Chap 10: Dealings
Ryuki's long-lost great-grandmother had a knack of showing up when you'd least expect it. Previously, both himself and his girlfriend, Jinx, had been content to spend time together on a simple date. They were at an ice cream parlor, sharing a rather large bowl of ice cream (which luckily didn't have a trace of chocolate on it), when, suddenly, Cologne appeared between the two teens.
"Obaa-sama!" Ryuki exclaimed as he saw the withered and old Amazon, casually taking a scoop of ice cream and dumping it into his mouth. "What are you doing here?"
Cologne chuckled creepily and Jinx had a suspicion that the old lady could be a witch, which wasn't much of a stretch since Chinese Amazons were good at making potions out of herbs and had knowledge of various oriental magic.
"Well, my dear sonny-boy," Cologne answered, "You're late for training."
"D-Demo…" Ryuki stuttered but received a bonk on the head. "Itai!"
"Don't contradict me! Even though you are of my blood doesn't mean I shall take it easy on you. Ever heard of 'tough love'? Well, I'm an example of it!" Cologne snapped.
Ryuki frowned, "Hai, obaa-sama."
"Wait a second!" Jinx objected, "You can't just drag him for more training now! We're on a date!"
Cologne gave the pink-haired girl a look. Though Jinx had on a glamour spell that made her look like a young Indian girl with pink streaks in her dark hair, a select few could see past the illusion. Ryuki was one of them and now Cologne was included. Cologne was impressed to see a girl who studied hard to master the craft and despite Jinx's wiry frame, the girl was powerful. Jinx was light and flexible. The gears in Cologne's head started to turn as she thought of including Jinx into this training. After all, Jinx was the beloved of her great-grandson and unlike Shampoo and Ranma's relationship, the feeling of love and devotion was clearly mutual.
"Well, very well, then," Cologne smiled. "Then I shall be training you both."
Jinx's eyes snapped wide open.
Shampoo walked alongside Mousse as they strolled into the large building, which was the local mall. Mousse had barged into her room, called her princess and everything, even treating her like a gentle flower. Though Shampoo had to admit that it felt nice, Mousse's behavior was stranger than usual. Not only that, he was also NOT wearing his usual glasses.
"Mousse," Shampoo spoke in Chinese, "Are you feeling okay?" Though she detested it when Mousse would often chase her around or fight her airen, Mousse was still her childhood friend. They did grow up together for years and knew each other very well, obsessions aside.
"I am feeling wonderful, princess," W-Mousse spoke as he took her hand. Shampoo didn't immediately pull her hand away and the contact felt nice. "Why do you ask? Are you worried for my wellbeing?"
"Um…" Shampoo hesitated. What was she supposed to say? Seeing him wearing something different from his usual robes had caused her to go into shock and most importantly, where did he even get those streaks in his hair? And why was he wearing that feather boa? It did look good on him, though. "Well, we are friends. It's normal, right?"
"Right," W-Mousse nodded. Spending time with Shampoo had been enjoyable. She was beautiful, even if she was a little rough around the edges. When he'd entered her room, she'd been doing a complex kata. All he could see was her graceful movements.
He remembered that he did have a job to do, though. The amount of funds provided for him by the local Smart Brain's CEO had been a handsome amount. With it, he'd purchased clothes more fitting for his status. Looking at Shampoo, maybe he could do the same.
"So, my lady, how about we go shopping, together? There are clothes that would look quite fetching on you," W-Mousse said. Shampoo could only blush.
As soon as Ichijyo removed his hands from Kuno's heart and head, the delusional kendoist dropped down in a heap, after letting out a loud and horrified scream. Ichijyo casually took out a handkerchief from his pocket and wiped at his gloved hands. Akane approached him and grabbed his shoulder, whirling him around to face her.
"What did you do!?" she demanded. She hated being protected like a week girl and these guys were doing the same thing. "I could've handled it!"
"There were more important matters to attend to and we couldn't afford to waste time on this idiot," Ichijyo spoke calmly.
Takada went over and squatted down, poking at Kuno's immobile body. "Geez, what did you do to the guy? A Vulcan Mind-Meld?"
Ichijyo grimaced, "I'd rather hang myself by my feet over a pit full of crocodiles than mind-meld with this fool."
