My Life's Stranger Than Yours
The Deals Are Done; The Final Stretch
An incredulous Nabiki wore a contemplative look as Ranma finished explaining the situation to her.
"And that's basically it," he concluded.
"Hmmm…." Nabiki leaned back, her legs and arms crossed. "I'll say this much Ranma, you're plan isn't terrible, but it has one major flaw. You're very bold to assume I even have any pictures of Bulma, let alone any sexy ones."
"Maybe so, but I still remember a certain someone boasting about how they met Bulma after they came home from a trip," Ranma countered.
"I won't deny that," Nabiki chuckled. "But what about that makes you think I have any pictures of her?"
Ranma narrowed his eyes. "Call it a hunch, but if you want a more specific answer, how about this? I know for a fact you had a camera with you. After all, how else would Akane have gotten that picture of you three with Videl?"
"Fair enough, but one commemorative photo doesn't mean I took any pictures of her…besides the one group photo with all 8 of us girls."
"Get real Nabiki. I only learned about this lady a moment ago, but from what everyone's sayin' she sounds like she's a pretty big deal. There's no way you'd pass up an opportunity to snag at least a few pics and charge an arm and a leg for em'. Especially to the guys from our school."
Nabiki wore a blank expression before shooting Ranma a teasing smile. "I'm almost impressed that you came to such an obvious conclusion," she said sarcastically. "Still, since it's for a good cause I'll cut this "Conan" case short and admit it. I do have a handful of pictures floating around, but they're not for sale."
Ranma's expression turned from hopeful to shocked at Nabiki's proclamation. Given her penchant for selling out both him and Akane, the fact that she wasn't willing to part with what surely would've been a major score for her was downright baffling.
"What do you mean they're not for sale!?"
"Exactly that. Those pictures are for my eyes only," she doubled-down.
Ranma's stupefied expression remained before Ranma suspiciously narrowed his eyes. "Hey Nabiki…is there something you're not telling everyone."
Nabiki replied with a silencing glare before adding, "Shut up, it's not like that…though I won't deny she's absolutely gorgeous."
Ranma rolled his eyes, but let Nabiki speak. "Question: Did Akane ever tell you that Videl was an inspirational figure for her as a martial artist?"
"I think she may have mentioned somethin' like that…" Ranma pondered.
"Well, in a nutshell, Bulma's kind of the same thing for me. At the very least, she's everything I aspire to be: A rich, brilliant gorgeous woman who knows how to get what she wants so having some up-close and personal memorabilia of her is kind of a big deal for me. Believe me, I'd actually be willing to bargain since it involves getting rid of Happosai for good, but I don't want to part with-."
"Cut the drama and just name your price already," Ranma deadpanned, cutting her off.
"I get to choose the picture, and the price is for a rental cause I was dead serious about how much these mean to me. When this is all over, I want my photo back so you'd better make sure nothing happens to it. Capice?"
"Alright fine, just gimme a price already!"
Nabiki beckoned him over to her before whispering into his ears. Instantly, Ranma's eyes expanded.
"You gotta be kiddin' me! No high school kid has that kinda money!"
"I told you Ranma, they mean a lot to me personally and since I'm putting one on the line, you better believe I'm going to need it to be worth my while. Don't worry though, I'm more than willing to accept a long-term payment plan if you're willing to negotiate. Didn't you say you were here to bargain?" Nabiki smirked.
Ranma seethed before quickly calming himself. She was right, he did come to bargain, and now it was time to lay his chip down. "You know what, you're right and I've got a proposition for you!"
"No Ranma, I'm not giving it to you for free no matter how many pictures of yourself in girl form you're willing to shell out."
Ranma's expression stiffened. "Good to know, but I was actually hoping you'd at least hear me out and consider a discount?"
"…I'm listening."
Ranma took a breath before replying. "What if I told you that there was a certain outfit I promised to where that I'm positive would be a massive hit with your…regular 'customers'?"
"I'd need to see the outfit first, but if you're willingly opting to pose in it for me, it has to be worth something."
Ranma nodded with a sigh. "Wait here, I gotta make a phone call."
As Ranma left the room, Nabiki laid back against the wall with a mischievous grin. "This is going to be interesting."
Seconds later, Ranma slid back down the stairs, rushing to the foyer, stopping only when he passed the living room to find Pantyhose Taro conversing with his mother.
