Ranma Saotome (AST)

==Appearance==
==Personality==
Ranma is your average high school student at first glance, but he is a surprisingly powerful martial artist. While nowhere near as skilled as Kasumi he is able to hold his own against Tatewaki Kuno. He actually is easygoing and somewhat shy. However, he seems to enjoy a very trolling brother sister relationship with Akane. Ranma is an avid animal lover would always bring in stray animals a lot and beg to keep them as children only for Soun and his mother to say it was too much trouble and too expensive.
Ranma’s greatest strength is his observation skills which are perhaps even greater then his counterpart Ranko. Ranma is able to see through a person’s heart to who they truly are. This is the reason behind his attraction to Kodachi and consequently her disgust of him. By contract unlike Ranko he is not a very confrontational person, this is seen by how he didn’t fight when told that the engagement was moved to Kasumi. However the biggest example is his relationship with his pet Ryouko. It is clear that he has noticed the discrepancies in her actions as well as her similarities with Ukyo, but he never acts on them, and when he finally does Ukyo’s curse had been coincidentally locked so he used that as an excuse to stop thinking about it. 
He is eventually called out on this by Ranko who pointed how that his lack of drive is primary reason for him being unable to catch up with Kasumi and Ukyo. 
==History==
Genma attempted to pawn Ranma off on Soun to be raised along side his fiancée Akane. Soun not really trusting Genma immediately became suspicious that his "old friend and fellow student of the Martial Arts" was actually trying to unload his son on the Tendo Household agreed but only if Genma agreed to raise Kasumi. This approach had the reverse effect however as growing up together caused Akane and Ranma to see each other more as brother and sister then fiancée’s. By the beginning of the story while they had stopped fighting it outright it was clear that the two had no romantic feelings for each other.
Ranma is shown to be friends with Kuno and had tried to discourage him from his forceful approach to wooing Akane as he saw his crush as a way to get out of his engagement and it was clear that it wasn’t working. During this period Ranma was far more brash and determined. He would challenged pretty much every person he could find, and defeated them all. One such fighter was Rippa who was the toughest opponent Ranma had ever fought. Refusing to let such a humiliating defeat go, Ranma challenged him again, and again and with each defeat he never made the slightest progress.
Frustrated at his consistent defeated, Ranma temporarily trained in Rippa's dance style in order to defeat him, but even after training was still unable to win. In the end it came down to a choice, either continue training with Rippa's master and abandon the Anything Goes style, or go his own way. Ranma seriously considered it for a while, when the answer came to him and determined to prove the superiority if his style accepted Rippa’s challenge when he refused. This time Ranma defeating Rippa by denying him the music he needed to maintain his beat at the time. That was the last time the two fought.
While initially shocked when told that the engagement was being moved to Kasumi Ranma walked off towards the dojo in a slight huff. He brushed off Kasumi’s attempts to talk as he trained then went over to the Kuno’s Mansion. While complaining Ranma saw that Kuno was interested in Kasumi so offered to help him woo her like he did with Akane. They were interrupted by the arrival of Kodachi Ranma tried to ask her out only to be coldly rebuffed.
Ranma proved not to be very subtle and his plan was instantly discovered causing Akane to call him out. Ranma watched the fight between Kuno and Kasumi’s cursed form from afar feeling sorry for his fiancée now that she had to deal with Kuno in two different ways, as an enemy and as an overzealous lover.
Ranma and Akane decided to join the morning training Ranma spared with Kasumi while Akane spared with Genma. Ranma was ashamed of himself for how badly he was doing especially since it was obvious that Kasumi was holding back. Later at breakfast Ranma was the first to how upset Nabiki was, but mistook it for her being angry that she had to cook. At school they were greeted by Kuno who was worried about Kasumi after her disappearance the day before. Kasumi was about to explain her curse to Kuno only to be stopped by Ranma who told her it would be for the best to wait to him. Kasumi heeded his words and tried to once again brush off Kuno’s attempts at hitting on her only for Akane to grow tired and punted him away.
Ranma meets Ukyo Kounji for the first time she attacked Kasumi. Kasumi managed to stall things by activating her curse allowing her to explain to Ranma, Akane, and Nabiki where how she knew Ukyo. Akane suggested to possibility that Genma might have done something and while Kasumi didn’t put it past him she realized he didn’t have the time. Kasumi had no choice but to face Ukyo. When the time of the fight arrives, Akane and Ranma sat down off at field side to observe. While Nabiki took bets much to Akane’s disapproval. The fight ended when both combatants fell off a bridge. Akane and Ranma helped Kasumi out and when they couldn’t find Ukyo decided to go home.
Ranma is awoken by the sound of Akane screaming he was going to check on her only to see Kasumi-kun rush into Akane's room. After a second of relative silence Ranma had concluded it was nothing serious. Deciding to get himself a drink he discovers a large dog (which is actually Ukyo’s curse form) and decides to make it his pet. After cleaning her up he notices Kasumi returning to her room and asks her to keep the dog (who Kasumi realizes is actually Ukyo) a secret from their parent as well as watch her as he goes to prepare something for her to eat.
When he returns after feeding the dog he then precedes take it to bed with him. However, Ranma doesn't get a very peaceful sleep as he is awoken by a topless Kasumi (whose shirt was ripped off by the still-in-dog-form Ukyo) landing on him. Ranma's eyes bulged and a thin trickle of blood crept from his nose, he gave a strangled gurgle, his eyes rolled back in his head and he fainted.
When Ranma woke up the next day and brushed off the whole thing as a dream both chastising himself for being so perverted and relieved that it was her true form and not her male form that he was dreaming about. This greatly relieved Kasumi and angered Ukyo both of whom attempted to get some form of revenge on the other. Kasumi suggested that Ranma take his pet to the vet and Ukyo found Kasumi’s ripped shirt and presented it to Ranma.
Akane ended up going along with Ranma taking the cat from last night as it had collapsed in the dojo. They arrived just as Mikado was dragging Azusa out as the nurse yelled at them. During her check up Dr. Sakai started freaking out upon realizing that Ukyo was a wolf not a dog. Ranma excited about having a wolf as a pet claimed he was watching her for an old friend and assured the scared doctor that she was perfectly tame.
Ranma was shocked when Kasumi informed him that she gave Akane permission to keep C-chan. They were interrupted by Ukyo splashed with water. Surprised that Ukyo had not started a fight immediately attempted to diffuse the situation before he got caught in the middle of an all out war. Remembering that Ranma was there Ukyo grew nervous. Confused by why she just suddenly froze Ranma decided to check his locker while she was distracted only to find a note telling him that Kasumi had been kidnapped and to get her cursed form to rescue her. Since it was sent by Sasuke Kasumi to ignore it as he was a moron and it was obviously a trap, but Kasumi insisted on going to talk with him so Ranma and Ukyo followed.
Finding Sasuke in the gymnasium pretending to be Kasumi Ranma went up to deal with him as Ukyo and Kasumi could just stare in disbelief. He ended up trapping Ukyo and Ranma and when Kasumi jumped down to see if they were okay it turned out the pit was filled with cat’s. Keeping Kasumi as calm as he could Ranma attempted to lead her out only to discover that Sasuke had also put a tiger. At this point Kasumi entered the nekoken.
With Kasumi now seemingly unstoppable, Ranma did his best to try and get her back to her normal self. When Kasumi jumped at Ranma she was stopped by Ukyo. After taunting the crazed Kasumi Ukyo ran desperately trying to figure out of this. After a second, Ranma followed and found Kasumi jumping angrily up and down on Ukyo who was unconscious on the ground. He managed to scare Kasumi off and seeing how hurt Ukyo was he took her to the nurses’ office to bandage her up.
Ranma was quick to chastise Ukyo for being so reckless when she woke up. After complaining about Sasuke’s stupidity and making sure she was okay he told Ukyo that the nurse would be back in a few minutes and went home. He arrived in time to rescue Kasumi from an awkward conversation with his mother by explain what happened. When he heard that she was letting Akane keep C-chan he saw that as the best opportunity to ask if he could keep Ryouko. By this point Nodoka was done and just told Ranma that she was his responsibility. She also made sure he put up missing pet fliers.
Ranma was rebuffed again by Kodachi when she stayed at the dojo to train Akane for their upcoming match. Ranma was immediately on guard when Ukyo showed up on causing her to curse Kasumi for giving him a bad impression. Ranma called down a little when Ukyo said she just wanted to talk however nerve faltered just as she was about to make her confession. They two made small talk Ukyo trying not to slip up and Ranma trying not to make her made.
Ukyo had finally broken her mental block and was now trying to figure the best way to tell Ranma how she felt when she was forced to dodge a bucket of cold water. Kasumi had thrown it out not knowing the two were there. Naturally Ukyo thought she did it on purpose and ended up running off in a rage when she remembered Ranma was still there. Kasumi could only give a nervous smile when Ranma asked her what that was about.
Ranma agreed help Akane with her training when Kodachi couldn’t make it and quickly regretted it. After their training Ranma brushed off he stumbled across Nabiki who was looking over a psychology manual only for her to freak out. Seeing that she was embarrassed Ranma let the matter drop and went to look for Ryouko.
He was furious when his father told him that he let some random person take Ryouko. Luckily Genma remembered her name which Akane remembered as the girl Mai warned her about. With that Ranma and Akane went to the animal shelter to see if Mai knew where Azusa lived.
After being told by Akira that he wouldn’t help without reinforcement Ranma was too worried about Ryouko being kidnapped this gave Kasumi to delay explaining himself as he and Shampoo went with Akane and Ranma to help. By the time they met up with Akira Akane had calmed down enough to ask about Shampoo.
Both Ranma and Akane were shocked to learn that Kasumi and Shampoo were married. Shampoo explained that the festival that Kasumi thought was in celebration for his victory was actually a wedding. Akira spoke up at this seeing the Kiss of Life law as away to take advantage of women, though he calmed down once Kasumi explained that he wasn’t aware of the law.