"Is he…dead?" Akane asked.
"Oh, he's alive," Takada said, checking Kuno's pulse. "But my scanners show that he'll be out of it for a while."
"Well, then, we better take him back with us to the building," Ichijyo suggested and then ordered, "Takada, carry him to your car and take him back to the corporation.."
Takada stood up in Ichijyo's face and barked, "Why me!?"
"Because, I'm your boss and I sign your paychecks," Ichijyo shrugged. "Besides, I already knocked him out."
Takada grumbled and grabbed Kuno, carrying the unconscious kendoist to where his car was.
"So…what did you do?" Akane asked.
"Let's just say if I tried to describe it to you, even you'd have nightmares," Ichijyo stated bluntly. "Now, come on, we need to get back there so I can take care of your Kuno problem."
"How?" Akane asked and then shivered as Ichijyo looked at her.
"There's a reason why I'm the best in interrogations," Ichijyo stated before walking towards his bike and sidecar. "You coming?"
Akane nodded swiftly and followed the dark CEO over to his bike. She did have a lot to learn, he told her.
"CLOCK OVER!"
"KACHU TENCHIN AMAGURIKEN!!"
Caucasus started to pummel his purple and silver armored opponent in the chest, stomach and face repeatedly his fist, utilizing the boost of strength his armor gave him and his skills, using the "Chestnuts Roasting over an Open Fire" move on this mysterious gun-wielding Den-O.
One final punch sent Den-O flying and he smashed into a tree. His belt got loose and as soon as it fell, the armor of the gun-wielder vanished. R-Ryoutaro cried, "Ah, no fair!"
Ranma removed the Inzecter from his belt and walked over towards his opponent. He grabbed R-Ryoutaro by the shirt and hauled him up. "Alright, buster, why did you attack me?" R-Ryoutaro was about to open his mouth when Ranma's phone rang. "Excuse me." Ranma said, still keeping his grip on his mysterious assailant. He took out his phone, flipped it open and stared at the message on screen. He sighed, "So, Kuno came back. I was really hoping he'd stay away for a while." He then turned his attention towards his captive but then his eyes widened when he saw that he'd vanished and Ranma was only holding his T-shirt. Ranma looked around. Where had his captive disappeared to. "Well, I might as well get to Smart Brain." He dropped the shirt and started walking back to the large corporate building.
Ryu-Ryoutaro then looked down from the tree which he'd escaped into, hiding in the foliage. He jumped down, picked up his shirt and put it on. He then laughed, "This nii-chan is fun!!"
Ryuki and Jinx had relocated to a large woodland area not too far from the city. It was really an ideal spot. Using his bike, he'd managed to get there in record time. However, Cologne had arrived a lot earlier and on foot (actually she pogo-ed on her staff but you get the point).
"You both are late!" Cologne snapped as Ryuki and Jinx dismounted from the vehicle.
Ryuki bowed apologetically at his great-grandmother while Jinx huffed in annoyance.
"OK, granny, we came here!" Jinx pointed out, "We're here, so let's get started."
Cologne shook her head, "My, my, such a pretentious girl, aren't you." In a flash, Jinx suddenly found herself laying down on the ground with Cologne standing on her stomach, the sharp tip of her cane pointed down on Jinx's face. Jinx's pink eyes went wide as she saw the sharp object pointing straight at her. The speed! She hadn't even seen it coming.
Cologne cackled again once she removed herself from the girl, allowing Ryuki to help his girlfriend up. Ryuki then asked, "Obaa-sama, what is it you'd like to teach me now? I thought that you've taught me plenty of the Amazon's special techniques."
Cologne smiled. So, the boy was curious. Cologne then said, "Sonny-boy, what I've taught you was only but a fraction of what we Amazons have created. The Bakusai Tenketsu, the Kashu Tenshin Amaguriken, and the Hiryuu Shouten Ha are all impressive techniques, but there are still other techniques that I wish to impart on you."
Ryuki nodded.
Cologne said, "I am getting old, and my time is coming soon." She sighed sadly.
"Obaa-sama…"
"Though Shampoo is my heir, she is a bit spoiled. Right now, I am unsure if she can even take my place once I pass on. Though she is a powerful warrior, she is still a novice when it comes to certain aspects of life."
