let go."

"Oh, so you know about the training trip?" Ranma asked with nervousness.

"I know a little. I know that you have been through hell all in the name of training. I've seen a copy of your x-rays, the only one on record. I can't apologize enough for what he did to you. I am so ashamed." Nodoka said, choking up. Ranma darted across to her and held her.

"You have nothing to be sorry about. You did not know. You thought that he was going to train his son to be the best, not abuse him and make him feel like he was nothing. He hung the word 'honor' over his head to get him to do what he wanted. You have nothing to be sorry for. You were doing your duty as a martial artist's wife. I do not hold it against you." Ranma said softly.

"Thank you so much." Nodoka said. Ranma released her and Nodoka wiped her tears. She looked at Ranma with a smile. "So I guess there is more about this trip." Ranma looked nervous but she eased her son. "It is okay. I will learn soon enough thanks to my cousin. Whatever I learn, I will not hold it against you. In my eyes, you are growing up to be a man." Ranma smiled at her but he was still worried about what she would find out, especially when it came to Jusenkyo. He would cross that bridge when he came to it.

XXX

At a nearby hotel, the Tendo family, Genma and Happosai was enjoying the room that they were staying. It was big and spacious. It had a few rooms and a large bath house on the ground floor. Nabiki really liked the place and was glad that she would be sharing a room with Kasumi. She looked at the rest of her family and sighed. Akane was holding Ryoga, who she brought with her, her father and the panda were eating their fill and Happosai was getting ready to probably go on a panty raid. She just sighed at their behavior and went to do some work. That's when she heard the door knock. She peeked to see who it was.

When Kasumi opened the door, she saw that her sister was very surprised.

"Nodoka-san, what are you doing here?" Kasumi said loudly and with surprise. Nabiki heard a noise and looked to see Genma sweating like a pig. Nabiki turned back to the two women as Kasumi allowed the woman inside the room.

"It is good to see you again Nodoka-san. I am truly surprised that you are here. Have you seen Ranma?" Kasumi asked.

"Yes and it was a wonderful experience despite how short it was." Nodoka said with a smile. The smile soon fell and she gave Kasumi a serious look. "However, this is not really a friendly visit Kasumi. I am here on some serious business."

"What is it that I can help you with?"

"Where is my husband?"

XXXXX

Authors' Notes – Oh shit, Nodoka is not happy. I hope you like how the story is going. I would also like to propose a challenge. The character, Geo Hikari, was a character that was recommended by a reviewer of mines. I'm willing to do the same with anyone else. If you want to do like this person did, I am willing to use it. If you want your own personal character in this story, because there might be several chapters for the tournament, let me know. Just send me a description and your name, pen name or real name, and I will let everyone know that it was yours.

P. S. Sorry about that. I create so much Naruto fiction that I keep forget that this is a Ranma fiction.