Author note: I give credit to Ryan Slicer for the Masaki fiancée idea and to TheGrum for the Martial Arts Socializing idea. Both ideas were stolen by me and used in this story.
Chapter 4 – If a few persons have some comments about you, listen and learn. If a lot of people are making comments about you, get a new PR manager fast!
"Concentrate on your center, let the energy flow through your body from your center. Focus your energy into your hands and let it form a ball." Ranma lectured as he sat in a lotus position, holding his soft glowing hands in front of him.
"I can feel the energy, but it is still reluctant to leave my body." Samus commented as she sat opposite of Ranma, in a similar position.
"Don't worry. We've been only training for two weeks. It took me several years to get to this stage." Ranma replied.
"And why am I doing something this advanced, if I have not mastered the basics?" Samus questioned.
"There isn't much difference between using ki for moving it around in your body and using it as a projectile. It's faster this way to use your ki as a weapon." Ranma answered.
"Did you consider that perhaps the small difference you mentioned between using internal ki and external ki rests in the ki paths of the body? I would imagine that using internal ki for an extended period of time would have widened the ki paths to allow an easier use of external ki." Samus responded with a raised eyebrow.
"You mean my ki paths are wide enough to allow a large amount of ki to pass and form the blast easier? I suppose that's true. It has gotten easier to throw ki blasts as I started to use them more. Maybe that's why it took me until now to use ki blasts. You need a minimum amount of energy to create an effective ki blast and if the ki paths can't pass the necessary energy, it would be like pushing your body through a small door." Ranma contemplated with a intense frown.
"Which means that part of your body would get through the door, but the majority would get stuck." Samus added.
"Yeah, but the energy is more like water. So as the energy is used, more can pass through the door like dripping water from a faucet." Ranma corrected.
"So we should look at this as pipe lines. The pipes can hold a certain amount of energy and no more. When too much energy is pumped through the pipes it creates a reservoir effect in front of the intake of the pipe. What would happen if the energy is forced into the pipe?" Samus interjected as they considered ki paths.
"Damn, the pipes would burst. Sorry, Himura-san. I've been training you like my father would. Skipping parts to get to the fun stuff." Ranma answered dejected as his head dropped.
"Why do you think I keep asking questions? I have taught my school for some time now and I can tell I am your first serious student. Never forget that the teacher learns as much as the student. What is the first thing Hans told you about learning?" Samus encouraged.
"Each lesson is a piece of a greater whole." Ranma intoned.
"The second thing one learns about learning is that you start at the foundation and build upon it." Samus stated with a smirk.
"Build a house? What does that have to do with learning?" Ranma asked, puzzled by the reference.
"Consider the metaphor first, before asking the answer." Samus chided with a little mirth.
"Foundation. Foundation. This whole things started with your question about doing something this advanced. Basics. Foundation." Ranma muttered as he rose and started passing before the amused eyes of Samus.
"Beginnings, that's it. You first learn how to fall with Martial Arts, before you learn how to punch. As you master each move, you learn more complex moves. Building upon what you already learned. But how is this supposed to help me in school?" Ranma continued as he tugged at his pigtail.
"Simple math before complex math. Short formula followed by longer, complex formula. Each subject can be broken up in beginner, intermediate and master parts." Ranma concluded in a confident voice as he turned to Samus.
"Bravo. It would seem you can apply the 'sequential' logic process. I am glad." Hans stated with a short applause as he joined them.
"An event, action or object can be part of a sequence of events, actions or objects. Like a link in a chain." Ranma recited.
"Which leads to the cause and effect reasoning. This event causes this action or response." Hans added, silently greeting the rest of the family as they entered.
"As it is time my turn to teach, I suggest that you consider a plan for teaching. In this plan, you should mention the exercises you want to teach and why it is in that place." Samus decided as she stood.
"Now then. Last time we practiced reading our opponents and their moves. I remind you all that there are ways for an opponent to mask their intent and even mislead you into believing they will move in a certain way. Today we will practice several counters to most attacks and two katas designed to respond swiftly to a sudden or unexpected move of your opponent." Samus lectured as her students placed themselves in proper order.
"I think I'm getting the hang of this 'Martial Arts Socializing'." Ranma chuckled.
"There are several similarities to real life and Martial Arts. Stances being the most obvious. How would you calm a person down." Samus questioned.
