Ryoutou
Disclaimer: I don't own Ranma½ or Sakura Taisen or Love Hina or Rurouni Kenshin (or a little bit of Sailor Moon or CCS or Vandread)! I wish I did so I could finally skip this part.
Book of Water
Chapter 5: Otokonoko ga onnanoko-tachi ni au
--- Himura Clan, Family Room ---
Sakura knelt beside her mother. A short introduction was made when she and her mother entered. Nodoka, the woman with read hair and seemingly in her mid 30s and dressed in the pinkish-red kimono, was the mother of her would-be fiancée. The more elderly woman next to Nodoka was Hotaru, dressed in dark purple kimono and was Nodoka's mother meaning the grandmother of Ranma. A few short greetings where spoken across the table when the sliding door opened again, Sakura looked up to see a beautiful woman leading an equally beautiful girl her age, which Sakura suspected to be the Aoyamas' bridal candidate.
"Welcome Tsuruko-san, Motoko-san. You're just in time. Please take a seat." Nodoka motioned towards the place across from where the Shingujis were sitting. "The Shingujis have also just arrived recently. May I introduce, my mother Hotaru." The elderly Himura gave a small bow, "And the Shingujis…"
Tomoyo bowed towards to where Tsuruko knelt, "Shinguji Tomoyo. And my daughter, Sakura." Sakura gave a bow of gesture.
"Aoyama Tsuruko. And this is my youngest sister, Motoko." (I know Motoko's sister got married, but in this case I'm assuming her husband married into the Aoyama family. For Japanese it is not uncommon for husbands to take their wives family name, especially when the bride's have more prominent name than the husband.) Tsuruko greeted back, and bowed together with Motoko.
'She's definitely skilled. I can tell from her gait, but she seems as nervous as I am.' Sakura thought, and then an idea popped into her mind. 'If she gets chosen by Himura-sama, then that means I wouldn't have to marry him. Although I know my grandmother wouldn't let me have the end of it, at least that way it won't cause a smudge of dishonor in the family.' Sakura smiled; perhaps she can still get out of this engagement.
Motoko couldn't help but admire her rival, 'Shinguji-san is very composed, though slightly nervous.' She also noted that the Shinguji girl was very well mannered and well verse in etiquette. She sighed, 'At this rate she'll be the one chosen by Himura-sama.' Motoko paused in her thoughts, 'Will that be really a bad thing? I know I might get the bad end of mother and sister but, if it does happen that way I wouldn't need to marry anyone and their will be no dishonor on my part.' Motoko smiled, 'But I better make sure I put up a good front otherwise sister will disown me if I showed little interest in this matter.'
Tsuruko and Tomoyo were discussing a few things to Nodoka, each pointing out to the advantages of marrying their respective candidate without degrading the other. Hotaru on the other hand was reading the emotions of the two bridal candidates based on their aura, and smiled…almost wickedly. 'You two are a little too young to think you can fool this old woman.' She took a sip of her tea, 'I can tell that each will try and do their best to have the other girl win…we can't have that now, can we?' It was a good thing she studied psychology, after all it was useful as a doctor to have an understanding of one's patients. She placed her tea cup down and took a small bell chime and gave it a small ring. The small sound of the bell wasn't lost to the other people in the room, and the back sliding door opened to reveal a young female retainer with short blue hair.
"You called, milady." The girl asked as she bowed to her mistress.
"Yes, Ami-chan." Hotaru motioned for the girl to come closer and she whispered something into her ear. The other people of the room were in a hush silence, wondering what the elder Himura was saying to the girl.
Ami nodded her head in understanding, and gave one bow before leaving the room.
Hotaru then turned her attention to the occupants of the room as soon as Ami left and closed the door behind her. "I have made a small arrangement, I think you will all like. Since we are all a family of sword masters, I think it would be prudent to demonstrate to the other how well verse one is in the art of swordsmanship." Hotaru picked-up her tea and took another sip.
Tsuruko nodded, "I must agree with you, Himura-sama. I think it would be best if our candidates were to show a little of their skills to justify their lobbying." She also concluded that Motoko would have a much higher chance of being chosen through a test of skill than a test of etiquette.
"Yes, I guess that's reasonable. And perhaps we can have also a demonstration from Ranma-sama?" Tomoyo inquired, she was fairly confident of her daughter's skills but was eager to see for herself how skillful the legendary clan was.
