Chap 2: Evaluation
The Caucasus Inzecter then flew off the belt Ranma was wearing and with it the armor on him disappeared. Ranma looked at Hagemoto and so did Akane, the expressions on their faces speaking for them, "What the heck just happened?"
"I'll tell you everything you need to know, but first," Hagemoto said before he took out his cell phone and dialled an emergency number. He spoke into his phone, "Send the 'Erasers' ASAP!"
Akane and Ranma both blinked and mouthed, "Erasers?"
Suddenly, 4 black hummers stopped in front of the school gate and the doors opened up to reveal men in black suits and black sunglasses that were akin to the Men in Black. They went over to the students covered up in spider silk and used some sort of energy blades to cut them out. The funny thing was that the energy blades were coming out of their cell phones.
When the students had been cut loose, they began to wake up and the black clad men pointed the camera lenses of their phones at their faces. The lenses flashed and the students fell unconscious once again.
Hagemoto explained, "They'll be alright, the students I mean. The Erasers are doing their jobs right now."
Ranma narrowed his eyes at Hagemoto, "Okay, buddy, I want answers and I want answers right now!"
Hagemoto sighed. "I was afraid you'd say that. Usually when a person witnesses a monster attack like that their memories are erased to cover the whole thing up. It's what our organization does. However, since you two," he pointed to Akane and Ranma before continuing, "Are a bit of a special case. Actually, the special case here is you, Mr. Saotome,"
"Me?" Ranma pointed to himself.
"The belt and the Inzecter have, for some insane reason, chosen you and because of that I can no longer reclaim and take them back to the branch in Tokyo. I'd have to report this to my boss and he won't be happy. I'll lose my job but I think it's better that the belt and Inzecter ended up with someone like you."
"Thanks, I guess," Ranma said. He didn't sound too thrilled.
"What's the matter?" Hagemoto asked. "You don't sound too thrilled."
"Well, you're going to lose your job and it's going to be all my fault, and I'm going to take responsibility for my actions," he added under his breath, "Unlike pops."
Hegemoto then contemplated his options. He then said, "Okay, how about this then?" Ranma and Akane were all ears. "I'll have to take you to the branch in Tokyo and we can face my boss together, whaddya say?" he suggested.
Akane said, "Sure."
Ranma shrugged, "I mean, how bad could it be?"
"You two have no idea…" Hagemoto muttered. These two didn't know his boss like he did and how dangerous it was to upset him. He was one of the select few who knew what Ichijyo Desmond Amakusa-Akuma, son of Ichiro Damien Amakusa-Akuma, was truly capable of. He had learnt it the hard way and still had nightmares.
"But I think we have to tell my father but what to tell him?" Akane asked. "I can't lie to him and I don't think the truth would be such a good idea."
"Nabiki would try to make money out of this and so would pops to stuff his fat face," Ranma muttered.
"I'm a representative of an educational institute that young Ranma can benefit from," Hagemoto said, introducing himself to both Ranma's parents and Akane's father. He produced a business card for them to look at. Soun studied it intently.
"Red Horse Private Institute? Sounds quite interesting Mister…"
"Hagemoto, call me Hagemoto please, Mr. Tendo," Hagemoto said.
"And how will this help my son with his martial arts training?" Genma asked, scrutinizing Hagemoto intently. His glare didn't faze the Smart Brain employee one bit for his boss' glare was capable of freezing some of the most powerful in fear, paralyzing them.
"Mr. Saotome," Hagemoto said before pausing, "Martial arts is all good and all but this is the 21st Century. Technology is advancing and the young should use it to their advantage. A man amongst men must not be behind in the times, should he?" Ranma had earlier told Hagemoto everything he needed to know about his father. He was obsessed with making Ranma a 'Man amongst Men' as he had put it. However, this obsession was only challenged by Genma's greed, both for money and food. This was just the bait now Hagemoto had to figure out how to reel it in. "What do you think, Mrs. Saotome?"
"I think it is a wonderful idea," Nodoka said, polishing the katana in her hand. Genma gulped at this and then agreed.
"Well, only if my boy does not get lazy and forget his training," Genma said. "By the way, how much will this cost."