"But, I'm a male," Ryuki said. He'd learnt how males were second class citizens in Amazon society. "How can I…"
Cologne cut him off, "The world is changing, and I do believe that our laws need to be changed. I've seen many impossible things in life. Our tribe is very much isolated and growing weak. Change is required. As my flesh and blood, I ask if you will carry this task."
Ryuki didn't know what to say but then he remembered something, "Wait, I think there's someone else who can help."
"Who?" Cologne asked.
"My sister."
After placing Kuno into a holding cell, Ichijyo told both Akane and Takada, "He'll wake up in about a day. Until then, I won't be available."
"Where are you going?" Akane asked.
Ichijyo cryptically said, "Tying up some loose ends."
Jinx pulled her boyfriend away, whispering, "Can I talk to you?" in a grave tone. He nodded and followed her. Cologne watched as the couple had a discussion/argument.
"Are you insane!?" Jinx accused, "You sister is a psychotic killer bent on killing you if you haven't noticed."
"I do, but all that stems from jealousy," he reasoned, "So, if I give her something like this, she might back off."
"Or might be insulted since she may consider this a pity gift and not as a peace offering," Jinx retorted. "She's very prideful. I don't think she'll forgive you for insulting her like that, whether you mean it or not."
"So, what do I do?" Ryuki asked.
What could he do?
The Nerima Ward…also known as the weirdest place in Japan.
The Shadow Basher stopped in front of the gate of the Tendo Compound. The rider dismounted from his vehicle and removed his helmet. Placing the helmet inside the side car, he picked up his briefcase and entered through the gate. He then knocked on the door. Moments later, Kasumi came and opened the door. "Yes? Who is it?"
"I wish to talk to Mr. Genma Saotome and Mr. Soun Tendo. It involves their two children," Ichijyo said.
Kasumi smiled and bowed, "Very well. I shall take you to them."
"Thank you."
Ichijyo was welcomed into the Tendo house quite politely by Kasumi. The fathers, like how the files described them, were at in the living room, playing shogi. He then entered and sat down. As much as he hated paying his respect to these two fools, he had to in order to get to the point.
"So, boy, what brings you here?" Genma asked stupidly. "Here to learn the art?" It didn't take much for Ichijyo to decipher Genma's reasoning. Even a single student meant money going into his pockets and then getting wasted on food and sake.
"Actually, Mr. Tendo, Mr. Saotome, I have come to talk to you about a Mr. Ranma Saotome and Miss Akane Tendo," Ichijyo said.
Upon hearing the names of their children, the two fathers paid attention. "Well, what is it, boy? Out with it!" Genma demanded. Ichijyo scowled. "What is my son doing?"
"And are they getting along?" Soun asked.
This time, Ichijyo became serious as he opened his briefcase, "Before I answer, let me ask you this: did you both agree to engage both of your children before they were born?"
Genma answered without hesitation, "Of course! It was a promise made with honor!"
Ichijyo muttered, "I'm sure."
"And when they finally wed, the schools will be united!" Soun exclaimed happily.
Ichijyo hissed. These men, were they always like this? The files, he suspected, must've been exaggerating but it looked like the info was right on the money. These two were determined to the point of obsession with uniting the schools. Apparently they weren't going to let little things like reality, their children's reluctance, or other promises get in the way. "Well, as their representative, I am sorry to inform you that such an engagement is not legal."
The two fathers became silent. When they finally found themselves able to speak…
"WHAT!?" Soun and Genma shouted.
"Now listen here, boy!" Genma shouted, "This whole thing is nonsense! They are engaged, end of discussion!"
"And what of the other engagements you've promised Ranma to, Mr. Genma?" His eyes went over to Soun, "And you? Didn't you once engage your daughters to the Chardin family?" Soun started to sweat. "Since you made your deal with them first, they should have taken priority, but not only did you disregard them, but didn't seem to be bothered with informing your daughters to that, or the Saotome agreement. In essence, you broke your word and proven untrustworthy."
"B-b-b-but Picolet Chardin renounced his claim!" Soun blubbered, clinging for hope. "Thus there is no problem!"
"There still remains the fact that you still owe the family compensation for the food you ate. They gave you a choice between cash or a future daughter in an arranged marriage for the future," Ichijyo commented. "But I am getting off track. My point is, with all these entanglements, there is no way that the Saotome-Tendo agreement can be upheld."