After making there way through the various traps they found Azusa with Ryouko whose fur had been dyed pink with numerous red bows tied into it. An enraged Ranma confronted Azusa, but before he could do anything Shampoo just knocked her out so they could leave.
Despite Ranma's best efforts to cheer her Ryouko remained stuck in what could best describe as a mixture of complete catatonic shock and over boiling fury. He thought a bath might work but Kasumi convinced him not to. Getting Ryouko settled in his room he returned and made an insensitive comment about the engagement being off starting an argument between him and Akane. Kasumi put a stop to things by asking the two to show Shampoo around.
After the tale of the tournament and marriage was given, and with the situation not easily resolvable, Ranma shook his head, wondering how the hell he'd gotten himself engaged to such a person. The day of the match depressed after once again being ignored by Kodachi. Ranma walked off as she and Akane were describing the event to Nodoka. Making his way to the dojo he came across Shampoo engaged in a kata. He invited her to spar and when she became frustrated by not being able to defeat the him, Shampoo nearly used the Dragon Fang Fist on him, but Kasumi intervened.
Ranma noticed that how upset Kasumi was, but she decided not tell him her latest problem, believing he wouldn’t understand. Ranma did not get off scot free for sneaking Ryouko into the house and as punishment he was required to help Kasumi clean Mr Hiro’s restaurant. Hearing that Akane was going to the skating rink with Kodachi when Nabiki blurted out that she was going in desperation everyone decided to join them. While at the rink seeing Shampoo moping by herself Ranma suggested that Akane distract her so that she doesn’t bring Kasumi down with her.
Seeing the fight starting between Kasumi, Shampoo, Mikado and Azusa and recognizing the later he skated over to give her a piece of his mind. He arrived as Azusa was demanded Shampoo tell her where Charolette was. When he arrived she tried to claim innocence stating she just answered his ad. In the confusion Mikado snatch up Shampoo and Azusa took advantage of this, to quickly knock one of Kaneda's feet out from under him. Ranma helped him up as the two ran off.
Luckily Ukyo caught up with Azusa, Ranma didn’t know what she was so angry at the skater but cheered her on. Azusa, panicked by Ukyo's particularly forceful assault, hid behind a recovered Mikado, prompting a negotiation between the parties. Mikado proposed a formal paired skating duel. In her rush to get to Azusa, Ukyo agreed, inadvertently selecting Kasumi as her partner, believing Ranma was still behind her at the time.
Ranma was left confused why Ukyo agreed to give away his dog, but the topic of conversation was sharply changed when Kodachi wrapped her arms around Kaneda neck from behind. Ranma was so upset about this he almost revealed Kasumi’s curse before remembering that that she was trapped. Sighing in frustration he skated off.
Ranma joined everyone else at the rink when Kasumi went to train. Seeing Ukyo there as well he offered to help train. Ukyo apologized for offering his dog as a prize stating she wasn’t thinking. When Ranma asked her about her hat. She ended up telling him that it was to hide a bad haircut. Ranma ended up embarrassed when the two sparred to see how good she was at incorporating hand to hand combat into her skating. 
Assuring a worried Ukyo that he was fine Ranma thought to himself that he needed to get more training in when he noticed Ukyo’s pink eyebrows. She brushed that off as part of the haircut. Going over to tell Kasumi that he got a reluctant Ukyo to agree to train with him. He apologized for how he had been treating her since they had gotten engaged. He was a little disappointed when Kasumi easily accepted feeling that it shouldn’t have been that easy. As Kasumi went to practice with Ukyo he took over showing Shampoo how to skate. Shampoo would use this opportunity to question Ranma's relationship with Kasumi. Getting uncertain responses from him, Shampoo tired of the conversation and left for home.
Ranma began to realize the connection between Ukyo and Ryouko when her hate fell off during the match allowing him to see her pink hair. However since it had happened after she and Kasumi had been subjected to the Goodbye Whirl and her hair was multiple shades of pink at this point. He ignored it in favor of shouting his encouragement for them to get up. 
When Ryouko trotted into the room and over to his side Ranma briefly thought about pouring the tea he had onto her, but ultimately decided against it and just started petting her. Watching the duel between Ukyo and Kasumi and seeing them fight to a standstill Ranma finally had enough and put a stop to things. Taking Ukyo aside he attempted to convince her end things peacefully. Not wanting to alienate Ranma Ukyo agreed to stand stood down and give over the pill willingly. However, it was discovered to be a fake and that the real one was still in China.
The next day while meeting Kuno at the Kendo club's meeting room Ranma was surprised by how reflective he was being as it was something he usually only shows in private. Kuno asked him what his true feeling were about being engaged to Kasumi, and 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. Luckily Kuno was angrier at what Ranma did to Kasumi.
Taking a great deal of interest in his feet Ranma told Kuno that he hadd already apologized and made up with Kasumi for that. With that Kuno dragged Ranma along as he apologized to Kasumi for his past actions and told Akane that he would no longer pursue her. Later Ranma joined the discussion on what to name the restaurant after learning that Cologne had brought it. When informed that Mousse was trying to manipulate Kasumi into marrying him, Ranma offered to go with Kasumi to meet with him but she refused.
Some days later, Shampoo and Kasumi were at the Tendos for dinner when the topic moved to Kasumi’s recent training Ranma admitted that he had reached a slump. While he was adamant that he wasn’t giving up the art he wasn’t as motivated as he used to be. Akane suggested that he just needed a good challenge. This gave Soun an opening to bring up Kasumi's engagement to Ranma.
While Ranma tried to deny interest in marrying Kasumi he more consciously tried not to hurt her feeling. This allowed the fathers to back him into a corner where anything he said would hurt Kasumi unless he just conceded the point. Kasumi herself could just bow her head at the two’s actions. Shampoo meanwhile repeatedly interrupted the conversation by breaks cups. Not that much later dinner had broken up, and everyone was returning to their regular activities.
Ranma having decided it best to keep his distance from the Amazon for the time being, went out by the dojo with Ryouko. He lamented that he didn’t have that sisterly vibe with Kasumi that he did with Akane so he could be as casual or insensitive with her as he  didn’t don't even want to take the risk of hurting her.
Seeing her standing on the stone fence he went over to apologize for allowing their fathers to move the engagement to her given how complicated things had become. Remembering numerous times Genma had somehow managed to get her to do the silliest things, Kasumi didn’t blame Ranma. This caused Ranma to wonder about Kasumi’s forgiving nature.  Kasumi answer was that she isn’t special she just does the right thing. Seeing the look Shampoo was giving him Ranma decided it was best to leave.
While joking about with his friends Ranma noticed Saki harassing Nabiki Ranma went over to deal with the girl bullying his sister. Saki thinking that Ranma was Nabiki’s enforcer attacked him Ranma was caught unawares and ended up on his back. Embarrassed Ranma berated himself for being so reckless and making a fool of himself. Just as he began to rise Saki was attacked by Ukyo.
Ranma could just stare in confusion as Ukyo pummeled Saki before Kasumi put a stop to it. When this was pointed out to her she calmed down and left. When Happosai arrived at Furinkan Ranma managed to make it through the crowed that surrounded him in time to learn that he was Genma and Soun’s master as well as the founder of the Anything Goes school. Ranma was insulted by Happosai dismissing him, but Happosai ignored him and asked where his students were.
A short time later, Kasumi, her sisters, Ranma, Shampoo and the now infamous Happosai arrived at the Tendo home. The reaction of their parents confirmed that Happosai was telling the truth about who he was. Their fathers ended up trying to save themselves from Happosai’s wrath by presenting Ranma to him. Ranma attacked Happosai when he dismissed him again only to be slammed upside down into the stone fence. The fact that Ranma just got back up attacked again did impress Happosai.
No matter how many times he was thrown Ranma pushed through the pain, and went on the offensive again. Eventually Kasumi decided to intervene. Hearing that Happosai planned on making Ranma his heir Kasumi offered herself in his stead. But Happosai refused unwilling to place a woman into his brand of training. When Happosai learned of the engagement and Kasumi’s marriage to Shampoo he started questioning Ranma’s manliness. This caused Nodoka to insist on a date between Kasumi and Ranma. 
Ranma arrived at the San Cheng-Huang to find working on relocating her center. The two went to the Petite Amour on the way in Kasumi caught a glimpse of Haruka as she was exiting. Seeing the Kasumi's strangely tense expression Ranma asked if she was okay, but she brushed it off. This led to a rather awkward date as Kasumi glared at menu Ranma tried to once again ask her what was wrong. Realizing she was taking her anger out on him, Kasumi took a second to calm down and explain that she saw someone who she parted on unfavorable terms with.
They each ordered shortly after, and sat in uncomfortable silence for several minutes. It became even more uncomfortable when Ranma grabbed a brochure looking for something to talk about that turned out to be for a love hotel. He tried again by asking about her training. Kasumi told Ranma about her training with Dhalsim. The two slowly grew more comfortable with each other. As the waiter delivered their main course Kasumi noticed Ukyo and became nervous thinking she had poisoned the food. This cause Ranma to wonder why she wasn’t eating.
When they noticed that Akane and Tofu were there as well Kasumi used the opportunity to ask Ranma what he felt about her, as she had noticed how uncomfortable he seemed to be around her. Kasumi though it was about her curse and wanted to know if he thought it was is possible to overcome. Having been confronted with something he was unprepared to face Ranma swallowed nervously and preceded built up his confidence to tell Kasumi the truth. Before he could he was attacked by Mousse. The two exchanged a number of colorful insults until Mousse finally lost his cool at being called a "girly little wimp" and initiated an attack. Kasumi tried to put a stop to it only to be attacked by Ukyo.
Ranma held his own against Mousse tagging him with a hit and run strategy, keeping the other boy off balance. With Mousse doing little more then destroy his tux. It wasn’t until Akane decided to intervene that Mousse gained the upper hand. Her distraction allowed him to ensnare Ranma with several sets of bolas. Luckily before Mousse could capitalize on this he ended up being blindsided by Shampoo giving Ranma the chance to knock him out.  
