The Mightiest Disciple 1/2
(A/N: Again, loving all the feedback. Let me just take a moment to respond to the review by wingofpain.
For Ranma being master level, don't forget that even among masters, there's always someone better. As in, I believe that Cologne and Happosai, even while toying around, would be above some of Kenichi's masters if only just because they're older and have years more experience.
And comparing martial arts in Ranma and Kenichi is...kind of a mix match. While both serieses have a 'training from hell' thing going on, Kenichi's martial arts are, at least IMO, more realistic with some obvious exceptions, while Ranma's martial arts wouldn't seem too out of place in classic Dragon Ball(when the gang was younger).
I did think that making Ranma above master level was a bit of stretch, but I don't think it's TOO inconceivable that he's above a good chunk of what Kenichi's had to deal with, especially considering what Ranma himself has had to deal with[Special mention to Herb and Ryu Kumon]. Also, when I wrote that Ranma could defeat the masters, I meant only one-on-one, and I cannot stress enough, with a LOT of hard effort.
I will try to not make Ranma too OP, but I think it's fair to say that Ranma's strength has been more than a bit inconsistent at more than one occasion. At some times he's a nearly unstoppable badass, while at others, he's getting one-shotted like an amateur.
Sorry for the long response, but I just wanted to clear some things up. And to those wondering if we'll see some more Ranma characters down the line, don't worry. I've got plans for them in due time.)
Training Days; Old Hardships Resurface
It's been three days since Ranma began training with the crew at Ryozanpaku. For the most part, he joined in the same type of basic training Kenichi was subjected to. Ranma was already acquainted with training in serious conditions, so it wasn't a real challenge for him, but they served as really decent workouts...as opposed to Kenichi who always had to give it everything he had just to attempt to keep up.
During the times where Kenichi had to train with the masters solo, Ranma found himself sparring with Miu again and again more often than not. Needless to say, Ranma was very impressed with Miu's skills as a martial artist. Ranma had met a fair share of capable female martial artists, but it was clear that Miu surpassed most, if not all of them in numerous ways. While Ranma primarily disliked fighting girls(not unlike Kenichi), Miu was someone he could fight seriously with and not worry too much about hurting her.
[]
Yet another day had ended at the Ryozanpaku dojo, and Ranma and Kenichi both set to head home. Due to Kenichi's *ahem* 'lack of energy' as it were, Ranma had to help get Kenichi home until he recovered enough to continue on his own.
"Geeze man, you look like a shriveled mess," Ranma joked out.
"That's exactly how I feel too," Kenichi added. "I've been going through this almost everyday for over a month. While I've gotten somewhat used to it, sometimes I just can't take it."
Ranma put his arm over Kenichi's shoulder.
"Awww, don't worry, you'll be able to handle the training sooner or later," Ranma encouraged. "I'm just a bit lost as to why I have to join you in the beginner's course," he added.
Kenichi sighed. 'Yeah rub it in why don't ya?' he thought. 'I'm a weakling noob, and you're an experienced badass who can go toe-to-toe with the masters and even then some.' Kenichi jarred himself from his self pitying thoughts and turned to Ranma.
"Speaking of which, what kind of training did you go through to get where you are?" Kenichi asked.
Ranma sighed. "There's such a long list of insane crap I've been put through, that listing it would probably be writing my autobiography," he began. "But let's just say that some things the masters put you through would be child's play in comparison to the trials I've had to endure."
Ranma thought back to some of his more difficult and/or lethal training excercises. Most thoughts shifting to the Neko-Ken(Cat Fist) and Hiryu Shoten Ha(Heavenly Dragon Ascension Wave) training. He turned to Kenichi, about to continue his story, but he found that somewhere along the way, Kenichi had passed out.
Ranma sweatdropped. 'Didn't think the guy was THIS much of a lightweight when it came to training,' he thought. 'Eh, he's just starting out so I'll cut him some slack.'
Ranma continued down the street until he made a realization. "Uhhh...where does Kenichi live?" he thought outloud.
