- AN

And the brain worm burrows deeper. I think it's time to start introducing some chaos into Ranma's life. I think he'll enjoy it, maybe.

- Story Start -

Ranma had to admit at least to himself that waking up early when you wanted to was completely different than being tossed out a window at the crack of dawn for a early morning spar. Waking up dry and male was easily a great improvement even if it was a simple one many probably took for granted. But that had been hours ago, and with many of his moms suggestions implemented along with his own things had been pretty smooth so far. It had been a few days since signing his paperwork and taking ownership of the dojo space in his new home ward. Having to ask his mom for help buying equipment and materials had rankled him a bit, but he satisfied his honor by remembering that he'd be paying her back in no time if all things went according to his and her plan. Like they thought, early morning could be dedicated to light calisthenics and yoga, while the afternoon seemed to draw the martial artist crowd a bit more. Considering those were the younger crowd it kind of made since. Though he wished he had some more talented students among his current class, most seemed to barely be able to focus so far. But he figured with time he could train them up with more sane methods than Genma ever used. Groaning as he led a small group of 8 older people through a stretching cool down before he switched the gym over to the afternoon combat classes Ranma enjoyed the slower pace while he could. Bending backwards like a world class gymnast before springing to his feet Ranma clapped his hands in order to gain everyone's attention.

"Okay folks, it's 1 o'clock meaning that's it for today. I'll see you tomorrow at noon. Make sure you all eat well and I'll make sure we all get a good workout together tomorrow." Ranma ignored the girlish giggling of some of the older women as they bowed politely as everyone made for the door. He was just happy he could hold it together through these slower classes. But like his mom had told him, even if he only wanted to teach martial arts, he still had to pay the bills and that meant compromising and teach some more popular stuff as well. Business wasn't exactly his strong suit, but he'd have to learn if he wanted this to work out like he hoped. Kicking another Yoga mat off to land perfectly stacked into the far corner Ranma had to pause as the door chimed, "Hello, the afternoon martial arts class doesn't start until 2." His reply wasn't as automatic just yet, but he'd work on it.

His gaze fell on a group of girls, 6 at least and all roughly looked the same age though none looked all that physically fit. Except for the tall brunette with the long legs, his eyes tracing subtle muscle definition that spoke of at least some training and a tall short haired blonde who was doing her best to dress as androgynous as possible. Of course, between all his antics she'd have to do a lot better than that to pass as a guy around him these days. But it was one of the shorter blondes, with hair in pigtails that spoke up first, "We heard you were accepting students. Was that true?"

Nodding he went back to idly kicking the yoga mats out of the way and into the corner, exposing the padded tatami mats underneath, "Yeah that's right. Saotome branch of anything goes indiscriminate grappling." Ranma really gave each of the assembled girls an appraising once over before nodding. They at least were wearing gym appropriate clothing, unlike the last couple of groups to come through. Who thought a swim suit was probably work out wear after all?

The taller brunette stepped forward at that, somewhat weary but a determined look on her face all the same, "I don't mean to be rude, but I have some kempo training. Could we have a spar first? We were recommended to you, but we weren't expecting someone soo…"

Where she trailed off the tall blonde had no such problem, "You're a little young to be running a dojo, don't you think?" She was brash at least Ranma could acknowledge. And he could see that the group were all friends at least by the nervous looks they were all giving the blonde. With a grin and a casual wave of his hand Ranma nodded in response to them both.

"Sure, a spar is no problem." Turning his gaze to the blonde he too nodded to her, "And yeah, but if you've been at this for as long as I've been, well you'll learn in a minute, I'm way better than anyone you probably know." Striding to the center of the room and enjoying the warmth of a sunbeam coming through one of the skylights he tracked the brunette as she made to stand across from him. "What's your name? As it says on the door, I'm Ranma."

Makoto had to fight down the blush that was threatening to consume her face at the rougish grin that was plastered on Ranma's face. She had to be serious about this and it wasn't time yet to go into boy hunting mode, "My name is Makoto Kino, Saotome-san. Let's have a good match."

Ranma nodded, "Sure thing Kino-san. This'll be just a light spar I think. Something simple. You have 3 chances to either knock me down to a knee or even hit me. Then I'll go on the offensive. Sound fair enough?" Seeing Makoto's confused nod slowly morph into a more irritated frown as she was sure he was underestimating her. Which also meant she wasn't going to take it easy on him either. Macho jerks like him needed to be taken down a few pegs after all. Though Ranma saw he got the desired results just nodded and brought a lazy hand up, "Then feel free to come at me when you're ready."

Watching from the sidelines as Makoto began to circle with a still grinning Ranma, Usagi and the others wore both curious and worried expressions on their faces. "Should we be worried?" Usagi whispered to Rei.