"Is the person angry or upset?" Ranma countered.
"You do not have that information." Samus smirked.
"I would start by using a calm and even voice to ask the person to calm down and to tell me what is wrong. If I'm ignored I would repeat my question and state that I can't help the person if I don't know what is wrong. Should the person explain incoherently, I would ask the person to take a deep breath and slowly explain the situation. Once I know what is going on I will act accordingly." Ranma answered.
"How will you act precisely?" Samus pressed.
"I don't know, depends on what's going on. If someone is being attacked I would stop the fight. If someone has lost a child I would help look." Ranma shrugged.
"What you are telling me is that when you know the situation, you will determine the best course and act upon that course." Samus said.
"Yeah." Ranma replied.
"You should never forget to consider all the options available to you. Think before acting. You neglected to mention that part in your first answer. You could over look something if you do not stop and consider all the options." Samus lectured.
"Ok. I got it." Ranma stated as he made a note in his notepad.
"We will handle one last subject before we take a break and wait for dinner. Most of the arguments that we have discussed are based upon the 'right / wrong' theory. Confrontational arguments is another word for them. The object with this argument is to get your opponent to agree with you. Thus winning the argument. There are several other types of arguments. One such argument resembles confrontational arguments as it challenges a statement. The constructive argument is most often encountered when discussing the performance of a person." Samus lectured
"For example, a runner has just lost a race and his coach tells the runner that he was running with the wrong technique. The coach is challenging the ability of the runner, precisely how he runs. The object of this argument is not to prove right or wrong, but to find a problem and a solution to that problem. Hence, constructive argument. An argument to improve something. A requirement of such an argument is that you formulate the challenge is the proper form. You say to the runner that his technique needs improvement, instead of saying that his techniques is worthless." Samus continued.
"Proper form and structure are often deciding in how another person interprets your words. This also influences the stance, which you portray to another person. I conclude this lesson with a homework assignment, before you fall asleep. Find an example of a progressive argument." Samus concluded with a smile as Ranma hide a yawn, embarrassed.
"This Sunday was rather packed with a lot of talks." Samus said conversationally as she collected her things.
"Yeah, first a discussion about ki, then a lecture about how counter strikes can be used efficiently. Homework." Ranma groaned as he finished writing out his notes.
"Be brave, young one. Be brave." Samus replied with a smirk as Ranma rolled his eyes.
"We ain't married!!" Ranma shouted as he ran across the rooftops.
"Airen!! Wait for Shampoo!!" Shampoo shouted in return.
"Arghh!" Ranma yelled in frustration.
Jumping down an alley, Ranma swiftly ran to the exit and darted into a nearby store. Hiding behind a rack of spices, Ranma tried to make himself as small as possible. Mumbling a quiet prayer to whatever Kami might be listening, Ranma listened for any sign of pursued. Cringing, Ranma turned around to face whomever tapped his shoulder.
"What are you doing." The elderly Miyuki asked with a frown.
"Hiding from Shampoo." Ranma whispered, eyes darting left and right.
"Shampoo? The hair care product?" Miyuki pressed as her frown deepened.
"No, a Chinese Amazon. She just doesn't want to leave me alone." Ranma answered in soft tones, peaking above the spice rack.
"Girl your age, unusual hair colour and provocative dress?" Miyuki asked.
"Yep." Ranma replied.
"Went by in a hurry, didn't see her look around. If you insist on standing in the way could you hand me a small pot of white pepper?" Miyuki said.
"Here. Sorry about that. It's just that they won't stop hounding me." Ranma responded as he handed Miyuki a small pot.
"Really. Who is they?" Miyuki questioned as she motioned for Ranma to follow.
As Miyuki moved from store to store, Ranma explained his problems with his fiancées and their little oddities. Half way through the story, Miyuki had handed several groceries to Ranma. As Ranma was finishing his story, Miyuki added two unplanned items to her groceries. Aspirin and sleeping powder from Ninja'r'us.
"Uhm. Hayawaki-san? Why the sleeping powder? I heard sleeping pills are better." Ranma tentatively ask Miyuki as her face had a stormy expression.
"For unwanted company." Miyuki grumbled in a gravel voice as she looked at the crowd.
"How about some tea?" Miyuki asked Ranma in a grandmotherly voice.
"Sure." Ranma answered apprehensively as he worried about the voice difference.