Hotaru nodded, "Of course. Would you girls like to change to a much more comfortable fighting garb?" She stood from her kneeling position and Nodoka followed suite.
Both girls nodded, "Of course, milady." And both had a distinct feeling that the elderly Himura lady was onto to their scheme. They may get away from etiquette exam for the bride but it will be too obvious if they do poorly in swordsmanship. 'I'm doomed!' Both thought.
"Please ask the Tendo sisters outside for some training gi unless you brought yours. And also, when you're ready ask them to lead you to the Kamiyaa Dojo. We'll be waiting for you there. After all, the bride of my grandson must be an able fighter herself to keep him on his toes." 'And I'll make sure I keep you two on your toes!'
---
Rei looked up from her meditation as she hears the door open and spies her sisters enter the guest room given to them. "So how did the match make go?" She asked getting up from her lotus position.
"Nothing much as of yet; the etiquette test has yet to be done…though I doubt there will be one. Milady Hotaru seems to favor action more than flowery show of words." Tsuruko stated as she help Motoko off her kimono as Rei handed her younger sister her change of clothes from her unpacked luggage.
Rei grinned as she thought of something to tease her younger sister and said in a joking manner, "Lucky you, if it had been test of etiquette, Motoko would have embarrassed the entire family in no time flat."
"I couldn't agree more." Tsuruko nodded sagely, barely containing her mirth.
"HEY! I resent that remark sisters!" Motoko exclaimed indignantly just as she was putting on her gi and hakama.
The two elder sisters laughed at the expense of their younger sibling, "Come now Motoko, we can't have our hosts waiting. Are you coming Rei-chan?"
Rei gave a shrugged, "Sure, I'd like to see the Shingujis' fighting style for my own eyes anyway."
---
"Welcome back milady, I take it the match make went well?" Minako bowed, as she anticipated her mistress reply.
Makoto bowed too, and like Minako, also eagerly waited Tomoyo's answer.
Sakura sighed; her mother had dubbed this two 'hopeless romantics'. They were eager to gossip about anyone and anything regarding love and relationships. Right now, she wouldn't mind if it wasn't her love life they were so interested about. Her mother stepped behind her as she helped her out of the kimono while gesturing for Minako for Sakura's casual garments.
"Apparently, Himura-sama wanted to see the girls' skills with the sword and has asked for a small demonstration at the dojo."
"Oh wow! I can see it now, wife protects husband as she slays the thug that attempted to assail him!"
The others blinked. Makoto pointed out, "Minako isn't it supposed to be the other way around?"
Minako shrugged as she helped Sakura don her usual attire, "So? It's romantic isn't it?"
Sakura couldn't help but giggle, "I hardly think being assailed by a thug, is romantic Minako-chan."
Tomoyo giggled too, "I must agree, anyway are you done Sakura-chan?"
Sakura nodded as put on her gloves, "Yes mother."
"Then come, we can't have them wait for us. You two may come if you wish."
The two nodded eagerly, they had always wanted to see akin to a prince and princess getting hitched. Their mistress and the Himura heir were the closets they could get. And the gossip they would tell their fellow when they return would be exceptional.
---
"Are you certain of this mother?"
Hotaru merely nodded and grabbed a wooden naginata. She was now wearing her training gi and made a few practice thrust with the pole weapon. "Where is my grandson now, Natsume-chan?" She asked the samurai-ko.
The said girl was standing off to the side with her sister Kurumi. The two girls were Hotaru's personal guards, as Kasumi and Nabiki were Nodoka's. "He's on his way, milady. Apparently, milord Kenji-sama had a few more things to iron out with Ranma-sama."
"I see."
"But they have already been informed by Ami-chan." Natsume added.
Hotaru acknowledge what Natsume said with a wave of her hand when the doors opened to reveal both Sakura and Motoko in their garb, followed by their entourage. Kasumi and Nabiki stood besides Natsume and Kurumi as they watch the event unfold.
Nodoka handed each girl a bokken. "Now then, instead of asking you two to demonstrate a kata of your ryuu…we have decided you two show us how well you are versed in actual combat."
"Huh?" Both Sakura and Motoko didn't quite get what Nodoka implied, so Hotaru proceeded to the center of the room, naginata at hand.