"THAT IS OUTRAGEOUS!" Genma shouted, losing composure.
"AKANE AND RANMA ARE TO BE WED!" Soun added in, forming the demon head but Ichijyo kept calm. He then took out a pile of files and dumped them on the table. "WHAT IS THIS!?"
"Information regarding the 'training' you both went under a certain Happosai," Ichijyo said. The two men grew silent. "Breaking and entering, theft, cheating…" Ichijyo listed, "And many other criminal offenses. I'm surprised you didn't serve time yet."
"T-t-that is nonsense!" Soun stuttered. "W-we have n-never done such things!"
"That is right! We are honorable martial artists!" Genma proclaimed, thought his claim sounded uncertain.
"Honorable?" Ichijyo repeated. "Pull the other leg, why don't you? There are fingerprints and witness claims as well as several other pieces of evidence found at the scenes leading to you. It took a long time for my people to compile all this, but I guess that we can…negotiate."
Genma was quick to act. He grabbed the files and threw them outside into the koi pond. Each sheet was thoroughly destroyed and useless. The sometimes panda smirked proudly and turned to see what he was expecting as a look of defeat. Instead, he got a smirk aimed right back at him.
"What? You think those are the only copies I have?" Ichijyo chuckled. "I'm used to dealing with people like you. I have many more copies stored back home and at my company. And don't bother with your Umisenken and Yamasenken. I have defenses which can see through and stop those moves"
"H-how did you know about the forbidden techniques?!" Genma gasped.
"Simple," Ichijyo smiled. "Just because Ranma forbade himself from using or teaching them, it doesn't mean that he can't talk about them."
"Foolish boy!" Genma growled.
"Oh how could my future son-in-law foolishly toss away secrets like that?!" Soun blubbered.
"They weren't much of a secret," Ichijyo retorted. As annoying as the two were, they made for an amusing floorshow when things didn't go their way. "The entire district knows about them since Ranma and that Kumon fellow was tossing techniques around when they last met."
Soun and Genma stopped their whining for a moment to consider that. It seemed that their pride in Anything Goes techniques wasn't as secure as they thought.
"Also," Ichijyo continued. "While I admit that Ranma is rather naïve and sheltered, he is far from foolish and stupid. I found that he has phenomenal problem solving and analytical skills. In fact, if it wasn't so tightly honed on martial arts, I believe Ranma might be one of the top minds in the nation, comparable to several scientists I have working under me."
The room went silent for a moment as the fathers stared at Ichijyo. Soun couldn't believe that his future son-in-law had that much potential. Genma was finding it hard to believe since he had never given his son anything but martial arts and was determined to make sure it stayed that way.
"And, well, I know that you two have done some very horrible things to your children," Ichijyo gazed at Genma, "You, especially."
"I have done nothing wrong!" Genma insisted.
"I wouldn't call taking a child away from his mother nothing, and I do know about the Neko-ken training!" Genma paled, "You know what's stopping me from reporting such an act? Nothing! It's considered child abuse!"
"It was training!" Genma shot back.
"Tying fish sausages around a child and throwing him into a starving pit of cats would be considered child abuse and attempted murder!" Ichijyo snapped, "And don't get me started on the fact that you disregarded his formal education. That is still punishable by law." Ichijyo paused, "Also…" he looked at Soun, "I understand that you lost your wife, Mr. Tendo, but I doubt the late Mrs. Tendo would've wanted you to mourn for her for years. She would've wanted you to move on! But no, you let your grief overcome you, and neglected your daughters' upbringing. A young lady like Kasumi Tendo would've been able to go far…"
"As the eldest daughter it's her responsibility to take the mother's place!" Genma shouted.
"And her dreams don't matter? Her future?" Ichijyo's eyes narrowed, "Listen you, panda—and yes, I know about the curses—this is modern Japan! We are in the 21st Century! Women have the same rights as men! It's only ignorant people like you who think that this is still a patriarchal society!" His lips curled into a smirk, "And, I wonder what your wife would say if I told her what you did to Ranma?" Genma's face turned as white as his panda fur.
"B-b-b-but!"