Leading Ranma to her home, Miyuki set some tea and placed a plate with cookies on the table. Humming a tune, Miyuki swallowed an aspirin and stared outside her kitchen window. Finishing her preparation for the tea, Miyuki carried the pot and two cups to the table.
"I was wondering something about what you told me, Ranma." Miyuki started as she delicately sipped her tea.
"As you stated multiple engagements are illegal. Why did your father keep making these engagement, if he had no intention of fulfilling them?" Miyuki asked.
"Most of the engagement were made to fill his stomach. Some were for money." Ranma answered.
"Greed can be devastating. Most just see what money can do, but there are other items that the greedy can use." Miyuki commented.
"I have a nephew, whom is a family judge. That means he handles cases that deal with family matters, such as custody or domestic violence." Miyuki explained as Ranma looked questioning.
"Occasionally he speaks of what happens in court. What your father did to you was little more than base exploitation and slavery. Should I inform my nephew, he would press charges and strip your father of his parental rights. Two things prevent me from calling my nephew. You have had little chance to make your own decisions and so I feel it would be wrong to do this without your consent. The second reason is that Himura-san has made clear that she has you under her wing." Miyuki continued.
"Under her wing?" Ranma asked.
"As you know she made some effort on your behalf to tell your side of the story. This is how the two of us met. That and her strong defence have convinced me that she considers herself something like a parent to you. And as most parents she attempts to guide you to stand on your own feet." Miyuki answered.
"On my own feet? You mean the lessons in socializing. Challenging me to think for myself and refusing to just give me an answer, just because I asked." Ranma stated in wonder.
"Exactly. Just remember that she is only offering you choices. If you don't want to do something, then you don't have to do it." Miyuki gently interjected.
"And that's what parents are supposed to do? Man, I want to trade in my parents. Neither has done something like that before. Aldo I hardly know my mother." Ranma said, tugging his pigtail.
"As for why I invited you to join me for some tea. Part is to learn more about you, another part is because of what your father did and the final part is because I like you. You remind me of my granddaughter." Miyuki slightly teased as she turned to more serious, for her, matters.
"You haven't told me how you look at the whole engagement business." Miyuki questioned.
"I'm not ready for marriage anytime soon, that's for sure. Kuno Kodachi is plain crazy and I won't touch her with a ten foot pole. Shampoo keeps going on and on about how we are married. She doesn't stop grabbing me, even if I keep asking her not to. Ukyo is ruining one of my favourite memories. A time where I was just playing with a friend, with little care about the rest of the world. A carefree time. Every time she talks about how we are fiancées, she chips off a small piece from the memory. Akane. I'm not sure about Akane anymore. At first I thought we were on the same level, trying to slow down a wedding. Now I'm beginning to think she enjoys hitting me. Everything has to be like she wants. If it isn't, she starts a tantrum. Funny how things seem different from the outside." Ranma said with a sigh.
"What do you mean?" Miyuki softly asked.
"Before I left the dojo. No, before I met Himura-san, I would sometimes wonder if there was something wrong with my life. But those were fleeting moments and they passed quickly. Himura-san forced me to think about what was happening around me with her blunt statements." Ranma smirked ironicaly.
"I guess you could say she gave me the final, little push to realise that there was something wrong with my life." Ranma added with a frown.
"I experienced something similar when I met my husband. I never knew what was lacking from my life, before I met him." Miyuki commented with a smile.
"I am curious about your curse." Miyuki stated as she changed the subject.
"Is the change complete?" Miyuki asked.
"I'm still a boy, despite the change." Ranma stressed in an exasperated voice.
"No, no. What I mean is, do you have a period." Miyuki countered.
"A period? Well, sometimes it takes longer to find some hot water." Ranma said puzzled.
"Have you ever bled from you private parts as a girl?" Miyuki blunted pressed.
"Uh, yeah. These was this time, when I was locked in my girl form. The day before I regained my manhood, I noticed some blood in my boxer. Figured it was from fighting Herb's goons." Ranma answered.
"Did you bleed for a few days? Did you feel bloated, a headache or were your breasts more sensitive?" Miyuki questioned.
"It did last a few days and I did have a slight headache, but that came from Akane's mallet. My breasts did tingle occasionally." Ranma replied, puzzled.
"You never had sexual education, did you?" Miyuki deadpanned.