"Both of you shall face me in a sparring match, together." She said as she went into an attack stance. "Anything goes. Any attacks are legal. Treat this as you would a real battle."
Sakura and Motoko were speechless but proceeded into a neutral stance. Apparently, it was implied that both of them were needed to work together to take on the elder Himura and they were expected not to hold back.
Hotaru watched the two girls go into their stance; it was obvious to her that both girls showed skill, but apparently their stance lack proper coordination with the other. 'A grudging alliance, eh? You two should know that rivalry in battle may cause both allies to lose the fight.' She decided to capitalize on that. Without a word, she launched into an attack and she swung her naginata in a horizontal arc towards the nearest girl, Motoko. The said girl jumped back to avoid the strike making Sakura step in to provide cover.
Before Sakura could make a counter, Hotaru made a follow-up swing towards Sakura making her block with her bokken. She was fairly surprised at the elder woman's strength as reeled from the blow. 'She's strong!' She thought as she deflected another strike towards her.
Hotaru was clearly using the advantage of the naginata over the katana. She was keeping Sakura at bay with her weapon's length. She could initiate an attack without loosing ground, and she could deflect attacks initiated by her opponent also without giving ground. Sakura then noticed Motoko maneuvering behind their opponent and decided to provide a distraction. She launched a feint assault, making Hotaru reel her naginata towards Sakura. When she judge Motoko was ready she jumped back, causing Hotaru to look back at the other girl. 'If you think I didn't notice you girl, you have another thing coming.'
(AN: I'll be using created attack names. Can't really remember what they used to call their attacks.)
Motoko, seeing her opportunity launch her attack, "Heaven's Slash!" Hotaru jumped up as a wave of chi passed under her. As she jumped she twisted in the air avoiding Sakura's attempt to capitalize on what she thought was a moment of vulnerability. Upon landing on one foot, Hotaru launched towards Sakura, holding the staff with both hands. She cleaved a shallow vertical slash, making Sakura block the incoming blow but soon reversed her swing and using her momentum to force Sakura to loosen her grip on her bokken and the wooden weapon sailed across the floor and continuing the motion of her swing, the other end of Hotaru's naginata hit Sakura flat on the backside of her head causing the girl to stumble.
Before Hotaru could make the winning strike against Sakura, Motoko made a dash as she blocked the move and then countered with a reversal slash, "Dragon's Claw!" Hotaru smiled at the tenacity, she decided to up the ante a little as she dodged the incoming chi attack. Sakura took the opportunity to regain her lost weapon, and as she did, she spots Motoko and Hotaru trading blows, though mostly (if not only) it was Motoko taking the hits. Seems like the elder Himura decided to go in much faster now.
'She's really good.' Motoko thought. 'And fast. I find it hard to believe someone of her age can still move as fast as she does.' She held back a cry of pain as she felt another strike hit her shoulder. 'If this was for real I would have been dead by now.' "Sealing phoenix strike!!!" Motoko made another special assault as she potted a tiny opening in her opponent's guard.
"Hiten Mitsurugi, Earth Spike!" Hotaru countered with her own chi attack, she was impressed Motoko saw the opening but unfortunate she didn't managed to capitalize on it.
"Haja aerial strike, Falling Blossom Dive!" Hotaru barely blocked the Shinguji girl's attack as she was too focused on the Aoyama girl and hadn't expected the girl to recover her weapon quickly. Motoko was grateful as she tried to catch her breath and rub her sore, left shoulder. She and Sakura made a unified defensive stance and waited for Hotaru's next move.
Hotaru was surely working up a sweat. She was smiling though, as she could clearly see the great potential in each girl. 'That's the way, show more coordination and team work.' A little training in her school's ryuu and either girl could easily wipe her off the floor. She now went into a neutral stance and bowed to the two girls, indicating her test over.
Motoko and Sakura made a notion of sheathing the bokken and bowed as well. Both were relieved that the spar was over, especially Motoko who got a few hits inside her defense.
Hotaru handed Nodoka her wooden pole and addressed the two girls, "I must say you two fought very well. Although, Shinguji-san. It would do you well to train more not to lose your weapon in battle. And Aoyama-san, try not too used too much specialized attacks. It will leave you drained unless you can guarantee each one of those attacks will hit and can finish off your opponent" Both girls had looked down, slightly embarrass as their flaws were pointed out. "But nevertheless, I saw great potential both of you."
