Here we go. The biggest events that will wrap this story up. I hope you like it.
Chapter Begin
"I'm back!" Kasumi called out. She vaguely heard a few forms of confirmation, and a warm greeting from Ranma. Closely behind her, Gorrie followed. "Thank you, once more, Master Gorrie. Now, if you will excuse me, I need to talk to my sisters and father."
"Please wait with your father. I need to talk to him," Gorrie said. Kasumi looked at him before she nodded.
"Very well. I'll go see if Ranma needs any help with lunch," Kasumi said. Gorrie hummed in response. He watched the young woman leave him alone with a lighter step than before.
"Tendo-san, I do not recommend eavesdropping on your daughter," Gorrie suddenly called out. A brief yelp could be heard followed by an awkward cough.
"My apologies," Soun grunted. He looked a little embarrassed. "I didn't want to interrupt your conversation with Kasumi."
"Let's have a chat," Gorrie demanded. He didn't even give the man a chance before he was dragged to the family room. Soun was none too gently dropped onto the floor while Gorrie comfortably took his seat.
"What do you want to talk about?" Soun hesitantly asked. He knew he wouldn't be able to defend himself if Gorrie was truly angry.
"Your daughter is planning to leave soon. What are your plans?" Gorrie brought up. Soun froze when he heard that. He looked down at the question.
"I honestly don't know. She deserves to leave, but our household isn't ready for it. She wasn't wrong when she said that I have basically done nothing since her mother died," Soun stated. He looked pained as he explained that.
"The past cannot be changed, but you can change the future. What do you want to do now? Will you hold tight, or will you adjust?" Gorrie asked the father. He took out a brick of wood and a small carving knife.
"I don't know," Soun breathed out. He gripped his head. "It's been years since my wife passed on, and I'm still mourning her. She was my rock through all my hardships, and she gave me strength to face the next day."
"Are you happy?" Gorrie asked. Soun shook his head.
"I've taken a long look at my life, and I've realized that I've been drifting. The potential of joining the schools was the first thing that shook me out of it, but I've been trying to force my daughters to marry some stranger I've never met. My wife would be ashamed of what I've become," Soun cried out. Before the waterworks could stop, Gorrie tossed a piece of wood at Soun. It struck him in the forehead before it bounced back to Gorrie's open palm. He went back to whittling it.
"You are too quick to fall apart. Change is happening soon, but no one who will stay is ready," Gorrie pointed out. "But you and your family have time."
"What are you saying? I don't know how to take care of the house, and I can only really cook a few meals," Soun countered with a solemn air. "My wife and daughter were always the one to do so while I did nothing."
"Then learn," Gorrie said. He held out the piece of wood he was whittling. On it, there was the word future but it looked incomplete. "Ranma's personal motto is "Through oneself and others, there is training. Look around you and see where you can go because the future is never concrete. Now, I believe that Kasumi wants to talk to you." Gorrie, having said his piece, left the room. He made a quick pit stop in the kitchen before he exited the house with a bowl of food. Soun looked at the retreating man-beast before he turned his attention to the kitchen. He waited a few moments for his daughter to come out. After about a minute, Soun got up and approached the kitchen.
"Kasumi, I need to talk to you," Soun hesitantly stated. He stood at the front of the entrance and awkwardly looked at his daughter working with Ranma to prepare a meal. It looked like shogayaki was on the menu. He stood for a few minutes as Kasumi and Ranma continued to prepare lunch.
"Can you check on the rice? And the broccoli?" Ranma asked. He was currently frying some pork.
"Got it. Don't forget the ginger," Kasumi reminded. She passed him some freshly grated ginger before she checked the steamer and pot of rice.
"Thank you," Ranma said, happily. He added the ginger to the pork and started to really fry it. Kasumi straightened up and turned to her father who seemed to be trying really hard not to interrupt. "Now, Father. It's time we had a chat." Kasumi's face turned into an extremely stern mask. Soun released a massive breath before he solemnly nodded.
"Of course," Soun agreed. Soon, the two were located in the dojo, seated across from each other. Soun took one last deep breath before he looked at his oldest daughter. "There are going to be a lot of changes soon."
"You are correct, father," Kasumi stated tersely. "I will be leaving with Ranma to pursue learning GekiJyuKen when he beats Genma in the duel."