"I still can't believe a woman as friendly and distinguished as you is mother to that cross dressing…."
"I'M NOT A CROSSDRESSER!" Ranma exclaimed, kicking Taro in the head.
[Meanwhile]
Back at the mountain village, all eyes were on Videl as she stood sternly, her energy steadily rising. Before her laid a couple of simple components: a rock and a pot with the top uncapped. It was decided that since she had more experience in training with ki than Akane that she should be the first between them to attempt the Mafuba.
As everyone watched with baited breath, Tien gave a last minute instruction.
"Since you're dealing with an inanimate object you won't have to use much energy to perform the technique. For now just focus on getting the wave out."
Videl nodded as she brought her hands to her sides just as her energy reached its apex. Steadily, the area around them started to glow the familiar, citrus green tint catching everyone's intrigue.
'Videl's power feels even higher than her rematch with Spopovitch,' Gohan noted. 'I knew she had a talent for this, but who'd have thought she could improve this much so quickly?'
Goku shot his son a prideful look as he recalled his own instance of surprise and accomplishment in his 'student'.
Akane however was fully focused on Videl. Whatever Videl did now, she herself would have to match or exceed so she needed to be as mentally prepared as possible, especially since this would be her first foray into ki control.
With her body steeled, Videl threw her arms forward aiming at the rock and blowing t into the air in a green gust which swirled into a vortex. Unlike with a sentient opponent, she didn't encounter any attempted resistance, but she could certainly feel some strain on the front that maintaining the wave took more energy than she had anticipated. Still, she kept her wits about and with effort, raised her arms up manipulating the vortex in that direction.
"Okay, now aim carefully and finish it up!" ordered Tien.
With a yell, Videl hastily brought her arms down, making the wave descend right for the open pot. Just as the rock made contact with t however, it barely flicked the rim of the pot knocking it over while the rock itself slammed into the ground.
Finally, the green vortex dissipated and a winded Videl fell on her back, panting as she took a moment to recover. Gohan, followed by Akane, quickly rushed to her aid as Goku and Tien both analyzed her performance. The fact that she was able to fire the technique at all was certainly impressive, but the aftereffects were about what they expected. Her energy had decreased a notable amount, but not enough to leave her winded. Still…would that be the case when used against an actual opponent?
"Are you alright?" Gohan asked as he helped Videl to her feet.
"Yeah but…I feel all tingly."
"You should count yourself lucky that's all you're feeling," said an approaching Tien. "For a first attempt that wasn't half bad, but you will need to work on your aim."
"Noted…" A shaken Videl tried to step away on shaky legs. With support from Gohan, she finally left the area to let Akane take her turn.
Videl and Gohan sat down at a nearby tree while Akane prepared herself.
"How are you holding up?" asked Gohan.
"Still a bit shaky, but fine."
Gohan let out a relieved breath before turning his eyes back to Akane. "Do you think she'll fare any better?"
"Tough to say. She'll probably handle the backlash better than me if nothing else."
Akane took her place and closely mimicked Videl's poses. Stood firm, hands at the side, and her energy gradually increasing. Silently, Gohan made a mental note that Akane's energy felt similar in range to Videl's but still noticeably higher. If anything their energy compared to each other's was on the same sort of tier as Goten and Trunks; always on par with each other while gradually increasing their power individually.
"Whenever you're ready, just let it rip!" said Tien.
Akane nodded in understanding and continued raising her energy, the green glow returning. Thrusting her hands forth, Akane shot out not a vortex, but a small, green mist. There was an awkward pause as everyone took in Akane's failure, most of all Akane herself.
"What…what did I do wrong!?" Akane exclaimed.
"I didn't see anything blatantly incorrect," Tien replied. "At your level, even if the wave wasn't complete, there should've been more to it than that."
"Ummmm…" Videl raised a hand to speak up. "If I may, I think it may be because Akane never actually learned to manipulate her energy."
Tien shot Videl a surprised look before turning to a now bashful Akane. "Is this true?"
"Maybe…" she hesitantly replied.
"Whoa for real? Akane's power is much higher than most normal people so I thought she'd be able to at least form a basic ki blast by now."
Akane twitched as Goku's words jabbed straight at her ego.