"Thank you for your vote of confidence, Himura-sama." Motoko said in a bow.
Sakura bowed too, "Thank you, milady."
Just then Ami entered the dojo and approached Hotaru, whispering something that only Hotaru and Nodoka could hear. Hotaru nodded and turned to the two bridal candidates, "Are you two still capable for another spar?"
Motoko and Sakura looked-up and both nodded.
"Yes I think I can still do another sparring round." Sakura said in affirmative.
"As do I."
Hotaru smiled, "Good, because now both of you'll be facing my grandson." And as she said that all heads turned to look at the handsome young man with a pigtail that entered the dojo. "Aoyamas, Shingujis, meet my grandson Himura Ranma."
Ranma walked, basically glided, towards where his grandmother and mother stood. It was like watching a tiger stalk its' prey (Which Tsuruko and Tomoyo surmised, the prey were Motoko and Sakura. And Nodoka added the part of the tiger 'eating' the prey. 'Oh my manly son!' And Ranma felt he wanted to bolt out of the room.)
"I'm Himura Ranma. Sorry about this." He said as scratched the back of his head which the girls in the room found SO adorable. He gave their guests a low bow, which was reciprocated.
Minako and Makoto were basically squirming in their seats. Here was a gorgeous man before them, but he was apparently hands off to them, unless they can somehow convince Shinguji-san to share him with them. (Sorry, it won't happen in this story…maybe as an omake.)
Rei was contemplating, 'If I had known this would be the heir of the Himura Clan, I would have gladly accepted the giri to be his wife!'
'He is so unlike Urashima. He moves with the grace that only a martial artist could make. I wonder if he is any good with his 'sword'…err, I meant any good with a sword!' Motoko blushed at her unintended hentai thoughts, 'I think I'm sticking around Naru-sempai and Urashima too long.' As she gazed at her supposed intended, she decided she may give this boy a chance…for now.
Sakura still hasn't quite caught her breathe, 'Wow! The way he moves and the way he carries himself…I've only seen that in aged-old masters!' Sakura caught her rival admiring the young Himura. 'She's as flabbergasted as I am. Who wouldn't be? Ranma-sama is very good looking, but I wonder he's got a nice personality?' She decided to give the matter more thought before she decides to try and get off the engagement.
Hotaru smiled even broader as she noticed the changed expression on the two girls. 'Now that's more like it. There's nothing wrong in trying out the waters first, children.' She then addressed her grandson. "Now then, Ranma-kun, I had asked these two lovely ladies to spar with you is that acceptable?" She then noticed that both Kenji and Yahiko were not present. "Oh and where are your grandfather and Yahiko-dono gone to?"
"Grandfather and master Yahiko received a summons from the governor of Kyoto. They said they'll be back by dinner time." Ranma said as he made a glance at his would be fiancées, and he was admitting both were strikingly beautiful. But he was more interested if they were any good with the sword than outside appearances. Beauty to him would just be an added bonus.
"What did the summons say, Ranma?" Nodoka inquired.
"I never really got to ask grandfather, they just said they'll be back by dinner."
Hotaru nodded, "If your grandfather dismisses it as something we shouldn't concern ourselves then it's nothing to worry about." She then gestures towards the two girls, "So, shall we begin?"
Ranma noted that both girls were breathing a little heavy, "They seemed a little winded, did something happen?" The hint of concern in his voice touched the girls.
"Mother tested their skills just a while ago Ranma." Nodoka answered her son's question. "We just finished when you arrived."
"They did? No wonder they seemed a little tired." Ranma then smiled at the two, "Would you two like to spar later, after dinner perhaps so you can have a little breather? It wouldn't be a fair match if I fought you two fresh from fighting grandmother."
Sakura and Motoko blushed at his smile.
'He seems rather nice.' Sakura thought as she smiled back, "Is it really okay, we postpone the fight for later, Himura-sama?"
"Sure, I see no problems in that. Oh, and call me Ranma."
"T-then, please call me Sakura, Ranma-kun."
"Umm, you can call me Motoko."
"Nice to meet you, Sakura-chan, Motoko-chan."
Hotaru was all smiles. "Very well, we'll have the fight for later. I guess it would be best if your grandfather was to witness it as well."