[]
'It'd make what the masters put you through look like child's play!' The words rang through Kenichi Shirahama's head like a deadly premonition. Currently, all he could see was darkness.
'Where am I? Where's Ranma?' Kenichi asked himself. Trying to get a better understanding of where he was, Kenichi turned around; Big mistake.
Staring Kenichi down was six shadowy figures, each one familiar, yet also more deadly than how Kenichi remembered. Kenichi had no time to scream as the six shadows instantly jumped him, all prepared to launch a deadly strike.
"Deeeyaaaaagh! I don't wanna die!"
Kenichi bolted upright, waking from his nightmare. He then found himself on a couch in an unfamiliar house.
"What the-? Where am I?" Kenichi said. Kenichi turned to the side and came face to face with a large panda bear.
"Are you alright kid?" read a sign the panda pulled out of nowhere.
"Ahhhh! Bear! Giant panda bear!" Kenichi yelled.
The panda growled as he was knocked down from behind by a familiar figure.
"Geeze Pops, I told ya to change back to normal!" Ranma yelled to the panda.
"Ranma!" Kenichi exclaimed. "Dude, you just defeated a bear!" he said with an awestruck tone.
"Ehhh, not exactly," Ranma said pulling out a kettle.
Ranma poured the contents of the kettle over the semi-conscious bear's head and it began to change into a chubby, balding, middle aged man.
"Wha-!?" Kenichi gasped. "Oh I get it, I'm still dreaming," he said.
Kenichi proceeded to lie back down on the couch and close his eyes. His nap was short lived as he was lightly struck in the stomach.
"Dream's over, now wake up!" exclaimed Ranma.
Kenichi bolted upright again, grabbing his stomach, and looked to see Ranma with some old man.
"Ranma? Where are we?" Kenichi asked.
"My house," Ranma answered.
"You're house?"
"Are you boys okay?" asked a female voice from another room. "I heard a lot of screaming."
"We're fine Mom!" Ranma answered. "Kenichi just woke up."
The guys all turned to see an attractive woman in a robe enter the room.
"Are you feeling better?" she asked Kenichi. "You looked like you were put through a wringer when Ranma brought you here."
Kenichi nervously put his hand behind his head. "Oh I'm fine ma'am," he said.
"Please call me Nodoka," she replied.
[]
A short time later, Kenichi had gotten acquainted with Ranma's parents. Nodoka seemed nice enough, but Genma was giving Kenichi negative vibes that reminded him of his masters, but too a possible lesser extent.
After a quick snack, Kenichi let himself out. It was starting to get late, and he didn't want Honoka or his father to start worrying.
[]
"He seems like a nice boy," Nodoka commented.
"If you ask me, that boy really needs to do some push-ups. He looks as frail as a twig in autumn," Genma commented.
"Genma!" Scolded Nodoka.
Ranma chuckled. "Funny you'd say something like that Pops. He's actually the disciple of that dojo I've been going to." he said.
"Well whatever they've been doing there obviously isn't working," said Genma, his arms crossed.
Ranma responded by throwing a cup of water over his father and backfisting him away.
"I dunno Pops. I think you could probably stand to train there a time or two," Ranma said tauntingly.
Panda Genma rushed back up to Ranma and the two started 'slap fighting'. With a small chuckle, Nodoka left the two alone to finish their chat.
[]
Later that night, Ranma lay awake in bed. It had been nearly a week since he and his family left Nerima and the Tendo Dojo. Even so, Ranma couldn't help but think back to his last fight with Akane.
'Geeze. I told her this whole moving thing wouldn't be a big deal,' he thought. 'Is it really so bad to say she was gonna miss me?'
Turning to lay on his side, a single thought crossed Ranma's mind. "Why can't the other girls I know be nicer, like Miu!?" he said aloud.
Frustrated, Ranma punched the side of his bed. 'Whatever. Still, I wonder what they've been doing since I left,' he mused while drifting off to sleep.