"You mean stuff about the icky parts? I know you aren't supposed to touch them." Ranma replied with a blush.
"Oh, dear. This may come as something as a shock." Miyuki sighed as she went to fetch some cold water and visual aids.
"I care little what a deranged person claims. He attacked me and attempted to molest me. I have witnesses, whom confirm my story and he has none." Samus declared in a frosty tone.
"Look lady, I'm just trying to do my job. Charges have been filed against you by the Kuno clan. And that is, as they say, that." The officer replied.
"Then I suggest you check with your superiors if their lawyers are prepared for corruption charges." Samus returned evenly.
"We don't take bribes, ma'am." The officer grounded out.
"Your actions tell a different story. I'm pressing charges against Kuno Tatewaki for assault and sexual harassment. Kindly inform you superiors." Samus said, ending the conversation.
Sighing, the officer shook his head and left the property. Samus watch and considered several courses for her to follow. Rubbing her forehead, Samus decided to contact her lawyer for legal advise. A smile appeared as she noticed Ranma approaching the house. The smile faded and a frown appeared as she noted the troubled expression on her face.
"Did something happen?" Samus asked.
"Kinda. I had tea with Hayawaki-san." Ranma replied, distracted
"And?" Samus pressed.
"She told me about sexual education." Ranma answered softly with a deep blush.
"I see and the monthlies?" Samus questioned with a small smile.
Ranma nodded his head and scuffed her feet as Samus ruffled her hair. Samus gently ushered Ranma inside and questioned Ranma about her day.
Samus was taking Ranma and the children on a little shopping trip for new kimono's as they walked passed a fountain.
"Don't see why I should get a kimono for my girl form." Ranma grumbled.
"Because it never hurts to be prepared. For example a social event that requires you to wear a kimono in public and under the sky. How often would water seek you out at inopportune times?" Samus countered.
"Still don't like it." Ranma stated.
"I will not force you, but simply ask of you to consider my request. When we get home we should discuss your girl form in length. I feel strongly about giving you the support needed to come to terms with the constant changes. But that is neither here or now." Samus replied.
"Fine." Ranma curtly said.
"RANMA, PREPARE TO DIE!" Ryouga shouted as he charged.
"Hé, watch it pork-breath. There are children present." Ranma returned as he jumped to the side.
"Indeed there are." Samus added evenly as she pushed the children to safety.
"Stop acting like a sniffling coward and fight me!" Ryouga roared and lunged again.
"Just because I didn't forget about innocent bystanders, doesn't mean that I'm a coward." Ranma stated heatedly.
"Stop making excuses and fight. What kind of man are you?!" Ryouga yelled as he kicked and punched.
"A kind hearted man, who holds to a code of honour. Unlike you." Samus declared in a loud voice.
"What?! Another of your girlfriends Ranma? Have you no decency?" Ryouga ground out.
"He is not the one who endangers little children. He does not make assumptions on some sick imagination, while a simple question would reveal the truth." Samus shot back, earning her a mumble of agreement of the crowd.
"Look lady, Ranma ran away from our fight and turned my life into a living hell. AND I WILL EXACT MY REVENGE FROM HIS BROKEN BODY." Ryouga proclaimed.
"I waited three days, three whole days, for you to show up at the lot behind your house. Pops had to knock me unconscious because I wouldn't leave." Ranma stated in a loud voice to the crowd.
"Save your excuses, we fight!" Ryouga declared and charged Ranma again.
The crowd speculated about this tasty bit of news as Ranma let Ryouga into a spiral, taunting him every step of the way. Ranma signalled Samus to get clear as he prepared his finish his move. With a mocking shout, Ryouga leapt back at the last moment to avoid the trap. The shout swiftly turned into a squeal as Ryouga landed in the fountain.
"Let me guess. He followed to Jusenkyo." Samus deadpanned as she watched a small piglet paddle in the fountain with angry squeals.
"Yep." Ranma returned.
"P-chan!!" A distressed voice called out.
"Can't you stop picking on P-chan, Ranma? Don't worry baby, mommy's here." Akane cooed to Ryouga as she cuddled him.
"Shame on you." Akane shouted at Ranma, before sniffing and walking away with her friends.
"Do tell me if I have got this wrong. Ryouga turns into a piglet. This piglet is the pet of the Tendo fiancée. You knew about Ryouga's other form and did not inform Akane. Either that or she has chosen him as a boyfriend." Samus summarized.