Tsuruko and Tomoyo were also happy seeing that their charges were at least willing now to give the engagement a chance. Apparently they knew of the hesitation of their young charges.
Nodoka whispered something to her mother, who nodded her head in agreement. "Ranma-kun?"
"Yes, grandmother?"
"Your mother and I along with Tsuruko-san and Tomoyo-san will be returning to the family room to discuss further issues regarding the engagement. Please, give the two young ladies a little tour of the gardens." She said in a slightly amused tone.
"Eh?"
Tsuruko and Tomoyo noticed the slight blush on their respective charges, and had to hand it down to Nodoka for setting up those three alone and decided to throw their own cents worth.
"Why, that's lovely suggestion milady. I'm sure it will help Sakura get to know more her prospective fiancé."
A blush reddens, "MOTHER!"
"Yes, I agree, if anyone can help loosen up Motoko it has to be Ranma-sama."
The other blush also reddens, "SISTER!"
"Oh, my son is so manly!"
A pigtailed stood on end, "MOM!"
The four elderly women, plus the other girls in the room had to let out a laugh as the three indignant teens were blushing real hard.
Ranma, made a notion to his two prospective fiancées to leave the room and escape their torture.
"Oh, my! I haven't seen Ranma-sama blushed like that since he found out Ukyou was a girl."
"Ah, love." Nabiki quipped; as they watched the three teens leave the dojo floor and headed for the gardens.
"I sure hope so, sis." Natsume said as she watched the young Himura. "I certainly hope so."
Nodoka then turned to their guests, "So, shall we?"
With a few nods Nodoka, Hotaru, Tsuruko and Tomoyo returned to the family room, yojimbos in tow. Ami, Rei, Minako and Makoto decided to hang out with one another as they headed for the terrace at front.
---
"I'm really sorry about what happened back there…" Ranma said apologetically.
Sakura shook her head, "I don't blame you for what happened inside the dojo Ranma-kun." She sighed, "After all, my mother took a part in our torture back there."
Motoko grunted, "As did my sister."
Ranma led the two girls towards the garden at the back of the estate. "It's beautiful, Ranma-kun!" Sakura squealed in delight as she made a dash towards the Sakura trees that were dotting the edge of the artificial lake. Flowers were also lining the footpath, predominant were Ajisais and Momijis. A few lotus flowers were also floating in the pond. (AN: I made the estate very large…something bigger than the Kunos.)
"I usually come here when I want to meditate; the serene atmosphere here helps me focus a lot easier." Ranma told Motoko as they both watch Sakura play around the falling blossoms.
"True, it is quite serene here. Back in the capital, it's quite hard to find good places to meditate as noises from steam-powered vehicles can be heard even from the top of the steps of Hinata Sou."
"You meditate often, Motoko-chan?"
"Not too often though. Being a student trying to get in Tokyo University can take up a lot of my time."
"You're studying to get to Tokyo University?" Sakura asked as she managed to hear the last part as she returned from her brief merriment. The said university had opened about twenty years ago and only brilliant minds could pass the extremely difficult exam. (AN: I'm just guessing it opened around the turn of the century…if not then let's just say that it did.)
Motoko nodded, "Yes, though I must admit I flunked my first attempt. Hopefully my sister doesn't get a wind of it. Anyway, I was trying to proved if that idiot Urashima can get in, so can I!" A strong sense of determination could be noted in her voice.
"Urashima? Is he your boyfriend or something?" Ranma asked casually. He didn't quite notice the spit take Motoko took, neither did Sakura.
"Him? My boyfriend? Hahaha!" Motoko gave a nervous laughter. "No he's not." Ranma somehow noted a hint of sadness in her voice before it resumed to normal. "He's with Naru-sempai. Those two are quite an item really. You won't see a love-hate relationship as complex as those two."
Ranma also noted somewhat similar expression to Sakura, "How about you Sakura-chan? Do you have anyone special?"
"N-no! What makes you say that?" Sakura asked nervously as she hasn't really come to terms with her own feelings for her captain.
Ranma gave a small sigh, "Don't get me wrong, you two are very lovely women." Both girls blushed at the compliment. "But I had hoped…more like wished that the match make didn't take place at all." Ranma bent down to a pick a stone and threw it into the pond. "I had hoped that when I marry, it was because of love…and not because of honor."