"Probably for the meat head. He definitely flipped Mako-chans switch acting all cocky like that." Rei sighed before shaking her head and placing her hands on her hips, "Don't see why Setsuna was so sure this guy could help us. He's just some jock."

Minako nodded, "Hmm, but he's a real cutie though. Maybe after Mako pounds him I can cart him off for some comforting help?" Everyone tuned out her muttering from that point on, lest they be subjected to her odd fantasies. Instead they all started to pay attention as Makoto made her move, leading with a palm thrust to Ranma's left side which he deftly avoided,

"Little slow, you put to much weight on your back foot." Ranma commented at his opponent turned her failed into a rising left snap kick which he saw coming and also avoided, "That leaves you unbalanced and open, not the best choice." Seeing her frustration grow, Ranma nodded and ducked as Makoto sailed over him with a right roundhouse. Reaching behind his head to grab her outstretched leg by her ankle Ranma pulled and tossed Makoto across the room. Her landing could have been softer, but if he had learned anything it was that lessons should hurt a little bit. Helped you remember them later. "I'm sure I don't have to say anything about that kick do I?"

Now fully irritated and a little angry, Makoto rose up again to her full height, "Again! You aren't taking me seriously at all!"

Now that rung like a bell in Ranma's head, and he decided he'd do the opposite of what he'd done before, "Okay, well, it is a spar and I did give you three chances." And in the next blink of an eye, he blurred.

"Wuh?" Makoto couldn't say anything else as several things happened all at once. Ranma had seemed to blur from where he was standing across from her, to now having his palm buried in her gut. Then, before she could fully adjust to that he was sweeping her feet and another palm to her upper chest assisted her in her fall. Well read assisted, more like drove her like a pile driver into the mat. And the force, it felt like a truck was parked on her. Seeing however that she was down and out Ranma stood from his kneeling position and held out a hand to her,

"Well, that settle the not taking you seriously argument? Honestly you aren't bad for a novice, but anyone close to my level would toss you around like a ragdoll. No offense meant." Ranma Didn't want a repeat of Akane, not in this new place.

Groaning and looking at the offered hand, eventually a smile graced Makoto's face, "Ugh, you hit like a truck." Taking the hand and gasping in surprise as Ranma deftly pulled her to her feet in one motion, oh even if the others didn't want to train under him, she absolutely would be.

"Yeah sorry, I tried not to put to much force into it, I'm just used to opponents who can tank buildings being dropped on them." Turning to the others and looking at the clock on the wall Ranma just sighed and motioned to the mat area, "If you really are interested, I guess we can do some quick evaluations and see where all of you are. Then you can join the class when they come in. Intro class is free, but you'll have to formally sign up after that if you want to continue." Another suggestion from his mom. Show them he knew what he was doing and give them a taste of what to expect. Sure he wouldn't keep everyone, but he'd keep enough. Watching as the wide eyed girls moved to obey and line up next to their now standing friend, Ranma nodded at them all in turn, "So besides Kino-san, does anyone have martial arts experience?"

"Would you be interested in Marital experience? I'd like to work on that with you." Minako was quick to outpace the others, you snooze to ooze after all.

Chuckling at the energetic girl Ranma shook his head while internally he was counting to 50, "Sorry no can do today. But I'll take that as a no." The tall blonde raised her hand, "Yes miss?"

"It's Haruka, Haruka Tenoh. And a little karate, and fencing." Ranma nodded as after her the rest of the girls all introduced themselves and pretty much all admitted to little to no experience fighting. Assuming as much from the get go, Ranma motioned to all of them and then himself.

"So pretty much except for Kino-san and Tenoh-san, I'll be starting with the basics for all of you, while Kino-san and Tenoh-san I can work on some moderate level training." Putting a quick game plan in his mind was easy especially since most of the class that had signed up so far were all beginners. They'd fit right in. "Okay, well, I'd say mingle a bit, get used to the space and just wait a bit because the rest of the class should be here in a bit, and then we'll all start together." So saying Ranma waved them off and disappeared into the back to draw up class paperwork for the group of girls.

While he was gone most of the group was glaring at Minako, "What?" Trying and failing for an innocent look, she still did her best.

"Don't what us, we haven't even been here 5 minutes and you're already flirting." In a hushed whisper Makoto was the first to jump on her teammate and begin roughhousing.

As the two tussled it was Ami who tried to be the voice of reason, "Please remember why we're here. We're supposed to learn from him to better our own powers after all." Not that Ami figured it would help her much at all but Usagi had been all for it and she was nothing if not loyal to her friend and princess. Which as the now rolling and bickering pair somehow grew to include a frustrated Rei, she just hoped they'd all last for at least a full class.

