Chapter 5 – We made good headway with the subjects in the discussions, once someone pointed out the right direction.
"How is Aki doing?" Ranma conversationally asked as he sipped his tea.
"Not bad. She's in the stage where she wants odd food at the worst of times." Masaki Akira replied with a tolerant smile.
"Hello young ones." Samus greeted as she entered in a business suit.
"Hi, Himura-san. Meet Masaki Akira of the Masaki Kendo School." Ranma introduced.
"Hi, Ma'am." Akira added with a short bow.
"Welcome to my home. I am Aran-Himura Samus." Sames returned with a bow.
"I probably should tell you now about the trouble." Ranma idly stated.
"That you still have no sense of humor?" Samus deadpanned.
"That too. Sato-san asked me to do something about a gang, whom had molested her son, as the police refused to do anything. I set out to the mentioned store and found several members engaging in their usual activities at the scene. Masaki-san was already present and stood defensively in front the besieged employees. After the usual banter between good and evil, the interesting part started. Without much difficulty, good triumphed over evil and detained the culprits for the swift response of justice." Ranma orated.
"Withhold the colorful narration and just state the facts. More practice is needed before you can perform as a storyteller." Samus interjected.
"Fine. Everybody is a critic." Ranma replied with a grin.
"We beat up the thugs and tied them up for the police. A crowd was waiting for us as Masaki-san and I exited the building. I liked the part where we got applause. After waiting a few minutes, the police finally arrived. The officer talked with the thugs and questioned us about a broken arm. When I admitted to breaking it, the officer tried to arrest me for assault and he was rather smug about it. The crowd and store owner objected to this as I broke the arm defending the store. The officer wasn't listening, even as the owner offered to show some tapes, and insisted on my arrest. I responded with a speech about the credibility of the police and succeeded in getting the crowd to confront the officer about his conduct. This left the officer with little choice but to arrest the thugs and leave. I invited Masaki-san for some tea and got back here." Ranma continued in a serious tone.
"What did you say in your speech?" Samus asked.
"That the officer wasn't interested in listening, that the police had received complaints and did nothing. I question the bravery of the police and wondered if a bribe was accepted." Ranma answered, counting the point off his fingers.
"I just got back from my lawyer." Samus muttered as she pinched the bridge of her nose.
"Such accusations are a serious matter and I am expecting a serious response." Samus stated.
"What are they going to do? Arrest me?" Ranma questioned.
"Probably. Inciting a riot, disrupting the public order, assault and insulting a officer of the law. Those are just the charges I can think off in such a short period. You said Sato-san asked for your help?" Samus replied.
"Yeah. She stopped me as I was walking back from school." Ranma said.
"What do you want to do about this? Do you want to handle this yourself or should I take matters into my hands?" Samus asked.
"I don't have the experience to really do something useful and there are others at stake in this affair. This is very serious and I get the feeling we only will get one chance to do this right. I think it would be better if you took care of this." Ranma reluctantly admitted, giving his answer hesitantly.
"Then we have three objectives. One, we prepare a defense for any charges against Ranma. Two, we gather all the complaints and build a case against the police. Three, we organize a neighborhood protection service with the help from the dojo's. I will contact Sato-san and several other prominent members of the community to discuss this more thoroughly." Samus planned.
"I can help with getting the dojo's to join." Akira added confidently.
"I'll help anyway I can." Ranma stated his support.
"Then lets get busy, young ones. We have a lot of work to do." Samus declared.
"I'm telling you, we need to do something about the police and the gangs. My son was brutally beaten by a gang and the police just stood there, doing nothing. I fear, if this isn't stopped, that deaths will follow." Sato Umi fiercely declared as she placed her cup on the table.
"As most here know I live in the shopping district of Nerima. My husband owns several stores in the district. All of our stores have been robed by two gangs and the police still hasn't caught the criminals, despite video evidence. The one time a store was robed by a non-gang member, the police had caught the criminal within a day. If that doesn't prove that the police is corrupted, then I don't know what is." Aori Ryumi pointed out.
"Ladies. I remind you that at the moment we only have unrelated evidence that the police is corrupted. Several cases, which we have collected, point to corruption, but no hard evidence is present. The police could claim that they are investigating the gangs and are building a case against them for multiple crimes, which would be the reason for not acting sooner." Samus cautioned.
"Samus is right. We need to focus on getting evidence and protecting the people of Nerima. These gangs are a problem for everyone and we need to put them out of business." Hayawaki Miyuki conceded.
"The suggested patrol system should lessen the influence of the gangs during the night. The students at my dojo would gladly help. I would suggest that we also incorporate a call service when there is trouble." Motoboshi Kurama said, getting down to business.
"Yes, we need to make a system for the Guards of Nerima. It would have to be tailored so that Nerima is sufficiently protected, day and night. Communications is an important part, as is a regulations manual. Just because we are going to police ourselves, doesn't mean we can do what we like." Miyuki replied.
"I have a suggestion for communications. A central phone number for incoming calls, so information about criminal activities is properly documented and it allows the nearest response team to be directed to the scene. Head-sets will allow teams to stay in contact, with each other and with 'home' base." Samus suggested.
"We could divide the rooster into a day schedule and a night schedule. At night patrols would walk the street. At day we would have teams on stand-by, waiting for a call. Some patrols should also occur during the day at busy streets as a preventive measure." Umi added to the discussion.
"A general outline of the schedule should be sufficient to inform volunteers and the people of Nerima. A specific schedule would have to wait until we have a definite list of volunteers for the teams." Kurama mused.
"Chapman-san will be able to make a proper schedule for both the night and day shift. He is an experienced security officer and has served in a military organization before he joined my clan." Samus offered.
"Chapman-san will make the schedule, based on the suggestions of Sato-san and Motoboshi-san. What suggestions are there for finding evidence of police corruption or incompetence?" Miyuki decided as she moved on to the next item on the agenda.
