Chapter 7: Konatsu-banashi

Two Tendos and one Saotome quickly rushed back into the house to find Akane out in the backyard currently hefting a stone lantern from its base. "Akane, what's going on?" Kasumi asked.

"I caught a pervert in the bathroom!" Akane said before looking over and seeing the other three. "Quick, where's Konatsu?"

Ranma could almost swear she could see an aura coming off of Nabiki. "I swear to god, Akane, if you even-"

"I didn't see her in there so she might have gotten away," Akane said, completely ignoring her sister and rushing back into the house with the heavy stone lantern in her hands. "We need to find her before-"

"Um…"

All of them turned to find Konatsu standing in the hallway, clad in a robe and nervously looking at the floor.

"Oh, Konatsu, thank goodness!" Akane exclaimed in relief. "That perverted boy didn't do anything to you, did he? Quick, get out of the way so I can deal with him."

"Akane…" Ranma groaned out with her face buried in her hands.

"I mean, unless you already took care of him with your ninja assassin stuff. That works, too."

"Miss Akane, I…"

"Better go check and make sure though. You never know with that kind of pervert. I might still need to go and give that jerk a couple of-"

"Akane!" Nabiki called out in frustration. "There is no boy! Do you understand?"

"I know what I saw, Nabiki!" Akane yelled back. "There's a perverted boy in there and we need to-"

"It was me," Konatsu said in a soft, resigned voice as she reached up to the collar of her robe.

"Kochan, stop!" Nabiki called out. "You don't have to do that for-"

She was interrupted by the very loud crash of a stone lantern hitting the ground. Everyone turned to find Akane with her arms loosely at her sides and a shocked and somewhat hurt expression on her face. Her head quickly pivoted to look from Konatsu to Ranma and back again several times, finally stopping to focus on the older Saotome girl. "You mean that was…that you are…and then I…oh Konatsu, I'm so sorry," Akane said as tears started to form in her eyes.

"No, please Miss Akane, it was just a misunderstanding," Konatsu responded, waving her hands in front of her in a placating manner. "You do not need to cry for me."

"Oh no, it's not that," Akane said with a weak smile while tears continued to pour down her cheeks. "I'm crying because I dropped the lantern on my foot."

Later on, after everyone completed their baths and Kasumi finished bandaging up Akane, the girls settled themselves around the kotatsu relaxing. A bit of tension still lingered in the air however.

"Sorry again for overreacting like that, Konatsu," Akane said while holding an ice pack on her fortunately not broken foot.

"Please, Miss Akane, you do not need to apologize any more," Konatsu said.

"Eh, in my opinion, I think she can afford to give one or two hundred more," Nabiki commented. "But I suppose the important thing is that she managed to learn her lesson. Isn't that right, little Sis?"

"Yeah, yeah. From now on I'll remember to knock even if I know who's in there," Akane grumbled out.

Nabiki gave a look over to Akane. "Good, but I was actually referring to the other lesson."

"Huh? The other…oh. Oh!" Akane's eyes grew wide. "Yeah, of course! I definitely know all about that. Isn't that right, Ranma? Both you and your big sister?"

Ranma froze, unsure of how to respond. While she wanted to give support, she still did not have enough memories yet about her apparently being a boy sometimes in this lifetime.

"Actually, that is something I have been wondering," Kasumi chimed in as she entered the room with a tray of tea and snacks. "During the entire time you and Auntie Nodoka lived here before, Ranma, I never heard mention of a sister. I'm quite curious how exactly this all came about."

"Oh, you're gonna love this one, Sis," Nabiki said with a grin. "It's quite the intriguing little tale, right Kochan?"

"Ah, yes. Of course," Konatsu responded, standing up and backing away from the kotatsu as her voice suddenly took on a much more dramatic air. "A story of tragedy and hardships fought through by determination and the true bonds of sisterly love." She then froze in place, eyes closed, head tilted back with the back of one hand placed on her forehead.

The other four just stared at the girl's pose until Nabiki leaned over to Ranma and said in a harsh whisper, "come on, that was your cue. You really need to pay better attention, Saotome."

"Huh?" Ranma asked in confusion.

"The big cushion in the hallway closet," Nabiki continued. "Hurry up. It's rude to keep your sister waiting."

Still unsure of what exactly was going on, Ranma quietly got up and went over to said closet, where she indeed found a large cushion meant for sitting on. Grabbing the item, she went back to the group and stood there, really wishing more than ever that she could have just gotten all her memories of this life at once instead of this strange occasional trickle that never felt enough. The shock of it would have been nothing compared to the awkwardness she kept experiencing. Plus, there was a strange oddness about the memories, a feeling in the back of her mind that she could never fully pinpoint.