"Okay, okay. I'll admit this would've been useful to know beforehand, but it shouldn't be too much of a problem," Tien reassured. "We'll work on the finer details later. For now, let's just try the Mafuba once more. This time however, I want you to put everything you've got into it. You may not be adept at using your inner chi, but you can still raise it, right?"
Akane gave a determined nod before taking the stance once more. This time, she focused her energy to it's maximum, the depths of her inner power catching everyone's attention. Her energy was much higher than before, quickly outpacing what they all sensed from Videl, though granted, Videl hadn't put her all into the technique.
Once Akane's energy reached its apex, she thrust her hands forth once more and a vortex significantly bigger than Videl's shot forward. The problem was, Akane completely missed the target rock and the wave shot straight at Goku.
"Whoa!"
Goku quickly warped away from the wave, reappearing besides Gohan but the blast continued on until it hit a random tree fully uprooting it, sucking it into the viridian spiral. Though not the intended target, Akane nonetheless put her all into completing the technique. With extreme effort, she raised her arms, throwing the tree upwards.
"I'm not gonna screw this up!"
With a fierce grunt, Akane threw her hands down bringing the tree with it. Unfortunately, her aim turned out to be worse than Videl's as the wave was a good few feet away from the pot. With the wave having missed its target, the energy dispersed before unleashing the tree in it's normal size, causing it to slam loudly into the ground.
"God…dammit…!" Akane mumbled as she too stumbled over. Though she initially caught herself, she was brought to her knees by massive strain and exhaustion. She was helped to her feet by Tien and Chiaoutzu, but seemed to be even more shaken than Videl.
"How…was that…?" asked Akane.
"Impressive in some ways, sloppy in others," he bluntly replied.
Akane let out a dissatisfied grumble, but sighed with acceptance. She didn't like it but that assessment sounded about right.
Akane was quickly set beside Videl, Gohan giving her his seat on the ground. Once the two had recovered enough, Tien gave his analysis.
"Okay…we knew there'd be complications, but so far, things aren't looking bad. Videl only needs to work on aiming the wave into the target. Akane on the other hand…."
"You can spare me the criticism, I know. I blew it," she huffed.
"Maybe so, but it was still impressive you were able to perform the technique at all given your lack of experience," Tien praised.
Akane seemed to take the compliment in stride, but disappointment still wore evident on her face. It was then Gohan chimed in with a couple of notes of his own.
"I'm glad they were able to fire off the wave but…are you sure they'll be able to use it to put Happosai away?"
"Love your enthusiasm Gohan," Videl sarcastically jabbed.
"Sorry, I didn't mean it like that…I just meant in the sense that his energy is still higher than you girls so wouldn't the backlash be…greater than this?"
"Yeah, we know but the backlash won't be fatal against Happosai, right?" asked Akane.
"I'd have to observe Happosai's energy myself to say for certain, but surely you've felt his energy before. Compare what you can recall from him to your own energy and ask yourself that question."
Akane pondered back to the many encounters she and the others have had with Happosai, but the one that stuck out was the weakness moxibustion incident where, after doing his best to suppress his battle aura, it all culminated in a massive burst once Ranma tempted him with pictures. The mental image of trying to shove that into a small jar, while comical for a moment seemed more daunting than it had been previously.
"That look on your face doesn't inspire much confidence," said Tien.
"Akane…."
Though she tried her best to hide her own worries, the beads of sweat forming on Videl's forehead told that she was just as weary as Akane.
The moment was subsequently interrupted by a familiar chiptune jingle. A tune that sounded like the theme of a fiery, headstrong sorceress.
All eyes turned to Videl who was hastily pulling her phone out.
"One sec guys…hello?"
There was silence as Videl listened to the one on the other end on the phone. The one who broke the silence was Gohan who asked, "Who is it?"
"It's Ranma. He's asking if Goku's still here."
"…Yeah I am, but what's he need from me?"
"He says they need a quick lift to Kame House because they need to see Master Roshi about something."
"Oh is that all? No problem. Ranma's energy is higher than most other people so finding him shouldn't be too hard."
Placing two fingers on his forehead, Goku turned opposite the group until finally… "Ah, there he is!"
In that instant, he vanished. On the other end of the phone, they all made out the sound of a female shriek before the call disconnected.
"Should we be worried about that?" asked Gohan.
"You tell us, he's your father."