[Meanwhile, back in Nerima]
Akane Tendo was currently walking to school, alone. Nabiki had 'generously' offered to walk with her, but Akane declined. Half a week had passed since the Saotome Family moved out of the Tendo home, and it'd been unnaturally quiet around town. At school on the other hand, was a different story. Akane looked up, thinking back to an event that happened just a couple of days ago, two days after Ranma left.
[Two Days Ago, Furinkan High]
Lunchtime; The one time of the school day Akane could have some time to think. Or at least she would if Yuka and Saori would stop pestering her, asking questions about Ranma.
"So it's true that Ranma's gone now?" Yuka asked.
"Yes," replied Akane.
"And you really don't care that he's gone now?" Saori asked with a raised eyebrow.
"No, I don't."
"Seriously?" The two girls asked.
"Yes, seriously!" Akane exclaimed. "I don't care that Ranma's gone!" she shouted.
Akane instantly regretted raising her voice as every eye in the vicinity was immediately on her.
'Oh crap! I wanted to keep that underwraps!' Akane thought covering her mouth with her hands.
"Way to go sis," snarked Nabiki who appeared out of nowhere.
Chuckling and sweating nervously, Akane felt a hand grab her shoulder from behind.
"Yes! At long last, that fiend Saotome has retreated from our fair learning institute!" said a familiar and unpleasant male voice.
'Oh dear God, why!?'
"So now is the time for I Tatewaki Kuno, age 17, The Blue Thunder of Furinkan High to be the strapping young man who will be the significant other to the fair maiden Akane Ten-!"
Kuno's speech was cut off by Akane dealing him a swift boot the head, launching him above the school and out of sight.
Akane's rest was short lived as another familiar face made themselves known. This one female, with a large tool strapped to her back.
"Akane, is it true? Is Ranchan really gone?" Ukyo asked.
Akane sighed and replied, "Yes. Ranma and his parents moved out of my family's house."
Ukyo gave a cocky smirk. "Huh. I knew it was only a matter of time before you'd drive Ranchan away," she taunted crossing her arms.
Akane started growing irritated. "For your information Ukyo, Ranma's not even in Nerima anymore! And the only reason Ranma left is cause you, Shampoo, and Kodachi destroyed his mother's house! So this is all your fault!" Akane yelled pointing at Ukyo.
Ukyo gasped and took a step backwards. "Are...you serious?" Ukyo asked.
"I'm afraid she's tellin' the truth hun," Nabiki answered for her sister.
"So then...this really is my fault? He left because of me?" Ukyo sank to her knees, almost tearing up. "But I'm the cute fiance!"
"Uh...Ukyo?" Akane said with concern in her voice.
"I need to be alone!" Ukyo said covering her face and leaping away.
'Well that happened...' Akane thought. 'I don't know why, but I've got a bad feeling things aren't gonna stay quiet around here.'
[Present Time]
Akane was jarred from her thoughts by a rumbling sound. A familiar sound that Akane hoped that she'd never EVER have to hear again.
"You've gotta be frikkin' KIDDING ME!"
In front of Akane was a large quantity of male students from Furinkan, approaching her at a fast pace. A good number of them had sports equipment with them. Akane knew what was going to happen next.
"Akane Tendo! Go out with me!" yelled some random boy with a golf club.
That boy rushed Akane and swung the club vertically. Akane ducked under the blow and countered with a furious uppercut to his chin, knocking him out. Akane narrowed her eyes, a dangerous aura flowing behind her. With a raging yell, Akane sprinted to the huge mob of boys, armed with nothing but her fists, her anger...and her bag.
[Five Minutes Later]
"I-[punch]-can't[punch]-believe[kick]-this is[duck]-happening[swing bag] AGAIN!" Akane exclaimed while just finishing attacking the last few guys in the mob.
Panting heavily, Akane positioned her bag over her shoulder and exhaled. Finally finished dealing with her 'would be suitors', Akane motioned to head inside the school building.
'Thank goodness I'm early. I've still got time,' Akane thought. However, her path was obstructed by one more guy. This one, she was all to familiar with.
"Kuno, don't do this. I don't wanna be late today," Akane said taking a defensive stance.