Usagi was fiddling with her hair that a resigned looking Haruka was already balling up into two large puff balls in some vain attempt to keep out of the way. "You know, this could be fun. It would be nice to maybe be less of a klutz all of the time." At Rei's quiet snickers Usagi started to pout, "What!"

"Just imagining you not being a klutz would be the same as you not having your usual hairstyle. It's just so you, it'd be weird." rolling free and dusting herself off Rei looked down to the other two, "You done?"

Makoto and Minako both sighed and nodded as one, standing and straightening their clothes, "For now." The daggers they shot each other told the rest of the group that once again the boy rot was taking over.

More was going to be said possibly but people were beginning to trickle into the gym. Just about equal parts boys and girls, the door chime alerted a now more organized Ranma to come back out. "Alright, as everyone is starting to show up, let's line up and I'll lead us all through stretches, then we'll get to drills." So saying Ranma assisted his newcomers in doing so before leading everyone through stretching routines. Before long he was showing and then helping everyone through basic stances, while avidly avoiding the grabby hands of some of the more bold (Minako) and also preventing accidents from the clumsy ones(Usagi and Ami). All in all, as the afternoon wore on Ranma was pleased with how this class was getting on. Once he got things moving it was pretty easy to get into a groove of things. Sure, most likely none of them would keep with it and train to his level, but some might actually do something with it. The likes of Haruka after all seemed very intent on learning after all. And the shrine priestess, Rei Hino, seemed to be focused as well. Though he might see if she had any chi knowledge at some point, as his senses were pinging off her regularly. Though if he listened to his senses even a little bit he'd probably be completely focused on their friend Usagi 100%. Her chi was like staring into the literal sun, but it was so chaotic it was a wonder she got anything done. He'd have to ask about that eventually once they trained up a bit, maybe towards the end of the summer if she kept with it that long. It'd be a real shame if she left with that kind of potential.

With the sun continuing it's trek across the sky, outside the dojo the rest of the world moved on as usual. Somewhere to the west tales of a cackling demon that stole women's underwear was growing with no sign of stopping. And to the south a mixed group of martial artist were trudging through the wilderness looking for a missing rival/fiancee/son. That none of them had a clue where he could have gone wasn't being brought up. And in a usually quiet Juban suburban home a lonely housewife was idly twirling victory fans as she worked on a painting, as she was sure her son was doing her proud right now, which now that she thought about it, maybe she should pay him a visit. All was right with the world at the moment, which meant something was bound to happen.

Focusing back in the here and now and the sun beginning a trek downward, Ranma wiped his brow clean of sweat as he looked at his sweating class, "You know I'm proud of you all, I didn't think you'd make it a full 2 hours. Make sure to get some form of cardio in later on and sleep well, we'll do it all again tomorrow." Hearing some muttered agreements mixed in with the groans, Ranma couldn't help but grin. He may not be as violent as his father but he absolutely could still train someone into the ground when he was properly motivated.

Trudging toward the door behind the others Minako was pouting, "I said I wanted to get all sweaty with a hottie, but this isn't what I had in mind." grabbing her collar and airing herself out, she just knew she was gonna smell something awful soon.

Rei wanted to say something teasing but their teacher's voice pulled her attention, "Hino-san, could I have a word?" Rei turned to stare at Ranma for a bit before nodding and waiting for everyone else to leave. Of course, her friends stayed behind as well which apparently Ranma was fine with as well as he continued once all the other randoms had left, "You're a shrine priestess correct?" At Rei's hesitant nod Ranma smiled and bumped his fist into an open palm, "Great. I wanted to see if you had any pointers about chi and excercises. I'm always looking for new knowledge to add to the school."

Confusion gave way to recognition, as this was something she could do. Though she wasn't sure how much she could show with her fire here. "I don't think I can show you much, all of my chi usage is dealing with our sacred fire at the shrine. I can't do much else with it."

Ranma sighed but shrugged all the same, "I had to ask. My senses were telling me you had some above normal reserves but I always want to be sure."

Makoto stepped forward now, completely confused, "You mean chi is a real thing? I always thought is was more of like an anime thing." As a girl who dealt with magic on a daily basis one would think she'd be prepared for what Ranma was about to do.

Who, speaking of which, was holding out his hand in order to form a purely white ball of condensed chi. Roughly the size of a beach ball Ranma had to admit it was the end of a long day, he'd have to work on his reserves more earnestly soon. "This is chi in it's pure form. If you want to use it, say as an attack, you'll usually have to imbue it with some kind of emotion in order to give it focus. Then it splits into Ki, which is much easier to control." Looking at the gathered girl who were entranced by the energy, missing Ami subtly scanner it with a hidden handheld computer behind her back, Ranma also missed a curious Usagi reaching forward with a finger to poke it.