"Back on topic, while Goku does his part, I think we should focus on you Akane," said Tien.
"Me?"
He nodded. "Its impressive you were able to fire the wave, but since your overall ki control is lackluster, I think its only fair we show you the ropes. Right Gohan?"
"Gohan?"
"Me?"
"Yes you. You are the one who taught Videl how to fly, right?"
"Yeah but…."
"Then why not lend Akane that same support? Of course, Videl will be joining us as well unless she decides not to."
"Not a chance!" she refuted.
Gohan paused to consider Tien's…rather forced proposal but ultimately saw no reason not to help, especially now that he'd gotten past his own personal hurdle.
"Okay, count me in too."
"Well then, what's say we take a quick break before getting back to work?"
"We don't have to take a break, I'm still ready for a little more!" said Videl.
"You may be, but I think Akane needs it," said Tien.
"What are you talking about? I'm fine!" she refuted.
Tien slowly walked up to the young fighter and merely poked her in the shoulder. Immediately her body shuddered before she stumbled out of her seat.
"That doesn't look fine to me," said Tien.
"Okay…maybe a little break won't hurt after all."
"Good, and I think you'll need it since Gohan won't be your only teacher going forward," Tien revealed.
"Huh?"
Tien said nothing and simply grinned.
[]
Back at the Tendo Dojo, Kasumi had been sent to fetch Ranma from the kitchen. As she was entering, she was immediately met with Ranma accompanied by a wild-haired man in farmer's garb suddenly darting into the living room.
"Yo, Pantyhose Tar-!"
"Don't call me that!"
Ranma blocked the imminent strike before pointing a finger back towards Goku. "Our ride's here." With Goku's presence, Taro's ire lessened as Ranma continued.
"Go get Nabiki, I still got a couple of things to do down here."
"Very well."
Taro retreated up the stairs as Ranma rejoined Goku who'd been largely silent the whole time. The other patrons of the dojo could only stare at Goku with befuddlement.
"Okay, I know a lot's happening right now and you all must be confused, but long story short, meet Gohan's old man," Ranma introduced.
All eyes instantly alit at Ranma's proclamation.
"Wait, you mean this is…!?"
"Hey, I'm Goku," he introduced, cutting Soun off.
"Goku, those two are my old man and Akane's, that nice lady's my mom, and the girl we just ran past is Akane's oldest sister Kasumi."
"Hi," Goku waved.
"Hello."
While the ladies politely introduced themselves, Soun and Genma on the other hand eyed each other before sharply turning to Ranma.
"Boy, I think you owe us an explanation!"Genma demanded.
"About what?"
Before the conversation could continue, Nabiki and Pantyhose Taro made their way downstairs. "We are ready!" The latter announced.
"Sweet!"
Nabiki paused as her eyes fell to Goku. "Ranma, who's…?"
"Oh this is Gohan's dad and he'll be our ride back to the Kame House."
Soun and Genma grew even more frantic at Ranma's words, the former demanding an explanation.
"Son/Boy, tell us what's going on right now!"
Before Ranma grabbed onto Goku as Taro and Nabiki were doing, Ranma flashed the two a cocky grin before replying, "We're puttin' the old freak away!"
In a flash, the group disappeared leaving the already bewildered onlookers even more confused.
"Well…I certainly wasn't expecting to meet Chi-Chi's husband like this, but it sure was a welcome surprise."
"Maybe next time they can stay longer. I do wonder where they were going in such a hurry," Kasumi added.
"Shouldn't we be more concerned about how they all just vanished!?" snapped Genma.
"Does it matter Saotome?" Soun eased. "I don't know what Ranma's gotten himself into this time, but considering he's fully gotten the support of the Turtle School to get rid of the evil master, I don't think we should complain."
Genma pondered for a moment before calming himself. "I suppose that's true, but I'm making him spill his guts the moment they get back home."
[]
The quartet reappeared right outside Kame House where they found Krillin, Marron and Android 18 outdoors, the latter watching the other two playing in the sand.
"Yo, Krillin!"
"You guys are back already?" he greeted. "And…who's the girl?"
"Oh this is Akane's sister," said Goku.
"I remember you." Eighteen interjected. "From the trip to the resort."
"Oh yeah! From the souvenir shop!" Nabiki recognized.
"Your name's Nakiri, right?"