"I see. You have my blessing," Soun whispered. Kasumi raised an eyebrow at her father's admission. "I've been doing a lot of thinking since last night." At his words, Kasumi blushed a little.
"I know I've barely been a father these past few years. I'm not even certain I can be called your father," Soun started. "I've left you the house with no help, Nabiki with the bills, and I've barely done anything with Akane. So I've decided its high time I started acting like an adult."
"I see. Then, it will help that you will have about 3 or more days to prepare for my departure," Kasumi said. She pulled out a stack of papers. "I'm going to take the next couple days to help prepare you three for when I'm gone. That is finding out who can take over cooking, cleaning specific rooms, laundry, and dishes."
"I suppose that this is fair," Soun said. "What are the papers for?"
"These are the instructions for taking care of each of my chores as well as some simple recipes for you to use," Kasumi explained. "I'll help you start taking care of them so you know what to watch out for and some ways to make it better. How you decide the jobs will be up to you, but everyone will at least attempt to learn to cook." A pale-faced Soun gulped at that statement.
"Even Akane?" He squeaked out.
"Especially Akane. I'm going to force feed her food if she doesn't follow instructions," Kasumi growled. "She will also be in charge of any messes she makes from now on." Soun gulped again at the angry look on her face.
"When do you want to tell Akane and Nabiki?" Soun stammered out.
"I'll be announcing it when they are all here for lunch," Kasumi stated forcefully. "The sooner, the better."
"Hey, lunch is ready," Ranma interrupted the two. "Can one of you tell the others while I set the table?"
"I'll do it," Soun said. "It's time we all started to pitch in." Having said his piece, Soun left the room.
"What did he talk about with you?" Ranma gently asked Kasumi as he started to lay out food. Kasumi had an almost angelic smile on her face.
"I think he's accepted the fact that I'm moving out," Kasumi said. "I'm glad to have his support because it will make things easier."
"How do you plan on getting them started?" Ranma continued.
"They will start by helping out with supper. Hopefully, Nabiki and Father will be able to cook decently, or they may be eating out a lot." A visible shutter left Kasumi. Ranma looked concerned.
"I know we talked about this yesterday, but is her cooking that bad?" Ranma asked. A nod was what he got.
"You'll probably see later today," Kasumi stated.
"I probably won't," Ranma said. "I'm going to be doing some heavy training. I've been a bit lax, so I may go out to eat with Master Gorrie."
"I see. I may join you. I would really like to learn more about the Jellyfish Fist," Kasumi added.
"Master Gorrie can help you. He trained directly with Rageku, so if you want to get started, we can," Ranma suggested.
"I think I will," Kasumi said.
It was finally time. After three days of training, preparing the Tendo family, and dodging Genma, everyone stood at the dojo. Genma stood confidently in his worn gi on one side of the dojo. Across from him, Ranma was doing a few stretches. He was dressed in his standard fighting attire. Gorrie stepped forward from the onlooking Tendo family. Soun, Akane, and Nabiki looked exhausted while Kasumi stood ready. Further, she was not wearing her usual dress. Instead, she had a matching uniform to Ranma with a cyan blue shirt instead of Ranma's black.
"This is a duel between Anything Goes Martial Art's Genma Saotome, and GekiJyuKen's Ranma Hidehira. Should Saotome win, Ranma will become Ranma Saotome and fulfill the Saotome-Tendo Pledge. Should Ranma win, Genma will reveal the location of Ranma's mother, he will relinquish any claims on Ranma for good, and one additional small favor," Gorrie commented. "Weapons and other methods are allowed, but you cannot use any lethal or debilitating attacks. Are both sides ready?"
"I've been ready all week. Prepare yourself, boy," Genma spat out. "I will not hold back."
"I'm ready, Master Gorrie," Ranma said. He had his hands in his pockets and was in a more relaxed stance.
"Very well. Let the match begin," Gorrie announced, swinging his arm downwards. The two fighters stood still and just observed each other. Suddenly, Genma rushed towards Ranma with his arms held out menacingly.
"Freeze!" Genma shouted. Ranma flinched at the sudden shout, but he quickly slipped through the bear hug that Genma tried to accomplish. Ranma let loose a few quick strikes against Genma's back, knocking the larger man towards the ground. Genma transitioned to a roll and popped back to his feet. He had to jump backward as Ranma swung a Black Kanabo at his chest.