Nabiki, being her regularly helpful self, merely gestured to the floor in front of Konatsu, who was still frozen in her pose. Fighting the urge to roll her eyes, Ranma carefully placed the cushion in front of her sister and made sure it was oriented perfectly, at which point Nabiki then gave her an overdramatic thumbs up. Ranma just let out a short grumble in response as she went back to her seat.

Once Ranma was settled in again, Konatsu came out of her pose and sat down in a seiza position on the cushion with her gaze on the floor, pulling out a folding fan and resting it on her lap. She paused for a few beats before looking up with a warm smile and addressed her audience.

"Ninjutsu. The way of the Shinobi. Hidden deep within the province of Iga, there exists an unnamed village whose residents continue to practice this ancient and noble art. Within this humble little town lived a great shinobi master, his lovely and equally masterful kunoichi wife, and their child whom they loved more than anything in the world…"

Konatsu then tilted her head down towards the floor and paused for several seconds, unmoving. It looked like tears were almost starting to form in her eyes. Ranma was about to ask what was wrong when Konatsu suddenly shot her head back up. Her back straightened and a stern, yet gentle expression was affixed on her face as she looked around the room, the folded fan held at her side like a kunai.

"Dear, have you seen our little ██████ anywhere? It's well past time for the start of his lessons today."

She then opened up her fan and covered the lower half of her face with it, giving a softer look in her eyes.

"Oh yes, Darling. I saw him out playing with the other children. I'm sure he will be back shortly."

"I hope so, Dear. This is a crucial time in his training and I don't want him to end up slacking off now."

"You really needn't worry, Darling. You know how much he enjoys your teachings. We wouldn't miss them for the world. In fact, I do believe that is him coming in right now."

"Ah, good. Welcome home, Son. Glad to see you haven't completely forgotten about…██████? Is there something wrong?"

Konatsu then brought her arms in close, hands somewhat trembling in front of her as she looked upward.

"Oh, Father! Ichinosuke started making fun of me!"

"That boy, huh? Well, I know for a fact that your skill are so much better than his, so don't let him try to-"

"No, it wasn't that! It's 'cause I…I told him…"

"It's alright, Sweetie. You can tell us. I promise, whatever it is, we'll understand."

"I told him…that I want to be a kunoichi like Mother!"

"You…" Konatsu's face took on a brief moment of shock before shifting to an amused smile. "I see. You want to be like your mother, huh?"

"Of course, Father!"

"Yes, well, she is a very amazing woman and, I'm sure she'll be quick to dispute me on this one, the most skilled of our village."

"Well, if anyone in our family possesses a top skill, it would be my sweet darling fool of a husband at complete exaggeration."

"There. Do you see what I must put up with? Now Son, I know without a doubt that you will grow up to be even more skilled as a shinobi. However, a Kunoichi is not something you can be. I'm sure that's just what little Ichi was trying to tell you."

"W-why? Why can't I be a kunoichi, Father?"

"Well, you see ██████, the role of a kunoichi is something that's only available to girls like your mother. For boys like you and me, it's not possible."

"You're wrong, Father!"

"No, it is the truth, Son. Kunoichi is just the word for a female shinobi. In fact, it's possible to use characters in 'kunoichi' to make up the-"

"No, Father! I mean that I'm not a boy!"

"You…what?"

"I'm not a boy, Father. I'm really a girl."

"Oh, Son. Your mother has explained the differences between boys and girls to you, remember?"

"I know what Mother said. I know I have…but, but, I know I'm a girl! I see all those boys like Ichinosuke and Masato and Sasuke or like Mister Hayabusa and you, Father, and I can feel I'm not like that. I feel more like Haru, or Aki, or Miss Tsubone, or Mother. I feel like I'm a girl, Father. That's why I know I'm a girl!"

"Now Son…it's…you know…it's just how things…"

"Hold on a moment, Darling. Could it really not be possible that our child knows more about…about herself than we do? Perhaps we should try to hear her out. Besides, since when has a shinobi ever cared about the way things are supposed to be?"

"That…yes. Perhaps you are right. I still don't really understand it, but, as you are quick to point out, I am quite the fool. Very well. ██████, if that is what you truly wish, then your mother will teach you her art of the kunoichi."

Konatsu took a short pause before looking up to address her audience once again. "And so it came to pass that the young girl, now recognized as such by her parents, began also training under her mother in the ways of the kunoichi arts. She performed admirably, even managing to exceed her parents expectations. The three were able to have a life of happiness and comfort together for a time. However, such things…are not always meant to last. A sudden and grave illness fell upon the mother. And…and so…"

Konatsu lowered her head, directing her gaze to the ground in front of her. Several times it looked as though she was about to speak, but stopped herself. Silence permeated the room for a few minutes before she lifted her head back up, wiping away the remnants of tears from her eyes.