In an effort to stop the fighting, Frost cast a fear spell, but inadvertently hit only Shampoo. Shampoo would panic and run off, which did end up having the result of ending the fight, although not in the intended way. Those at the restaurant would split up to find Shampoo, Ukyo eventually discovering her in an alley, hiding. Kasumi, in male form, managed to coax her out and Frost cast a sleeping spell on her meant to remove nightmares, calming her. Kasumi would take Shampoo back to the San Cheng Huang, but soon found the sleeping spell alone was not sufficient to keep Shampoo calm and was forced to stay with Shampoo.
Kasumi apologized for their ruined date, but Ranma brushed it off as it was fun in away. Before he left Ranma answered Kasumi’s earlier question while uncomfortable about her curse he wasn’t bothered by it. Ranma finally decided to confront Ukyo, while studying he accidentally dropped a cup of tea that his mother had prepared on Ryouko, on to be confused when she didn’t change. Apologizing to his pet Ranma left to take the cup back to the kitchen. Unaware that Ukyo had recently been splashed with the Chiisuiton Ranma chastised himself for hurting his pet, while being relieved that his suspicions were unfounded.
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
He then turned to Ranma as he was getting over his shock. Unlike Kuno, Ranma was prepared and thus able to dodge Herb’s attack. While he remained on the defensive Herb’s fatigue was beginning to catch up with her forcing her to take battle to a physical level. This allowed Ranma to gain the upper hand and essentially work the Musk Prince over with impunity.
Just as Ranma was about to finish her off he tore off her cloak revealing to everyone that she was female. Kasumi who had rushed over after hearing what was going on demanded they stop. Herb revealed his feelings to her after a recovered Kuno expressed his shock that another female was interested in her. This started an argument between Kuno and Herb 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.
It turned out that Happosai had also plastered Ranma’s room with naked pictures of Kasumi and Shampoo. Ranma could barely look at Kasumi the next moring resulting in him being pummeled during their sparing match. He was somewhat glad when Happosai showed up as it gave him a chance to vent his frustration. Kasumi was left wondering what had Ranma so worked up. When Cologne showed up to talk to Kasumi Happosai was distracted upon hearing her name, allowing Ranma to get the drop on him.
Later Happosai came to Ranma wanting to train him seriously as a way to show up Cologne. To get Ranma to agree he insinuated that he could cure Kasumi of her curse. After arriving at the beach location of the San Cheng Huang, Ranma decide to set Happosai up with Shampoo's Great-grandmother in the hope it will stop him from going after the other younger female beach patrons. Unfortunately Happosai is far from impressed with Ranma's choice so refused to hand over a a bracelet which Cologne recognizes as the same bracelet that was stolen from her village to her. Stating he planned on giving it to his future wife.
Happosai flees with the bracelet and Cologne explained the nature of the pills, but Happosai had lingered long enough to hear this and set off to make use of them. Shampoo and Ranma would go off in pursuit while Cologne contacted Frost. Back at the beach, Shampoo and Ranma filled Kasumi in, and everyone tried to restrain Happosai but failed. In the fighting, Nabiki ended up swallowing the daytime pill and fell in love with Kasumi's male half. Happosai then ran off, and everyone split up in an attempt to find him while Kasumi and Michiru headed back to the restaurant with Nabiki.
The drama ended when Happosai having realized that Haruka was female used the pill on her, but was quickly disabled before it too effect. Only when Kasumi, still in male form, showed up did the effect finally take hold, prompting Haruka to kiss Kasumi. Embarrassed by this, and still frustrated by the previous evening's encounter, Haruka got into a fight with Kasumi. ith the fight's conclusion, Haruka learned Kasumi's true identity, and Kasumi learned Haruka's true gender.
Now that Ranma had a chance to ponder his feelings he tried to talk with Kodachi only she was avoiding him. When he finally got a moment with her he asked. He weathered her usual insults though he was insulted when she compared him to Mousse, and after she was done he explained that he just wanted one date and if she still didn’t want to go out with him he’d stop pursuing her. He’d realized that with everything going on he couldn’t keep up with this twisting in the wind. Much to his surprise Kodachi agreed only if Ranma convinced Kasumi to go on a date with her brother.
Ranma found Kasumi at the mall haven taking a break from helping Herb pick out female undergarments. However just as he was about to ask he couldn’t go through it and just ended up asking her what she thought Kodachi thought of him. Thankfully for her state of mind, Kasumi's silence seemed to be all the answer Ranma needed. Comforting Ranma was something she was more comfortable with, but Ranma had accepted Reality. This led to her finally asking Ranma what he ever saw in Kodachi. There attention shifted to Herb who was with Ami and finally made her pick. Seeing his smug smile Herb told Ranma to shut up. Kasumi broke things up before they could escalate. 
Ranma and Akane were horrified when the Headmaster, Kocho Kuno returned and were quick to warn Shampoo who had arrived late that he was trouble. The principal begins terrorizing students (whilst dressed as a snowman) by handing out demerits for uniform infringements. He then encounters Ranma and attempts to cut his pigtail, but is quickly smashed into the ground by Ranma and Ukyo.
His snowman costume destroyed and his true appearance is revealed. Principle Kuno gives Ranma a present as an apology in the form of an exploding pineapple. After escaping Ukyo’s wrath he would approach Shampoo and trick her into joining him by saying Kasumi wanted to talk with her. Distracted, the others did not notice this. Kasumi arrived to find Ranma was laid out on the teacher's desk being fanned by Ukyo and Akane. It was here that they noticed Shampoo’s absence.
As they were warning Kasumi about how deranged the Kuno patriarch was everyone was to the main gymnasium. After gathering all of the students the Principal reveals another present for them. The boys would get buzz cuts and girls would get bowl cuts. This ruling receives an extremely negative reaction from the students.
Ukyo goes up to the stage to smash his face in and calmed her down by explaining that there is a special coconut that has a "Get Out of Rules Free" card, which will excuse the student who possess it from having to get a hair cut. She quickly grabs the coconut the Principal is holding (believing it to be the one he mentioned beforehand), but it turns out to be a dud.
Saki suggested that they just rush him, but Ranma and Kuno knowing how resilient he was advised against it stating that it would be a waste of time. The students worked together to find the coconut growing increasingly frustrated at the various traps set up to stop them. Ranma decided to take Shin’s advice on where to go next and ended up buried under a pile of coconuts.
After Akane and Ukyo dug him out of the pile, they and the rest of the student body that had gathered were about to start cracking them open Kasumi arrived to stop them stating that she needed coconuts. After blinding them all Kasumi took them and ran off. Ranma recovered shortly after Ukuo jumped out of the window after her. When 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. Ryoga called Kodachi out for calling him her beloved when she told him to think of the skirt as a kilt. This caused Ranma to glare at the oblivious Ryoga for disrespecting her, but did nothing more. 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 rescueing 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. The week off was the perfect opportunity to go on that short training trip Genma had been planning for sometime. With Makoto gone back to her home district for the week, and Kasumi and Shampoo heading up to the mountains with Genma, Cologne had decided to go back to China for a short visit. Having learned that Ranma was going as well Herb demanded that she be allowed to join, which ended up getting Kuno invited as well.
Ranma left exhausted after the three hour hike, which Genma wa quick to comment on. Ranma didn’t believe his father when he started bragging about how he and Kasumi swam to China. However he knew he had to star getting serious if he ever plan to get Kasumi that cure Happosai promised. The training trip was interrupted by Hidenori Kounji, Ukyo’s father who had come to warn Kasumi that Ukyo was attempting to learn their family's forbidden techniques. Gathering everyone together quickly annoying them with his attempts at being dramatic he explained the Kounji family history. Ranma was shocked when Hidenori told them that he hadn’t seen Ukyo in months as she had told him that she was staying with him.
Needless to say they were both amazed and horrified when he explained what those techniques could do. After Hidenori ended his tale Kasumi thanked him and began her training only for him to interrupt her again scared that she didn’t understand the danger she was in. Kasumi explained she had little sway in Ukyo’s mind, and attempting to negotiate would simply infuriate her more. So all she could do is continue her training. Nodoka wasn’t swayed however and planned on confronting Ukyo herself, however Hidenori didn’t know where she was as she had taken the map to the shrine where the techniques were held. Everyone hung their heads at hearing this save Kasumi who felt that this fight was a long time coming, there was also the matter of her being an Amazon which meant that her losing would complicate matters even more. After Kasumi left to continue her training the others followed suit. Ranma wondered if they should focus on helping Kasum, but Genma knew it was best to leave her to her own devices. Having learned long ago that he and her just didn’t see eye to eye in matters such as this.
After Happosai ended up finding the Nanban Mirror remembering what happened with the bracelet and feeling that it held monetary value Nabiki decided to keep it for herself. Upon hearing Nabiki scream Ranma as well as the rest of the family rush to her room afraid that she was being attacked. However upon seeing that her room was empty Ranma called her out over panicking so much over a nightmare. While Akane called him out for being so insensitive though Nabiki did concede that it he was right and it must have been a nightmare. 
Later after hearing a commotion on the roof and went to check it out arriving just in time to see Ukyo being fed on by Kasumi from the A Very Scary Thought universe who quickly flew away. Ukyo tried to convince Ranma that it was Kasumi who had attacked her, while he believed it might have been a vampire the fact that she was wearing a dressed made him believe that it couldn’t have been Kasumi. Seeing the mark of Ukyo’s neck Ranma took her to Dr Tofu’s office to get checked out while thanking her from protecting his house from the vampire.
Genma’s form of training was unlike any Ranma had experience before. Even eating and sleeping had somehow been turned into a chore. Genma made sure getting a meal was a battle, and sleep was momentary at best. Yet despite all the punishment, Ranma, somehow, was pressing on.
As they were sparing up in the tree tops, they were interrupted by Kasumi unexpectedly activated the Hiryuu Shouten Ha. Everyone quickly rushed over to see what was happening causing Kasumi to request Herb train her in his hover technique which Shampoo and Ranma likewise asked to learn. The two were able to gain some use in the hovering technique, though their control was limited. While training in it, Cologne arrived and they informed the elder of Ukyo's apparent attempt to learn her family's forbidden techniques. She in turn informed them that Ukyo was already on the hunt for Kasumi and would likely soon appear.