"RinJyuKen Roar!" Ranma roared as he tapped the spiked club on the floor. A shockwave burst from the weapon. It rolled through the arena and swept Genma off his feet. Due to the extreme speed of the shockwave, Genma ended up face-first on the ground. Before the heavy set man could get up, Ranma had appeared next to him, gripping the back of the man's gi. Using his Kanabo as a fulcrum, Ranma swung the still recovering Genma back into the ground.
The observers were speechless as they watched the one sided beatdown so far.
"I knew Ranma was strong, but he isn't giving Saotome a chance to react at all," Soun spoke out.
"He's not that good," Akane grunted.
"Jealousy is not good for any martial artist," Gorrie countered. He didn't even look away from the fight as he said that.
"I just wish I could record this," Nabiki commented. "What do you think, Kasumi?"
"Go, Ranma! Kick his butt!" Kasumi heartily cheered on her friend. She made punching motions as she did this.
"I miss calm Kasumi," Nabiki muttered.
"You disappoint me, boy! To think you would shame yourself for using weapons," Genma scorned as he recovered from the blows.
"JyuKen encourages users to use anything they can. Weapons can add new possibilities when fighting. I believe you saw this with my Bat Fist," Ranma reminded him with a smirk.
"Let's see how you deal with this," Genma bragged as he brought his hands up limp almost like a ghost. To Ranma's eyes, Genma seemed to fade out of existence.
"He has an invisibility move," Ranma commented. He tilted his body backward to avoid an invisible strike. The strike was so fast that a gust of wind rustled his hair. "Unfortunately, you are not the first person I've fought that has that."
"RinJyuKen Gentle Caress," Ranma snapped out as he flicked his hand forward. A boom emanated from the movement, kicking up dust and outlining a figure lurking in it. He stored the Kanabo back into his pocket and pulled out a metal claw connected with a loop of rope.
"Geki waza Serpent Hold!" Ranma launched the claw at the obscured figure. Genma jumped over the attack, but somehow the claw bounced off the floor and followed him in the air. The unaware Genma was shocked when the claws wrapped around his legs and slithers around his upper body. Soon, he was just a cocoon of rope prone on the floor.
"Do you give up?" Ranma asked, standing over the bound form of his sperm donor. Genma growled as he struggled against his binding.
"You foolish boy!" Genma shouted. Suddenly, the rope was cut in multiple places, freeing Genma. He launched himself at Ranma, succeeding in getting a cheap punch against Ranma's face. Ranma stumbled backwards which Genma capitalized to apply a series of punches and kicks to Ranma's chest and arms. Suddenly, Genma was halted mid kick. His leg was gripped by Ranma's hand.
"You hit like a baby," Ranma taunted. Ranma drove his own leg into Genma's stomach as he released the opposing limb. Genma folded over from the hit and fell backwards. He managed to transition to a flip and righted himself, but he was holding his body in pain. "I can continue fighting all day. Can you?"
"I just need to knock you out. I didn't think I would be using this, but you've forced my hand," Genma declared. He crossed his hands over his chest and rapidly moved them outwards. Ranma suddenly ducked as he felt the air shift. Behind him, small cuts appeared in the walls of the dojo.
"My dojo!" Soun cried out, but everyone ignored him.
"Sorry, old friend," Genma half-heartedly apologized.
"Do try to keep the damages to a minimum," Gorrie spoke up. "If you use much more powerful attacks, you risk going into lethal territory." Genma scowled at that, but he nodded. He continued to send the vacuum blades at Ranma, but this time Ranma didn't dodge them.
"RinJyuKen Tiger's Claw," Ranma snarled. He held his hands like they were claws and swiped them at the blades. From his fingers, energy claws formed and they easily destroyed the attack. "This is getting really old." He continued to disarm the attacks with ease while casually walking forward.
"I think I've humored you enough," Ranma said. A white and black aura appeared around Ranma's body as he formed a circle with his arms. The aura combined in his now cupped hands, creating a golden ball. "Shuki Kuro Uzu Dan!" He launched the orb forward. From it, a massive silver dragon and black tiger flew out of it.