"Nabiki," she corrected. "Didn't think I'd run into you again like this."
"Feeling's mutual kid."
"Speaking of kids, who's the little cutie in the sand?" Nabiki pointed to Marron.
"Hi!" the small girl waved.
"Ahem…!" Ranma harshly cleared his throat. "You two can play catch up and introductions later. Right now, Nabiki, you and me gotta see the old man!" Ranma exclaimed.
"What old man?"
"I'll explain inside now come on!" Tugging her by the arm, Ranma burst through Kame House leaving the others outside.
"So…what should we do while we wait for Ranma?" asked Goku
"Actually, if you don't mind, I'd like a match with you, little man," Taro challenged Krillin.
"Me!? Why me?"
"You're a student of Master Shen's rival, are you not? He may have bested me, but I still intend to say I took down one of you at least!"
Krillin glanced back to his family where 18 shrugged before giving a single approving nod.
Krillin rolled his eyes with a grin. "Okay, if you insist."
Eighteen called Marron back to her side, followed by Goku to give the two some space. Though Taro took a hardened defensive stance, Krillin remained uncharacteristically chill.
The one to make the first move was Taro who lunged at Krillin with on overhead punch. The miniscule Z-Fighter merely braced himself before evading at the last moment.
Before Taro could retreat however, he felt an intense discomfort in his torso. Glancing down, his eyes widened to the site of Krillin's fist buried in his gut. Stumbling backwards, Taro clutched his stomach as Krillin taunted him.
"I dunno what you expected, but I hope you weren't thinking this was gonna be easy," he said finally taking a defensive stance.
"Go Daddy!" Cheered Marron.
"What a showoff," Eighteen grinned.
Taro could only grit his teeth as he recovered. He figured fighting another Turtle Student wouldn't be easy, but he was genuinely starting to feel that maybe he might be a bit outmatched.
[]
Inside the house, Ranma and Nabiki dashed in to find Roshi fawning over an aerobics video and the two instantly deadpanned.
"Uhhh…is this a bad time gramps?"
Roshi acknowledged Ranma's presence, but didn't turn to face them "Oh, you're back eh? If you're still rarin' for a fight, go talk to Krillin. Right now I'm tryin' to enjoy a little alone time."
Ranma smirked. "I got somethin' you may enjoy even more. I'm cashin' in our deal!"
Roshi sprung straight up from his laid down position and immediately turned to face Ranma straight in the eye. "Well why didn't you say so boy!? Let's get…!"
It was in that moment that Roshi finally noticed Nabiki. "Well now who's this?" he asked adjusting his sunglasses.
Nabiki Tendo," she introduced herself.
"Tendo? Oh, you're related to Akane I take it?"
"Her big sister."
"Well, I have to say as cute as she was, you definitely-!"
Roshi was immediately dissuaded from continuing by Ranma hastily kicking him backwards.
"Don't even think about it old man." Quickly pulling him aside, Ranma firmly said to Roshi. "Look Gramps, I'm gonna need you to show the tiniest bit of self-control here. Its' thanks to her that I'm cashing in earlier than we agreed on, and the last thing I need is for you to screw this up for both of us!"
Roshi sighed but nodded in understanding. "Regrettable, but fine. Still, I can't be too upset since I'll have plenty more to think about tonight!"
Ranma gave a disgusted glance before hanging his head. 'The things I have to put up with.'
"Hey boys, not that this hasn't been a fun trip so far, but you think we can get to hashing out some details?" Nabiki requested.
"What kind of details?" asked Roshi.
Ranma then went on to explain his deal with Nabiki and give Nabiki more details about his deal with Roshi. During the explanation however, it was revealed that Nabiki sold snapshots of female Ranma on the regular. Once that was revealed, Roshi asked for a sample and was quickly met with one of a semi-topless female Ranma waking up.
Before Ranma could demand where she got it from, Roshi quickly offered a price for the snap which Nabiki gleefully accepted. After the first 'transaction', Nabiki assured him that she had plenty more and would be willing to share more for the right price.
An ecstatic Roshi accepted her proposal and the two shook hands, signaling a wondrous new partnership.
"Count your lucky stars Ranma," Nabiki beamed. "As a thank you for the new place of business, I'll accept your discount request, no questions asked."
"Really!?"
"Yup, though I still get final say on what that discount is, which means I still need to see the outfit."