Sure enough, not long after, Ukyo would arrive and challenge Kasumi. She wasn’t surprised to find her father with Kasumi. He tried to once again warn her about how dangerous the techniques she had learned were, only to be cut as she had long since grown tired of him telling her she couldn’t handle things. Hidenori tried a different approach and called his daughter out for trying to kill Kasumi, but Ukyo had no intention of killing Kasumi just kick her around a little. She then gave her father her battle spatula stating that she didn’t need it anymore. 
The others would gather to observe the duel, while Hidenori continued to eye the large spatula in his hands in confusion. Cologne reiterated what Ukyo said, that she felt that she no longer needed it. With his attention back on the battle he asked Ranma, Kuno and Herb for their help in intervening if things went to far, Ranma agreed, but didn’t think things would come to that.
Ukyo ended up dominating the fight until Kasumi stumbled upon a cat and fell into the Neko-ken. Things took another turn when much to everyone’s surprise Kasumi-neko began powering up a Ha Do Ken. Herb who has seen just how devastating this technique was worned everyone to run. When Kasumi-neko unleashed her attack Ukyo attempted to extinguish it resulting in an explosion that left her lying on the ground, bruised and burned but still breathing. As Kasumi-neko approached the barely conscious Ukyo Hidenori, Ranma, Tatewaki, Herb and Genma jumped in to stop her.
Ukyo could only weakly prop her head up allowing her to see Kasumi attack the closest intruder which happened to be Ranma. Ukyo managed to gather the last of her strength and knock Kasumi out before she could leap on Ranma. He caught her as the last of her strength left her. Her father joined him while the others rushed over to be with Kasumi. Hidenori gave her his coat causing both Ukyo and Ranma to notice that she was nearly naked.
Hidenori bandaged her up as Ranma did the best he could to sow up her clothing. It was here that he found the letter she wrote confessing that she was Ryouko. He decided not to confront her however as Kasumi was forced to declare Ukyo her new wife. The next day Ranma kept trying to find the right time to confront Ukyo about what he had learned. He finally did in the common room while their fathers where arguing over what to do. Her reaction was immediate. First she withdrew, fearing she would be yelled at, but then she jumped to her feet, and frantically began to trying to explain herself. While Ranma was upset most of his anger was abated by the fact that he had just confirmed something he already knew.
As of now he was more worried about what their father’s would decide. Ukyo’s defeat of Kasumi didn’t really change anything, Ranma wanted to be the one to choose who he marries. It didn’t help that Ukyo wasn’t that good at hiding the fact that she wouldn’t mind being forced to marry Ranma very well. Her train of thought was derailed when Ranma reminded her that Kasumi was apart of the equation. She was adamant about not marrying her. Now knowing the cause behind Kasumi’s animosity Ranma asked if she was sure Kasumi intentionally pushed her into the spring. At this point Ukyo wasn’t so sure anymore. With that Ranma got her to at least agree to get along with Kasumi.
After the restaurant was destroyed by an enraged Frost who was tricked into attacking Kasumi, she, Shampoo and Cologne were forced to stay at the Tendos for a time, while Makoto stayed at the dorms. During this time the fathers gathered everyone together to inform them that they had come to a decision Ranma immediately realized that they now wanted him to marry Ukyo as well, causing him to storm out. Kasumi managed to find him a half hour later; Ranma complimented her on her spider silk gi which was the only thing that survived the fire. As they walked the two discussed their relationship Ranma asked what Kasumi wanted. She answered that all she wanted was for her and Shampoo to be happy. She became stumped when asked if that was possible with given the mess they were in. 
Later after everyone was walking home from school Ranma asked Kasumi how long it would take for the restaurant to be fixed. Unfortunately she wasn’t sure that her insurance would cover Frost’s attack. Akane assured Kasumi with all the good karma she had built up it was time to pay off. Happosai ended up giving Ranma the Happo-Fire Burst scroll with the excuse that he had encrypted it so that none but the most worthy could decipher it. When in actuality he just couldn’t read his own handwriting. Though skeptical Ranma pocketed it, a second later Happosai was shot into the sky by an enraged Ukyo.
Noticing how scarce she had been Ranma assured Ukyo that he wasn’t angry for what she did. Ukyo tried to respond but finally fell silent from lack of words. Growing series Ranma asked Ukyo again if she was okay with the marriage. She answered that she was, even if it meant marrying Kasumi, she wanted to be with Ranma. Ranma wasn’t so sure when Ukyo asked him the same thing, but he was willing to give things a try.
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.
After hearing about Copycat Ken and Ukyo’s condition he joined Kasumi to convince her to lay low at her family shrine, assuring her that he would bring her everything she needed. Over the next week Ken faces and defeats Kuno, Ryoga, and Takeshi before finally challenging Ranma. Despite Ranma's best efforts he proved no match for the newcomer. All the effort had gained him was some bruised ribs. He was quick to calm down Ukyo down when became furious upon seeing his injuries during his bi-daily visit. After explaining everything that was going on he made sure that she was okay. Seeing how depressed he was he impulsively asked her out on a date in an attempt to cheer her up.
On his way home he almost mistook Lemon for Ken, who transformed into a fox. Since he was told Ken couldn’t transform into animals Ranma shrugged it off as unimportant. Once he returned home he went back to trying you translate Happosai’s handwriting. Genma’s reaction upon seeing the scroll was proof that Happosai wasn’t messing with him, but that make reading it any easier and after nearly an hour and having no progress, Ranma was about to just give up.
Akane had come in to to remind him that he was supposed to meet Kuno. Learning what he was doing she offered to help and Ranma readily agreed. On the way to the beach to meet up with Ranko 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. Ranma ran after him quickly followed by Herb. Thankfully for them, he was forced to stay visible as he was carrying Kasumi across his shoulder. Herb tried to it him with a chi blast, but he was easily able to evade it. Shadow was finally able to escape after jumping down a gap putting him momentarily out of sight granting him a chance to attack the two when they jumped in as well. Ranma and Herb were forced to dodge and by the time they reoriented themselves Shadow was gone.
Ranma had to be held back by Tofu while in the waiting room. Luckily Cologne was there as well to help calm him down. It was learned Shampoo's wrist had a minor fracture and she would require a brace for a few days. They were interrupted by the arrival of Chun Li who had come to interrogate Copycat Ken herself. She was nearly attacked by Ranma who mistook her for Shadow Lady. Cologne was quick to point out that despite their similar appearance Chun Li didn’t match the description of the woman who kidnapped Kasumi.
She also revealed that Ken was unlikely to be the shape changer who tricked Frost as he required a cloth to change and the other one did not. Ranma didn’t press the issue realizing that she had deliberately omitted who told her this. Chun Li introduced herself and asked Tofu for Ken’s blood work. She recognized the drug in his system confirming that Shadowloo was involved. Tofu confirmed that Ken did have an injection mark causing Cologne to recall that Kasumi had one as well the day Frost went on her rampage. She hadn’t said anything until now since she didn’t want anyone to worry.
Unfortunately that meant that Ken was just as much of a victim as Kasumi and thus had no information on the location of Shadowloo’s hideout. Assuring a still suspicious Ranma that finding Kasumi is her top priority especially since finding her imposter would prove her innocence Chun Li headed out. While he didn’t fully trust her Ranma could tell that she didn’t give off the same vibe as Shadow Lady. Seeing how frustrated he was Cologne told him to go home as there was nothing they could do but wait. Ranma reluctantly agreed.
He ended up venting his bent up frustrations with some intensive training. He was interrupted by the arrival of Herb-chan who wanted to form a temporary truce on their rivalry and offered to train with him. Habit nearly made Ranma reply with a verbal jab, but he checked the impulse. He may be a jerk, but he's got a point, Ranma thought with a frown, but finally nodded in agreement.
They finally caught a break when Sampei called the dojo to tell them to meet at Hotel La Bac. They arrived to find not only nearly the entire class where Saki explained that she believed that Kasumi, Usagi, and Shampoo were in 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. It turns out that the building protected by an anti magic field that also effected chi, while Saki had keys that block the effect they would still need 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.  Ranma, Sakura, Herb and Ryoga did there best to defend themselves from Shadow’s invisible attacks. Luckily Izou was there and while he was instantly knocked out he did manage to make Shadow visible. Sadly with Sakura already injured, it had largely fallen to the three boys to take the clone down, but without their full strength, Shadow was more than a match for even the combined efforts.
As Ranma and Herb were recovering Ryoga was taken out. Shadow’s attacks were two quick to dodge at close range and they couldn’t get enough to do any real damage. Not to mention the fact that he didn’t seemed be getting fatigued allowing him to slowly but surely wear them down. Eventually Ranma noticed Shadow used intricate moments when attacked so he and Herb led goaded him back towards one of the earlier traps they had gotten past in order to prevent him from moving. Shadow followed them into the water which made his movements sluggish allowing the two to take advantage and knock him out.
Making their way through the building Ranma and Herb were led to Saki and Kuno by the sound of their screams. The two had fallen into a trap and needed help getting out. 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, as he was doing it the magic of the instant spring water wore off transferring him back into a woman. Ranma just told a confused Saki that it was a long story, but it did lead to the reveal that Kanada was Kasumi.
Saki demanded an explanation later just as Herb finished, seconds later, 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. Herb and Ranma did little better. Despite the situation the pair found themselves in, and very real danger it posed, neither found it easy to fight Kasumi seriously. That hesitation cost them dearly as the possessed Kasumi had no such reservations about attacking them.
Ranma was trying to stop her from slowly suffocating Herb-chan when the building self destruct sequence was activated by the Doctor. Throwing Herb-chan into Ranma the possessed Kasumi retrieved a small device and spoke a bunch of codes into it. 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. Ranma, Herb, Ranko and Genma quickly moved to seize, while Akane and Saki moved to Shampoo and examined her , finding her barely breathing. However, after Kasumi cast out the possessing mind, Rose enter the picture. She would attack them, nearly finishing them off, even threatening Shampoo, but Kasumi recovered and faced off with her, allowing the others to escape.