"What the f-!" Genma started as he tried to jump over the two. It was futile because the dragon circled around Genma and held him in place. The man tried to get out but he couldn't. Unfortunately, that wasn't the end of the attack because the tiger ran up the sides of the dojo and leapt at the prone Genma. "Oh, sh-!" Genma cried out before it sent one single, massive swipe at Genma. A loud BOOM! was released, and in the grip of the dragon, Genma laid limp and unconscious with a bruise already forming on his face.
Their job done, the two beasts faded out of view causing Genma to fall to the ground. Before he could hit it, Ranma appeared below and caught the heavy set man. Gorrie walked over to the man and checked him over.
"Genma Saotome is unconscious. Ranma Hidehira is the winner," Gorrie announced.
"Way to go, Ranma!" Kasumi cheered. She basically launched herself at Ranma and wrapped him in a flying hug. He laughed at the girl as he easily caught her. He did wince as she pressed into a few of his bruises.
"Easy, Kasumi. Genma did get me a few times. I'm a little tender," Ranma winced.
"I can't believe it. He destroyed Saotome," Soun mumbled to himself.
"He can't be this strong," Akane whispers. She was stunned at the power Ranma unleashed. "What's his secret?" It's hard work and training often in new ways through others.
"Now, we just need to wait for Saotome-san to wake up," Nabiki grunted. She looked at the unconscious man. "When do you think he will wake up?" Gorrie inspected the unconscious man.
"Genma will only have some light bruising. He will be awake sometime next morning," Gorrie stated. "How much did you use?" Everyone looked confused except for Ranma.
"I only used about 10 percent of my Shuki's strength. Anymore, and I could not control the impact," Ranma stated innocently. His statement caused everyone except for Kasumi and Gorrie to balk at the information.
"10 percent!" They shouted. Nabiki and Soun in disbelief and Akane in anger. Gorrie looked at Ranma who made a go-ahead motion.
"Ranma has a specific technique that only he can do that generates a large amount of power. At 50 percent, Ranma estimates he could destroy a mountain. He calls it Shuki, or focused Ki," Gorrie explained.
"A mountain!"
"To be fair, using Shuki is more of an exponential growth. Every 10 percent, it increases by about 10 times. I have to really be in the correct mindset to use it, so I try to only use it sparingly. If I can't control it, it will destroy my body with tainted Ki," Ranma commented. Soun shivered at that statement. Tainted Ki was basically the death of a martial artist's health unless dealt with properly.
"Now, I believe we have a few last things to wrap up. We will be leaving in the morning after we talk to Genma," Ranma reminded everyone. This seemed to take the wind out of everyone's sails.
"This is really happening? You're leaving," Nabiki said. Kasumi gently laid a hand on her sister's shoulder.
"I am," Kasumi gently consoled her. "It's high time I lived my own life, but don't think for a minute I am leaving you for good. I'll still visit Akane, Father, and you." Nabiki let a real smile appear as she hugged her sister.
"I'd like that," Nabiki admitted. She was shocked and slightly annoyed when another figure joined the hugs.
"My little girls are growing up!" Soun wailed. Somehow, he managed to grab Akane and pull her into the hug as well.
"Oh my head," Genma groaned. He shifted upwards, as he rubbed his aching head. He looked around and saw that he was back in the guest room. He stumbled downstairs and saw everyone sitting down and eating.
"Somebody tell me what happened," Genma demanded as he entered the room. Everyone looked at each other, and Ranma opened his mouth.
"You lost," Gorrie stated. He casually ate a banana as he said that.
"I see," Genma looked down. He took a deep breath and leaned back. "Very well. I promised on my honor that I would tell you. Give me a moment." Genma reached into his gi and pulled out a piece of paper. It was in relatively good condition despite the gi's tattered form. He placed it down. "This is the address that I've been using to communicate with Nadoka. She should be there."
"Thank you," Ranma took the paper. He handed a plate full of food to Genma. The rest of the meal passed in silence. Eventually, everyone finished and the mess was cleaned up. It was finally time for them to leave.
"Father, Akane, Nabiki, I'll see you all later," Kasumi started with tears in her eyes. "Make certain to take care of each other and call me if you need me. I'll send over my contact information when I get it."