"Fine…" Ranma rolled his eyes.
"Look, can we just get this over with already!?" Ranma exclaimed. "The sooner we get this done, the sooner we help out Pantyhose Taro and won't have to deal with him or the old freak again!"
"Okay, okay, but for that, we're gonna need our favorite, little-red, starlet," said Nabiki.
"I'm on it!"
Roshi quickly grabbed a random vase and dumped its contents, flowers and all over Ranma, leaving her in a wet mess of petals.
"You know, you could've just given me a second to change right?"
"Oh you'll be changing alright!" said Roshi as he rummaged through the closet. "Changing…into this cute little number…HERE!"
Turning back to the girls, Roshi brandished a set of black lingerie adorned with pink frills, complete with matching stockings.
"Behold, the Turtle School's training uniform!"
Though Ranma wore a shameful, disbelieving look, Nabiki, after sharing the sentiment for a moment, examined the outfit with a contemplative hum before showing a small smile.
"Not bad…not bad at all."
Ranma sighed as he recalled the deal he and Roshi made at the start of their training. Roshi had been adamant about Ranma training in female form and though Ranma usually didn't mind what form he was in while training (though he always would prefer his normla male form), he wasn't going to let Roshi use training as an excuse to ogle and potentially grope him.
In addition to their compromise about training as a boy and lounging as a girl, Roshi also asked Ranma to pose for him in female form while wearing a specific outfit. Though he was hesitant since he hadn't actually seen the outfit, he figured it wouldn't be anything too out of the ordinary from what he may have done in the past so after setting a photograph limit, Ranma agreed. Having actually seen the outfit up-close, Ranma was feeling regrets. True the clothes themselves were about what he expected, something about them just seemed a bit over the line. Still, this wouldn't be the first time he'd have to swallow his pride, and if it meant putting Happosai away for good, it would all be worth it in the end.
"Ranma, this may be a winner for all of us!" beamed a jovial Nabiki.
"Whatever, just gimme the damn outfit already and gimme some privacy PLEASE!"
"You heard the girl old man, beat it," Nabiki scolded.
"I meant BOTH OF YOU!" Ranma clarified as she darted up the stairs.
With Roshi and Nabiki suddenly alone, the former took the chance to get up to his usual antics. "So…!"
Nabiki quickly shut him down. "Look old timer, I appreciate that you've got good taste, but let's get one thing straight: no matter how many pics I may sell of Ranma or someone else, I'm not on the menu, capisce?" Nabiki emphasized. "I may not be a martial artist like my little sister, but I do still have a mean right leg."
"Oh I understand…" Roshi trailed off, his glance descending to Nabiki's bare legs. "And I do see…."
THOK!
Roshi was hastily knocked in the head by another random vase.
"What'd I just say!?"
"Hey, you're the one who brought em' up!"
Before Nabiki could retort, a loud boom shook the island.
"What was that?"
Roshi and Nabiki dashed outside, with Ranma viewing from the top floor and all eyes fell on Pantyhose Taro in his cursed form laid out against the sand. Just to the side stood Krillin wiping sweat off his head while Goku and 18 spectated with Marron hiding behind her mother's leg.
[]
"What happened here?" asked Nabiki.
"Looks like we missed quite the battle," said Roshi.
"Ehhhh…wasn't that much of a battle," Krillin dissuaded.
[]
After their initial clash, Pantyhose Taro decided to try fighting at a distance, firing off a Dodonpa. Krillin effortlessly dodged the initial blasts and the follow up attacks.
As Krillin launched his own ranged counterattack, Taro was forced on the defensive, taking to the sky to dodge. Krillin kept up the pressure by flying after him and unleashing a swift barrage of strikes.
Taro was able to block and parry most of Krillin's attacks, but was quickly overwhelmed by the small man's superior strength. It wouldn't be long until Krillin broke through Taro's guard and slammed him into the sand.
As Krillin descended, Taro looked up with disdain. He was determined not to lose to another Turtle student. Krillin prepared to give a taunt but Taro quickly hightailed it to the ocean. A young boy hopped into the water, but a winged, tentacled beast popped out, startling Krillin and outright scaring young Marron who hid behind 18.