"I made a promise to Ryouga that I wouldn't speak of his curse. A short time later he somehow became Akane's pet. Been trying to clue her in about the curse in a indirect way by calling Ryouga P-chan and other pig names." Ranma sighed as he explained.
"And knowing Ryouga's character, any attempt to persuade him to 'come clean' has been wasted." Samus deduced.
"Yeah. And Akane just doesn't seem to grasp the situation and keeps blaming me for picking on her 'beloved' pet. Even if the pet is the one attacking me." Ranma sneered, before stopping short and considered his reaction.
"And how does she treat Ryouga in human form?" Samus questioned.
"Nice, I guess. She doesn't hit him at least." Ranma answered.
"One might wonder if the girl knows the secret of her pet and is hiding her knowledge. Given that she hits you without any reason other than her base amusement and treats Ryouga like her boyfriend, this is a real possibility. Of course Akane could be so ignorant about the rest of the world that she is unable to grasp the truth." Samus stated with a slightly raised voice for the benefit of the eavesdropping crowd.
"Then I'm hoping for the ignorant option. IF she knows about Ryouga, but still allows him in her bedroom to sleep with her, then I don't want anything to do with her again." Ranma declared firmly.
"Does anyone else from the Tendo dojo know about Ryouga?" Samus asked.
"Tendo-san knows, which means my dad does. Kasumi doesn't miss much of what happens in the house. Don't really know about Nabiki or mom." Ranma answered.
"Are any of them under a oath of secrecy?" Samus shrewdly asked.
"Nope. As far as I know they haven't told Akane. I figured that Kasumi should have at the very least as she keeps going on and on about proper behaviour. Fathers just want to use the situation to inspire jealousy." Ranma replied as he caught on to the thought patterns of Samus.
"Given how the Tendo clan keeps harping about honour, it comes as a surprise that they have let a dishonourable situation go on like this for so long." Samus sadly said, shaking her head.
Shrugging his shoulders to show his inability to give a good reason in defense of the Tendo's, Ranma followed Samus as they continued on their way. Casually glancing around, Ranma noted that no one was near enough to hear a whispered conversation.
"So, what exactly were we doing back there? I know we were trying to influence these people, but for what purpose?" Ranma whispered.
"We are slowly presenting your side of the story to the people of Nerima. Changing public opinion is a slow process that should be handled with care. Basically we are establishing your integrity and honour, while denouncing the more damaging perceptions, such as honourless." Samus whispered back.
"Here we are." Samus said in a more normal tone and dragged Ranma into a clothes store.
"I don't mind taking a break from everything and enjoying a day at an festival, but why as girl?" Ranma whined as she continued her grumbling about the unfairness of it all.
"Because rain was predicted." Samus replied with a smirk as she held the hands of the children.
"What's wrong with being a girl, auntie Ranma?" Natasha asked with narrowed eyes.
"Nothing if you were born as one." Ranma grumbled in answer.
"Then there is no problem." Natasha declared with a firm nod of her head.
Ranma just sighed and glared at the amused looks of her companions.
"Remember what we talked about, young one." Samus interjected.
"I agree that I need to get used to my girl form, but that doesn't mean I have to like it." Ranma returned.
"If you do not like it, then do not do it." Samus shrugged.
"My life and my choice. You don't always get what you like, so I might as well get used to it. Besides, I haven't found a cure yet, so it would be better to get used to the curse." Ranma said.
"Just do not forget that we will support your choice, acceptance of the curse or not." Hans stated, earning a thanking nod from Ranma.
The group browsed the different stalls at the festival, buying candy for the children and Ranma as they went. Andre and Ranma tested their strength and hand-eye coordination with the various games. Laughing, the children did their best to emulate the results of the two as they joined them in the games. The group had their picture taken, before they set out for lunch. After lunch the group continued browsing until an interruption occurred.
"And why are you dressed like that, my son?" Nodoka asked with a deep frown.
"Finally come to apologies, boy? About time." Genma added, causing Ranma to pause in her response.
"I'll have you know this kimono is the latest fashion. Personally I like how it emphasizes my femininity." Ranma replied in a feminine tone, showing off her kimono.
"Say what?" Genma bellowed in alarm as the rest of his group stared at Ranma.
