The Mightiest Disciple 1/2
(A/N: Let me just start by saying, OH MAI GAWD! Over 100 follows AND favorites!? [Does Kirby's Victory Dance] Thank you EVERYONE for tuning in thus far, and it's just the beginning, we haven't even gotten into the real plot just yet. Anyway, many reviewers pointed out that I nerfed Ranma in his fight with Sakaki. As I stated before, I didn't want to make Ranma seem to OP so I decided to make them fight as equals...for now. As for the comment stating that Ranma shouldn't have had any problems opening the gates to Ryozanpaku...I got nothing. I know Ranma's capable of nearly inhuman strength, but since it's sometimes played for laughs in Ranma 1/2, I had trouble gauging his strength accurately. Finally, to the reviewer who said that Kensei would've been a better matchup to fight Kenichi, I admit I chose Sakaki just because I wanted to write a good old fashioned brawl. Let's see if we can get 100 reviews for our next milestone. Enjoy!)
[PS. This chapter took a while to get started cause I started reading the Original Yu-Gi-Oh! Manga, Medaka Box, and Prison School. Also, Prison School and Shimoneta are frikkin hilarious!]
Ranma's Secret!? The New 'Tutor' at the Dojo
Kenichi, Miu, and ALL of the present Ryozanpaku masters had their eyes fixated on Ranma, shocked after his...'transformation'. Miu was so stunned that her guard completely broke. Kenichi's jaw nearly hit the floor. The masters each had their own unique expression of surprise, though not to the major degree of the two teenagers.
Ranma stood, ankle deep in the dojo's pond, prepared to strike whenever. He knew his curse had been revealed, but wasn'tabout to let that disturb his match with Miu. If anything, this actually worked to his advantage as he felt less conflicted fighting a girl while he currently was one.
"R-Ranma!?" Miu stammered facing
"Yeah, it's me," the redhaired girl replied.
"Wha-wha-wha...WHAT THE HELL JUST HAPPENED!?" Kenichi exclaimed.
"Well, seems our guest has a few more surprises than we realize," Hayato said stroking his beard.
"I think that's the biggest understatement of the month Elder," Akisame responded.
"Apachai is confused. Where did Kenichi and Miu's friend go, and why is redhaired girl here?" Apachai asked.
Ranma sighed as she stepped out of the pond and shook the water off of herself. "I promise I'll explain later, but I want to make clear that I AM the same Ranma Saotome you all have met today," she proclaimed.
"I also want to make clear that I'm still going to win this match Miu!" she challenged pointing a finger at his blonde opponent.
Ranma decided to take the initiative this time and sprinted at Miu, full speed. The blonde martial artist was still stunned by Ranma's transformation, that she hadn't had the time to bring her guard back up.
Ranma attacked Miu with a palm strike towards her stomach, which Miu only barely caught. 'Ranma's a lot faster now!' Miu noted. Ranma retreated her hand and launched a downward chop. Miu hopped backwards, narrowly avoiding the attack. It was her turn to get defensive as Ranma closed the gap between them and threw another palm strike at Miu's stomach which connected, full force.
[]
Kenichi audibly gasped. "Miu!" Kenichi was about to jumpin and help, but was stopped by Akisame.
"Now Kenichi, you know better. Each challenge must be fought one-on-one unless previously agreed terms say otherwise," Akisame stated.
"Besides, Miu may have taken a hit, but she's far from finished," Kensei added.
[]
Miu tumbled to ground, but managed to roll back onto her feet. However, she was shaking, though barely visibly. 'She's strong!' Miu noted. 'And I have a feeling that Ranma's still holding back,' she added. 'Wait a sec! If I'm this shaken up,what would've happened if he'd hit me while he was a boy?
Miu didn't have time to think as Ranma emulated her own previous attack by cartwheeling into a a skyward launch, and following with a divekick. Miu was able to leap upwards to get out of the way. However, she wasn't prepared for Ranma to use the momentum from her dropkick to spring after her.
In midair, Ranma dealt Miu an uppercut. Miu however was able to backflip away and land on the roof of the dojo. Ranma followed suit. The two young women(well woman and a half) stood on the top of Ryozanpaku in their defensive stances, staring each other down, waiting for the other to make the next move.