"The girl and her father did their best to continue on, but some days were more difficult than others. In addition, while the man was quite proficient in the arts of the shinobi, he was somewhat less so in other aspects of life. Still, he did as best as he could to support his daughter and make her happy, no matter how tough things would get. Then one day, he came home in an especially jovial mood."

"Konatsu, my girl, I have wonderful news!"

"Really? What is it, Father?"

"We are going to have some guests arriving shortly. A mother and her young daughter who are from outside the village. I think there's a good chance that I will be hired to train the girl!"

"Oh, that's wonderful, Father. Do…do you wish for me to meet them as well?"

"Are you worried about how they'd react to you?"

"Father, it's your first student in so long. I do not want my presence to put that in danger."

"Now Daughter, they would be foolish if they did not recognize you as the lovely young lady you are, and I'm fairly certain that they are not fools. You don't need to be here for this meeting, though. If you wish, you may go out and play with your friends."

"Thank you, Father…Hmm, a mother and daughter. I do wonder what they are like. Oh, I know. I can keep myself hidden and observe them without being seen." Konatsu then held her open fan out sideways and partially looked out over its edge. "That must be them now. Oh wow, that lady looks so elegant. She must be the wife of a daimyo! And that girl is so pretty. How do they know my father?"

"Once again I would like to welcome you into my home. I hope the accommodations are to your liking."

Konatsu then sat up more, straightening her back and placing a calm, refined, yet hardened expression on her face. "Your hospitality is greatly appreciated. This tea is quite excellent and your home has a very…cozy quality to it."

"Hey, it's alright. I know how the place is falling apart around us. Things haven't been easy for me since my wife passed. I've been trying to do what I can though, to support my daughter."

"Yes, I can understand. For a long while, times were quite difficult for both my daughter and myself. It has improved recently, but I am still working to make things up for her. I would like to thank you once again for offering to train her."

"Of course, I am happy to. But I should be the one to thank you again for what you did. Without you there, I would most likely have fallen under the spell of that woman's duplicitous seductions."

"Yes, her…seductions. I suppose that…Ranma, sit up straight please."

"Oh, sorry Momma."

"Ah, I apologize for that."

"No, no. It's alright Miss Saotome."

"Please, just call me Nodoka."

"Of course, Miss Nodoka."

"Yes, as I was saying. It is perfectly understandable how sometimes one can allow another to blind them from the truth. For example, you may find a man you believe to be the ideal for allowing you to perform your expected duties as a wife and mother, only to later find yourself having to hunt down and rescue your own child."

"Oh, I see. Would you be requiring assistance then if he…"

"No, no, it's alright. There is no need to worry about that man any longer. And rest assured, I am absolutely nothing like him! As I said, though, there is much I need to do to make up for my daughter. Some things I am unable to perform myself. Especially as I am still recovering from-"

"Momma, did you see that?"

"Not right now sweetie."

"But Momma, I need to show you!"

"Ranma, not right now. You can show me later, okay?"

"Okay Momma."

"Oh dear, have I been spotted? Perhaps I should retreat. But…this girl…I need to…"

"Ranma, where are you going?"

"Um, I…uh…"

"Ranma, please stop fidgeting. If you need to go, go quickly."

"Oh. Okay, Momma."

"And hurry back once you're done."

"I will."

"Oh, I should go now. Hopefully, I can get away before they see that I was-"

"Hi there!"

"Wha? How did you get-"

"What are ya hiding for? Oh, is it a game? Can I…hey! Where are ya going? Hold on, wait up! Oh wow, you can really move fast. I bet you're great at-"

"Why are you following me? What is it that you want? I'm not skilled enough to even think about teaching yet."

"Uh, alright. We can still play though, right?"

"Play? W-why on earth would a princess even consider playing with a common girl like myself?"

"Princess? Ya mean me? I'm not a princess. Least I don't think so. Well, a dragon did wanna marry me, so maybe? Eh, it doesn't matter. I still wanna hang out with you."

"You do?"

"Yeah, you seem cool. And your dad's a ninja, so I bet ya know a bunch of cool ninja stuff too!"

"Well, I shall admit I have managed to learn a few techniques. Oh, I do apologize, I am being rather rude right now. Hello, I am Konatsu, a Kunoichi in training. It is a pleasure to meet you."

"It's nice to meet you too. I'm Ranma Saotome, and I've been trained…uh, don't wanna get into that right now. I think your dad is gonna be teaching me some ninja stuff. I can't wait for that! So anyway, do ya wanna play? I bet you know all the coolest spots around here. Oh, we should also spar with each other too. That'd really be fun!"

"Yes…yes, I think it would indeed be quite fun, Miss Ranma."