"I'm worried, Saotome. Your son still hasn't apologized to my daughter and as far as I can tell, this will not happen anytime soon." Soun complained.
"I know, Tendo. I know. That miserable son of mine has forgotten his place. He has to be set straight." Genma replied heatedly as he moved a shogi piece.
"The joining of the schools is in danger as long as Ranma stays away from this house. We need to think of something, Saotome." Soun whined.
"Ranma will do as honor dictates. We'll confront him after school, Tendo. He will be forced to submit to our wishes, when we confront him on his honor." Genma declared, striking a dramatic pose and allowing Soun to quickly move several pieces.
As the two separate meeting progress, Ranma is suppressing a yawn. Getting to know stuff about dead people wasn't at the top of Ranma's 'I would like to learn about this' list. Especially when the dead guys weren't even Martial Artists.
"Leonardo DaVince was renowned for his inventions, which were centuries ahead of its time." The teacher droned.
"Saotome, since you seem to know the facts already, why don't you come up here and teach the class." The teacher declared as he caught Ranma yawning.
"Sorry, sensei. Been busy these past few days, trying to catch up on the material. I admit that anything not related to Martial Arts is hard to learn for me as I find those subject boring, even if some parts are important. Such as the World Wars. Droning the facts in an even voice doesn't help me either." Ranma admitted.
"If I may make a suggestion. How about having a discussion about this Leonardo Davins? We could discuss his inventions, their impact on history and what inventions are based on his work. Kind of like talking about kata's, what you use the kata's for and what was developed from those kata's." Ranma tentatively suggested, cutting the teachers retort off.
"An interesting idea, but no. Not in this class. As you have been making an effort in your studies, I'll allow this transgression to pass without any serious consequences. You'll be required to file a ten paged script on the suggested discussion with a list of subjects as an extra homework assignment. You'll hand in the script in three days and we'll have the discussion in the following class. So pay attention to the lecture as a source for the script." The teacher replied.
"Yes, sensei." Ranma grumbled as he prepare a fresh page on his notepad.
As the bell sounded, ending the class, Ranma was still grumbling about the extra assignment. Grabbing his bento, Ranma moved to exit the room and have some much expected lunch at his usual spot. Another person had other idea's about Ranma's plans.
"Where do you think you're going, pervert? You still have to give me an apology." Akane demanded.
"None of your business, Tendo." Ranma coldly replied after suppressing a slight tremor.
"IT is my business, pervert. Apologies, NOW!" Akane shouted.
"Why? For not bowing and scraping like everybody else? For not worshiping the ground you walk on?" Ranma vented, becoming more irritated by Akane's attitude.
"If anyone should get an apology, then I should get it." Ranma continued with a huff.
"You?!" Akane snorted, shifting uncertainly.
"Me. My first lesson in sexual education was a few days ago. Nobody ever taught me what perverted was and there you were accusing me of being a pervert, when I didn't know what that meant." Ranma stated in a even voice as a small crowd gathered.
"You walked in on me as I was taking a bath. You keep calling me a pervert without proving it." Ranma accused, angrily pointing a finger at Akane.
"You change in a girl. I don't know what horrible things you're doing to her, but it has to be perverted." Akane sputtered.
"Ain't it called self-satisfaction if you play with yourself? My body, my affairs. What I hear is that lots of girls do it, as do boys. Not a perverted thing about it if it is done in private, according to Hayawaki Miyuki." Ranma declared.
"Hayawaki Miyuki?" Sayuri asked.
"She's the one who gave me my first lesson in sexual education." Ranma admitted, fighting a blush.
"Adding more girl to your harem, pervert?" Akane sneered.
"Auntie isn't a harem girl. I'll have you know that auntie's husband is head of the Nerima counsel. A lot of woman come to auntie for aid and advice." A girl indignantly interjected.
"That's right, Hayawaki-san is a respected member of the community. I heard she organized that fund-raiser for the orphanage, last year." Another girl supported.
"I say you are a pervert by what you do and how you behave. I haven't done anything perverted, so far. In fact I would say the pervert is you, Akane, you keep saying something perverted is going on. I never knew you had such a dirty mind." Ranma chortled and walked away, leaving a fuming Akane behind.
Ranma stormed to his usual spot under the tree, ignoring the gossiping around him as he sat down. Eating his lunch, Ranma did some breathing exercises to calm himself. Hiroshi and Daisuke signaled Ranma for permission to join him. Nodding his head, Ranma waved his friends over.
"Man, you have got to be one of the craziest person alive. Akane broke two desks after you left." Hiroshi said as he sat down.
"She would've started on us boys, if Hinako-sensei hadn't stopped her." Daisuke added as he opened his bento.
"I don't know what's worse, her temper or her lack of control." Ranma replied, shaking his head.
"Control." His two friends answered without hesitation.
"Nothing wrong with getting angry, but hitting people just because your angry is wrong." Daisuke continued.
"Not to mention that she attacks non-Martial Artists during her tantrums." Hiroshi supported.
"We keep hearing her proclamations about how a Martial Artist should behave, defend the weak and all that. Haven't seen her act like a Martial Artist behaves and those standards were introduced by Akane herself." Hiroshi stated.
"A bully first class." Daisuke concurred.
"Lets not go there, okay? Besides it's trained bully." Ranma replied with a smirk.
Exchanging grins, the boys finished lunch and discussed recent sports events. A more serious tone entered the conversation as a gang was mentioned. They were briefly interrupted as Sayuri asked to follow Hiroshi for a private word with him.
"So, Ranma. I heard you beat up a few guys yesterday." Daisuke queried after a short moment.
"I'm not surprised you would beat up some innocent guys to 'prove' what kind of man you are." Sayuri sniffed as she and Hiroshi returned.
"Those 'innocent' guys were part of a notorious gang. They were robbing a store down town." Daisuke shot back with a frown.
"Yes, I beat up several guys yesterday." Ranma admitted with a flat glare at Sayuri.