"Oh no, sir," Hagemoto said. "It's all being paid for through a scholarship. You don't have to pay a single dime." At this Genma grinned. "And thank you for accepting my humble offer," Hagemoto said and then he faced Soun. "This opportunity also extends to your youngest daughter, Mr. Tendo. However, I still need your consent."
"Well, if Akane agrees then how can I object?" Soun said while rubbing his moustache. "They'll go to Tokyo first thing in the morning. You can stay the night here then, Mr. Hagemoto."
"You're too kind, sir," Hagemoto kneeled and then bowed down to them. "Thank you for accepting my offer." He then stood up and left the adults but not before one last bow.
Up in Akane's room, where both Ranma and Akane were waiting, Hagemoto entered. Akane asked, "So, how did it go?"
Hagemoto said, "I feel almost guilty for having to trick them," he then grinned, "But they bought the whole story. You're both going to Tokyo to meet up with my boss and get Ranma evaluated."
"That's great, right Ranma?" Akane said to her fiancée. Ranma smiled too and this made Akane blush a bit.
"Yeah, great," Ranma said, not looking very thrilled.
"What's wrong, Ranma?" Akane asked, Hagemoto then stood up and said, "I'll leave you two alone for now while I make myself at home." He left the two of them in the room.
"Akane, okay this is gonna sound wimpy, but I don't think I want to leave here," Ranma told her.
"Why not?" Akane asked.
"Well, for one, this has been the only real home I had since I left on that training trip with pops. Also…I don't think I want to leave my mom again and break her heart."
"Oh, Ranma," Akane said before going over and giving her a hug. She was not ashamed to do so as long as Ranma didn't do anything perverted like say feel her up. If he did then it would be a one way trip to Timbuktu via 'Akane Mallet Airways'. "This is only temporary. Besides, I'll be there for you."
"Akane…"
"Ranma…"
They leaned closer and closer, their eyes beginning to close, as their lips were puckered up, Suddenly the door swung open and a small black piglet burst in and into Akane's arms. The couple separated, blushing madly.
"Oh, P-Chan!" Akane exclaimed, holding up the little black pig. It squealed while Ranma glared daggers at it. "Guess what, I'm going to go to Tokyo with Ranma tomorrow!" Ranma face faulted while the little pig's eyes widened. "Don't worry, I'll bring you along too!" P-Chan squealed happily while Ranma glared daggers at it.
"Stupid pig," Ranma muttered.
Akane stood up and said, "I'm gonna get some food, be right back, P-Chan!" She left the two alone. The pig and boy glared at one another, the pig snarling.
"Don't even give me THAT look, pig-boy. You wouldn't understand the circumstances even if I told you," Ranma said to P-Chan. The pig squealed angrily in response with Ranma just saying, "Whatever, pal. I bet if we even brought you to Tokyo you'd get lost in less than 5 minutes." P-Chan then leapt up and bit Ranma on the nose.
"AHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!! GET OFF!!"
Hagemoto had bumped into Nabiki and her eyes were narrowed at him. "What's your game?" Nabiki asked him.
"What do you mean?" Hagemoto asked, "And you are…?"
"Nabiki Tendo," Nabiki replied. Hagemoto nodded, noting what Ranma had told him about her. Unlike he rest of the house whole she was the most intelligent and craftiests. She had both the mind of a businesswoman and a mercenary, a dangerous and deadly combination. Hagemoto would have to be careful around her. "The Red Horse Private Institute? Please, what kind of a cover story is that? Unlike the rest I actually read the business section and I know that Smart Brain, one of the most powerful tech companies on the planet, owns the place and it's pretty exclusive. Why would it want Ranma and Akane?"
'Okay, she's a smart one,' Hagemoto noted mentally. "Alright, you caught me, but what do you want to do about it? Both your father and his parents have agreed and it's too late now anyway?"
Nabiki stared at him evenly, not fazing him a bit. She then said, "Alright, but I will find out the truth!" She then stomped away.
'If you do then the Erasers will be here to tie up some loose ends,' Hagemoto thought. Kasumi had walked up the stairs, carrying a tray of drinks for himself, Ranma and Akane. He smiled. Unlike the rest of the members of the house whole Kasumi seemed the most sane and normal and that was saying something in this nutty town.
"Oh hello, Mr Hagemoto," Kasumi said, bowing her head. Hagemoto bowed too.
"Hello, Miss Kasumi," he replied. "Drinks for Akane and Ranma?"