Ranko would carry Shampoo most the way, although, with only 3 minutes they weren’t going to make it so Herb radioed Frost to tell her to conjure them away out. She was forced to reveal her twin curse to all present to facilitate an escape. After the building collapsed leaving nothing but a globe. Many of the more able ones, sensitive to chi, could sense the struggle going on within, but all attempts at entry had failed.
When the globe started to collapse Herb and Ranma renewed their effort. However just as hope was starting to be lost, a flash could be seen at the globe's edge, and Uranus, carrying the limp forms of Kasumi and Rose came falling out. Suspicious Herb demanded to know who she was and while she gave her name she was just as evasive as Tuxedo Kamen when he brought out Usagi. No one stopped her when she left more worried about Kasumi. Tofu confirmed that she was both fine and that there was no sign of the Dark Ha Do with in her. With that all that was left was what to do about Rose.
After he was allowed to leave the hospital Ranma made his way back to Kounji Temple, and luckily this time Ukyo was there. He was quick to call her out for suddenly disappearing without telling anyone where she was going. She explained how the temple’s caretaker was able to cure her. happy for her he explained everything that happened, assuring her that everyone was alright and she could return home.
The priest had followed back to the temple as well to give a box of special dumplings that would cure the effects of the burning soul when eaten. He also told her that she could come back to him when she feels that she was ready.  Ranma asked what she was talking about but she told him it wasn’t important.
Ranma went over to visit Kuno who told him about his decision to ask Shampoo out on a date. This reminded Ranma of the fact that he had promised Ukyo one as well. Hearing Ukyo’s name sparked Kuno’s rage at what she had done to Kasumi regretting the fact that until her engagement with Kasumi was cleared she would have to be tolerated. Ranma decided to let the comment slide. He had already discussed things with both Ukyo and Kasumi, and although he did believe Kasumi when she insisted it was purely unintended, he could definitely sympathize with Ukyo's anger toward her. However, he wasn't about to try to explain all that to Kuno, especially as Ukyo was not too keen on the idea of having her curse become common knowledge.
He did inform him about Ukyo crush, something he wasn’t all that surprised about. Surprised that Ukyo herself hadn’t brought it up Ranma went to see what's up with her. It turns out that with everything that had happened Ukyo had completely forgotten about the promise, but was happy go on a date with Ranma. The two ended up going to the local fair where Ranma found himself suffering a bit of a beating to his male pride. Due to Ukyo consistently matching or beating him at everyone of the games.
It got so bad the he had banish the thought of challenging her to a game he knew she couldn’t play because of her curse, realizing that it wouldn’t mean anything if he didn’t win fairly. Ukyo seeing his frustration deliberately lost the rifle game, which Ranma was quick to call her out on, finding her deliberately, limiting herself to make him feel better insulting. As Ukyo hung her head in shame Ranma cheered her up by pointing out that a couple months ago he wouldn’t of been able to keep up with her this much.
After got something to eat Ranma finally asked Ukyo why she seemed so distracted lately. Remembering what the Cooking Priest told her Ukyo asked Ranma if he was confident in himself. After thinking about it for a second he replied that he knew his strength. Seeing Ukyo’s confusion he explained that that he knew his limits and his potential, while he wasn’t arrogant to claim he could measure up to either her or Kasumi, he was confident that he would eventually, it was all a matter of training.
This just saddened Ukyo since she honestly couldn’t say the same thing about herself. Even after finally defeating Kasumi she still felt this sense of inadequacy.  Ranma examined Ukyo closely, seeing the confusion that was overwhelming her. He explained the difference between confidence and arrogance. He told her that confidence wasn’t a matter of being strong. It was just a matter of being sure of yourself. Looking up at Ranma she asked him how you find confidence in yourself. Sadly that he couldn’t answer, it was just something she had to do for herself. It was obviously not the answer she was hoping to get, but she couldn't dispute it.
In order to cheer her up Ranma opted to continue their date. Ranma and Akane were finally able to decipher the scroll only to find out that the "gweat and tewibble" technique was just some fireworks. Furious at having his time wasted like that Ranma ran off to find Happosai in order to give him a piece of his mind. His search led him to the girls dorm where he spotted Ranko. Ranko hadn’t seen him, and much to his surprise when her told her why he was so mad at the old master she told him, that even if the Happo Daikarin was a legitimate technique it wouldn’t have done him any good.
While she had just been thinking out loud Ranma asked her what she meant. Ranko tried to brush it off as Happosai being a useless teacher, but when he didn’t but it she explained that no special technique would allow him to bridge the gap between him, Kasumi and Ukyo. Ranma understood that but what he didn’t understand was that unlike them he didn’t have a the drive to keep pushing forward. She used Kasumi’s defeat of Rose as an example which she was able to do despite, barely being able to stand. While he might be able to beat them in a single confrontation, they would always come back and that is why he woill never be better then Kasumi.
While devastated by Ranko’s assessment of him after a short while he agreed that she was right, head hung in shame Ranma walked off, leaving his counterpart feeling like a heel. Ranma wondered around aimlessly for over an hour going over what Ranko said to him, taking them to heart. He had let his combat instinct fissle out over the years, yet for the life of him couldn’t figure out how it had happened. 
His train of thought finally came to an end when he noticed his wanderings had led him to the rebuilt San Cheng Huang. Noticing that Mikado was approaching that same building, and knowing he likely still had a grudge against Kaneda, Ranma quickly decided it best to make sure him didn't try anything. While angry that he didn’t seem to remember him, Ranma’s suspicions were confirmed that he was there to see Kasumi’s male form. However instead of revenge Mikado wanted his help. Ranma and Makoto who was likewise present surprised and after exchanged quick glances at each other in consideration. Ranma finally nodded, and Makoto headed upstairs.
When Kasumi came down with Shampoo, Mikado revealed he had supposedly kept to a promise he made to Kasumi to stop his womanizing way, but after losing to fight, now was honorably required to go on a double date with his opponent. the group initially believed he was there to ask Kasumi let him out of there deal. Ranma couldn’t help but laugh when Mikado informed them that his opponent was gay. Fearing that his reputation would be lost dating another man, he wished for Kasumi to challenge Rippa and have him drop the date.
Ranma's mirth was completely forgotten at hearing the names, and he fell silent, unnoticed by the others. However, he did notice Shampoo's interest had peeked at hearing their names as well. Her interested continued to increase as Mikado described just how formidable Rippa and his sister Kitsui were. Which is why he wasn’t surprised when she vowed to take Kasumi's place who had no choice but to refuse as she was still recovering. After Shampoo headed off to deliver the challenge, Mikado asked if she and Kasumi were still together give that he saw her on a date with Kuno. Ranma answered that it was complicated befor heading out himself.
Ranma caught up to Shampoo shortly after Kasumi and lurking nearby heard her explain that  she believed herself to be a burden to Kasumi and wished to challenge herself to help herself improve. Kasumi would reluctantly accept this and let her continue on. A few moments after Shampoo headed on, he began to follow, but made no move to close the gap. At the dance hall where Rippa and Kitsui were practicing, Shampoo would promptly challenge the boy after confirming he was indeed the one to challenge Mikado. However, Rippa refused the challenge, much to Shampoo's confusion. Shampoo accused him of being a coward, but Rippa did not rise to the bait. Kitsui tried to offer herself as an opponent, but Rippa rebuffed this as Mikado's debt was to him. Shampoo then tried forcing the matter by attacking him, but he did not defend himself and let her hit him, frustrating her.
It is then that Ranma appeared, talking with Rippa in a familiar way to Shampoo's surprise. Ranma was sad to hear that Rippa’s master had died since the last time they saw each other. The two would banter some, until Ranma proposed a paired duel, using "pride" as a term. This intrigued Rippa and got him to accept with several extra conditions. If they won Rippa would teach him the techniques the master refused to, and if they lost Ranma would become an official student of Martial Arts Dance. Much to everyone’s surprise he agreed, though he added his own terms that Rippa dedicate himself to the Anything Goes style if he lost.
Rippa agreed to due so for a year and the date for the duel was set one week from the day and Ranma left with Shampoo following, having agreed to the terms as well. On their way to the Tendos, Ranma explained that he and Rippa had history. Although Ranma noted he had previously bested Rippa one on one, he could only do so by denying Rippa music, and Rippa, during their brief talk, demonstrated that was no longer a limitation he possessed. Ranma said he'd lead Shampoo through the basics of martial arts dance so they had a fighting chance against the pair.
When Shampoo asked him why he challenged Rippa, he told her that he had overheard her conversation with Kasumi, as well as his talk with Ranko. He had lost his drive to be the best and wanted to find it again. Shampoo who had gone through the same thing sympathized with him.
At the Tendo Dojo, Ranma would explain the basis of martial arts Dance as the basis of martial arts while doing a set of prep. Afterwards he had Shampoo attempt to attack him briefly, demonstrating the beat reading technique by dodging all her attacks easily. When asked why he hadn't used the technique before he explained he still needed prep time and music to accomplish it, and thus it wasn't very practical, but also explained by challenging Rippa to a dance match they would have music so this would not be a disadvantage. He then explained the rules of the match before deciding to change venues for further instruction. Though much to his horror when his mother learned of this, she gave him a box of condoms. He wisely didn’t tell Shampoo about it.
Shampoo would go with him to a local night club, currently packed to the point that she found it a bit intimidating to enter. After ordering drinks for both of them, Ranma told her this was practice and they would have to navigate the crowd without losing their drinks. Some hours later, the pair regrouped. Looking at Shampoo slightly more damp cloths, Ranma couldn't help but feel a slight twinge of superiority, having himself managed to go the whole time without spilling his drink. However, he did his best not to show such, instead trying the encouraging approach.