"We'll miss you, Kasumi," Nabiki squeaked out. Suddenly, Akane burst forward and gripped Kasumi in a tight hug.
"Why do you have to go?" Akane sobbed.
"Oh Akane," Kasumi consoled. She gently pushed her sister back so her hands were on her shoulders. "I'm not leaving for good. I'll still visit and write, but it's time I started living my own life. For too long, my world has been this dojo and the Nerima district. The world is a lot bigger than I realized, and I'm looking forward to exploring it. However, I will always have a place in my heart with you." She looked gently at Akane and Nabiki. While the youngest and oldest sister were talking things over, Gorrie approached Nabiki.
"Your father is hopefully going to start working soon, but it doesn't hurt to have a back up. Please, use this to help while your family gets back to its feet. It should last for about 3 months," Gorrie said. He handed her a book with a peculiar bookmark. She looked at the bookmark and saw that it was a check with a large amount of money.
"Are you certain?" Nabiki asked.
"You'll need it," Gorrie commented. "Now, if you don't mind, I'll appreciate any feedback."
"You don't mean…" Nabiki gasped as she looked at the book. Gorrie nodded with a happy smile. Meanwhile, Soun was talking to Ranma while Genma hanged back with a sour look on his face.
"Make certain that you look after Kasumi. I don't care how strong you are. If she gets hurt, I am hunting you down and taking you out," Soun said. His eyes seemed to glow an eerie red as he said this. Despite himself, Ranma looked a little nervous.
"I promise, I will protect Kasumi with my life, but I don't think that she will need it. She's been improving quite quickly," Ranma motioned to her. Kasumi stood ready with a confident air.
"True," Soun said. He lost his serious gaze. "Thank you, Ranma. I think you showing up forced us all to realize just how much we fell into a rut these past years. This is the most lively that I've seen Kasumi since before her mother died. I'm certain that her going with you is the best choice she can make. I look forward to seeing the woman she becomes when she visits."
"I'll be with her every step of the way." Suddenly, a beeping noise interrupted the heartfelt moment.
"Apologies, but it is time for us to go. Any later, and we'll miss our train," Gorrie commented.
"Good bye, everyone. I will see you later," Kasumi bowed.
"It was a pleasure to meet you all," Gorrie finished.
"We'll keep in touch. I look forward to hearing about how your life continues on," Ranma said. Having said their piece, the three left the Tendo Dojo towards the future.
Chapter End
We're mostly done with the Ranma side. I might have others show up, but a) Ranma is at such a high level that he would literally curbstomp almost anyone from the Ranma side, 2) I am not giving characters bulls*** power-ups to keep a fight "interesting," and mustard) we're pretty much done with the Ranma side for the story. Aside from Nadoka, Kasumi and maybe Ukyo, most are obsolete afterwards. I hate to tell people this (no I don't), but the fighting is not a large focus in this story, and with one singular exception (not Ryoga. He's overrated), no one is going to suddenly use RinJyuken. It would be lazy for me to put Ranma at the level of a master (remember, this is post-Gekirangers), and then have random people come out of the woodwork at the same level. Sometimes, the main character is stronger, and you have to accept it because there is no "more talented prodigy fighter with a legendary fighting style" that will suddenly appear and force Ranma to lose. It's ridiculous enough with Ryoga in the fandom, so I'm not continuing. It's also kind of cringey.
It also helps that Ranma will control the fight. He will force the opponent to adapt while he adapts to the opponent. This Ranma fights smart, strong, and flexible (both physically and mentally). It's why for the little that Genma was able to use of the Yama-Sen Ken and Umi-Sen Ken were worthless against Ranma. He basically fought people who wielded deadlier versions of all of these attacks. Genma is a small fry in comparison to the RinJyuKen. We also got to see Ranma use his Black Tiger style a bit more with the Kanabo. It also helps that while Genma is probably in the top 2-3% of fighters in the world, Ranma is the top 1% of the 1%.
Now, enough of my salt about how lazy conflict is set up. I hope you enjoyed this last chapter of the first arc of GekiRanma. I purposely skipped to the duel because I felt like I was dragging the story on, and I did not want to write about the Tendos doing chores. Again, I'm going to take a more than decent break. Honestly, I don't know when I will continue it because I want to work on other stories and other Sentai Series. Happy 4th of July.