"And for you too," Kasumi said.
"Well the, let me carry them for you."
"I can't let you do that, Mr. Hagemoto."
"Please, I insist. It's no trouble at all."
The next day, Hagemoto had a car ready for both Ranma and Akane. Hagemoto told the families that they would be checking out the Institute and giving them a tour of the place, which was half true. The real truth was that Ranma was going to be evaluated in Smart Brain for his mastery of the Caucasus Inzecter.
Ranma hugged his mother and when he came up with his father he said, "Don't laze around, boy!"
Akane hugged both her sisters and then her father, who was crying out hysterically at his youngest daughter. The two of them then entered the car after saying "Sayonara" to their respective families. The car then drove off.
Hagemoto sat in the front, driving, while Ranma and Akane sat in the back. Some luggage was in the trunk. In Akane's arms was little P-Chan who Ranma was trading glares with.
They reached Tokyo after a long drive and Akane looked out to see Tokyo Tower and so many of the tall buildings in the capital. Ranma looked impressed too. The only places he had gone too were centres of weirdness and he just hoped that Tokyo wasn't the exact same way.
The car Hagemoto drove stopped in front of Smart Brain Corporation's Tokyo Branch. It was a tall skyscraper like building with Smart Brain's emblem, a half black and half silver hexagon with an S and B of opposing colours on it. Ranma whistled, seeing the structure from close up.
"Woah," Ranma said. P-Chan's eyes widened with surprise as did Akane's.
"Welcome to Smart Brain Corporation Tokyo!" Hagemoto said, spreading his arms. "Please wipe your feet before entering."
The trio and one pig entered, the security guard allowing them entry after Hagemoto flashed them his ID card. Ranma and Akane thought it looked impressive on the outside but it was nothing compared to the inside. The place was HUGE!
"Follow me, please," Hagemoto urged, going over to the receptionist. He said to the receptionist, "I have an appointment with Mr. Amakusa."
"Yes, Mr. Hagemoto. Mr. Akuma is waiting for you in his office," the receptionist answered, doing her job.
"Thank you." He turned his attention towards Ranma and Akane, "Let's go, guys." However, the receptionist, upon seeing P-Chan in Akane's arms, stopped them.
"Excuse me, Miss?" the receptionist said. "I'm sorry but animals are not allowed in the premises. Company rules."
"But-" Akane began but Hagemoto cut her off.
"Is there anywhere we can place the pig, temporarily?" Hagemoto asked.
"You can leave it with me," the receptionist said. "I just love animals."
P-Chan looked at Akane, eyes shining, pleadingly, but Akane said, "Sorry, P-Chan, but I have to leave you now. Don't wotty, I'll be back for you later." Ranma grinned in satisfaction before he gasped when Akane kissed P-Chan on the snout. Hagemoto saw Ranma's reaction and raised an eyebrow in curiosity.
P-Chan was placed in the receptionist's arms who then waved at them, promising she'd look after P-Chan.
The trio took the elevator to the top floor, where the executive offices were, one in particular, the office of Mr. Ichijyo Desmond Amakusa.
They reached the floor and after Hagemoto spoke to the secretary she allowed them entry. "Mr. Amakusa will see you now," she said.
Hagemoto gulped, looking really scared and nervous. Ranma spoke to him, "You okay?"
"I'm fine," Hagemoto said, trying to relax and failing. "I'm just composing myself. Alright, here I go." He pushed the large doors open and they entered.
The office was quite wide with a couch nearby, large window, a big screen TV and not to mention a large shelf full of books that would almost make it like a miniature library. A soft melody swept through the air. Sitting with the back of his chair turned facing them was none other than Mr. Amakusa himself. The man in question was facing the windows but a bit of the top of his head was still visible. Hagemoto stepped forward and bowed. Ranma and Akane bowed as well.
"I trust your mission was a success," Mr. Amakusa said without turning around.
"Yes, sir," Hagemoto said before he added, "I've retrieved the belt but met with some complications."
"Oh, such as?"
"The belt and Inzecter have already chosen someone."
The music came to a screeching halt. Hagemoto began to sweat nervously. This was not a good sign.
"I see," Mr. Amakusa said calmly. "Well, it is only fair that I get to meet the Inzecter's chosen and see him face to face." And with that the chair spun around. Akane and Ranma were expecting a much older man but not THIS!