"And yes, they were harassing employees of a store. Masaki-san and I intervened." Ranma concluded, turning to Daisuke.
"Who do you think you are? A hero?" Sayuri sneered.
"Let the police handle the criminals. Nobody likes a vigilante." Sayuri continued.
"The police watched as several gang members took turns in beating the son of Sato-san. The police hasn't lifted a finger to do anything and I mean anything, against the gangs." Ranma returned evenly.
"He's right, Sayuri." Hiroshi added.
"Stay out of this, Hiroshi." Sayuri replied with a cold voice and glare.
"Are you saying you don't want to be my boyfriend anymore?" Sayuri continued as Hiroshi opened his mouth to respond.
"Sato Yugi is a friend of mine. I told you about what happened to him and what the police didn't do." Hiroshi grounded out in frustration.
"If you are forcing me to choose between my friends and you, then I choose my friends. They aren't trying to live my life for me." Hiroshi growled and turned his back to Sayuri.
"Hiroshi?" Sayuri stammered in disbelief.
"We have nothing further to say to each other, Sayuri-san." Hiroshi stated in a dead voice.
"I can see why you're a friend of Akane. You both use a kind façade to hide a cruel personality." Ranma stated standing between them, glaring at Sayuri.
"You and your friends always liked to play with other people's emotions for your own entertainment. Good riddance I say." Daisuke added as he closed ranks with his friends, patting the back of his friend.
Leaving in tears, Sayuri ran towards the school.
"Sorry, buddy. I know you really liked her." Daisuke said.
"Yeah." Hiroshi whispered in a dead voice, a tear falling down to the ground.
"Are you going to be okay, Hiroshi?" Ranma tentatively asked.
"Not for some time." Hiroshi replied with a sigh.
"We're here for you, buddy." Daisuke stated with Ranma adding his support.
Ranma walked home in a slightly negative mood. He was considering what had happened to Hiroshi during school. He didn't like how Hiroshi was treated, much like him in fact. He could only wonder how something as precious as a relationship was twisted into this mockery.
Entering the Himura home, Ranma pushed his thoughts aside as he picked up a vibe from within the house. Trusting his instincts, Ranma geared up for a fight. Mind and senses alert, Ranma silently moved towards the voices he could hear. Peering slowly into the room, Ranma held his breath as he scanned the room. Suppressing a shudder, he slowly moved into the room at Samus gesture. Noting the serious atmosphere, he kept his mouth shut.
"Chapman-san, have we discussed everything needed for the patrols?" Miyuki asked politely.
"I believe we have covered everything and all the possible scenario's." Andre replied.
"Are you sure that we should combine the information gathering with the introduction of our group?" Umi questioned.
"Yes, we introduce ourselves to the people of Nerima and show we are serious by collecting their complaints and any useful information they might have. By acting on this information we further prove how serious we are in this duty." Andre answered.
"Which brings us to a short summary before the end of this meeting." Miyuki stated.
"Chapman-san will organize and head the Guards of Nerima. Night patrols will be divided in 4 hours shifts in 4 sectors. During the day teams will be stationed at 'hot spots', places likely to be robed, and at a central point to respond to in coming calls. A number will be made available for information and emergency calls. Our guards will also ask around for information and will collect further evidence about the corruption of the police. The members that are lawyers will process the information and complaints and will build a case to use in court. We will hold regular meetings to discuss our progress." Miyuki summarized.
"I will finish these notes and send them to you all. I will also make a small folder for distribution and the regulations book for the volunteers." Samus added.
"And that concludes this meeting." Miyuki finished.
As most women started to exchange pleasantries, Ranma approached Chapman and volunteered himself for the patrols, before asking about the details of the meeting. They were briefly interrupted by Samus as she introduced Ranma to her guests. After the introduction Samus continued to explain why Ranma was present in her house, Miyuki and Umi added their endorsement. Finally ending the pleasant conversation after half an hour, Samus started writing out the notes of the meeting as she motioned Ranma to take his turn to cook. Grumbling goodheartedly, Ranma set out to cook dinner.
The next day, Ranma joined Samus and Hans as they went to court as he was a witness. Grumbling, Ranma occasionally complained about the fact he would have to testify as a boy and as a girl. Finally taking action, Samus countered his grumbling by asking if he wanted to get a dress for his girl side to wear in court. This kept Ranma quiet for a few minutes before he started grumbling again.
Stifling a laugh, Hans started asking Ranma questions to take his mind of his testimony. Giving a wry smile to the antics of the males, Samus greeted her lawyer and started discussing the trail and their evidence. Strategies and counter strategies were discussed on their way to court. Taking a deep breath, the group enter the courtroom and moved towards their places. The lawyers of Kuno went first in their opening statements.
"As my esteemed colleges, representing the Kuno clan, have made abundantly clear, a great part of this trail is about respect and honor. Two concepts which hold little, if any, meaning to Kuno Tatewaki. During this trail the defense will prove, beyond reasonable doubt, that not only is my client innocent of the charges, but that she is the victim in this situation. I intent to show this court documents and video evidence to support my claims. I have nothing further to say in my opening statement, thank you." Kobe Shin stated with a short formal bow, after delivering his speech.
Tatewaki was the first to be called into the witness stand. Being his pompous self, Tatewaki spun a tale about his supposed greatness and how his arm got tragically wounded. Confidently smirking, Tatewaki waited for the defense to start questioning him.
"Kuno Tatewaki. You stated you consider yourself a role model and champion for other people. Do you deny attacking my client?" Shin asked.
"She slighted my honor, a reprimand was called for." Tatewaki arrogantly answered.
"In other words, yes, you attacked my client. Do you consider yourself above the law?" Shin questioned.
"I follow the law to the letter." Tatewaki stated, offended.
"Your honor, is there a point to this questioning?" A lawyer for Kuno asked.
"Yes, there is and we're about to get there. Was there a proper challenge made to my client?" Shin pressed Tatewaki.
"I informed her of my intentions of punishing her, as was my right for the slight against my honor." Tatewaki sneered.