Reminding her that they didn't need to beat their opponents at martial arts dance, just merely beat them any way possible, and becoming competent was all that really required. However, while Ranma knew Rippa fairly well, he was rather clueless on Kitsui and the way Mikado described his and Azusa's fight with the pair had him worried so he advised Shampoo to question Azusa, noting that they were likely to end up one on one, despite the battle being technically a paired battle.
In a desperate attempt to get rid of the awkward silence Ranma would ask Shampoo if she liked him, and Shampoo acknowledged she liked him well enough, but she only wanted to be with Kasumi. Shampoo would turn the question around asking if Ranma wanted to be with them both and he weakly said he did. Shampoo then informed him she believed Kasumi would choose him if forced, but she would choose Herb. This confused Ranma, prompting Shampoo to explain she understood Herb, but did not understand him. Ranma would counter he had more complications in his life, like Ukyo, but Shampoo dismissed this, saying Ukyo had little choice in the matter.
They ended the night's training there, Shampoo accompanying Ranma back to the Tendos intent on staying with him at the Tendos until their training period was complete. Three days later, Shampoo and Ranma's training was interrupted by Nodoka insisting that Ranma attend at least one day of classes. Since her was mostly dependent on Ranma Shampoo went as well. Ranma used this time to think as despite their improvement he gave them less than a one in ten chance of victory. Looking at Hinako he recalled the time he tried to emulate her technique. He also thought of how beneficial Ukyo’s Burning Soul would be if it wasn’t for the side effects.
Catching a glimpse of Happosi outside the window it finally clicked that he was the one who taught Hinako Happo Five-Yen Satsu, which meant that he must know how to manipulate the body’s energy system. Seeing a way to bridge the gap between him and Rippa Ranma told Shampoo he’d meet her at the club that night and rushed off before she could respond. Tracking Happosai down back at the dojo he offered to give him the deciphered Happo Daikarin scroll if he gave him everything he had on the body's energy system. After gathering the various papers into an available box Ranma left, but not before tossing a firework at the old master.
Reading over the various books and scrolls, Ranma tried to make heads or tails of what he was reading. She was found by Herb who scoffed at the thought of Ranma being able to learn something so complicated in just a short few days, especially since he didn’t have anyone to test on. Ranma asked Herb for help only to be rebuffed. She made it clear that they were enemies, even insinuating that she’d kill him if it wasn’t for Kasumi. Not intimidated Ranma told her to leave him alone. Realizing that Herb was right he decided to go to Ranko for help.
She agreed due to a combination of being bored and still feeling guilty for setting everything in motion. Like Herb Ranko warned that learning to attack the energy system of the body will be extremely difficult. Ranma wasn’t looking for anything fancy at this point, just how to break something. He also saw this as a good foundation to build his skill on. Looking to change topics, Ranko asked how Herb was with his curse. Ranma told her he was doing fine, and even admired him a little admitting that he’d probably go crazy if it was him. He noticed how upset Ranko seemed to become at this, but chose to make nothing of it.
He and Ranko had worked looked over the various paper for several hours, tossing back and forth ideas before he had to meet up with Shampoo. Rippa showed up having come to check up on the competition. After the two verbally sparred for a while Ranma decided to increase the difficulty, who unexpectedly asked for even more as she was finding it too easy, saying being with Kogane had changed things somehow and she had a far superior sense of those around her. Shampoo concluded she was sensing not just ghosts, but everyone's spirit. This prompted Ranma to note that people are just ghosts with bodies in a way, giving Shampoo an idea.
For a whole week Ranma and Shampoo trained almost nonstop with Ranko and Herb. On the day of the challenge, Kasumi would come to the Dojo and present Shampoo and Ranma with matching costumes for the contest fashioned by Pierre. Everyone would head to the dance hall where they met Rippa who asked them to select a judge for their side. Ranma left the decision to Shampoo, although noting all were probably fine. While Shampoo chose Rippa took Ranma aside to ask about Ukyo who had arrived an hour earlier. Hearing how complicated his relationships had become he decided to wait until after the match to hear the full details. Shampoo chose her judge and rejoined Ranma and the match soon began after Rippa explained the rules for everyone.
As the match began, Shampoo and Ranma quickly rushed in and faced off against Kitsui and Rippa respectively as expected in one on one battles. Rippa quickly took control of the battle making extensive use of his Flicker Step technique, which Ranma endured until he was able to read Rippa’s weakness and deduce its weakness forcing Rippa to attack in more conventional ways. Frustrated at Ranma continuing to focus on defense he threatened to switch to Shampoo to force his hand.
However, rather than having the desired effect, Kitsui took exception to this and stopped her battle to tell off her brother, stopping her dance while doing so. Rippa was forced to admit it was a bluff although this did lose them several points in the fight before Kitsui resumed. Realizing that he could no longer play around Rippa used the Hakke Hasangeki. Ranma used the technique he had developed with Ranma to block but was still sent flying into the outer wall of the dance hall. Still it allowed him to quickly recover which impressed Rippa.
Rippa prepared another Hakke Hasangeki only for Ranma to attack. Thinking that he had once again gained the advantage Rippa would be quickly surprised when Ranma was able to interfere with his ki flows, giving Ranma significant openings in Rippa's own defense. Seeing the bad position Shampoo was in Ranma was about to go and help her only to both be stopped by Rippa and see the warning in Shampoo’s eyes telling him not to. Rippa became distracted when Shampoo turned the tides of her battle allowing Ranma to strike him with a minor variant of the Dragon Fang Strike knocking him out.
This did not end the fight, however, as Kitsui was able to use the unconscious boy's body as a puppet and have him continue to fight. This forced Ranma on the defensive as he was unwilling to go full out on an unconscious opponent, which caused him to hesitate when Kitsui sent him to attack Shampoo. Annoyed Shampoo attacked him with a Dragon Fang Strike, and when he ignored it decided it would be best to just attack Kitsui together. By this point she had finally able wake up her brother.
Rippa and Kitsui would then attempt a new tactic, bathing the dance floor in a fire of chi in hopes of forcing their opponents off. However, Shampoo quickly devised a counter, and using their hover technique, she and Ranma began dancing on the ceiling above the dance floor. This frustrated Rippa would contested the action to the judges, but was rebuffed and lost his team 25 points. Forced to concede this strategy a failure, Kitsui and Rippa released the technique and once more were forced into one on one engagements.
However Ranma’s ki flow manipulation was still in affect meaning that Rippa could do little more than brace himself against Ranma's assault as he rapidly lost energy. Going for an all or nothing attack Rippa rooted Ranma down and attacked with his own energy blast. Ranma tried to disrupt the blast, but was once again sent into the wall. While he remained conscious he didn’t have the strength so was forced to crawl back towards the dance floor.
Shampoo, seeing this and unable to get past Kitsui's ultimate defense, switched to Rippa. Just as Ranma managed to roll back into the dance floor, a pair of buzzers sounded nearly simultaneously notifying everyone that both teams were now at 0 points. The judges ruled the match a tie and unwilling to accept that Ranma and Rippa mutually agreed to continue the fight outside, but Akane shut this down by demonstrating how neither were in any shape to continue.
After the two boys were carried into a changing room setup with several makeshift beds, Ukyo gave Ranma one of dumplings she’d gotten from the Cooking Priest. Shocked at the sudden surge of energy the sprung up within him he told Ukyo she should get the recipe. While Ranma didn’t notice the deflated look Ukyo gave at this Rippa did and called him an insensitive jerk. While his energy system had been healed Rippa was still injured and in no mood to fight. He would declare a compromise, and have the pair exchange their relevant knowledge to the other.
Returning to the other they found Shampoo trying to duplicate the telekinesis she used to lift Rippa off the floor costing him his last point. He offered Shampoo the same exchange he offered Ranma. Shampoo said she would think on it as Ranma was getting praised by his father and Soun.
Some days later, while training Ranma, Rippa would express skepticism about the nature of Ranma's extended engagement with Ukyo, Kasumi and Shampoo. He noticed that despite his usual denial, unlike with Akane Ranma wasn’t actively fighting the engagement and encouraged him to make efforts improve the situation. He also pointed out that his competition seemed a lot more eager. While Ranma was sure Kasumi wouldn’t marry Herb, after Shampoo's admission that she currently held the prince as her preferred choice for the moment, Ranma had been keeping a more careful eye on Herb, and he admitted to himself that the prince had been steadily changing the scenario.
Finding Kasumi and Genma sparing he asked her how Shampoo’s training was going. He was amused at seeing Kasumi’s appearance hardened slightly at this question. Embarrassed by how obvious her jealousy was, Kasumi wondered if Cologne was right that the Dark Ha Do had lasting side effects but Ranma assured her that it was natural. Heeding Rippa’s advice he asked her out on a group date, with Shampoo and Ukyo. Kasumi agreed that it was a good idea much to his surprise.
His optimism was short lived as Herb entered the room. As they glared at each other the two assured Kasumi that weren’t going to fight. They quickly found something else to look at when Soun entered the room happy that Kasumi was finally better.
Ranma overheard his mother telling Kasumi that she should tell her father about how much she and Shampoo’s relationship had advanced. He convinced his father to take the bullet instead. The two met up with Soun in the Tendo common room. Genma opted to go with the blunt approach and tell Soun outright that Shampoo and Kasumi were sleeping together. After Soun went into a state of shock Genma managed to count to six before the inevitable happened, and a cry of anguish erupted throughout the house.
Ranma was in the process of convincing Ukyo to go on the group date when they were interrupted by the arrival of Ranko who relayed that Shampoo had agreed to go on a group date. Ranma was shocked when Ukyo agreed and since he didn’t expect it to be so easy he hadn’t anything yet. They asked Ranko about what was going on at the restaurant. She hadn’t been really paying attention so he went to check up on things himself.
Seeing all the various mages and amazons at the restaurant Ranma asked Kasumi what was going, only to quickly wave his hands in defeat upon hearing how complicated things were. They realized that they weren’t going on their outing anytime soon, but Siren arrived to tell them that Kasumi or Shampoo's presence weren’t really required. However they still didn’t have anything to do. Siren suggested that come see the enchantment. The three agreed and Ranma went back to tell Ukyo.