"And, there's this whole engagement business! There isn't even a legal contract, just vague words neither of you seem to be able to remember unless they benefited you! You ever tried to force them to marry when they are not of legal age. You knocked them out, which would count as assault and kidnapping! I wonder what social services would think."
The two men fell silent.
"What do you want?" Soun asked.
Ichijyo smiled and took out a contract and placed it on the table, "Just your signatures on this contract, swearing that neither of you will ever, now and forever, interfere in their lives."
Nabiki had been watching the conversation with interest. She figured it had been a long time coming for the fathers to get a reality check. The two had been scheming non-stop since Akane and Ranma left. They had been so sure that they were getting along and would be ready to get married when they come back. Right now it seemed that all that scheming and plotting were going to crash and burn. Ichijyo was quickly earning points in Nabiki's book. He was crafty, intelligent, and had a certain ability for blackmail that she herself had learned about long ago.
The boy had systematically destroyed the fathers' arguments that had been used over and over again over the time that they had teamed up for the engagement. He had also pointed out numerous reasons why the engagement couldn't work before giving them several reasons why they shouldn't try to force the engagement anymore.
She's recognized him as soon as he came in, The CEO of Smart Brain Corporation's Tokyo Branch, Ichijyo Desmond Amakusa. Unlike the rest, she actually read the business section and studied the stock market reports. He didn't look too bad in her eyes but she wanted more than just looks when it came to a man. And she didn't want a fool she could manipulate at a whim. No, she wanted someone who was at her level and if Ichijyo wasn't engaged, then maybe it'd be him.
Nabiki had always wanted to be in the big leagues of the business world. Earning money through Akane and Ranma's girl form's photos, selling information, and bets made on fights was getting too old for her. It had been exciting, but all that was practice. Someone like her deserved an office with secretaries and a large paycheck.
She knew that if this guy had heard about the engagement and had been talking with Ranma and Akane, that he would have heard of her. She was betting on it and was ready to confront this guy.
She could see that the fathers were reluctant to sign, but then she heard Ichijyo using blackmail again and the two cowards did as told. She knew they wouldn't give up and try to find a loophole, but from what she heard about Ichijyo, one did not become CEO and remain in that position through luck. Intelligence was required.
She had wanted to go far. As soon as graduation came, she would be off in college. She was going to be the top of her class and when she graduated there, would apply for a job at the most powerful company in the world and Smart Brain fit that.
She heard, "And your thumb prints, here, and here." Looks like Ichijyo was covering all the basics. Thumb prints couldn't be forged so easily. She watched as the CEO examined the contract and smirked. He then bowed at the two fathers and stood up, saying, "I'll see myself out. Good day to you." He walked out of the room, only to meet face to face with Nabiki Tendo."
"Ms. Nabiki Tendo, I presume," Ichijyo said.
"The one and only. So, I just saw you deal with those two. I'm impressed," Nabiki smirked.
"Thank you," Ichijyo said, "One like me doesn't get to where I am without decent manipulation skills."
Nabiki frowned, "But, they will try to find a way around this. They always do."
"I doubt it," Ichijyo replied calmly, "I have ways of getting people to agree to my demands." He tapped his briefcase, "It pays to be prepared for everything that may, or may not, happen."
"And not to be caught off guard or lose control," Nabiki added.
"Clever," Ichijyo said. "Anyway, Ranma speaks of you, though not very positively."
Nabiki frowned, "He does, does he?" Maybe she could have some payback for talking behind her back.
"But, unlike him, I do know how to appreciate someone with your skills," Ichijyo said, "Ranma is crude, unrefined, and well lacks the kind of manipulative skills that people like us require. Blackmail, threats, finding loopholes, it's all a part of business, really."
"True." Nabiki was really starting to like this guy. Too bad he was taken. "So, is there a point to this conversation?"
Ichijyo took out his name card and passed it to her, "When you're interested, give me a call. I'd love to have someone like you under my employ. Who knows, you may find yourself running one of the other branches, if you play your cards right." He then walked past her.
Nabiki stared at the name card and grinned. Bigger things were waiting for her. For Ichijyo, however, he was going to pay a visit to Ucchan's. He was hungry, and there was still something there that needed to be dealt with.
The Shadow Basher pulled over in front of Ucchan's. Ichijyo dismounted from his bike and sighed. "Another one to deal with."