Mr. Amakusa was just a kid, no older than them. Ranma and Akane stepped forward, ignoring Hagemoto's protests.
"Okay, kid!" Ranma said, pointing at Ichijyo. "I want to meet the real man in charge!"
"I am the man in charge," Ichijyo scowled, his eyes narrowing under his glasses. Ranma snorted in disbelief.
"Yeah, right!" Ranma said. "I bet we're supposed to meet your dad so where is he?"
"My father is in England but I don't think you have time to go there, Mr. Saotome, heir to the Anything Goes School of Martial Arts, son of Genma and Nodoka Saotome, and fiancé of Akane Tendo." Ranma and Akane's eyes widened.
"How did you know all that?" Akane asked. A pair of files was thrown onto the table. One was marked with Ranma's name while the other was marked with Akane's. Ranma and Akane opened them up and gasped. It had all their information in them Akane then looked between the file and Ichijyo, making a connection as the gears in her head started spinning. "Ranma…I think…I think he's telling the truth!"
"No way!" Ranma said. "He's just a kid, like us! How can he be the boss of this whole place. You'd have to be really old to do that unless you inherited it."
Ichijyo adjusted his glasses, "Say that to Seto Kaiba. Just because I'm young doesn't mean I'm just a stupid inexperienced kid. I'm capable at my job and because of that this branch has been successful. Need more proof?" He threw a newspaper onto the table. It was the business newspaper. On the front page was a picture of Ichijyo himself shaking hands with another executive after a successful business deal." I possess an analytical mind, an IQ of over 300, and can calculate various math equations in my mind which would take years even on a calculator." He then smirked, "So, you still think I'm lying now?"
"N-no!" Akane said, fearfully.There was just something in Ichijyo's eyes that commanded a lot of respect and not to mention paralyzing fear.
Ranma narrowed his eyes, "Okay, so you ARE the boss of this place. Well, boss, tell me what's the deal with that belt and these monsters? Why did you make this Inzecter thing and why did it choose me?"
Ichijyo smirked and stood up. Hagemoto began sweating bullets as he stepped back. Ichijyo then looked Ranma in the eyes.
"Just like all the reports I've heard about you, Mr. Ranma Saotome. You're impetuous but have good instincts. You like to get straight to the point, not bothering to beat around the bush. Very well then, I'll answer all your questions but I hope that you can keep a secret for, Inzecter or not, this company's secrets must be kept a secret and we can't let anyone threaten that, no matter how exceptional they are." He then narrowed his blue eyes, "Do I make myself clear?"
"Sure," Ranma smirked. Ichijyo backed away. "Good, well, follow me to the labs. There I will tell you everything you need to know." Ranma and Akane were headed to the door but was stopped by Ichijyo. "Oh, not THAT way," Ichijyo said. He took out a remote and pressed a button. "THIS way," he grinned. Two trap holes immediately appeared under the two teens and they fell in, screaming. The trap holes then closed. Ichijyo said, "Mental note, get Jerry something nice for Christmas. This 'woohping' technology is just amazing." He then turned to look at Hagemoto and pressed the remote again. A trap hole appeared under his employee as well who screamed in response. Ichijyo went over to the intercom and said into it, "Hold my calls for me until I return," before he formed a dark portal made from his own shadow and vanished into it.
Ranma and Akane fell in rather safely upon some cushions and in every awkward position with her lying on top of him and their faces inches away from each other. They then heard a scream and they rolled away as Hagemoto landed on the spot they once occupied.
"Damn, I hate that," Hagemoto said.
Ranma and Akane looked around. Ranma asked, "What is this place?"
"Smart Brain Corporation's Top Secret Underground Research and Development Labs,"Ichijyo said as he walked into view.
"How did you get here so fast?" Akane asked before Ranma bolted up and grabbed the teen CEO by his shirt.
"And what was the big idea?" Ranma demanded. Ichijyo didn't flinch.
"It was the only other way down here. I had to use the same way as well," Ichijyo said to him. "Now, kindly remove your hands from me before I am forced to have you removed from the premises." Ranma let him go but still had a glare trained on him. "Now, follow me. There's someone I want you to meet."