Kenichi and the masters waited anxiously for the two to restart their bout. Kenichi, however was starting to feel less than confident in his first friend's ability to win. Not only was Ranma able to match her blows before, but after he had turned into a girl, his...her speed had increased dramatically. Kenichi could only hope that Miu would be able to prevail. After all, she always found a way to surprise him.
[]
Ranma and Miu leaped at each other and both threw side kicks in midair. Both attacks hit their opposition in the shoulder, but otherwise left both parties truly unharmed.
In the midst of battle, Ranma couldn't help but grin. Ranma had met capable female martial artists, but Miu was the first one in a long time to make him have to try even somewhat seriously. However, true to his never lose motto, Ranma decided it was time to end this match.
"Hey Miu!" Ranma called out. "I've enjoyed our fight so far, but I think it's time to end this, wouldn't you say?"
Miu smirked back at her opponent. "I agree!"
Miu lunged at Ranma intending to throw a punch from above. Ranma kept her cool and pulled one of her fists back, waiting for Miu to get closer. Once Miu was within striking distance, Ranma let her special technique loose!
"Kachu Tenshin Amaguriken!"
Ranma threw his fist forward and punched Miu rapidly, almost catching her completely off guard. Luckily for Miu, she was able to raise her hands and attempt to deflect the barrage of punches.
For a moment, Miu seemed to be defending well, but she knew she was at a disadvantage. Miu needed to use both hands to defend and that severley limited her chances to attempt a counterattack. There was also the fact that Ranma was attacking with only one hand and could still use his opposite hand.
Ranma was attacking at just the right speed to allow Miu to defend herself, but didn't intend to let her strike back. Unbeknownst to Miu, Ranma was also forcing her backwards to the edge of the roof while Ranma continued advancing forwards. Right when Miu was only a short distance from the edge, Ranma gave a victorious smirk and thrust his opposite hand forward doubling up his onslaught.
Miu had a feeling she knew what Ranma was planning. Although, that didn't mean she was able to react to it. Once Ranma increased his offense, Miu could only cross her arms over herself to try and lessen the damage of the unavoidable attack. What she also couldn't react to was the force of Ranma's attack knocking her off of the roof of the dojo.
With a surprised shreik, Miu prepared to plummet to the ground...until, Grab!
Miu looked upwards to see Ranma holding her by the ankle with both hands. "Think we should call the match?" Ranma asked with a satisfied chuckle.
With an embarrased blush, Miu sighed. "Yeah, I give," she said in defeat. "You win Ranma." Miu was shocked as Ranma leapt off of the roof, still holding her. When she came back to her senses, she found herself in Ranma's arms, bridal style.
Ranma landed and set down a now flushed Miu. "Hey!" Ranma said extending her hand. "That was a really fun match. We should do it again some time," she offered.
Miu quickly regained her composure and shook Ranma's hand firmly. "It's a deal!"
The two were quickly met with a slow applause from an unknown source. None of the masters, or Kenichi were clapping, so they quickly turned to see a large man with scars on his face.
"Well, now that certainly was an interesting match," he said with a gruff expression.
"Oh! Sakaki!" Miu said.
"Now where have you been all this time?" Akisame asked.
"I just showed up not too long ago, but I thought I'd stop and enjoy the show before introducing myself to our new guest," Sakaki answered.
"Who's he?" Ranma asked.
"That, is Shio Sakaki. The 100th Degree Street Fighter, and resident Karate master of our dojo," said Hayato.
'So this guy's a karate master?' Ranma thought. 'I can tell by his scars that he's been through a lot. He looks like he'd be a pretty interesting opponent compared to the masters I've met so far...excluding Miu's Grandpa of course.'
Sakaki couldn't help but grin cockily. "Why ya starin at me little lady?" he asked. "Did I catch yer interest or something?"
Ranma couldn't help but blush(and slightly gag) at Sakaki's comment. "Eww no! And don't call me lady! I'm a guy!" Ranma exclaimed.