"No challenge then." Shin deadpanned.
"Your honor." Kuno's lawyer said, raising his hands in a questioning manner.
"You will stay on topic, Kobe-san." The judge admonished.
"To recap what you just said. You attack my client without a proper challenge, because you felt offended by some slight, imagined or otherwise." Shin stated.
"Kobe-san. You have already been warned to stay on topic. Keep your questions to the relevant facts." The judge admonished again.
"Your honor, is the credibility of a witness important to case?" Shin questioned.
"Yes it is. Why are you asking such a question?" The judge replied.
"Because my questions are to establish the credibility of this witness and you seem determined to accept his testimony without question." Shin said with a raised eyebrow.
"Are you implying that I'm being partial in this case." The judge growled.
"Just wondering why the credibility of this witness is not tested as is the norm, your honor." Shin shrewdly responded.
"What facts are you trying to bring forward that this witness isn't creditable?" The judge sighed.
"Lack of honor, a history of molestations and a history of twisting facts to fit into his personal world view." Shin replied without hesitation.
"Your honor, neither my clients honor or credibility is at question here. Rather it is Himura-san, who has to prove her innocence." Kuno lawyer interjected.
"Considering that the charges are based largely upon your clients offended honor, I have little choice but to allow this line of questioning. You still need to prove that your client isn't guilty of the charges brought against her. Credibility or not, if Kuno-san was indeed assaulted by your client, then she will be held accountable according to the law." The judge reprimanded both lawyers.
"Thank you, your honor." Shin bowed.
"Kuno-san, about two years ago you were responsible for a rather strange situation. Didn't you and several other boys attempted to assault a girl going to your school? A girl named Tendo Akane?" Shin asked.
"That was a mere challenge to determine whom would be allowed to date my lovely tigress." Kuno stated.
"Challenge? Could you explain this challenge?" Shin continued.
"Only one capable of defeating the fierce tigress is worthy of dating the fair Tendo Akane. As I realized this, I spoke to my fellow students and organized the challengers. Every morning, until the arrival of that accursed sorcerer Saotome, we fought with Tendo Akane to prove our worth. Alas even I, the great Kuno Tatewaki, was unable to best the fierce tigress." Tatewaki dramatically proclaimed.
"Did Tendo Akane agree to this 'challenge' verbally? Did her sensei or family agree to this and do you have proof of this on paper as is the custom?" Shin pressed.
"One had to take but one look at my fierce tigress to know she approved and as her intended I had every right to do so." Tatewaki answered.
"Was Saotome Ranma not the fiancée of Tendo Akane? This verbal contract between the Tendo clan and the Saotome clan stated that their clans would join when a son of the Saotome clan would wed a daughter of the Tendo clan. As I understand it Tendo Akane was the chosen daughter to represent the Tendo clan. Either you had a secret betrothal to Tendo Akane, which was canceled by this predating contract, or you never were the intended of Tendo Akane." Shin stated.
"Blatant lies!!! Tis but a carefully constructed lie of that foul sorcerer Saotome. The love between my fierce tigress and I was preordained by the very gods themselves!!!" Tatewaki thundered.
"And what of these witness reports and taps, which clearly state that Tendo Akane does not want to do associate with you." Shin replied.
"A foul spell by the trice cursed Saotome." Tatewaki growled.
"I would like to mention to the court that some of the testimonies and tapes are from before the arrival of Saotome-san in Nerima." Shin pointed out.
"I have in my possession a report about how you harassed two girls at the same time. Do you deny this, Kuno-san?" Shin continued.
"I have harassed no one." Tatewaki stated.
"So you did not bother Tendo Akane or Saotome Ranko, starting two years ago until today?" Shin asked.
"Why would I bother my love? And whom is this Saotome Ranko you speak off? Another damsel caught in the sorcerers hands?" Tatewaki pondered.
"His sister. You kept calling her, the pigtailed goddess." Shin deadpanned.
"Ah!? The pigtailed goddess. To think such a lovely creature is forced to do unspeakable acts with her own brother. How she must suffer so." Tatewaki wept reverently.
"Right. Back to the question. Have you harassed either of these girls?" Shin said, trying to pretend he didn't have a sweat drop at the back of his head.
"How could I harass the two loves of my life? Nay, they welcome my embrace even as they fight the evil control placed on them by the foul sorcerer." Tatewaki proclaimed, setting off a series of groans from his lawyers.
"Isn't that two timing? Trying to date two girls at the same time, I mean?" Shin questioned.
"Normal limitations that plague the commoners do not apply to a scion of the noble house of Kuno. My love and greatness is sufficient to allow me multiple women as was with the samurai of old." Tatewaki chuckled, wiping a bit of drool off his chin.
"Normal limitations. Interesting choice of words. As is the multiple women bit. Kuno-san, if a women is pregnant should she not marry the father of her child?" Shin asked.
"Of course she should, unless she is a concubine or made ronin. If the father has any honor he will accept his responsibility and take care of the child as is just." Tatewaki declared.
"Then why didn't you marry the mother of your child? In fact, why didn't you marry one of the mothers of your three children? Three children, three mothers." Shin smirked.
"As stated concubines are not permitted the sacred union of marriage." Tatewaki replied, his mouth forming a thin line.
"Strange then that no agreement was made to provide for any of the children as, you yourself stated, is proper. Apparently the Kuno clan used threats to force the girls into servitude and into your bed." Shin stated in a firm and disapproving voice.
"You dare claim I behaved with dishonor? They came willingly to me as is just. No woman can resist my greatness!" Tatewaki roared as he rose to his feet.
"The witness will control himself." The judge said, banging his gavel.
Tatewaki sniffed, but sat down again. Indication he had no more questions, Shin returned to his table. Excusing Tatewaki, the judge asked the prosecution to call their next witness. A series of witnesses testified on behalf of Tatewaki. With most witnesses Shin was able to find a connection with the Kuno clan, in most cases a bribe, or that the witness only saw part of what had happened. As the prosecution finally indicated that they were done, the defense stepped forward.