Sakura and Motoko felt sympathy for the young man; after all they were in the same predicament as he was. Heck they are in the same boat.
"Ranma-kun…" Sakura made a motion to hold onto Ranma's arm. And she was rewarded with a soft, but sad smile.
Motoko also offered a small touch of comfort as she held onto the other arm.
"I had asked you two if you had someone you love, because regardless of honor, I wouldn't want to cause any of you grief. Grief of not able to be with the person you love. And I wouldn't have forced the engagement on you. Even if it meant I have to break the agreement on my side."
The girls were touched at his concern and kindness, here they were relatively strangers but this man was willing to place them ahead of his own honor.
"Ranma-san! You shouldn't say things like that!" Motoko reprimanded, she'd be damned if she allows this man to dishonor himself for her sake. She was beginning to feel like she would die if Ranma didn't stop feeling depressed. She would rather see that bright smile on his face anytime.
Sakura too, noted that he was self-sacrificing, that he would rather take the fall for others. "Aoyama-san is right, Ranma-kun. Besides it is as we said, we both have no one special to us." Sakura now admitted was she felt for Oogami was merely puppy love, a young girl's crush. Perhaps, she can find true love here. Ranma was proving to be much more than she had thought at first.
Ranma bowed his head, "Sorry, about all this…"
Sakura and Motoko then made the decision right there that they would see through this engagement to the end as each clung onto Ranma's arms, their head resting on his shoulders.
---
"See? Didn't I tell you guys that things will go well?" Akane said as she, Ukyou and Ryouga spied behind the bushes keeping an eye on their charge.
Ukyou and Ryouga were teary eyed, "That was so beautiful that I'm crying!" Ukyou said as she made a grab for Ryouga's bandana and blew her nose in it.
"HEY!"
'Shhhhhh!!! They'll hear us baka!' Ukyou and Akane scolded.
'I needn't yell if Ukyou didn't grab my bandanas like that!'
Then the three felt a shadow fell on them and looked up to see an annoyed Ranma. "Alright, you three are busted. Come out of there!"
"Hehe, sorry we didn't mean to eavesdrop on you Ranma-sama but we kinda felt awkward if we just waltz when you three were all lovey-dovey…owww! What you do that for?" Ryouga complained towards Ukyou as he rubs his head.
"You're embarrassing them, jackass."
"Ukyou! We have guests present! Please, watch your language!" Akane scolded.
Ranma, Ryouga and Ukyou just looked at the youngest Tendo. Did she really just say that? She was beginning to sound like Kasumi.
Ranma heard Motoko coughed, and nearly forgot about them. "Oh, sorry let me introduce you two to my three best friends. This guy here is Hibiki Ryouga, met him when I was only seven. He's one tough fighter, he may not be as agile as I am but sure heck is stronger." He whispered to the two girls, 'You should see him carry that horseman-cleaver sword.' (AN: Remember Sannosuke's sword? The one said to cleave both horse and rider? Yep, that's Ryouga's sword as well.) Both girls have heard of such a sword but never thought anyone strong enough to use it.
"Nice to meet you, just called me Ryouga." He said with a bow (AN: I know lot's of bowing…heck I work of a Japanese company…we bow a lot too!) The girls bowed in turned.
"I think you met her sisters already, she is the youngest of five Tendo daughters. Her name is Tendo Akane, she is known as the 'Bull Runner' for her ferocity in battle." Then in a much lower tone to the two, 'Also because of her fiery tempter. She can be stronger than Ryouga when she wants too'
"Call me Akane. I'm sure we can be great friends! Oh, and I heard that Ranma-sama!" Sounds of knuckles popping.
'Hmm, I may get to like this girl…' Motoko thought. Somehow she felt like Akane resembled Naru…in more ways than one.
Gulp, "Hehe, sorry…and this is Kuonji Ukyou, my friend for the longest time. She likes to wield a No-dachi (A sword slightly longer than a katana.) and she's a great cook as well."
Sakura stammered, "Uh, 'she'?"
Apparently, Motoko also noticed the pronoun used was feminine instead of masculine.
Ukyou still loves to wear male clothes and likes to look like bishounens. "Yep, I'm a girl sugar. Don't be too surprised though…those ninjas you seen at front?"
Sakura and Motoko nodded.