The next day after Shampoo Ukyo, Kasumi and Ranma would watch Frost world briefly in the field. Siren spoke to them, telling them she had put a barrier in place so people wouldn't interfere or notice. She also advised them not to mention the consequence of Frost completing the spell, namely being raised to the rank of Archmage. Siren also removed the magic from Ukyo allowing her to remember an encounter with Lemon the kitsune had told her to forget. They would then set out on their date.
On their way, Ukyo would explain what she knew of Lemon's situation, seeing Kasumi's determination to see the bright side in everybody; Ranma decided to give her a hand and asked why she was so determined to marry Herb. Ukyo explained that she ran the risk of being cursed to be a male and married off and that kitsune were cursed to never love other women. Kasumi would also mention that other may be hunting Lemon as well as kitsunes were considered valuable. After this they would decide to head to Pierre's to get some clothes for Ukyo.
During their travel, Shampoo would ponder the similarity between her own situation and Lemon's. Ukyo also said that she believed Lemon did not likely intend to hurt Shampoo or Frost, although the same could not be said of Kasumi. It was here that Ranma noticed they were going the wrong way. They were about to turn around when Shampoo noticed they were suddenly very alone in a park. After noticing this, four red haired women started approaching them from various directions, Kasumi noting this was likely a 'situation'.
Shampoo quickly advised the others that if they thought they should prevent their opponents from speaking any spells. Ukyo even suggested they may already be under a spell as they may have been lead to this location. Kasumi attempted to negotiate with the women, but there was little to negotiate as they simply demanded the group surrender and come along. Ukyo refused flatly and their opponents soon started a fight to subdue them.
Each member of the group was quickly isolated and engaged one on one, and was unable to gain any real advantage despite using some of their most advanced skills. Seeing how all four were doing relatively the same Ranma realized that that the kitsune were deliberately keeping the fight to their level. Using his keijutsu knowledge and the fact that ki and mana don’t mix Ranma was able to gain the upper hand only to be led into a trap.
This prompted Kasumi to go to his aid and be likewise captured. The pair had found themselves in one of those crazy optical illusion paintings, this one complete with stairs, doors, ramps, and numerous other things. Kasumi and Ranma found themselves standing perpendicular to each other, both standing inverted over the open room that seemed to mark the center of this place. However, this was no optical illusion as the pair found out while wondering around trying to find their way out. In mutual agreement the two jumped towards the room which had a table and four chairs, with cups and plates, a covered platter and a jug within it.
After testing to see if the food was safe and with nothing else to do they sat down and waited for the others. They began talking about their relationship, Ranma informed Kasumi about how Shampoo said she would choice Herb, while Kasumi would choice him. Kasumi assured Ranma that Shampoo has been a lot more positive to him of late. The discussion of their various relationships was interrupted by the arrival of Eyebright.
After forcing the two to sit down, Eyebright explained to the confused Ranma and Kasumi that he was indeed male making him over two thousand years old. He advised the two that his children that they had been facing up till now were half-breed not even a tenth of his experience or power. He then began to interrogate the two after placing a truth spell on them. The first question was where was Lemon and what was her condition. Kasumi informed him that she had been drained of energy trying to escape Herb and Sissithississ. She then informed him about everything they had suspected Lemon of being up to.
Kasumi was quick to ask Eyebright if it was true that Lemon would be forced to be trapped as a male and take a wife. After confirming that she would he cut her off before she could call him out for this. Explaining that not only was he one of a handful of true male kitsunes left, their lifespan is significant making a relationship with a human inconvenient at best, not to mention the fact they were still different species, as well as endangered. Kasumi could only bow her head to this and he went back to interrogating. In the end Eyebright couldn’t deny Lemon was guilty, apologizing for his daughters actions blaming it on the paranoia inflicted on her by her mother he was about to talk to negotiate her release.
Unfortunately before he left him curiously asked about the magic Frost was weaving. Kasumi remembering that he was Musk forced herself to stay quite causing him to become suspicious. Seeing that compulsion to speak was becoming painful Ranma answered that she was repairing the Kaisuifu. Confused he asked why they would be so worried about him learning this. This time Ranma stayed quite upon seeing Kasumi shake her head no. Fortunately and unfortunately Ranma wasn’t aware why the Musk clan learning about Herb being trapped was so dangerous for him. So while he honestly didn’t know what Kasumi was trying to hide, Eyebright was easily able to figure out what was going on by asking the right questions. 
This changed everything so after finding out where Herb might be the amused Eyebright left. Ranma and Kasumi became able to move once he was gone, and she explained to the confused Ranma what was going on. Ranma assured the frustrated Kasumi that they would get out of there, and though he renewed his efforts he privately thought to himself that they were just back where they started.  
A very confused Kasumi and Ranma were let of at the restaurant by Peach. Ukyo unexpectedly outdid Shampoo in enthusiasm for their return, rushing to Ranma's side, sending Shampoo into a spin, but Kasumi did quickly join her. Peach then asked to see Lemon who Devlin escorted her to. With the kitsune gone, Kasumi warned them that this was no longer about Lemon, and that Eyebright, Lemon's father, had forced them to reveal Herb's curse and that he was now the target. Cologne explained to the others that being trapped in female form, Musk law did allow Herb to be forced into a marriage which would give the husband Herb's position as heir to the throne.
Peach returned and unexpectedly confirmed for everyone that it was indeed Lemon who had tricked Frost. Peach further apologized, disavowed any participation in Lemon's actions, and gave the life of Lemon to Kasumi as way of compensation. This confused Kasumi, thinking she meant for Kasumi to kill Lemon, but she clarified that Lemon's fate was for Kasumi to decide now, and Cologne further clarified that effectively Lemon was now Kasumi's slave. Peach confirmed this resolved the conflict between them and the Amazons and Cologne was forced to confirm it was. Then as earlier warned the topic turned to Herb and Peach requested they had over the princess. Naturally this was refused by Herb herself who finally appeared. Peach put on a false sense of disappointment and said they would be taking Herb, and departed to rejoin the other kitsunes.
Devlin quickly started making directions, confirming Jasmine was engaged with Eyebright at that moment, and the barrier would not hold indefinitely so they had only about an hour. As he went off to seek reinforcements for the coming battle, the others discussed what to do. The Amazon elders had little choice but to remain out of it. Herb also confirmed his father, while he could intervene, likely wouldn't, and would instead find it amusing. Kasumi vowed to help Herb, and Ranma, Shampoo and Ukyo all did likewise. Ranma would also suggest Ranko was an ace in the hole, to which Shampoo agreed as kitsunes are magical.
Ranma called in Rippa for backup, figuring that he’d be the only one who’d be able to make it into the restaurant. He also made sure not to ask Kitsui for help given the kitsune’s abilities. Rippa met Kasumi-kun for the first time, and needless to say he was greatly impressed. He also took the opportunity to tease Ranma for still being so squeamish after all these years. Changing the subject Ranma asked what Kasumi about him seeing her talking with Shampoo earlier. She told him that it was another potential option, understanding the implications Ranma told her that it wouldn’t come to that before she could continue.
Shampoo, Kasumi, Ukyo, Ranma, Rippa, and Herb convened in the pocket dimension to do the last bit of strategy. They would make a break for Siren's barrier by Frost, and with the repair of the kettle could restore Herb's male form preventing any forced marriage. Since Siren was an Amazon, the kitsune's could not attack Siren's barrier without provoking a response from the Amazons. Devlin gave each a magic potion to drink which would allow them some added protection from the kitsunes as well as allow them to at least hurt them in physical combat for the duration of the effect.
Teesha, another mage present who was helping, used her power to create numerous homunculi duplicates of each to act as distractions, and the group divided into pairs to accompany some of the duplicates to make the deception more convincing. Kasumi ended up being paired with Ranma with the two acting as a distraction. Three kitsunes overtook them and the homunculi they were with quite quickly. As the duplicates ran off Kasumi and Ranma engaged in a rear guard action hoping to keep them from discovering the truth for as long as possible.
While the fact that unlike their previous conflict, the kitsunes did not wish to escalate the conflict so were seriously pulling their punches. It wasn’t long before both Ranma and Kasumi had been incapacitated. After Kasumi helped unpin Ranma from the ground they decided that it would be best meet up with Ranko. Kasumi couldn’t help but feeling that something was wrong. They met up with Herb and Ukyo a few short blocks from Ranko's meeting spot. Greeting each other they were about to move on when Herb sensed a strong presence that appeared out of nowhere. Peach made her presence know shapeshifting from a tiny mosquito.
The foursome of Ukyo, Herb, Kasumi and Ranma stood in shock before perhaps their worst case scenario: face to face with Peach, in all likelihood, the most powerful kitsune in the bunch save only Eyebright himself. Kasumi told Herb to run while they hold her off, but much to her surprise Peach made no effort to stop him.  They realized why when after Herb disappeared around a corner behind them, he came running up the opposite direction. Ranma was the first to realize that they had been placed back into a looped space.
Peach taunted the group telling them that they only way out was knocking her unconscious. Ukyo was the first to attack angered at being underestimated, only for Peach to promptly shatter the moment her fist made contact. As Ukyo went into shock thinking she had killed someone. The shattered remains then rapidly grew into copies of Peach. With that Ranma, Kasumi, and Herb joined the fight as well.
It was quickly apparent that that they were completely outmatched and that Peach was merely playing with them. Because of his skill in keijutsu Ranma was the only one she seemed to be giving any care to. Kasumi took advantage of her not taking them seriously to call forth the Light Ha Do. In Peach’s arrogance she let Kasumi strike, who did so with such force that the she as well as all the other duplicates dematerialized instantly. It seemed that when Ranma told Ukyo about what happened at Hotel La Bac he didn’t go into full detail.
When Peach rematerialized Kasumi asked the group to give her an opening. As with all their attempts previously, though, Peach easily dealt with even their combined attacks. Even Ukyo and Herb working together to fill the air with their attack proved useless. However this spray of attacks and debris gave Kasumi the opportunity to attack only to realize that she was an illusion. The real Peach shapeshifted back to human form on a nearby rooftop.