"Nay! As the challenge is still being performed, I Tatewaki Kuno, age 17, will be the one to best you in combat and take you out on a date Akane Tendo!" Kuno proclaimed.
Akane dropped her guard and slowly walked up to Kuno. When she was directly in front of him, she looked him dead in the eye.
"Kuno, let me make it clear that even IF you ever manage to beat me; I will never...ever...DATE YOU!"
Akane through a fierce left hook, nailing Kuno in the cheek, sending him flying into a tree. Exhaling, Akane then gasped as she heard the morning bell sound.
"Dammit! Now I'm late for class!" she swore running inside.
[]
The school day finally ended, and Akane was practically exhausted. As if having to fight through the horde of boys in the morning wasn't bad enough, her day was made worse by Happosai going on one of his raids while the girls were in PE and Kuno relentlessly approaching Akane all throughout the day.
Akane let out a sigh of relief as she finally returned home to the dojo.
"I'm back!" Akane announced.
"Akane, welcome home," Kasumi greeted. "How was your day?"
"Very, very, stressful," Akane said in an almost deadpan.
Kasumi put a hand to her mouth. "Really? What's wrong?" she asked.
"Long story shortbig sis," Nabiki interjected. "Now that Ranma's gone, every boy in school has resumed Kuno's 'challenge' from earlier this year," she explained.
"Oh. I see," Kasumi said with a look of concern.
"Not only that, Ukyo's all upset because she thinks it's her fault Ranma left," Akane added.
"Well it technically was, and you were the one who told her," Nabiki reminded her.
"Yeah, well..." Akane was unable to comeup with a smart response and sighed. "I'm gonna take a bath," Akane said dropping her bag.
As their younger sister walked off, Kasumi and Nabiki headed to the living room to have a private chat.
"Sis, I think we have a problem," Nabiki began.
"I know. I didn't think Ranma leaving would cause Akane to have to deal with that again," Kasumi responded.
"Not to mention the whole Ukyo thing she's obviously guilt-tripping about," Nabiki added. "Any ideas?"
Kasumi put her hand on her cheek while Nabiki crossed her arms, both girls in deep thought.
"I guess the only thing that can fix this is if Ranma comes back, but we can't just make him," Kasumi suggested.
"No...but maybe someone can 'persuade' him to want to move back to the dojo," Nabiki said in a sly tone.
"Nabiki, I don't think any scheming is going to help us here," Kasumi replied.
"It's not scheming, we're just gonna have someone talk to him. And who better than the one who obviously wants him back the most?" Nabiki said.
"I guess having them talk wouldn't hurt," Kasumi replied.
[]
Akane stepped out of the bathtub, after finally getting a moment of peace and quiet. Throughout her much needed bath, Akane tried to think of a way to try and get the mob of boys to stop their 'morning challenge.' Luckily tomorrow was the weekend so she'd have more time to try and think. Her thoughts were interrupted by a knock on the bathroom door.
"Akane," came Kasumi's voice. "When you're finished, could you come to the living room?" she asked.
"Sure thing. I'll be right there!" Akane replied.
[]
A short moment later, Akane arrived in the living room greeted by both of her sisters.
"So what's up?" Akane asked.
Nabiki responded by holding up a bus ticket. "Akane, how'd you like to go pay old Ranma a visit tomorrow?"
(A/N: Cliffhanger, hanging from a cliff. And that's why he's called Cliff Hanger! Anyways, I'm finally able to re-introduce some of the ol' Ranma cast. Anyways, I've been getting comments regarding Ranma's strength and I think I may have finally gotten it down and will hopefully portray it better in future chapters. Also, to the reviewer who said Ranma would only be able to defeat Kenichi's masters once, but most likely never again, I agree. But then again, Ranma only needs one victory to be satisfyed. Anyways, Akane is gonna be the first Ranma character to get thrown into the thickness of the plot, but I promise you she won't be the last. Also, if you don't like Akane, that's all fine, but PLEASE don't post any hate reviews just because I brought her in cause I happen to have a few plans for her[FORESHADOWING!])