Using his superior size, Taro tried slamming his fists down on Krillin, but his significantly smaller size made him even harder to hit than an average person. Taro continued to rampage across the beach, his tentacles sashing out trying to grab Krillin, but in an impressive display, Krillin grabbed two tentacles that Taro launched at him. As Taro launched more, Krillin flew into the air with Taro in his grip. With a grunt, Krillin flipped Taro over his shoulder and slammed him into the ground.
[]
"The kid was pretty good, but I think he might've done better if he didn't make himself a huge target," said Krillin.
"I was thinking the same thing," Goku chimed in. "Maybe he should stop relying on his transformation so much," he suggested.
Eighteen gave a small smile before signaling for Marron to stop hiding.
The group outside were son joined by Ranma, kettle in hand. Pouring it onto Taro, she joked, "Don't let the kid come out yet, she can't see this."
Surprisingly though, it wasn't Taro that 18 was shielding Marron's eyes from as all eyes were on Ranma as she sported the outfit Roshi left for her. Nobody said anything, but the expressions ranged from confusion from the likes of Krillin and 18 to delight and intrigue from Roshi and Nabiki, the former with a huge grin.
That silence was then broken by Goku who had a look of realization on his face. "Hey isn't that that outfit we had to wear when Launch started living here?"
"Wait…what?"
All of a sudden, Krillin let out a smarmy chuckle, "Heheha, I told you we had to wear those too 18!"
A red tint on her face, 18 shot back, "Idiot, not in front of Marron!"
"Wait a second…if Goku and Krillin wore this too…this actually is some sort of training gear…!?" asked a flabbergasted Ranma.
A newly conscience Taro took one look at Ranma and asked the simple question, "What the hell are you doing now cross-dresser?"
"Don't CALL ME THAT!"
[]
Back in the mountains, Akane and Gohan were seated cross-legged to the side while Tien watched a fierce match between Videl and their newest recruit Yamcha.
Yup, while Gohan was busy explaining the basics of Ki control to Akane, Yamcha was summoned to serve as a sparring partner for Videl. Akane would get her moment to match up against him as well, but for now, the Earthling Z-Fighters clashed as Yamcha swiped his clenched fingers at an incredibly evasive Videl.
"Whoa!"
Videl launched herself aside as Yamcha swiped at her again.
"Don't get to comfortable kid, cause I'm comin' at ya!"
Yamcha dove after Videl before she could try and fly away, but instead, she counterattacked.
"Hawk Arrow!" With ki flowing into her legs, she launched her knee at Yamcha who braced himself and caught her attack.
"Now it's my turn! Hurricane Claw! With Videl still in his grip, he swiped in an upward spinning motion with his free hand before Videl managed to launch herself back, narrowly avoiding his attack.
"No you don't! Wolf Fang Fist!" Dashing after Videl, Yamcha unleashed a barrage of swipes that Videl was forced to block before ultimately being blown back by the final, dual handed thrust.
Despite Yamcha's superior strength, she was able to take the attack relatively unscathed, though she could tell it was because he was holding back. Determination shone on her face as Yamcha merely gave her the 'come at me' hand motion, which she was more than happy to oblige.
With Gohan and Akane on the other hand, their scene was currently mirroring a treasured moment from the former's past, specifically when he was teaching Videl the art of flight. Like Videl in the past, Akane had her hands beside each other, trying to summon her inner strength.
Contrary to her usual demeanor, Akane was breathing deeply as suggested by Gohan (before being instructed to by Tien), in order to ease herself. Being as headstrong as she was, tension was almost a default for her, but in order to gain full access to her ki, she'd need to calm herself first. The guidance seemed to be paying off as a small gust of wind began to blow around the two and a small spark began to glimmer between Akane's palms. Gohan only watched the scene with hints of pride and nostalgia before giving an approving nod.
Tien, sensing the small rise in Akane's energy glanced back and shared Gohan's sentiment. The girls themselves would continue on with their current partners, determined to make any improvements necessary to finally put Happosai away for good.
Unbeknownst to most of the trainees, a familiar pair of sharp eyes lay on the group of fighters, a trusted comrade of theirs clad in a white cape. Despite the low stakes of their imminent goal, he couldn't help but smile at the amount of effort they were all putting into it.
Given the circumstances, maybe he'd make his own contribution to the effort. After all, it's never a bad idea to rid the world of a nuisance.
