Tatewaki Kuno (AST)

==Appearance==
==Personality==
While to everyone else Kuno is 'The Blue Thunder of Furinkan High', or whatever other title he fancied at the time. In private he tends to be far more down to earth. While he usually only shows this side to Ranma after learning of Kasumi’s curse the public persona gave way to that private one he kept so well hidden.
==History==
Tatewaki Kuno is a senior at Furinkan High School and the older brother of Kodachi Kuno. Akane and Ranma met the Kunos when seven years ago. They were visiting a part when Ranma wondered off, by the time Soun and Nodoka found him he had gotten into a fight with Tatewaki. After they had thoroughly beat on each other, they actually hit it off. The family joined Tatewaki and spent the day with him, Kodachi and their caretakers. Akane ended up talking with Kodachi most of the time and Ranma with Tatewaki.
Kuno has long been interested in Akane, and made a decree—given as his entry for a school speech contest—stating he would punish anyone who tried to date her without first defeating her in combat, thus resulting on Akane having to fight a barrage of boys every morning when she arrived at school. Ranma has tried encourage Kuno to take a more romantic as he sees his infatuation as way get out of his engagement with Akane, but Kuno doesn’t listen. Kuno became just as fascinated by Kasumi when she disarmed him during one of the duels to put a stop to the fight.
Ranma when to the Kuno mansion to complain about how the engagement had moved from Akane to Kasumi. Seeing Kuno’s far away look at hearing Kasumi’s name Ranma offered to talk him up to her like he did with Akane. Kuno was about the agree when they were interrupted by the arrival of Kodachi who immediately drew Ranma’s attention. He tried to awkwardly ask her out only to punched in the gut and told to leave her alone. After recovering he and Kuno went back to discussing Kasumi.
The next morning after learning that Akane was the new assistant physical education director Kuno helped her by telling the boys trying to date Akane to disperse before offering to escort her Kasumi where she was going. Kasumi declined telling him that while he may have feelings for her she didn’t return them. Kuno however cut her off taking her acknowledgement as her being afraid of what a teacher dating a student would look like. He tried to hug her only to be promptly knocked out.
Kuno tried again during lunch but this time Kasumi was more insistent that she did not have feelings for him. The thought that he might somehow be inadequate didn’t even register to Kuno so he ran after Kasumi thinking she’d made a mistake only to come across her male form instead. He immediately assumed that boy-Kasumi had done something to girl-Kasumi and attacked him. It ended when Kasumi goading Kuno to attack so that she could knock him out.
Kuno waited for Kasumi at the front of the school in the morning and happy that she turned out okay. Kasumi decided not to tell him about her curse but as she tried to brush off Kuno’s attempts at hitting on her only Akane to grow tired and punted him away. When informed by Sasuke that he had come up with a plan to defeat the evil sorcerer. Kuno made his way to the gymnasium, a mix of anger and anxious anticipation on his mind. He was angry because Sasuke had overstepped his authority and tried to challenge the evil sorcerer himself. He was anxious because if Sasuke's plan, by some freak occurrence, did succeed it would leave Kuno looking like a fool who could not defeat his own enemies. However, if he could arrive in time to take advantage of his foe's weakness and land the blow that freed the goddess Kasumi from the bonds of the sorcerer, then her gratitude would know no bounds.
He arrived in time to see an explosion of wooden planks and a fountain of flying felines burst forth from the stage. Kuno ignored this upon seeing Kasumi-kun engaging in a struggle with a tiger. After defeating the tiger he pounced on Kuno. Kasumi destroyed Kuno's bokken with one blow then clawed at him furiously. Fortunately, Kuno lost consciousness before long, saving him from the severe pain he would surely have had to endure. With one final strike, Kasumi bashed Kuno into the gymnasium wall then sat back on his legs and began licking his hand and grooming himself like a cat.
Upon being informed that Kaneda was taking over the class Kuno didn’t hesitate to attack Kasumi-kun and demand that he tell him where Kasumi-chan wwas beliving he had done something to her. In the middle of his speech he ended up being drained by Hinako. During the Golden Pair match Kuno started cheering when Kasumi to the Goodbye Whirl only to stop when Akane told him that if Kaneda died so would Kasumi. After a day of thinking what this could mean Kuno came to the conclusion that Kaneda was a evil sorcerer who somehow who had infiltrated the Tendo family and linked his life with Kasumi’s. The fact that there was no record of a Kaneda Tendo seemed to prove his theory. Then after thoroughly looking over the photos between the two and finally noticing there similarities he began to think that maybe Kaneda was some long lost twin returning to seek vengeance.  Even that explanation didn’t sit right with him though. 