"Your honor, the defense brings forward the video evidence against Kuno Tatewaki. On the following tapes we will show you how unstable Kuno-san truly is as he assaults without provocation or restrained. We will also see how several girls reject his advances and get molested, before they can extract themselves and retaliate." Shin started as he motioned for a tv to be properly placed.
"Objection your honor, we have not received a single piece of this so-called evidence as is required by law." Kuno's lawyer protested.
"Kobe-san, you are aware of the rules regarding evidence. Can you explain this?" The judge tentatively asked.
"I have here a form for a signed delivery stating that the video tapes have been delivered to the prosecution. The evidence was delivered as was required by the law and the defense can not be hold responsible if the prosecution has misplaced the evidence." Shin stated, showing the form to the judge and prosecution.
"As I have personally signed the evidence and witness list, I was aware of the tapes. This leaves me with little choice. Let it be noted that the prosecution is reprimanded for misplacing important evidence." The judge declared with a frown.
"So noted, your honor." Kuno's lawyer replied with a sigh.
Hiding a smirk, Shin started the first tape and explained to the courtroom what it was showing, giving a narration about the situation. He was forced to turn up the sound on several occasions to show the dialogs between the different parties. As the last tape was play, he gave a short summary and summoned his first witness.
"Saotome-san, can you tell the court about how you first met Kuno Tatewaki." Shin politely asked.
"Well, it was the first day of school. For me at least. Akane just finished brawling her way through the Hentai Horde and I asked her why she was attacked. Kuno interrupted with some self righteous dribble. As he noticed me he asked my name, before interrupting me to introducing himself. As he found out I was living at the Tendo dojo at the time, he attack and said he would not permit that I forced myself upon Akane." Ranma nervously answered.
"So introductions were made and for no apparent reason Kuno-san attacked?" Shin clarified.
"Yes." Ranma answered.
"How often has Kuno-san attacked you these past two years?" Shin questioned.
"Practically on a daily basis." Ranma replied with a shrug.
"Has he ever formally challenged you?" Shin continued.
"A few times." Ranma stated.
"Has Kuno-san ever won such a challenge?" Shin asked.
"As if!" Ranma snorted.
"How did Kuno-san respond to his losses?" Shin asked.
"He keeps claiming I cheated and used black magic to beat the supposed undefeated True Blunder." Ranma taunted.
"Uhm. I apologies for the unintended insult. Kuno is a sore spot with me as I generally take honor very serious." Ranma apologized at the frown of Shin and the judge.
"No further questions, your honor." Shin stated.
"Saotome-san is it not true that you have three fiancées?" Kuno's lawyer asked.
"Pops, that is, my father has this habit of arranging marriages for me." Ranma replied irritated.
"That doesn't strike me as very honorable. What attempts have you made to rectify the situation?" Kuno's lawyer asked.
"There is little I can do. A marriage can only fulfill one obligation and that would leave two girls dishonored. As none of the girls want to wait a generation or accept restitution, only marriage would solve the problem. Or I commit seppuku. Mother, as head of the clan, has the authority to absolve any of the obligation, but she refused to do so and insists I solve the problem. This leaves me where I started, caught in the middle." Ranma answered dejected.
"So you keep leading these girls on?" Kuno's lawyer questioned.
"I keep telling them I ain't interested, but no one will listen and just keep going on and on what I'm supposed to do to solve the problem. Pity that their solutions only dishonors everyone else including me." Ranma snorted.
"You mentioned that you take honor very serious, most of the time. What do you mean most of the time?" Kuno's lawyer asked as he looked through his notes.
"Look, the biggest difference between my father and I is honor. I take it serious and he doesn't. That doesn't mean I'm perfect. I made a promise that I have regretted since and I have skirted the lines of breaking that promise without breaking the wording of the promise." Ranma replied.
"What was the promise?" Kuno's lawyer pressed.
"I'm sorry, all I can say is that it involves a weakness of a rival and mentioning it to someone. Anything more and I will break the wording of the promise." Ranma stated.
"So you can't prove your dishonesty by upholding the promise?" Kuno's lawyer mused.
"I can't prove that I'm breaking the spirit of the promise, because I'm upholding the wording of the promise." Ranma clarified.
"This raises some interesting questions, but I would like to ask about another matter. I have several reports stating you have been helping the notorious underwear thief." Kuno's lawyer said.
"More like framed. As ashamed as I am to admit this, the underwear thief is the grandmaster of my Martial Arts school. Every time I try to stop him I get pounded, first by him and then by the angry mob as he planted several unmentionable upon my twitching body. More often then not, he gets away and I get the blame." Ranma explained.
"Why didn't you inform the authorities about the identity of the thief, if you knew who it was?" Kuno's lawyer pressed.
"Do you know who was charged with capturing the thief?" Ranma returned with a flat stare.
"Tendo Soun, why?" Kuno's lawyer answered intrigued.
"Tendo Soun and my father were, and still are, the two pupils of grandmaster Happosai. The thief everyone is looking for has been staying at the Tendo dojo and Tendo Soun has done nothing, except hide the fact he is housing the wanted criminal." Ranma deadpanned.
"That is a serious accusation." The judge frowned.
"And who would the authorities believe? Me or the person they charged with catching the thief?" Ranma questioned.
"I do have several statements that corroborate with Saotome's story about being framed." Shin interjected and showed the papers.
"No further questions, your honor." Kuno's lawyer added with a sigh.
"The witness may step down and Saotome Ranko is called to the stand." The judge said.
Returning after a quick change, Ranma was sworn in.
"Can you tell the court your first encounter with Kuno-san?" Shin asked.
"That would be the first day Ranma went to school. I was hiding in a tree, trying to dry my clothes after I got wet, when Kuno discovered me. After hearing his degrading insult towards Ranma, I took offence and challenged him to a fight. He accepted and stated that should I win, I could date him. Same if I lost." Ranma shuddered in disgust.