Leaping off his perch, Piccolo took to the sky and sent a long distance message to his Divine 'Protégé'. 'Dende, see if you can get me connected to King Kai. I have a favor or two I need to ask.'
[]
Later that evening, a lone male figure could be seen resting atop a cliffside. Judging by his relaxed posture, he seemed to be awaiting someone or something. Before long, a small, round figure appeared and approached the young man.
"You wanted to see me?" said the small figure.
"Old man, we need to talk." A stern Pantyhose Taro glared daggers at an inquisitive Happosai.
"What about?"
"Something that'll make us both happy."
(A/N: Long time no see. I've been stuck on this chapter for quite a bit and wanted to try and get it out by the end of November, but no dice. Speaking of November, as of the 12th its OFFICIALLY this story's 5th Anniversary. Can you believe it…FIVE FREAKING YEARS! I originally started fanfic writing in general in High School for me to just screw around with series I loved, and now here I am, SEVERAL years later writing a darn near Novel Length work just out of pure passion. Unlike with many other stories I've started in the past, I don't intend to end this one until I reach the end. That's how serious I'm taking this. Speaking of other stories, I've just started another one. Sorry to shill but all you need to know is that it's a Sonic story. I haven't gotten far in that one yet, but I do have plans for it. Speaking of plans, in honor of 5 years, I'll share a plan or two I have for this story going forward, cause win or lose, Happosai won't be the end.
[A powerful artifact from Ranma winds up in the possession of an unsuspecting DBZ character and winds up causing numerous benefits and complications]
I dare anyone to guess the artifact before I tease it 'officially', but you won't get any points for guessing the character.
As a bonus 'tease' I'll also explain this story's conception. Most every fanfic starts with a simple question of "What-if…?". For this story the 'What-If' was "What-If this Ranma character used the Dragon Balls for [redacted]?". Filling in the blanks would be MAJOR spoilers to something I want to do in the future, but I will say, its not Ranma using them to cure his curse. Its still a long way off before I fill in the blanks and answer that question, but you're free to try filling them in yourselves and if you guess it correctly, of course I won't tell you but I hope it'll be something to look forward to.
Onto this chapter proper, the preparations are winding down and the stage is being set. The girls have made progress but still have some work to do. Before anyone asks 'How can Akane use the Mafuba if she can't control her energy?', I'm just going to point you to the times in OG Dragon Ball where the characters could use special techniques without being able to use basic ki blasts. To make another comparison, think Yusuke in Yu Yu Hakusho FIRST using the Spirit Gun. He could fire it once a day, but couldn't do anything else yet until he learned to wield his spirit energy properly (just like Goku's first Kamehameha).
Also, about the Mafuba itself, Tien practiced the move multiple times off screen/page back in the King Piccolo saga so assuming the opponent is weak enough it can be fired multiple times as long as the user has energy just like any other energy blast in the series. I could be wrong, but that's my interpretation of things here. Also, I'll admit I'm not entirely sure it can be used on inanimate objects, but I don't see why it couldn't be (Then again, what object would one want to seal away? Questions for later.).
Also, to everyone who mentioned using Oolong to get pictures of Bulma, I'm going to admit, I did NOT even consider that. I planned on having Nabiki be the supplier LOOOONG ago, but now that the idea's been brought to my attention, even I have to agree having Oolong do it is a MUCH quicker and probably more sensible solution (Hell, I also could've had Puar do it instead since I brought in Yamcha). In universe, let's just say it never came up cause Ranma was the one making the plan and he doesn't know Oolong…yet. I don't know how yet, but I will try my to give one of the shapeshifters a role in the climax, though it isn't a guarantee considering I already have a general layout of how I want this final battle to play out (also, one reviewer brought up something that I undoubtedly WILL consider using cause conceptually, it's too badass to ignore). Speaking of Nabiki, one reason I wanted to have her be in this is cause I wanted to write her SIMPING for Bulma a little more. Sorry to that one reviewer from the Onsen chapter who wanted more of Nabiki and 18 interacting, but despite their reunion here, not much will be going between them. Speaking of interactions, how about Nabiki and Roshi though? I hope I've got room for more deals between those two.
This long AN aside, this was a pretty lengthy chapter. Not one of my longest but I feel this one had quite a few moving parts. Thankfully, it's all almost over. Until next time, stay tuned.)
PS. Happy Holidays