After awhile Kuno decided to just challenge Kaneda and force him to return Kasumi Tendo. However when he just looked at him and without a word passed by, Kuno could only stand there in a state of complete shock and confusion. Not even Kodachi’s arrival brought him out of it. When he finally returned to reality he seemed to have an epiphany. He called Ranma to the mansion who confirmed that Kaneda was indeed Kasumi. With that Kuno followed Kasumi to the ski lodge that Mr Hiro had taken her to get her mind off of things.
Kodachi naturally followed him and when they arrived only to learn that the amazon mage was attempting to kill Kaneda they didn’t hesitate to protect Kasumi. Sadly he proved to be no match for Frost and was sent flying with a lightning bolt.  
Since learning of Kasumi’s curse Kuno had become incredibly reflective and after a few days he had Ranma to meet him at the Kendo club's meeting room to ask him what his true feeling were about being engaged to Kasumi. After Ranma reflexively gave his usual argument he called him out for never trying to make the engagement work even reminded him how he tried to use him to sabotage it.
Kuno was more upset at what Ranma did to Kasumi then him and was happy to hear that he had already apologized. With that Kuno went to apologize to Kasumi as well. He pleaded with Kasumi for forgiveness for his past actions and even offered up his bokken as a sign of his sincerity. After getting over her shock Kasumi forgave him telling him that giving her his sword was not necessary. Grateful Kuno still assured Kasumi that the Blue Thunder was no more and only Tatewaki Kuno was left in his place.
With that he then went on to inform Akane that he would no longer pursue her leaving everyone what was nearby stunned speechless. Kuno was present when Mousse informed Kasumi that she could restore Shampoo’s status and quickly realized he was trying to trick Kasumi into marrying him. Though he did realize what it meant if what Mousse said was true. Kuno went to the restaurant and ended up getting into a fight with Frost over what it should be named.
While Ranma himself still hasn’t realized it has become increasingly clear that he is starting to develop feeling for Kasumi. To the point where Kuno himself confronted Ranma about it, when asking about the date they had. While Ranma tried his usual deflection he quickly ended up lost in a jumble of his own thoughts.
While he was briefly distracted about finding out that Kodachi was interested in Ryoga Kuno didn’t let him go off topic. Ranma admitted he just didn’t know. Accepting this Kuno told him to find out soon as failing all else if he lost to Ranma he at least know some measure of satisfaction. Ranma was left shocked, whether knowingly or not, Kuno might have just given him some encouragement to seek Kasumi.
They were interrupted by the arrival of Happosai who decided to put his two cents in on Ranma’s relationship with Kasumi. To help Ranma come to terms with his feelings faster he showed Ranma a naked picture of Kasumi. Kuno Attacked Happosai for this while Ranma remained paralyzed by the image before him.
It took several minutes, and nearly all of his will power, for Ranma to finally shake himself free of the seemingly hypnotic effects of the picture. He then proceeded to join Kuno in attacking Happosai. At seeing Ranma though, Happosai decided to end his little game. Launching Kuno into the wall he gave Ranma a quick raspberry and left.
Herb showed up and immediately challenged Kuno who he mistook for Ranma to a fight. Shocked that Kasumi had more then one suitor when Kuno introduced himself Herb told them both to renounce their claim or else. Both Ranma and Kuno took this with a small measure of surprise, but also a great deal of anger. Herb quickly incapacitated Kuno with a chi blast
Kuno recovered by the time Kasumi arrived learning that Herb was female. His shock that another female was interested in her started an argument between the two over who loved Kasumi more, Mousse soon joined in as well. After another round of arguments Mousse attempted to force Kasumi to choose. She deflected the question by stating it was Shampoo’s choice Mousse attempted to convince her to choose him, but she once more refused. Herb would dismiss Shampoo as meaningless, which served to only anger the Amazon.
Kodachi and Kuno were just as horrified as everyone else when the principle returned. To the point where they both hung their heads in shame when they admitted that he was their father. Their horror was well founded when he implemented a rule that the boys would get buzz cuts and girls would get bowl cuts. While stating that it wouldn’t be if they found a coconut he hit within the school. He then kidnapped Shampoo to blackmail Kasumi into helping him.
Kasumi destroyed the schools power relay to buy herself some time. The resulting blackout ended with them flailing wildly in a pile of bodies desperately trying to free themselves. They eventually were with the arrival of Happosai who ended up being smashed through the door by Kotori. Their annoyance was amplified when the girls realized that he had stolen their panties.