"Pervert would like it." Akane mumbled darkly.
"I'm not the one sleeping with a pig." Ranma shot back, glaring.
"Sorry to interrupt such a pleasant conversation, but I do believe we can spend our time better elsewhere than to waste it exchange insults." Samus interjected, with a meaningful glance at the children.
"I agree. Now explain why you are a girl, my son." Nodoka stated as she re-entered the discussion.
"Cause rain is expected and I don't want to keep changing my clothes every time I change." Ranma replied with a shrug.
"More important is the apology you owe Akane. Are you prepare to give it to her? Remember that you're not allowed in my home until you do." Soun threatened with a glare.
"What reason is there for me to enter you home? Other than the fact that you hold onto my backpack." Ranma replied evenly.
"Foolish boy! Your fiancée lives there as will you when you marry her." Genma shouted.
"Kindly mind your language and keep the volume down." Andre softly stated in a cold voice as he towered over Genma.
"Who said I would ever marry that little girl? I certainly didn't." Ranma said with narrowed eyes.
"And that proves your lack of honor. Can't even depend on him to honour a family agreement." Kasumi sniffed.
"How often has Akane broken the engagement, in front of a large crowd?" Ranma questioned, gesturing to the gathering crowd to emphasise his point.
"If Akane has broken the engagement, on several occasions at that, then Ranma is no longer bound by the agreement. An agreement which Akane failed to honour. And what fiancée consistently abuses her future husband?" Samus pointed out.
"This is a matter between the Tendo clan and the Saotome clan. Please stay out of this." Soun declared with support from Kasumi and Nodoka.
"I consider Ranma a son. Which makes it my business." Samus firmly said.
"A son? Aren't you a bit young to be his mother." Nabiki joked.
"I took care of 23 children simultaneously for the last 8 years, this started when I was but 11 years old. That speaks volumes about my qualifications." Samus frostily returned.
"And I'm staying at her home and have accepted her as my sensei. Which gives her a voice in this matter about my honour." Ranma added with a glare at Soun.
"We're talking about an engagement and not Ranma's honour." Genma replied, ignoring Nabiki's attempts to shush him.
"My honour has been brought into question by Kasumi. I don't have the necessary honour to fulfil the engagement as I understand it." Ranma said.
"So far I have heard you all question my honour, but I have heard little proof. Nor have I been given proper answers certain questions." Ranma continued.
"What questions?" Nabiki wearily asked.
"Questions about Akane's honour. She broke a promise, which was allowed. She accuses me of being a pervert, when she walks in on me as I am taking a bath. And those are a few examples about her honour." Ranma stated in a lecturing tone to the crowds.
"Don't try to blame me for your own shortcomings, pervert." Akane yelled.
"What proof do you have that I'm a pervert? Give proper examples and not just yelled accusations." Ranma demanded, pointing his finger at Akane.
"You saw me naked. You keep doing perverted things with that hussy in front of me." Akane returned.
"When did I see you naked? What perverted things did I supposedly do?" Ranma relentlessly pressed.
"You keep lewdly rubbing your body against that hussy. And you saw me naked in the bath." Akane declared.
"You call a hug an act of perversion? And who was in the bath and who entered?" Ranma asked.
"That doesn't matter, you saw me naked." Akane replied angrily.
"It does, if you walked in on me. Besides what's the harm in girls seeing girls, unless your interests are in that direction." Ranma taunted.
"ARGGHHH!!!" Akane howled as she swung her mallet.
"None of that, thank you. Typical. She could not prove her right with words, so she resorted to fists like an ordinary brawler." Samus stated calmly as she recovered from her rabbit punch in the sternum of Akane.
"My baby?!" Soun exclaimed as Akane sagged to the ground, coughing.
"Didn't see that one coming." Nabiki blinked.
"There is the matter of your debt, Ranma. Unlike my family, I'm more than willing to acknowledge that you have honor. Enough honor to recognise that you owe the Tendo clan a debt." Nabiki smirked.
"Uhm, Himura-san? Can you take it from here? I don't think I'm ready to take Nabiki on with words." Ranma tentatively asked as he nervously looked at Nabiki's grin.
"As you wish." Samus answered and looked expectantly at Nabiki.
"What?" Nabiki asked as she looked between Ranma and Samus.
"What is this debt you speak of?" Samus requested as her opening move.