This being Ranma he missed a few clues he probably should have been more keen on. First, Usagi was a maelstrom of energy given form, not a bit of it was fully controlled at all and as her finger neared he calm but extremely dense chi it began to attract her own much like a black hole to a sun. Next as per his usual, things had been to quiet for him lately. Setting up the dojo was going smoothly, the Nerima crew still hadn't found him, and his curse was mostly under control. And, he had a bored mother who was just now walking through the front door of his gym. The door chime going off startled Usagi who jumped and plunged her finger into the ball of chi. She idly noted it was probably the most soothing warmth that covered her completely for only an instant before the entire room erupted in light and sound.

Thankfully the windows and the door held together though Nodoka had to wave a hand in front of her face to clear the smoke as she coughed up a few errant dust particles. Thought as she opened her eyes and blinked away the spots of light obscuring her vision, she immediately went into her happy dance, baby fans in both hands. Before her was her son piled under the groaning bodies of several beauties all around his age. A little on the skinny side maybe but she could fix that with time. Not wanting to interrupt, Nodoka was off back to their home. She'd much rather gloat to that Ikari woman anyway that she had caught her son being manly long before her own. With a laugh(not a cackle, refined tradition women did not cackle) Nodoka raced away with a smile.

Ranma on the other hand, through a now growing headache, just knew somehow things were going to well for him to keep it up. If he every learned which kami liked to play with his life like this, he'd make sure to give them a good kick in the shin once he died.

It took some time and some explaining but Ranma was able to close up and leave his dojo with all of his part intact. For once some accident didn't end up with him being called a pervert and launched into the next prefecture. Which of course meant his peace was most likely short lived. Though is was a nice change of pace as the peace was starting to set him on edge a little. Maybe he was a little too used to mortal combat all of the time. Hearing a distant scream however had that half formed thought dashed against the rocks of his subconscious as he was already bounding through an alley and across the rooftops. He stretched out his senses and quickly pinpointed a space that while not exactly dead, was without a question like an antithesis of life. Changing direction slightly and gaining speed Ranma did two things quickly as a park came into view before him. First was to pull a training sword from his stuff space, a gift from his mother until he was determined good enough for the family blade, and then second he fell into the first steps of the sealed techniques. If it was a demon, for once he wasn't going to give an opponents and healthy chance at banter. Saffron had shown him that folly.

Opposite him on the other side of the park, the sailor scouts were also on the move. Though tired and worn out, a quick transformation had them all at least in fighting shape for a quick youma battle. Dashing through the park as quick as they could what sight met them however had them all looking at each other in disbelief.

Leaning against a tree was a young woman who for sure looked as if she had recently had some of her energy drained. However the youma that had attacked her was already dissolving away, it's head already long gone and it's torso in two halves. There was a deep groove in the concrete behind it as if cut by a sword. And there with his back to them was the teacher who only just hours ago was been teaching them basic martial arts forms. Though the look in his eyes as he looked up and noticed them at first were anything but the carefree but stern teacher they had gotten to know today. Standing there before them was a warrior on a mission. Upon seeing them fully however those glacial eyes softened and a more familiar cocky grin etched it's way onto his face.

As Hotaru skipped around the others in order to heal the downed woman, Ranma gave a salute turned to leave. "Wait!"

Usagi called out, though unsure just what she was going to say. "You know fighting demons is dangerous, you should leave it to us magical girls for your safety kind citizen."

From where they were they could hear Ranma chuckle while his sword was raised to rest on his shoulder, "Oh don't worry about me. I'm a trouble magnet that can take care of himself." Looking up and scratching his head, he had to admit that as far as he weird stuff o meter went, magical cheerleaders was probably only like a 3 on his list. "Besides, I'm just a martial arts teacher. And a martial artists duty is to protect the weak. See ya." Saying his peace he was off into the trees and eventually the rooftops before anyone else could stop him.

Gobsmacked and looking around at each other, eventually everyone turned to Setsuna, "That's who you want us to learn from? Just who the he-ck is this guy?" Haruka was the first to speak up, and also the first to get cuffed on the back of her head by her girlfriend for her language.

Smiling while watching the shrinking form of the martial artist Setsuna had an impish grin on her face, "Like he said, he's just a teacher. I told you he'd be of help to you all." As the others battered her with questions and she decided the gates of time needed inspecting at that moment, Setsuna stifled a laugh to herself. After all this time this was probably the most fun she was going to have in a long time. Plus those girls were to high strung, they needed some fun themselves.

-AN-

I haven't decided yet if I liked multiple smaller length chapters or one long form chapter. I'll get a feel for it eventually. I think.