Not wanting to walk around with no underwear and unwilling to give the boys their locker combination the girls convinced the boys to switch clothing with them so that they go to the gym and pick up some spare clothes. As they made their way to the gym they tried to figure out why Kasumi had betrayed them. None of the observers were brave enough to do more than let off stifled giggles. When they arrived the boys decided to change into their gym clothes as well.
Realizing that running around was getting them nowhere they decided to think up a plan. Ryoga suggested that they found find Kasumi and find out what was wrong. A returning Ukyo called them out for so casually dismissing what she just did. Furious she decided to go and find Kasumi and deal with her herself. Kuno was about to follow her but was stopped by Ranma. They finally noticed that Shampoo wasn’t their when the girls finished changing. Saki would realize that the principle must be blackmailing Kasumi.
They split up into teams of three to go and search for Shampoo, all except Izou who kept looking for the coconut as he was more interested in keeping his hair then rescuing Shampoo. Ranma, Kuno, and Ryoga found Kasumi searching in the bushes. Telling her they had figured out what was going on. They set about helping her search when Minako ran up saying that they had found her in the gym.
They found their path blocked by a crazed Hinako. Kasumi would successfully outmaneuver Ms. Hinako and take away the Fighting Fish tank she was using to maintain her power, and once she used up the remaining energy she switched sides and joined Kasumi. With everyone now working together, they confronted Kocho, but he continued to hold Shampoo hostage with a remote. However, Kasumi managed to trick him, and knock the remote from his hands, leaving him to be dealt with by the others while he rescued Shampoo. Once they finished beating him to a bloody pulp the found Kasumi and Shampoo making out. She blushed upon being reminded that they were there.
In order to prevent further beatings Principle Kuno agreed to recall all his new rules, have Kasumi clear all new school rules, as well as no more blackmailing the teachers. When upset they wouldn’t get their revenge the students conceded. Shampoo would later joke that if she was going to get kissed like this every time she would be sure to get kidnapped lots.
As a consequence of Herb trying to use semantics to get Kasumi to agree to allow him to join her on her training trip Kuno ended up being asked if he wanted to join as well. He and Herb ended up arguing with each other the entire way there. When the restaurant was destroyed by a manipulated Frost, Kasumi, Shampoo and Cologne were forced to stay at the Tendos for a time, while Makoto stayed at the dorms. Tatewaki would offer for them to stay at his home, to which they accepted as the Tendos was too full with Herb and Cologne also staying there.
Cologne had summoned all of Kasumi’s suitors together to talk and much to their surprise Herb arrived in his male form having used instant nyannīchuan to temporarily bypass the lock. The prince didn’t waste time in taunting Ranma. Ranma however while angry didn’t let himself take the bait and also stopped Kuno from attacking when Herb turned his attention onto him. Luckily Cologne arrived before things could escalate any further.
Cologne gave a strategic information omission on Mousse's condition to explain why he was no longer a contender for Kasumi's hand in marriage, before explaining how she had no preference for any of them men. Kasumi had already agreed to marry Shampoo so anything else was icing on the cake. She was there to warn them that Kasumi would not stand for Shampoo being forced into any further marriages, which included using Ukyo as a loophole.
With that out of the way she reminded them that Shampoo was also part of the deal as well as Kasumi herself said, this was Shampoo’s choice. Kuno took this the best having already accepted this and having the matter spelled out for him was not in the least surprising. Ranma was much the same, although obviously still not sure how to approach his current relationships. Ryoga took it a little harder, having not yet accepted that Kasumi wished to be with Shampoo. Herb was focusing on the fact that his entire plan of action with Kasumi has been effectively rendered useless.
After seeing their reactions Cologne turned to speak to each individually. She explained to Kuno that he wasn’t acting any different then Mousse, Herb meanwhile had been nothing but dismissive to Shampoo. As for Ranma and Ryoga she advised them make up there minds about weather they are going to get involved in this or not. Finally Cologne stated that she would not stand idly by if any of them do anything to impede Shampoo’s happiness.
Silence remained as each boy was left in thought. Before long Ryoga and Herb departed, leaving Ranma and Kuno behind. Kuno who had already seen the writing on the wall agreed with Cologne’s assessment of Ranma. Ranma was surprised as it was unlike Kuno to push him towards someone, especially someone he was interested in. Kuno ‘s only goal was for Kasumi to be happy and he rather see her with Ranma tghen Herb. That didn’t mean he was giving up.