"Ranma stay for an extended period under our roof, eating our food and returned nothing. Since his arrival, our expenses for repairs and supplies have increased. His stay was under the pretext of a pending marriage. As he will not marry into the Tendo clan, there remains the debt for the hospitality, and trouble his presence caused, to be settled." Nabiki stated.
"I'll admit a debt exists, but not Ranma owes this debt." Samus replied evenly.
"And how do you figure that?" Nabiki questioned with amused smile.
"Food and lodging is part of common courtesy and tradition forbids the host to request anything in return. Should it be necessary, the host can ask the guest or guests to contribute to take care of the house. No request was made to Ranma or Genma." Samus answered.
"The damages caused to your home might be because Ranma resided there, but should the blame not be placed upon the culprit? If someone attack Ranma and destroys a wall, how is this Ranma's fault? Ranma did not ask to be attacked and he did not intent the wall to be destroyed. Restitution should be demanded from the offender and not the victim." Samus continued.
"Finally, I point out the events that lead to the near death experience of Akane sometime ago. Ranma placed his own life at stake to save the life of Akane. A life debt is owed to Ranma for this. And how does the Tendo clan repay this debt? By scorn, baseless accusation and abuse. That shows whom has honor and whom has not." Samus concluded with a flourish.
"Ranma's presence has placed Akane's life into danger. Without him she wouldn't have been exposed to that situation." Nabiki returned.
"If you feel your family and clan is better off without Ranma as a member, then why insist on this marriage?" Samus countered smugly.
"Alright break it up, break it up. This is a festival, people are to amuse themselves with games, jokes and other such things. Let's not have a shouting match, which disrupts the enjoyment of the other guests." An official interjected as he moved to interfere.
"As you wish. Another time then." Samus said to Nabiki with a smile.
Grumbling the two groups separated and went their own way. Encouraging Ranma to forget the argument for the moment and to enjoy herself, Samus led her group in search for some entertainment. Akane's group had a more glum evening as their resentment about the argument festered.
Ranma was walking down a street back to the Himura home from school as he was hailed.
"Excuse me, Saotome-san. I need your help." Sato Umi called out.
"What can I do?" Ranma questioned as he approached Umi.
"My son works at a store in the down town area and lately his store keeps getting robbed by a gang. The police isn't doing anything about it and I was hoping you would, being a Martial Artist." Umi said.
"Sure, I'm glad to help. A Martial Artist duty is to protect those that can't. Why doesn't the police do something about it?" Ranma wondered.
"I'm not sure. They only take a few statements. Why, my son even pointed out several members of the gang as they were sitting mockingly across the street. The police just nodded their heads, talked a bit with the gang members and left. Doing absolutely nothing as they beat up my son, behind their backs." Umi answered indignantly.
"I see. I'll get on it right away." Ranma replied and bounded away after getting the address.
Ranma made swift progress and quickly found the store. Hearing several crashes from inside, he entered the store ready for a confrontation. The seven gang members were easy to spot as was the Martial Artist whom stood protectively in front of the employees with a bokken at the ready.
"Is this a private party or can anyone join?" Ranma stated with a arrogant smirk to provoke the gang members.
"Oh, look. Another chop-chop dancer." A gang member taunted as he idly flicked his chain around.
"Saotome Ranma of the Saotome Anything Goes Martial Arts school." Ranma formally stated.
"Masaki Akira of the Masaki Kendo School." Akira returned formally.
"I don't care if you were the emperor himself. Nobody gets in our way and doesn't get hurt." The apparent leader sneered as he signaled his boys.
"Saotome? The best in all of Nerima. You youngsters picked the wrong fight today." The elderly owner chuckled dryly.
The gang member with the chain snorted and swung his chain at Ranma. Ranma caught the chain with a blank look and yanked. His curse cut off, the gang member flew towards Ranma and was kicked to the side by him. Shrugging off their surprise the other gang members moved to the two Martial Artists. Two went for Akira and the rest charged Ranma. Grinning evilly, Ranma sprung into action. Not taking any chances, Ranma broke the arm of a knife barring gang member and kick a second on in the face. Ranma taunted the remaining two gang members by dodging with a minimum of clearing space as they tried to brain him with their clubs. Not wanting to waste anymore time, Ranma moved to end his fight. Grabbing an arm into a hold, Ranma forced the gang member to drop his club, before he was thrown into his college. Dusting his hands, Ranma check if Akira was alright.