"I met, Kontasu." Sakura said.
"And I, Tsubasa. What of those girls?" Motoko asked.
Ranma, Ryouga, Ukyou and Akane nearly fell from laughter. "They aren't girls, sugar. There one hundred percent men. They just love to dress up as like women. Though I wouldn't fault you for thinking they were girls."
Sakura and Motoko gagged. Those 'girls' where 'boys'? They seemed more feminine than most women they knew! Heck, they seemed to have more grace than they do! They just concluded that the Kuonjis are a little gender confusing.
"Right then, now then let me introduce you to our guests. This is Shinguji Sakura; she's a member of Imperial Capital Defense, Flower Unit."
Sakura bowed then straightened immediately after she processed what Ranma had said and gave him a shocked look. Motoko too, was surprised when she heard the Shinguji girl was a member of that famous unit. She had only watch a few shows on the theatre but never enough to have recognized the Shinguji girl. Heck, she never even thought of comparing her name to the actress whom she assumed just shared a similar name.
"H-how?" Asked a surprised Sakura.
Ukyou smiled, "Never under estimate the Red Ninjas, sugar. We have people inside your very own Wind Unit. They keep us informed." She proudly stated.
Sakura was astonished; she never imagined that the Wind Unit could be infiltrated. She gave a short nod as she accepted the explanation.
"Don't worry though; we won't blow your cover. But could we ask for some autographs later?" Akane asked, she was after all a big fan of the Imperial Theatre, and her favorite star was Kanna. Go figure.
Sakura gave a nervous laugh but agreed, "I guess I can do that, please to meet you though."
"And this is Aoyama Motoko of the Shinmei Ryuu, and she's aiming to get into Tokyo University." Ranma said, introducing the other girl.
"Wow, Toudai huh? Perhaps you can ask either Ami-chan or Meia-chan for help in your studies since those two are already attending classes there." Akane said proudly, after all they were her 'cousins.' (AN: Toudai would stand for Toukyou Daigaku or Tokyo University.)
Motoko bowed, "Thanks, I might take you up on that offer. I hope I wouldn't impose too much."
"Not at all, I'm sure they'll be glad to help you. Ami-chan and Meia-chan are both here for the term break, we'll ask them later."
"Thank you kindly, Akane-san."
A few more small talks were exchanged, and basically Ranma and Ryouga motioned they'll be heading back to the dojo for some training. The girls decided to stay at the pond, to do some more girl talk.
---
So how were the girls, Ranma-sama?" Ryouga asked as soon as they were out of earshot of the girls.
Ranma turned to look back at them, "They seem nice…though I don't think they're being totally honest about their feelings."
"What do you mean?"
"I think they already have someone they love. As much as I want to uphold family honor, I just don't want myself getting in the way of their happiness."
Ryouga smiled a sad smile, "You know…you really are too nice for your own good, Ranma-sama."
Ranma shrugged, "Sometimes, I think so too."
Ryouga grinned, "It would be a shame though if you don't bag either one of those beautiful girls."
"RYOUGA!"
---
"So what do you girls think of Ranma-sama?" Ukyou eagerly asked the two girls as soon as the boys were gone.
"He seems nice enough." Sakura pointed out.
"Aside from the fact he is dashingly handsome?" Akane smiled at the sight of two blushing faces.
"Don't be embarrassed sugars, I know for one that every female in the clan thinks he is the epitome of manliness." 'I included, but no need to tell you girls that.'
"I think you've been hanging around Nodoka-sama too much lately, Ukyou." Akane said as she edged a little from the girl.
"I can tell from his gait that he is quite skilled, but I want to know exactly how much skilled he really is from you two." Motoko inquired. She felt she needed to know at least that.
Sakura nodded in agreement, "Yes, I noticed that too when he entered the dojo, how good is Ranma-kun?"
"Sugars, you both fought against his grandmother didn't you?" Two heads nods in answer at her question. "How well did you two fare?"
"To be truthful, if she was a few years younger she would have beaten us in that amount of time we fought her and we would have been kissing the floor when Ranma-san arrived." Motoko stated. "The only people I ever fought as skilled as she was were Seta-san and my eldest sister."
"Who's Seta?" Akane asked.
"Oh, he's an archeologist and sometimes martial artist. One of my fellow residents in the inn is his adopted daughter."