While contemplating a photo of Shampoo that he had recently purchased from Nabiki, Kuno was interrupted by his sister. He was about to kick her out, only ask for her advice as he didn’t know how to pursue things with Shampoo. Kodachi surprise, seeing a sudden shift in her brother's attitude from anger to uncertainty, decided to answer him. She gave him advice using her own experience with Kanada. As for Shampoo that was a problem entirely. Kuno not only ran the risk of running into the same problem as Mousse given his usual approach, he also needed to prove to her that her heart can be open to more than just Kasumi, for at the moment it's dedicated solely to her.
Taking his sisters words to heart Kuno left to go meet up with Ranma. On the way to the beach Ranma told Kuno about the agreement he made with Happosai. After their talk with Cologne he wasn’t planning on challenging Kasumi, but there was other ways to prove he was better. While neither one were willing to fully trust Happosai it wouldn’t hurt to try. They arrived at the beach to discover Kasumi fighting Copycat Ken. From merely examining the pair, neither boy could discern which was the real Kasumi and which Ken. Only by looking over at Shampoo and Ranko could they finally tell the two apart as they stood on the side of the real Kasumi.
Despite Ken's ability to copy both various people's techniques, including Kasumi and Ukyo, Kasumi proved too much for the boy, having too great a mastery of her own techniques for him to match, and exploiting the water to prevent him from engaging her properly when in Ukyo's form. The spectators were caught off guard when an enraged Ken attacked Shampoo in an attempt to force Kasumi to engage him directly, twisting Shampoo's wrist in the process. By the time their battle instincts kicked in, he unleashed the burning soul. While Herb, Ranma and Kuno were knocked out, Ranko at least managed to block his attack even if she was knocked off her feet and out of position. Kasumi too would become enraged unnaturally by this and, utilizing the dark ha do, attacked Ken brutally to the point those gathered had to physically intervene to stop her.
On getting her off, Kasumi would collapse unconscious as she had done at Pierre's. The others were about to take both to the clinic when they were attacked by Shadow and Shadow Lady. Shadow Lady would attempt to take Shampoo, while Shadow successfully grabbed Kasumi and escaped despite Kuno and Makoto’s efforts to stop him. While Ranko was able to fend off Shadow Lady she made the mistake of attempting to grapple her and was shocked into unconsciousness. By this point Kuno and Makoto had recovered so were able to take her place, until she recovered. All three were confused when Shadow Lady suddenly turned and ran away. Ranko went after her while Makoto and Kuno stayed to watch over Shampoo.
Three days later, at the Kunos, under the guard of Kodachi, Kuno, Sasuke and Makoto, when a mysterious attacker came to the mansion. All guards were quickly dispatched, and Shampoo quickly captured despite all involved best efforts. Kuno and Kodachi rushed towards Shampoo’s room he was hoping to force Shadow and Shadow Lady to tell him where Kasumi was only to be instantly knocked out by Shadow Moon. Kodachi had no delusion of her chances if the attacker one shotted her brother, but honor demanded she try anyway.
Kuno joined the class in raiding Hotel La Bac when saki discovered Kasumi and Shampoo were being held there. Ranma was initially skeptical, especially when Kitsune started talking about the Illuminati, before Saki shut her up; but she asked them to just trust her. She went on to tell them the place was most likely booby trapped in addition to Shadow and Shadow Lady being in there, but was caught off guard when Ranma asked her if she had a plan.
Luckily Kitsune somehow got the buildings blueprints allowing them to map out a route. However the moment they went in a wave of what could only loosely be described as nausea washed over them. It turns out that the building protected by an anti magic field that also effected chi meaning that Hinako and Cologne wouldn’t be able to help as their abilities mostly relied on their aura. While everyone else could go they wouldn’t be able to manipulate their chi drastically compromising their fighting ability. Herb noticed that Saki wasn’t being affected and it turns out that keys she had been given by her boss were neutralizing the effects.
Needing to take out the power source, the group divided into two; while most would spread out above to search Genma Akane, Shin, Claigin, Frost, Mint, Lime and Kodachi would search the floors below and take out the power. While their power weren’t fully restored the effect when one of the stones was destroyed was easily felt. They were about to tread on when they were divided by a trap and attacked by Shadow and Shadow Lady. Despite being against four people, Shadow Lady was able to hold her own, much to Saki, Ranko, Chun Li, and Kuno’s frustration. Knowing that the longer they spent there the longer they had to move Kasumi, Shampoo and Usagi Ranko opted to stay and fight Shadow Lady by herself. Saki helped the recovering Kuno out while Chun Li decided to stay and fight with Ranko.