"Who won?" Shin asked.
"I did, with a single kick to the face. Took his bokken as a trophy and declared that I would have nothing further to do with him." Ranma answered.
"Has he harassed you since that day?" Shin questioned.
"Yes, several times. I keep telling him I'm not interested, but he keeps ignoring me or accusing Ranma of casting a 'spell'. He has groped my breasts on several occasions, without my permission." Ranma stated.
"Thank you. Your witness." Shin declared to the prosecution.
"Saotome-san, if that is really your name, could you explain to this court why there are no records of you or your birth?" Kuno's lawyer asked.
"Father considers girls, weak and useless, apart from cooking that is." Ranma easily replied.
"And the relevance of your father's opinion?" Kuno's lawyer questioned.
"He only wanted a son. Getting a girl as a child is something he considers an offence to his masculinity." Ranma proclaimed.
"He ignored that I existed, until recently that is. It doesn't come as a surprise that the paperwork is incomplete." Ranma continued.
"Then how do we know you are who you say you are?" Kuno's lawyer stated.
"We compared DNA samples from Saotome Ranko, Ranma, Genma and Nodoka. Ranko and Ranma are the genetic children of Saotome Genma and Nodoka. Genma recently acknowledged Ranko by using her as collateral for several bar taps." Shin interjected.
"Bar taps?" The judge asked perplexed.
"Collateral?" Kuno's lawyer added.
"Saotome Genma has a reputation with the police in Japan as a con-artist. Selling Ranma, or more recently, Ranko to pay for things such as bar taps. We have reports about food, money and other material goods. Basically, Genma convinces someone that instead of money, an engagement is accepted for a son or daughter, depending on which is available." Shin explained.
"Have you actively help your father in this?" Kuno's lawyer asked.
"NO! I've been doing what I could to stop him from selling me like a prostitute. But what can I do, other than declare myself ronin or commit seppuku? He is my father and tradition says I should listen to him." Ranma protested.
"And have you listened to him?" Kuno's lawyer asked.
"When I learned the difference between right and wrong, I stopped doing dishonorable things and started opposing my fathers will." Ranma admitted.
"At this time, I have no further questions. I do reserve the right to question her again after an investigation of her and her brothers past, your honor." Kuno's lawyer stated.
"The defense calls Himura-Aran Samus to the stand, your honor." Shin said.
"Himura-san, could you tell us what happened on the day Kuno-san claims to be slighted." Shin questioned.
"I was carrying groceries back home from the market, when Kuno grabbed me from behind and started pulling on my breasts. I dropped my groceries to deal with the molester. Grabbing his thumbs I pulled his hands of my breasts and elbowed him in the face. I pick up my groceries and placed them out of harms way. As I did not like his treatment of me, I demanded restitution. Kuno attacked, claiming that he would drive our the demon possessing me by defeating me with his bokken and taking me into his bed. I interrupted his attack and grating speech with an arm hold. Considering my previous history with the adolescent, I decided to give him something to consider. I broke his arm, kicked him in his privates, which took two kicks as it was a very small target area, and reversed my hold to create a second break in his arm. As I walked away I did comment on his obvious parentage and ancestry." Samus stated.
"What did you say?" Shin asked.
"If his ancestors were such noble persons and he completely without honor, it could mean one of two things. The line as declined to such an extent that not even the pretence of nobility could be maintained. Or one of his parents was of such a bad linage that any noble quality was irrevocably replaced." Samus calmly replied.
"So no insult was intended to his ancestors?" Shin pressed.
"Yes and no. As stated, I used the word if in my insult. Which shows I have some doubt about the supposed nobility of the ancestors of Kuno. The target of my insult, however, was Kuno Tatewaki as I compared him with a more noble personage." Samus answered.
"Why did you question the linage of Kuno-san's parents?" Shin continued.
"This type of behavior can often be curtained by a parent and since there is no evidence that either parent of Kuno has intervened, I can only assume they encouraged or allowed this kind of behavior to happen." Samus replied
"Thank you." Shin concluded.
"And where did you learn this supposed expertise about raising children?" Kuno's lawyer asked.
"Personal experience and psychology courses. I have succesfully raised several adopted children myself with aid from a old friend. As I studied business, I took a minor course in psychology, specializing in behavior studies." Samus evenly replied.
"But you don't deny insulting the honor of Kuno-san." Kuno's lawyer pointed out.
"I do not deny insulting Kuno. However, as he has no honor, it can not be insulted." Samus returned.
"Why do you believe Kuno-san has no honor?" Kuno's lawyer questioned.
"His general behavior. He denies losing any fight, accuses his opponents of cheating or using black magic to explain his defeats. He assumes any girl will submit to him at his whim and refuses to belief any kind of rejecting. He has forced himself on other girls before and shows no remorse of the acts, rather the opposite with his gloating. For a man whom claims to have honor, his actions say different." Samus explained.
"Do you consider yourself superior to Kuno-san." Kuno's lawyer asked.
"No, just better taught and raised." Samus returned.
"Explain." Kuno's lawyer demanded.
"I know right from wrong and accept reality as is. I interact with people better and on a more equal basis, depending on the situation." Samus answered.
"Interaction. Give a few examples for this interaction." Kuno's lawyer requested.
"If it is a conversation with an employee, I would act from my position as employer. A friend would be treated as an equal and an enemy would be treated as an enemy." Samus replied.
"Is Kuno-san an enemy?" Kuno's lawyer asked.
"I give people a fair chance before considering them a enemy, depending on their actions. You threaten a child of mine and you're dead. You get a last chance if the endangerment was unintentional. Kuno was an irritation, who bothered me. His harassment has gotten him closer to the point where I would call him an enemy, but he has not crossed the line yet." Samus declared.
"What do you do with enemies?" Kuno's lawyer asked.