As Ranma was fighting the four thugs, Akira had been holding his own against his two opponents. With a devious flick, Akira disarmed a gang member and knock him unconscious. Swiftly getting into a defensive stance, Akira met the charge of the leader with cold fury. As the fight progressed and Ranma finished his fight, it was becoming obvious that Akira had the upper hand. Entering a complex combination, Akira lured the leader into a trap and quickly struck as a opening presented itself. Taking a deep breath, Akira straightened himself as Ranma clapped in respect for the move.
"Nice move. Not much of a fight do." Ranma commented.
"They did seem to rely on numbers." Akira returned, glancing at the gang members.
"Got any rope to tie these jokers up with?" Ranma asked the employees.
"That we do." The owner said with a big grin and instructed his staff in tying the gang members up.
As Ranma and Akira exited the store, they were confronted by a crowd. Surprised, the two Martial Artists accepted the applause and cheers from the crowds with a bow. A representative of the shop owners extensively thanked the two men as they waited for the police to arrive.
"Which one of you broke this mans arm?" The police officer questioned after he finished checking out the scene.
"I did." Ranma answered.
"Name, please." The officer requested.
"Saotome Ranma." Ranma replied.
"Always figured you would make a mistake one of these days. You're under arrest for assault." The officer declared causing a disgruntled response from the crowd.
"HE WAS DOING YOUR JOB!!" A man shouted from the crowd.
"Officer, I must protest. Saotome-san was protecting the employees of this store from those thugs." The representative stated, pointing at the gang members.
"Those youngsters tried to rob my store and you try to arrest one of the men who stopped them? What is this world coming to?!" The owner added heatedly.
"What these men told me was that they were minding their business, trying to buy some thing from this store, when they were attack by Saotome." The officer returned.
"I can show you the video tapes, showing what these youngsters were really doing." The owner said.
"I don't need to see any tape." The officer dismissed with a wave of his hand.
"Those thugs are the offenders here, not Saotome-san." Akira stated in defense of Ranma.
"Alright, enough. Stop trying to reason with him. The police has made absolutely clear, despite numerous witnesses, that I am once again to blame." Ranma shouted.
"It would appear Sato-san was correct about the ineffectiveness of the police. As I understand it there have been many complaints filed with the police about several members of a certain gang. Complaints with which the police does nothing. Face with this, we must ask ourselves a troubling question." Ranma continued his speech to the crowd.
"Is the inactivity of the police cause by fear or were they bribed by this gang to stay out of their affairs?" Ranma concluded as he pointed accusingly at the frowning officer.
"IF this officer wants to arrest Saotome-san, then he will have to arrest me as well! I helped in besting these thugs." Akira added in a shout as he stood beside Ranma.
"He's right! The police has done nothing." A shout rang out from the crowd.
"Why hasn't the police done anything." A question was yelled at the officer.
"Saotome is right! The police has sold us out!" Another voice added to the confusion.
"Maybe they're just afraid." Someone returned.
"Quiet please." The representative shouted waving his hands.
"I will not allow Saotome-san to be arrested for a crime, he didn't commit." The representative stated as he moved in front of Ranma.
"Nor will I." The owner added as he joined the representative.
Several other people stepped forward, declaring their support. The crowd started shouting questions and accusations at the officer, whom looked more troubled as the crowd got more agitated. Ranma was the one calling for silence this time.
"So, officer. Whom would you believe? Those seven thugs or all these people?" Ranma accused.
"It would seem I have little choice, but to drop the charges against you, Saotome." The officer drawled out in a fake unconcerned voice as his eyes darted across the crowd.
"And the thugs?" The owner pressed.
"Are you pressing charges against them?" The officer returned.
"YES! Harassment, theft and assaulting an employee." The owner declared.
"Very well. I'll take them into custody." The officer reluctantly replied and moved to cuff the gang members.
As the officer called for a van to transport his prisoners, the crowd slowly dispersed on the urgings of Ranma and Akira. The crowd still discussed their displeasure for the police as it broke up. As the van finally left and the last of the crowd moved on to other business, Ranma let out a big sigh.
"You know. That was the first time I used my public speech lessons. Wasn't to sure that it would work." Ranma admitted to Akire and invited him for some tea.