"What're you talkin about kid?" Sakaki asked. "Unless I missed somethin' from where I'm standing, you look like a girl to me."
"No really!" Ranma turned back to the other masters. "Just give me some hot water, and I'll prove it."
[]
A moment later, the whole group was inside the dojo's living room, all eyes on Ranma. Shigure had dropped from her perch on the ceiling and handed Ranma a kettle.
"Here's the hot...water," she said.
"Thanks..." Ranma said slightly creeped out.
"Ranma," Kenichi chimed in. "Out of curiosity, what do you need hot water for?" he asked.
Ranma gave Kenichi a trademark cocky grin.
"This!"
Ranma poured the water from the kettle over her head and showed Kenichi and Miu a very familiar face as she transformed into a he again.
"WHAT THE HELL!?" Sakaki exclaimed.
"Ranma's back to normal!" Kenichi added.
'So, the kid was serious,' Sakaki thought.
Now finally male again, Ranma shook the water out of his hair and clothes and sighed in relief.
"Phew, it feels so good to be a guy again," proclaimed a satisfied Ranma.
"Apapapa! Hey, Kenichi's friend is back, but now red-haired girl disappeared!" Appachai stated.
Ranma narrowed his eyes in annoyance, and sighed.
"Appachai, I'm the red haired girl!" Ranma yelled pulling a cup of water out of seemingly nowhere.
Proceeding to pour the water over himself, Ranma returned to his female form.
"Ya see whenever I get splashed with cold water, I turn into a girl," she began to explain.
"But hot water-," she then poured the remaining water in the kettle over herself.
"-turns me back into a guy," he finished.
Kenichi and Miu were still awestruck. The masters however, seemed as cool and collected as ever. Although internally, they were just as surprised as the two teenagers.
"Now that's certainly interesting," Akisame said. "Although, if you wouldn't mind sharing with us, exactly how did you acquire your rare...condition?" Akisame asked stroking his chin.
Ranma sat down and the floor as he began to think back to his training trip with his father and began his story.
"It's a LONG story, but to make it short, it involves a place called-,"
"Jusenkyo?" interrupted Kensei.
"Y-yeah..." Ranma answered in surprise.
"You know something Kensei?" Akisame asked.
Kensei nodded. "There's an old chinese legend of cursed training grounds," Kensei began. "A training ground with various springs of water, each with it's own tragic backstory of something drowning in one of them. Whosoever should be unfortunate enough to fall into one of said springs, will take the form of whatever drowned there X number of years ago," he explained.
"I must say, I doubted the legends were true, but who would've guessed I'd find truth of the legend in the form of a cute young redhead." Kensei said pulling out his camera.
Ranma narrowed his eyes.
"Watch it old man," he warned. "I'm naturally a guy, my curse is my girl form."
"I'll remember that," Kensei replied.
[]
"Kenichi, why don't you and Miu go get dinner set up." Hayato ordered. "We wish to speak with young Ranma alone."
Kenichi and Miu both nodded and headed to the kitchen leaving Ranma with the five masters(Shigure was secretly listening in on them, unbeknownst to Ranma).
"Ranma Saotome," Hayato said in a commanding tone. "I must ask, what does martial arts mean to you!?"
Ranma looked at Hayato and the others with a determined look on his face.
"For me, it's everything," Ranma answered. "It's been the central focus of my life for as long as I can remember. And while there've been some ups and downs, I can say with certainty, I love being a martial artist! Facing off against a strong opponent, the rush of a heated battle, the satisfaction of just knowing that I'm always getting better and stronger; It's the best feeling there is and I won't rest until I become the very best(A/N: Like no one ever was) martial artist there is!"
The masters all looked at Ranma with serious, non-wavering expressions. Ranma stared them back trying to not look intimidated by their overwhelming power. He was caught completely off guard by the masters smiling, and Hayato bursting into laughter.
"Hahahahaaha! Now that's exactly what we like to hear!" Hayato boomed. "When you first arrived here, you simply wanted a new 'training ground,' am I right?" he asked.
Ranma reluctantly nodded.
"I can tell that you have exponential power and skill, certainly for a young man your age. However, I can also tell that you lack guidance," Hayato added.