They walked through the lab, watching the technicians, engineers, researchers and various other scientists do their work. Some of them were working on computers or drawing diagrams while others looked like to be working on prototype models of machines that seemed ahead of their time. This was just too much for them. And this was the TOP SECRET area. What were all these things for anyway? They also passed by what looked like a giant robot hand before Ichijyo urged them to continue following him.
They were in front of a steel door with a nameplate on it that said, 'PROFFESSOR YURIKO MURATA, HEAD OF RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT.' Hagemoto visibly cringed. The infamous Mad Scientist Queen was not someone he wanted to see right now. He would rather take his chances with Takada.
There was an incredibly loud EXPLOSION from behind the door followed by a shout of, "EUREKA!"
"Looks like she's here," Ichijyo said. He knocked on the door and then spoke into the intercom. "Professor Murata, it's me, Ichijyo. May I come in, please?"
"Sure, come right in! The door's opened," was the reply. It slid open and they were shocked to see the professor, a woman, dusting herself off. She was covered in soot and there was a small fire in her trash bin. "Sorry I couldn't clean it up, sir," she apologized.
"That is alright. There are two people I would like to meet. This is Akane Tendo and Ranma Saotome," Ichijyo said.
"Really? What a surprise. My niece goes to the same school as you in Nerime. Heck, I lived in Nerima too, believe it or not." That was quite believable, unfortunately. "She's told me all about you two in her letters. Simply amazing!"
"Um, how much did she tell you?" Akane asked.
"Just a few of the interesting things that had happened there," Prof. Murata said. "If it weren't for my job I'd be there myself, doing research on the strange phenomenon!"
"Yeah, that'd be great," Ranma said. She looked like someone crazy enough who would perform experiments on him if she ever found out about his/her 'condition'.
"Mr. Saotome here had just activated the Caucasus Inzecter," Ichijyo reported. Yuriko's eyes gleamed.
"Really?" She then took Ranma's hands, clasping them, "How well did it work? Please, I need to know!"
"Prof. Murata was one of the scientists who helped design and create the belt. It was all her idea really," Ichijyo said. Yuriko blushed. She was in her forties but looked young and a compliment like that made her happy.
"Oh, it wasn't all me. Sure it was my idea but it was our boys and girls in Kyoto that made it a reality. Can I please see the belt, please?" Yuriko looked pleadingly at Ranma.
Ranma removed the black sash he was wearing around his waist to reveal the Caucasus Belt hidden underneath. He had learnt a thing or two about concealing items from Mousse when they'd fought. Sometimes the most hidden item was in plain sight. "Amazing," Yuriko said in awe. "And what of the Inzecter itself?"
Ranma shrugged, "Sorry, Prof, but it ain't with me. It just came and went."
"Oh, well, since you got the belt it's just a matter of time before it comes back to you again, especially if you are ever in danger."
Ranma began imagining what might happen if he was wearing the belt while facing Kuno, Ryoga, Mousse, Happosai or any of the other psychotic martial artists he might meet. If he did wear the armor while fighting them…
Akane knew what he was thinking and gave his band a light slap, telling him to stop thinking like that. Yes, he would be pretty much unstoppable but that just wouldn't be fair for them.
"I think we can see how well the Inzecter suit works right now, wouldn't you agree?" Ichijyo said.
"Oh, yes! Of course!" Yuriko said. "The training and observation room is perfect for this.
"Training and…" Ranma began
"…Observation?" Akane finished.
Hagemoto just said, smiling, speaking again after remaining silent. "You'll see."
Akane, Hagemoto and Prof. Murata stood in the control and observation room that had a glass window peering into a rather wide looking room with metal walls. Ranma was standing in the middle of the room, looking quite exciting, anticipating a fight.
Akane looked around and asked, "So, where's Ichijyo?'
Yuriko and Hagemoto were at the controls. The readings were stable and there were various gauges, buttons and levers on the console. They turned to each other, grinned, and then pointed down into the large training room. There was a door down there where Ranma had entered from and it slid open. Walking out was none other than Ichijyo himself. Ranma and Akane gaped at this. HIM? Ranma was gonna fight HIM?
"But he's-" Akane began but was interrupted by Yuriko.
"Let's just say the chief is much more than he seems," Yuriko said.
"You better believe it," Hagemoto said.