Ranma sat back and looked on as Konatsu continued her story, although at this point she wasn't fully listening to the words anymore. Sure, at the beginning she was completely enamored with learning more about her sister along with being fascinated at how exactly she was able to make that noise with her mouth. But then she got to the part where they both met, and several things hit Ranma at once.

First off, she finally got a confirmation that those memories she occasionally got glimpses of were indeed accurate. They were things that actually happened in this universe. She thought back on those memories and how they matched up fully with what Konatsu was saying.

But then, that was also the issue as it finally clicked to Ranma why those memories always felt so strange. They weren't just lining up with what Konatsu was saying, but how she was saying it.

Her life, as a story being told to her.

Almost as if…

"Girls, I'm home!"

Any further thoughts were immediately evaporated at the sound of the new voice at the entranceway. A voice she never actually heard before, yet instantly knew who it belonged to. Before she could respond to this, she suddenly found herself being dragged by the arm by the middle Tendo sister.

"That was a wonderful performance, Kochan, but it looks like we'll have to cut it short." Nabiki then quickly swiped the cushion from underneath the girl, who seemed to hover in confusion for a brief moment before gently landing on the ground in her same seated position.

Nabiki took both Ranma and the cushion over to the storage closet, shoving them both inside. "Be a dear and put that away for me, thanks. Oh, and don't screw up your entrance this time!"

Ranma blinked a couple of times as the door was closed on her. She quickly got up and tried to open it, only to find it was being held firmly shut. As she struggled against the leverage of the taller girl, she could hear the voices on the other side.

"Welcome home, Mother. We have some wonderful news to share."

"That's great, dear. What is…Akane! What happened to your foot?"

"It's alright, Mom. I just…hurt it a bit while training. It'll heal up quick."

"Well that's good to hear. I'll go get dinner started and then you can tell me-oh, we have a guest."

"Greetings, I am Konatsu Saotome. Does Mathematics mean that you are also a mother to me?"

"Pardon? Oh, you must be…now Nabiki, I'm glad that you have finally moved past your breakup, but…Nabiki, what is going on over there?"

"Oh, you know, just getting some stretches in."

Ranma grumbled and she continued to push on the door. However, she was only able to get it open just a crack, nowhere near enough to squeeze through.

Wait. Would I be able to…

As she leaned all of her weight on the door, she focused on that narrow opening, pushing the thread of ki through it until, with a loud pop, she found herself back in the family room. Instantly her legs gave out and she collapsed on her bottom, gasping heavily.

"Oh dear! What just…Ranma? Ranma, is that you?"

"Alright, I guess that was a pretty decent entrance, Saotome."

Still recovering from her sudden fatigue, Ranma could only look up at the woman who was kneeling down towards her. She was somewhat aware of what she looked like from the pictures she saw in her previous life. However, seeing the real life Kimiko Tendo right here, it was so clear how each of the Tendo sisters were present in her. Before she could say anything, she found herself in a tight hug.

"Ranma! Oh, my sweet darling little baby, you're back! You're finally home! Oh, this is so wonderful! It's so good to…" Kimiko pulled back from her hug and held the redhead at arms length. "Did you teleport just now?"

"Oh yeah," Nabiki answered with a smirk, still leaning on the closet door. "It looks like your little baby girl is a full fledged ninja now."

"Really? Is that true?" At the slight nod from Ranma, Kimiko gave a little chuckle and lowered her head, shaking it slightly. She muttered something under her breath that Ranma was only barely about to make out. "Damn you, Nodoka. Of course you managed to pull it off, you dummy." Kimiko then looked back up at her. "Is your mother here too?"

Ranma still found herself at a loss for words. Luckily, Konatsu was quick to respond. "Mother needed to work late today since she took yesterday off to complete my official adoption. I believe she should be home soon though."

Kimiko looked over at the other girl. "You mean, Nodoka adopted you?"

"Oh yes, I haven't gotten to that part of the story yet. I guess I should summarize it then. Well, after my father unfortunately passed away, Mother, before she was officially my mother I mean, went and took me in. It has been so amazing! Living in this gigantic city that just continues on forever, moving into a lovely new home, having my own bed that I am taking such good care of. And school today was so fantastic. I only wish I could have started sooner, but Mother wanted to make sure I was properly registered first."

Ranma suddenly felt the room get colder as Kimiko looked from Konatsu back to her. "Ranma, exactly how long have you been back in Tokyo?"

"Uh…I…"

Once again, Konatsu came to her rescue. Maybe. "Oh, we officially moved into our new home five days ago. Although, Mother did travel here several times while we were still taking care of things in my old village."

"I see…"

As the Tendo mother got to her feet, Ranma couldn't help but notice the three sets of looks being directed her way.

"Kasumi dear, could you make dinner for your sisters tonight? I think I need to escort Ranma and her sister home. And perhaps have a little talk with their mother."