Ichijyo entered the small yet cozy looking restaurant. It specialized in okonomiyaki. He'd actually found taste for it a few years back when Ryuki had cooked him a plate. How good was this Ukyo Kuonji, he was unsure, but was going to find out before he had to deal with her like he did with the Saotome and Tendo patriarchs.
"Welcome to Ucchan's!" Konatsu the 'waitress' welcomed Ichijyo. He knew Kanatsu to be a male, but had been raised by an abusive family as a girl. Well, at least the boy knew he was male, but he still liked to dress as a girl. Though, if Ichijyo hadn't detected it, he would've thought Konatsu was indeed a girl. "So, would you like a seat at a table or counter?"
"I'd like to seat at the counter, thank you," Ichijyo said. That would give him the chance to talk to Ukyo.
Ichijyo sat down and saw Ukyo. How anyone could confuse her to be a boy was ridiculous, though the way she was dressed didn't help mattes either. "So, what will it be, sugar?"
"Your daily special, if you don't mind," Ichijyo said, smiling. The place sure looked busy. Granted, the Amazons had moved to his neck of the woods so the customers needed a place to go for good food when the Nekohanten was closed.
"Coming right up," Ukyo said before she started to whip something up. She was done in a matter of minutes and served the okonimayi in front of him on a plate, "Enjoy."
Before Ichijyo could dig in, he said something to her. "So, tell me, do you miss, Ranma?" Ichijyo asked and Ukyo froze.
"W-what?" she asked. Did this guy know where Ranma was? "You know where he is?"
"Answer my question, and I will yours," Ichijyo said as he started to take small bites. "Delicious."
Ukyo sighed, "Yes, I do. So, you know where he is?"
"Oh, I've seen him," Ichijyo said.
"Where?" Ukyo asked.
"Let's change the subject, concerning your father's food cart," Ichijyo said swiftly. "Do you mind telling me about it?"
"It's none of your business," she scowled.
"If you wish to know of his whereabouts, then I am making it my business," he retorted. He couldn't imagine someone like this girl throwing bombs. Maybe Kodachi Kuno from what he heard but this Ukyo girl seemed more rational than the rest. Of course, looks could be deceiving. He could tell that this girl was hurting. He was an empath.
"Ranma is under my employ and with all his current problems, I decided to lend a hand to make sure he isn't interrupted while working," Ichijyo shrugged calmly.
"He's my fiancé!" Ukyo snapped. "I have a right to know and be where he is!
"Last I checked, so are Miss Tendo and Xian Pu," Ichijyo replied.
"And Akane went with him!" Ukyo added. "Shampoo is probably hunting him as we speak. I am not going to let them steal Ranchan away!"
"So you think he isn't capable of making his own decisions?" asked Ichijyo. It seemed that Ukyo was being one of those controlling people who prefer to be in control at all times.
"Ranchan is hopeless when it comes to women," Ukyo sighed, "He can't tell a good choice when he sees one."
"I doubt that," Ichijyo shrugged. "But I'm not really here to discuss how worthy you see him or yourself. I am here to discuss the validity of your claim."
"What?!" Ukyo cried. "Hey, buster! My claim is valid! Genma took my dowry and I am officially engaged to Ranchan!"
"Two things wrong with that," Ichijyo retorted with a smirk. "One is that the Tendo agreement came first. With all the engagements Genma made, the Tendo one was first and receives a little bit of priority."
"But Akane doesn't have a dowry given or spent!" Ukyo snapped. "Mine was taken and spent. I have priority and thus I'm the valid one!"
"Remember the Gambling King?" Ichijyo asked. Ukyo suddenly froze.
"Uh…he cheated! Since he cheated he didn't get the yattai!" Ukyo cried out.
"From what Ranma told me and from the fool himself after we tracked him down, the yattai was bet fairly and you never said he couldn't cheat," Ichijyo retorted. "He may only be able to beat kids with his card games, but he is able to voice his challenges well."
Ukyo frowned deeply at those words. Ichijyo knew that it was time for him to speak again judging from her silence, "And, I do believe that you also destroyed his family home, so I think that would pay off stealing your family's yattai. An eye for an eye, so to speak."
"That's not fair!" Ukyo screamed, causing all the other customers to stare.