Down in the training room, Ichijyo removed his coat and threw it over his shoulder and then removed his own glasses before pocketing them. He ran his hand through his shoulder length black hair. Ranma looked cockily at him.
"You? You're my opponent?" Ranma scoffed.
"Mr. Saotome, contrary to my appearance, I am more than I seem," Ichijyo's eyes flashed red for a second but went unnoticed by Ranma. "Now, call on the Inzecter!"
"But I could kill you!" Ranma protested, shocked by the request. If the power he had felt back at the school while fighting the spider monster was any indication of the power the Inzecter had, Ranma was not going to use it on a mere human. Ichijyo smirked and then took out a thin rectangular purple case from his back pocket and showed it to Ranma. The crystal in its centre glowed a bit before a silver metal belt appeared around Ichijyo's waist. There was a slot in the centre of it and it looked like the case would fit in it. There was also a slot in the case for some reason.
"Like I said, I'm more than I appear," Ichijyo said before he shouted out, "Empowerment of the Zodiac Snake! Henshin!" He slid the case into the slot in his belt and the crystal glowed.
"This is gonna be good," Hagemoto said anxiously as Akane just gapes through the window.
A purple energy field rose up from Ichijyo's feet ad repleaced his clothes with some sort of purple armor. The parts that were not covered in armor were covered in a black bodysuit. When the transformation was complete, Ichijyo now stood in a purple and silver suit of armor. His helmet was designed to look like a cobra, including the fangs framing the silver visors. 6 narrow slits made up the eyes of the helmet. Ranma's eyes widened at this.
"Call me…Zodiac Knights Shadowcobra!" Ichijyo said, announcing the name of his now armor clad form. "Now then, summon the Inzecter."
"I don't need it to beat you!" Ranma said as he rushed forward. Shadowcobra only gestured with his hands and his own shadow, the one under his feet, expanded outwards all around him. As soon as Ranma set foot in the large expanded shadow, black chains erupted from the ground and bound themselves around Ranma. Chains encircled his arms, his legs and around his body, immobilizing him. "Hey! Let me go! What is this?"
"Like I said, Mr. Saotome," Shadowcobra said as he summoned a staff that was modelled after a cobra. "I am more than I seem. No matter what you do you are no match for me while I am in this form. I'm here to teach you your limits so pay very close attention." Shadowcobra reached down to his belt, where the case was, and drew a card out from the case. Ranma now figured out what the case's purpose was, but why a card? Shadowcobra slid the card into his staff, answering Ranma's question. "Strike Vent!" A silver gauntlet with a menacing golden spike, which looked oddly reminiscent of a rhino, adorned itself onto Shadowcobra's right forearm. He made his way towards Ranma, "Better summon it or else you might not be able to walk away from this unscathed."
Akane shouted out, "STOP THIS NOW!"
Yuriko apologized, "I'm sorry, but we can't do that. We're under orders."
"Besides," Hagemoto added. "The boss won't kill Ranma, just rough him up a little." That statement didn't help calm Akane one bit.
Shadowcobra stood close to Ranma now, face to face. Ranma's eyes widened as he stared at Ichijyo through the six eye slits of his helmet. "It seems that you've failed, Ranma," Shadowcobra said with a hint of disappointment in his words. "What a pity. I had really high hopes for you, Saotome." He then pulled the arm with the spiked gauntlet back and said, "Farewell" He then thrust it straight into Ranma's face.
"RANMA!" Akane shrieked in horror. Everything seemed to freeze.
Suddenly, a familiar golden and robotic beetle burst into the training room and knocked Shadowcobra away by ramming him in the chest. It then used its sharp horns to break the chains, actually cutting them to ribbons as if they were fragile strings. Ranma, now freed, caught the Inzecter in his hand.
"So, it finally came," Shadowcobra said as he cracked his neck from side to side. "So, now what is your choice, Mr. Saotome?"
Ranma's only answer was to slide the Caucasus Inzecter into the centre of his belt:
"HENSHIN!"
You better stay tuned for more to see what happens next. And some of the characters are OC's. Ichijyo/Shadowcobra and Prof. Yuriko Murata are from my ZKD fics so please feel free to check them out to know who they really are. Their bios are also on my profile.
I need votes. Should Ranma be able to beat Shadowcobra or should Shadowcobra beat him or should it end with a draw?