Akane seemed bored at the answer; she was expecting something like a dojo destroyer or something close to it. "Oh. Well to answer your question, Ranma-sama has been training under Hotaru-sama, Kenji-sama, Yahiko-sama and the other daimyos of the lesser families of the clan since he was small. If you think his grandmother was something you should him in action. And yes, he can take on his grandmother and win."
"Have either of you ever fought him in a sparring match?" Sakura asked. She was getting curious with Ranma's fighting prowess as well, after seeing how well verse in the art his grandmother was.
"Just a while ago we had another match. It was Akane, Ryouga and I teamed-up against him. We had that little bout for say…twenty minutes. But as always, he always comes out as the winner."
"And the three of us comes out with a few sore limbs." Akane said as she rubbed her arms, "Luckily Ami-chan is here. She can do some chi-healing like Hotaru-sama, but we kind of feel awkward asking milady for treatment though."
"He can also take on Kenji-sama and Yahiko-sama one-on-one. Although, he still can't defeat them together alone when Kenji-sama and Yahiko-sama fight as a pair. But he is coming close." Ukyou said as she stood.
"You'll get your chance later from what I hear." Akane said, also standing and motioning for the other two to follow. "Come I think I can hear Ami-chan calling for us."
---
"Welcome back Kenji-kun, Yahiko-dono." Hotaru greeted her husband as soon as he entered the family room along with Yahiko.
"Forgive us for being late, Shinguji-san, Aoyama-san."
"Not all Himura-sama." Tomoyo said as she bowed before the Himura Clan head.
Tsuruko also bowed, "It has been a while, Himura-sama, Yahiko-sama."
"Come let us continue this over at the dinning table, I overheard Ami-chan calling everyone there. And Kasumi-chan's cooking is something you must all sample." Kenji said as he led them to the dinning.
---
Kasumi will be Kasumi when comes to serving dishes. Even Motoko have to admit that Kasumi is better than Shinobu and Sakura wished she could prepare meals like this. Ranma was asked to seat between his two intendeds, causing a few wolf whistles from Meia and Nabiki, who later were scolded by Kasumi.
Introductions were made as Sakura and Motoko were introduced to Kenji and rest of the clan. Other prominent heads were, Tendo Soun, daimyo of the Tendo Family, and his wife, Kimiko. Kuonji Daimaru, daimyo of the Kuonji Family. Hibiki Jinko, daimyo of the Hibiki Family, and his wife Sayaka.
Dinner flew by relatively quietly, with a few questions here and there regarding the engagement. Ami and Meia also agreed to help Motoko in her studies…unfortunately, Motoko's sister overheard it. And as punishment, Motoko was to help Hotaru when she was teaching classes in the dojo and help clean it afterwards. Motoko gave a sigh of relief, 'It could have been worse.'
And about an hour after dinner, everyone was at the dojo again, this time to witness Ranma spar against Motoko and Sakura.
Nabiki stood next to Ami and Meia, "Want to make bets on the fight cousins?"
"You know Nabiki; I have every confidence that Ranma-sama would win this fight." Ami said with conviction. Meia nodded in agreement.
"I know. That's why the betting pool is about how long the fight will last."
"Oh, that is different…what are your odds Nabiki?" Meia asked as drew a few yen from her obi.
Ami decided to throw a few yen in as well. "This should be interesting."
To glazedlookineyes101: Thanks for telling me the names…though I think I'll stick with the name I've given Sakura's mother. For comedy effect anyway. Oh, and sorry if it's too short. I can only manage to write in my spare time from the office…too much workload. Anyway, the chapters may get longer eventually. Like this one, hehehe.
To dennisud: As with glazedlookineyes101, thanks for the name for Motoko's sister. The previous chapter's name for Tsuruko has been corrected with this chapter's release.
To Rurouni: I know about the part about the Meiji Restoration disbanding the samurai class, I just decided to ignore that point of history here. Though I am please you noticed it. In any regard this is an alternate universe, so let the imagination run free of history's restrictions (I think I've been playing red alert too long…)
To LeRoy: Thanks for the pre-reading and suggestions man!
AN: The title translates into boy meets girls. I had that confirmed by my sensei. I am currently taking up a level 4 Japanese language study. Level 4 means, in layman's terms, kindergarten level.