"Tell me Ranma, what kind of martial artist do you wish to become?"
Ranma was caught off guard by Hayato's thought provoking question. After an awkward moment of silence, Ranma realized he couldn't come up with an answer at all. He was jarred from his thoughts by a large hand touching his shoulder.
"Don't worry Ranma. I can say with certainty that if you train seriously with us, you'll be able to find the answer your looking for," Hayato encouraged.
With a determined smile, Ranma bowed with respect.
"Thank you, Elder."
[]
"Hey guys!" came the cheerful voice of Miu from the kitchen. "Dinner's ready!"
"Apa!" The others were nearly bowled over by Appachai rushing to the dining room as soon as Miu announced dinner.
"Ranma, why don't you stay with us for dinner?" Hayato offered. "It's always better with a guest joining us."
Ranma's answer came in the form of a familiar low growl.
"Ehehe, sounds good," Ranma answered.
"Oh wait, do you have a phone I could use? I should probably call my mother and let her know I'll be late coming home," Ranma added.
"Apa! Apachai knows where phone is!" Apachai proclaimed.
Apachai motioned for Ranma to follow him while the other masters turned towards each other.
[]
"So, it seems Cologne wasn't exaggerating about that young man's strength...or his curse," Kensei commented.
Akisame stroked his chin.
"I assume this means you also know one of Ranma's acquaintances, Kensei?" Akisame asked.
Kensei nodded. "Yes. An old acquaintance of mine from China and her granddaughter of sent me tales of some of young Saotome's battles," he started.
"While I was greatly impressed by what I was told, I think my skepticism is understandable when she tells of him being responsible for a collapsing mountain not too long ago as well as defeating opponents that I'd rather not go into right now."
"What's your view on this Elder?" Akisame asked.
Stroking his beard, Hayato answered, "You want my honest opinion? That boy could most likely defeat the 5 of you in a fair duel. As for me, he'd probably make me use a full 1% of my power."
The three remaining masters gasped. There's no way a boy could have that much power at his age...could he?
"Alright, hold on old man!" Sakaki exclaimed. "I'll admit the kid's got some serious skills to be able to beat Miu like he did, but there's no way he could be a match for us, right?"
"I'll have to agree with Sakaki," Akisame added. "While I do believe he was hiding some strength in his match, I doubt he'd have enough strength to make you use 1%," he commented.
Hayato chuckled once again. "I understand how it'd be hard for you to believe, but I can tell; That boy's strength and skill are at master level, he just doesn't realize it yet. However, what he lacks is discpline and humility," Hayato told them.
"He's still so young, so it could be difficult, but I believe that with enough work, we can make young Ranma Saotome a living legend," Hayato proclaimed.
"And even if we can't,"Akisame started. "I'm positive he can help us make our young first disciple into a true martial artist," he finished with a calculating grin.
The other masters joined in with their eyes glowing that trademark signature glow.
(A/N: Welp, I finally got this chapter out. Also, Kensei knows Cologne...yeah, I kinda just added that at the end, but it makes some sense: Kensei+Cologne=both Chinese, Akisame+Tofu=both doctors, Hayato+Happosai=both legendary/infamous elderly masters. It's still hard for me to accurately gauge Ranma's power since Ranma 1/2 is largely a gag manga, but from here on I hope to be as accurate as possible. Now let's see if we can get to 100 reviews!)
[PS: This chapter took a while to get done because college finally restarted, and I was also job hunting during the last days of Summer(to no avail). There may be another delay for next chapter on account of college(of course) and because I have to play catch-up with Pokemon AlphaSapphire and Mario & Luigi: Dream Team(I lost my copies at a carnival and have to start from scratch with my replacements). Also, Senran Kagura 2: Deep Crimson is finally out, and it's LEAGUES better than SK: Burst. Sooner or later, I may have to do a Senran Kagura related fic here. Till next time, game on!]
[Chapter Edited! Edited to reflect the changes of previous chapter. Ranma fights with Miu, and Sakaki debuts here. Also, fixed Hayato's statement about his opinion on Ranma's strength and skill]