Unfortunately they ended up triggering a trap. The two were desperately trying to prevent themselves from falling into a pit when Ranma and Herb arrived to rescue them. After regrouping they continued on. When the second stone was destroyed Herb regained his ability to sense others allowing him to locate where Kasumi’s and the others were. Knowing that they didn’t have a lot of time Herb cut a hole through ceiling. Herb carrying Saki and Ranma helping Kuno, made there way up three floors. They arrived to find Kasumi possessed and Shampoo unmoving. They were unable to assist her, however, as the possessed Kasumi quickly attacked them. She made disgustingly short work of her would be rescuers. Kuno was the first to go down followed by Saki.
Kuno regained consciousness about 15 minutes until self destruct. By this point the others had arrived and been dealt with by the possessed Kasumi who revealed herself to be M. Bison. Kuno vowed to force him out of Kasumi’s body even if it killed him. Only after the sudden outburst of energy in the building, caused by Usagi shattering her crystal to escape the nanobots control, was Kasumi finally stopped as her true personality started to fight that possessing her. This gave Ranko and the others the opportunity to aid those fallen, including Shampoo, finding her barely breathing. However, after Kasumi cast out the possessing mind, Rose enter the picture, revealing she was the one doing the possession, although believing herself to be Bison. She would attack them, nearly finishing them off, even threatening Shampoo, but Kasumi recovered and faced off with her, allowing the others to escape.
While Kasumi was in the hospital came to the decision to ask Shampoo out on a date. He had prepared a long list of alternative strategies and methods to get Shampoo to agree and even went to Kodachi for advice. She informed him that what was required was subtlety and reserve since Shampoo would likely reject him outright were he too forward. He finally built up the courage to do so on the say she and Kasumi moved back to San Cheng Huang. Due to an enchantment she received from Lemon Shampoo would impulsively respond yes, to his proposal to a date. It actually took Kuno a moment to register what she said and once he confirmed her response,. Kuno set the time for that evening and headed off.
Kuno opted to take Shampoo out for dance lessons. Theorizing that since neither of them, were likely to have dance training, they could learn the art together as equals. Shampoo who was in a foul mood due to still not understanding why she agreed to this found it surprisingly smart of the boy. Within the dance hall, things went amazingly well putting Kuno in high spirits. Having expected to have a far harder time it had been very difficult for him to retain his composure for the night's activities. Taking his sisters advice to heart he he made a point not to treat her as merely as means to gain the hand of Kasumi Tendo as they rapidly learned the various dances being taught.
However, at the lull in the event, Shampoo's thoughts turned elsewhere. When questioned by Kuno, Shampoo would deny any issue and say she was enjoying herself. He took this a great sign seeing her dismissal as high praise, hidden behind an air of indifference. At this point Rippa and Kitsui Buyou were introduced as guests to lead them through the final dance of the evening. Kuno and Shampoo would join the dance, and get competitive with the pair, impressing both. Afterwards they would talk briefly where Rippa would note he was also a martial artist.
Seeing how upbeat Shampoo was and wanting to end the evening on a high note, Kuno prepared to leave only to be bumped into by Mikado Sanzenin who paid him no mind. Kuno managed to check his anger knowing that getting upset over petty grievances would make him look bad. Though he did end up challenging him when he remembered who he was upon noticing Shampoo's shifted mood as she watched Mikado argue a bit with Rippa before heading out.
Not only was Kuno quickly being defeated, but Shampoo found his idea of chivalry rather insulting destroying the good will he had built up. She was forced to drag him unconscious back to his house.
Kasumi and Shampoo eventually gave Kuno and Ryoga the talk and Ranma was there to comfort his friend. Kuno took the break up and the fact that Ranma wasn’t excluded well, he just asked that the foreign prince does not whisk Kasumi away. When Kuno expressed his interest in Ranko Ranma was quick to nip that in the bud and tell him he was better off looking elsewhere. Kuno reluctantly nodded in acceptance of this.
It was pretty quiet while Frost was gone with nothing much of interest happening. What excitement there was was dealt with easily enough. Tatewaki took Kasumi, Shampoo, Ranma, Herb, Kodachi, Ryoga, Akane, Ranko, Mousse, Lemon, Nabiki and Tsubasa on a boat trip and were lost at sea when a storm hit. They ended up shipwrecked on a remote island, and after making shelter they started to make repairs only to discover that the ships radio equipment got knocked out in the storm. As they were trying to figure out what to do the girls started disappearing. First Kodachi, then Lemon and Nabiki, and then Akane they as well as many other women were taken by Prince Toma and his chief retainers Sarutoru, Torristan, and Wonton to be potential brides. They were eventually rescued by Frost and Tofu who took them home after Ranko defeated Toma for Akane’s affection.
Category:A Scary Thought
Category:Tatewaki Kuno