"First I try legal action against an enemy. Should this fail and the enemy keeps doing what they are trying to do, then a feud is declared." Samus evenly stated.
"Should a murder attempt be made, then lethal force is used in response. Any survivors will be turned over to the law." Samus added in a cold tone.
"So you feel that normal laws don't apply to you?" Kuno's lawyer returned.
"We are allowed to defend ourselves from lethal attacks. It is called self-defense. I also mentioned that legal actions is our first course and a feud the final. However, I will not allow anyone to endanger innocent lives just because they have the money and / or the connections to escape the law." Samus answered pointedly looking at Kuno's lawyer.
"Is that a threat, Himura-san?" Kuno's lawyer asked.
"No, an obligation." Samus said.
"What obligation?" The judge asked.
"I am in a position to strike back at those that use their money and / or connections to escape the grasp of the law. With this position comes the responsibility to take care of such individuals, hopefully within the law. Some individuals, however, do not feel bound by the law and are adapt at wiggling their way out of any lawsuit. Here the feud comes into play. Even if normal means have little to no meaning to these people, they are very familiar with the concept of violence and death. They play with a different set of rules and to defeat them, one must use the same rules or in some cases be more ruthless. It is standard policy to use this as a last resort and has only been used two times in over two hundred incidents." Samus lectured.
"What you are saying is that if legal action is available, you will take it and if no legal action is taken you murder them." Kuno's lawyer stated.
"Aff. Not unlike how certain clans used to do in the service for the Emperor several centuries back." Samus replied.
"No further questions, your honor." Kuno's lawyer said.
"As the day is nearing its end, I ask both parties to make closing statements before I send the jury to deliberate on this matter." The judge declared.
Closing statements were made and both groups exited the courtroom, exchanging polite chit chat. As Ranma's group walked home, they tried to predict how the jury would rule. After some consideration, they decided to look at their case with a mild optimistic view and continued home.
Ranma was humming a tune as she rummaged through a cupboard. Grabbing some seasoning, she closed the cupboard and returned to the stove.
"Morning, Ranma." Andre grumbled as he entered the kitchen, yawning.
"Morning, Andre-san. Any problems during your shift?" Ranma asked as she continued preparing breakfast.
"Just some kids trying to prove how tough they think they are. They made a racket and kept the neighbors up. Parents these days are too soft. No discipline." Andre softly rumbled as he rummaged through the fridge.
"Don't spoil your appetite, I'm almost… "Ranma tailed off as she looked at Andre.
"Hm? Is something wrong, Ranma?" Andre softly asked, looking out of the fridge.
"Is, is that a gun?" Ranma asked in return.
"It is called a laser pistol. Uses a type of light instead of bullets. Generally speaking this is a fire arm." Andre admitted as he pulled the laser pistol from its holster at the small of his back.
"Chapman, what did I say about weapons inside the house?" Samus asked as she entered the kitchen.
"No unsecured weapons and no drawing a weapon without cause." Andre answered.
"Which leave a explanation to our young friend, preferably before she does something rash." Samus replied.
"That would be nice." Ranma deadpanned with a bit of uncertainly.
"Finish your work. I will speak of what I can." Samus stated as she poured some tea.
"Okay." Ranma agreed as she returned to her cooking.
"Considering your transformation, the fact that me and mine are not from this dimension should not be too difficult to accept." Samus started.
"The laser thingy?" Ranma asked.
"Indeed. From our point of view the year is 3062 and humanity has spread among the stars. War followed. Several states formed as planets joined forces or were conquered. I am from the Draconis Combine, which is based upon Japanese culture. Think of the caste system of the Feudal age, where the word of the emperor is law. The Kurita clan formed and led the Draconis Combine for over 200 years. Conflict has remained a great part in most peoples lives, from pirates to invasion." Samus said.
"There was a golden era in our universe, but as greed prevailed the universe was splintered. The states fought over the scraps that remained of technology in four separate galactic wars. The only times the states were at peace was when they were wary of warfare, the leaders liked each other and the invasion of the Kerensky clans." Samus continued.
"Kerensky?" Ranma interjected as she placed the food on the table.
"One of the most finest men in all of the universe." Andre reverently answered.
"General Kerensky was the military leader of the star league forces at the end of the golden age. The Star League directed the different states and maintained peace. The last ruler was assassinated as General Kerensky was fighting a dangerous uprising in the outer rims. The Usurper had control of the inner systems, but General Keresky conquered the world and defeated him. As the states bickered about who would lead the Star League and tried to gain as much land as possible, General Kerensky decided to leave known space. They traveled through unknown space and established a new home. Their descendants wanted to united humanity under the flag of Star League again at gun point. They were better warriors and had better technology, but numbers were against them. As was honor. They used a dueling system, where the states had a system based upon free for all." Samus explained.
"As I stated I am from the Draconis Combine. I will not bore you with the complete tale of my youth. I was named regent for an influential clan as my DNA showed I was the eldest living member of the clan. Not the main line, but close enough to assume leadership. I helped find a blood heir and trained him to lead. I sat on the planet counsel and helped defend the planet from pirates and invaders. An unforeseen event caused us to emerge here." Samus concluded.
"Questions?" Andre asked as he ate.
"Yeah, when were you going to tell me about this?" Ranma asked as she handed some juice to the kids.
"When you officially joined our family. We respect the secrets of others and ask others to respect our secrets. We have access to some dangerous items and the fewer who know the better." Samus calmly answered.
"We would be locked up, interrogated and experimented on should someone find out. Your word is good, but you still have the tendency to, as some put it, blab." Andre added his two cents.
"The Saotome foot-mouth decease." Ranma admitted wryly.
"Anything else?" Ranma continued.
"I know a great recipe for cookies." Natasha said.
"That she does." Samus smiled.
"We have been trying to recreate the 'portal' that got us here." Hans interjected.
"So your leaving?" Ranma asked.
"We are trying to return to where we came. We would like you to come. We ask only that you become family." Samus offered.
"I'll think about it." Ranma replied.