"And, besides, Ranma didn't know you were a girl or about the engagement. Shouldn't BOTH parties be aware of it, as in you and Ranma? Instead, you came vowing revenge and tried to kill him. How is THAT fair?" Ichijyo took a sip of his drink, "Ms. Kuonji, I know that Genma Saotome stained your family honor. If anyone did that to my family honor then they would pay heavily." And that was the truth. If you screwed the Akuma clan over, there would be literally hell to pay.
"So, what did Ranchan tell you about me?" Ukyo asked, calming down a little. No reason to explode if she could get some information.
"He says that you were his best friend," Ichijyo replied. "That is all." He placed a lot of emphasis on 'friend', hoping Ukyo could get the message. He just hoped she did or else he may have to take care of things personally.
Ukyo was affected by the intensity of the word 'friend', "But…Ranchan…he's mine…"
Ichijyo sighed and spoke sympathetically, "I'm sorry, but that's how destiny is." He then asked, "Tell me, if you both were married, what would it be like?"
"We'd run a restaurant together and raise a family," she answered simply.
"I doubt it would be a happy union," Ichijyo objected. Ukyo listened calmly, "Ranma is, by nature, an adventurer and from what I've seen for myself he's not the type that can settle down into that kind of life. Also, what you did at his wedding did hurt your standing with him. You disregarded the innocent lives of the people at the wedding, people who were not directly involved." He frowned, "If you think that's the way to win someone's heart, than you're greatly mistaken." He finished his meal and paid for it. "Thank you for the meal." He got up and turned around.
"Wait!" Ukyo yelled and he stopped. He looked over his shoulder. "Can you at least tell me where he is so I can see him?"
"I may be able to do just that, but ask yourself this: are you willing to lose a fiancée you never truly had or your best friend who was the first you ever had," Ichijyo said. "All he wants is to talk to you, not as two people engaged, but as two people who have been wronged by this mess." He said, "I bid you, goodbye."
He left the restaurant, leaving Ukyo to her thoughts. On the counter, laid down with the money, was a card with Ranma's name and new address on it. Also, a phone number.
"Now, the Kunos," Ichijyo said. He looked at the compound. It was larger than the Tendo's, he could see. Now, Tatewaki was in a holding cell, so that Kodachi Kuno and from what he'd read about those two, sanity was not something that existed in their minds. "Well, now or never."
He slowly walked onto the property, very aware of the traps that were set up for little or no reason. Kodachi used them to catch her playthings while the rest of the family seemed content on just letting them stay there.
Ichijyo suddenly glared at a nearby tree and made a small burst of his aura flare out. There was a squeak of terror before a small man dressed as a ninja fell out of the tree and landed on the ground.
"And you must be Sasuke," Ichijyo sighed. "Retainer of the Kuno family."
"I..ugh…am," the mousy ninja groaned as he stood up. He scrambled over to Ichiyo and stared at him, trying to avoid his eyes. "I must ask what business you have with the prestigious Kuno clan."
Ichijyo withheld the urge to groan. Apparently denial and self-delusion was one of the prerequisites needed to settle down in the district, "I am here to talk to Kodachi about business concerning one Ranma Saotome."
"Oh, well you just missed her then," Sasuke sighed in relief. He had been afraid that it was someone who was after the Kuno family for transgressions against them. Usually money was able to make them go away, but it seemed like it might not work with this fellow. "She heard news that those Amazons discovered his location and went to find him. She followed rather quickly."
"I see," Ichijyo sighed. "Then I bid you good day."
The oldest son of the Amakusa family quickly left the property before he grabbed his cell phone. He had a message to relay to his agents.
"It's me," he said coldly. "We may be dealing with someone new soon. A female gymnast. Kodachi Kuno. She is an expert in poisons and does not really follow what we consider reality. Expect serious resistance from her. Yes, I am serious! She comes from Nerima!"
The city would've cowered in fear as a chill ran up its spine. There was a sound in the air, echoing and eerie. It sounded more like the sound a banshee made as it wailed but none would be so lucky.
"Ranma-sama! I have come for you! Hohohohohohohoho!!"
Kodachi Kuno was in town.
Thanks to Ten-Faced Paladin for helping me with this chapter. Next up, some more things to deal with.