"That is good. Such a decision must be carefully thought out." Hans agreed.
"And you will behave yourselves. No foolishness around my son. Certainly no plans for marriage." Nodoka warned Genma and Soun.
"But he must apologies for the insult to my daughter." Soun whined.
"In time. That he must do in time. But I will not tolerate any action that will chase away my son. Am I clear?" Nodoka stressed.
"Yes, dear. Soun and I won't cause a problem. Soun is just restating that the slight to his daughter must be answered, like any good father would. Which is why I listed the things our son has to answer for. We will do as you say." Genma soothed as Soun quickly nodded his head.
"Good." Nodoka stated.
"What is going on here?" the officer asked.
"None of your concern, officer." Akira stated as he directed the members of his patrol.
"Considering that you seem to be tying up several people for no reason, I would have to disagree." The officer replied.
"Mizuki-san, care to explain what these gentlemen did?" Akira asked.
"This vermin tried to rob my store and to force themselves on my daughter." Mizuki spat with a growl.
"Really now? Why didn't you call the police?" The officer asked.
"Ha! The police? Like you did anything the last time this happened. I barely saved my daughter that time and when the police finally came they did nothing. The gang members responsible were laughing from across the street and you did nothing except wave away my accusation. Stating if I kept it up, I would be arrested for slander." Mizuki heatedly responded.
"Easy now. You should leave such matters to the law. I'm sure the officers involved had a good reason to behave like that. Emotional people often lash out against uninvolved people. If you had repeated you accusations at the bureau they would have listened." The officer tried to calm Mizuki down.
"I did." Mizuki stated.
"The police has been ignoring their duties for a long time." Akira added with a snort.
"I can't let you take the law into your own hand. Step away from the people you tied up." The officer ordered.
"I can't do that." Akira replied.
"They are in the custody of the Guards of Nerima. If you want, you can take to the committee about it." Akira continued.
"I'm giving you one last warning. Step away from those people." The officer insisted.
"And I'm warning you. Stay out of affair that do not concern you. The police has made it clear that it doesn't want to do their job. We will take care of things." Akira returned, pointing his bokken at the officers.
"You heard the man. We won't accept your incompetence any longer." A bystander shouted, getting support from others.
"I suggest you leave." Akira said as he motioned the bystanders to clear a path.
As the officers quickly left, the crowd shouted a few parting remarks. Akira looked after them with a frown. Shaking his head, he motioned his group to move the prisoners as he reached for his cell phone.
"Hello, my son." Nodoka greeted Ranma as he walked out of school the next day.
"Hi mom." Ranma replied.
"Can we talk during a walk?" Nodoka asked, gesturing down the street.
"Sure." Ranma answered.
"I'm worried, my son. I won't say I'm not disappointed that the air between you and your fiancée is bad. The Tendo's and Saotome's are good friends for a long time and I don't want to see it end here. I don't expect a miracle, but I am asking you make an effort to settle this peacefully." Nodoka started after a few minutes of silent walking.
"I am willing to make an effort, but so must she. It has to come two ways." Ranma stated.
"Of course. I would like it if you returned to the Tendo dojo to stay." Nodoka said.
"I don't think that is a good idea." Ranma hedged.
"I would like to get to know my son better. I have not seen you for a long time." Nodoka quietly brought forth.
"I would like to get to know you too, mom." Ranma replied.
"I don't know. I expect nothing but trouble if I stayed. I don't want to know if I want to deal with that kind of trouble." Ranma continued.
"We'll make it work." Nodoka encouraged.
"I'll tell Himura-san that I'll be staying at the dojo for a week. Just a week, to give it a try." Ranma reluctantly agreed.
"I'm sure you'll decide to extend that deadline within a few days." Nodoka said.
"IF the Tendo's behave themselves." Ranma warned.
"Excuse me, could you ask captain Tanaka if he could talk to me." Samus politely asked.
"Do you have an appointment?" The receptionist asked.
"I think he will want to talk to the representative of the Guards of Nerima without one." Samus said with a small smile.
"I'll pass on the message. Could you please take a seat." The receptionist replied.
Nodding her assent, Samus moved to a chair and made a phone call. Chatting for a few minutes, Samus noted several officers with drawn weapons to enter the room. Rising from her seat, she passed a warning through her phone.
"Can I help you gentlemen?" Samus asked.
"You're under arrest." One of the officers stated.
"On what charges?" Samus inquired.
"Being part of an illigal organization and kidnapping for starters." The officer responded.
"I see, one moment. Hayawaki-san, the corrupt police force seems to want to take me as a hostage. Would you be so kind as to inform the proper authorities about this? I will be fine, it might take some effort to escape, but I am confident that I will succeed." Samus stated into her phone, before hanging up.
"What are you talking about?" An officer asked.
"I am here on official business. The Guards of Nerima have filed an official complained to the supreme court about the corruption and incompetence of this department. A copy of this was send to the office of the mayor and commanding police officer of the entire Tokyo police force. Several news agencies have been provided with evidence of the corruption of the police force and have agreed to broadcast this during the evening news." Samus explained.
"You did what?" an officer exclaimed.
"I exposed the criminal activities of this department." Samus deadpanned.
"Did you sat Hayawaki-san?" The first officer asked.
"Yes. As you can imagine, this means all of you are in trouble." Samus answered with a small smile.
"Kindly inform captain Tanaka, that every member of this department are removed from active duty, untill the inquiry has been conducted to the satisfaction of internal affairs." Samus stated as she placed an envelope on the chair and moved to the exit.
"Let her go. I think we got bigger problems." The first officer stated as he picked up the envelope.
"As you can see captain, she wasn't joking." The officer finished explaining, half an hour later.
"What a mess. Have everyone recalled for a general meeting, even those currently off duty. Inform me when everyone has arrived in the briefing room. I'll make some calls to see if this is for real or not. From the looks of things I don't thikn we can get our hopes up." Captain Tanaka replied with a deep sigh.