Impressed that Kasumi was able to figure it out Peach was about to change her strategy only to be suddenly attacked Rippa. Peach had little opportunity to assess the new threat as Shampoo dropped on her from above with an energized fist. Peach was easily able to overpower her. They explained that she had used her spirit senses to find her way into the looped space area, and thus could sense the true path out. Despite their best efforts, Peach proved impossible to get past, and in order to demoralize them even more she humiliated them by immobilizing them in the air and destroying their clothing. Shampoo, along with Herb remained defiant despite this.
Kasumi, who had fooled Peach with a soul illusion, managed to sneak in an attack, but it too failed. As Peach asked if that was all she had, Kasumi use a flash of ki to blind her long enough for Ranko to make her final approach and grab her. The effect of contact with the kitsune was dramatic, quickly defeating her. Kasumi decided to take her with them as she appeared injured by the contact and they raced off the remaining distance to Siren's barrier. Along the way, they managed to cobble together some clothing. Just short of the barrier, Eyebright suddenly appeared and confronted them, effortlessly defeating Ranko. However, before he could move on the rest, Jasmine appeared as well and blocked him. This gave the others the chance to enter the barrier.
Kasumi moved to help Ranko, laying the incapacitated Peach down. Eyebright, frustrated with the situation, declared he was committed and that although he would not attack further, there was only two ways this would be allowed to end, Herb surrendering or dying. He explained that he could not let Herb return to the Musk alive given all that had happened, and sooner or later they would kill him before he could return. Kasumi, currently in male form, realizing the situation was otherwise intractable, confirmed with a look to Shampoo and then declared his intent to take Herb as his wife by Amazon law.
Eyebright was confused by this, no knowing the law, but So Pu arrived and explained it to him, that while Kasumi was in fact a woman, by Amazon law her legal gender was still undecided so Kasumi could exercise the male marriage right. With Herb a provisional Amazon until declared otherwise, the kitsunes could not attack him without provoking an Amazon response. Eyebright was angry with this, but So Pu quickly diverted his anger by making a proposal that caught Kasumi of guard. So Pu correctly analyzed that Eyebright was intending a coup against Herb's father, and offered Amazon assistance in such, declaring herself to be the soon to be Matriarch of the Amazons. This was even more a shock to the others, but Cologne confirmed it. Eyebright stood down and agreed to talk, calling off further hostilities for the day. Shampoo attempted to speak with Cologne, but she said they would have to discuss such later, directing them to stay within the barrier, and telling Siren to get them some clothes before departing to be part of the talk with Eyebright.
An hour later Cologne returned and explained that they had come. First she explained that she had been voted out of the Matriarch position due, in part, to the situation with Kasumi and Shampoo. The council members believed Kasumi was trying to seize power in the village by exploiting the marriage law, despite evidence to the contrary. Since Cologne ended up taking a rather passive response to Kasumi, instead of continuing with her original aggressive one, she had lost support.
In regards to Herb, they had reached a provisional agreement. The Amazons would aid in the coup, and in exchange Kasumi would take the official title of Dragon Lord, although the true power would remain with Eyebright. This all angered Shampoo who felt she had been tricked, although Cologne said she had asked So Pu not to mention the situation. The final approval for the agreement remained with Kasumi and Herb, but with the alternative being Herb's likely death, there was little alternative.
Later, with hostilities at an end, Kasumi and Ranma visited Ranko who was suffering from healing sickness. Ranko apologized for how complicated things had gotten for Kasumi before getting some rest. Ranma himself proved to be very supportive. Even if he couldn’t offer any advice on what to do, he let her know they they’ve be there for her. The conversation was interrupted when Ranma caught sight of approaching them. Freaking them both out since he was still technically in danger, but Herb refused to be intimidated.
Everyone got it into their head that since Herb was staying at the restaurant Ranma should to. Neither Ranma nor Kasumi really had any say in the matter, and while initially annoyed Ranma quickly decided to look on the bright side. This also gave Kasumi the opportunity to invite Ukyo to stay as well. Ranma helped her move in after school where they were confronted by Crystal. Having done her research Crystal congratulated her for winning the Tokyo Restaurant Clash, three times in a row. Seeing the grill set up in the kitchen Ukyo eyed her suspiciously and told her that she wasn’t really doing that anymore. Ranma suggested that Ukyo should consider the position before going off to organize his room.
Later after being informed about how Kasumi started demonstrating a new personality, that of 'Tex' after rescuing a kidnapped Lemon. Ranma went to go get his father who thought it was no big deal forcing Ranma to drag him to the San Cheng Huang. Genma informed them that he has seen Tex briefly before, but he only ever came out for a few minutes. Ranma was angry that the others left him out of what happened stating that no matter the sensitive nature he would have helped. He quickly let it go however to focus on Kasumi. 
As they pondered what to do, Rose arrived at the restaurant shocking Ranma and Herb, while Shampoo and Makoto just looked on in puzzlement having never met her. Naturally they weren’t going to allow her anywhere near Kasumi, and it wasn’t until the arrival Crystal who reminded them that no one with ill intentions could enter the pocket dimension that they decided to trust her. As Rose considered the situation, a new personality displayed itself, and Rose put Kasumi asleep, directing them to take her to her room.
There, after examining her, Rose said she could not locate Kasumi's normal personality, much to everyone's alarm. She suggested Kasumi might be hiding and offered to send them into Kasumi's mind to locate her. Ranma was ready to go, but Herb interjected to make sure there weren’t any risk. There were but it was equally as dangerous so they had no choice. Ranma still didn’t trust Rose, but was willing to let things go as Shampoo was willing to and she truly seemed sincere. The commotion drew the attention Ukyo who became confused when after having everything explained to her, she was one of the people the spell used to determine who could enter Kasumi’s mind chose. Ranma pointed out that if Genma could get in, Kasumi must be pretty chill with the whole thing. In the end Shampoo, along with Herb, Makoto, Ukyo, Genma and Ranma all went in.
Once in the shared dreamscape, Shampoo quickly sensed something odd, although had difficulty describing it. She was directed to seek out the oddity while the others searched for Kasumi. The others had varying success finding Kasumi's other personalities, Herb ended up running into Tex and when he commented upon how stereotypical Kasumi’s idea of this type was. Ranma figured the tex personality was based on some kid’s show Kasumi saw. Ranma himself ended up running into the Nekoken personality, luckily it proved to be docile. However as Ranma was watching over it Genma ran into a second cat persona, and it quickly went on a rampage, consuming the other personalities as it did, growing monstrously huge.
Though Ranma tried to get the docile nekoken personality to safety it ended up getting distracted by a piece of rolling debris and ran off. The aggressive personality iventually caught sight of them and despite Ranma’s pleas the docile personality tried to protect him and ended up being consumed. Kasumi, on seeing the creature, panicked and ran off, forcing Shampoo to follow. With the cat persona having consumed all the others, Shampoo, in a desperate gambit, rushed to confront it. This had the desired effect as Kasumi, now likewise gigantic, rescued her and held the cat persona at bay.
Unfortunately, this was little more than a stalemate, as Kasumi was still too frightened to attack. Herb, however, noticed a peculiarity to the cat's actions and after conferring with Ranma for confirmation, spoke with Shampoo about a new plan. Shampoo would then abandon Kasumi to once more confront the cat herself, swatting it across the nose and declaring she loved Kasumi, not it. This had the desired effect as the cat quickly demoralized and shrunk. Kasumi, on seeing this, realized the true nature of the beast, and approached it to talk, finally merging with it. With the dreamscape no longer needed it collapsed and everyone found themselves back in the real world. 
Ranma went to make sure Ukyo was alright who apologized for running off, though she didn’t let him in. He assured her that Kasumi had been rescued and asked her if she needed to talk leaving when she declined. He was confronted by an angry Herb, though having guess that Ukyo saw what really happened at Jusenkyo Ranma was able to calm him down. He also pointed out that Kasumi should never have been in that situation to start with. Ranma started to walk away when he asked why they didn’t get more people to help, not waiting to hear the same answer. Herb agreed and decided to explain what actually happened with certain omissions, though he left to check up on Lemon first.
The next morning, with the arrival of Grenda, he along with Makoto, Shampoo and Ranma would attempt to take out their frustrations on Genma for how Kasumi acquired the Nekoken and her other personalities, but after Kasumi spoke up in his defense, and he groveled, they lost their appetite for such. After Grenda briefed them on the fallout from their attack, Shampoo would then discuss with Grenda the doorway, puzzling the magus. Devlin and Frost would arrive during the discussion and likewise find the whole thing puzzling, until Frost suggested she found the image of the door familiar. Realizing it was likely linked to the Moon Kingdom, Frost was tasking with looking into that while Grenda promised to decode documentation on the site that might mention it. They would also discuss what to do with this version of Kimiko Tendo, Devlin and Grenda agreeing she couldn't be the real version, and most likely some kind of copy although unknowing what type. They would suggest Shampoo attempt to visit her again and learn more, but only after getting some questions to ask her to prove her identity. Since Kasumi wasn’t ready to tell her father about this yet they decided to ask Nodoka for questions to ask.
Ranma was hanging out with Kuno in front of Furinkan when Rippa showed up as their was a track meet between his school and theirs. Seeing how casual the two were Ranma called Rippa out for being so vitriolic with him, to which he replied he made it so easy. From there the conversation moved to Kasumi. Rippa noticed how down Ranma looked, he explained what happened to Kasumi and how useless he felt.  Kuno felt even worse as at least Ranma was able to aid against the Fox Clan. Even if Ranma tried to assure him that it was mainly timing and luck that he was even there.
Given that Kasumi’s resent opponent was even worse Rippa advised Ranma to step up his Ranma. Unfortunately he didn’t even no were to start when it came to fighting such beings. Rippa suggested he try adopting magical principles into his style. In the meantime, they still had much knowledge to exchange. With renewed determination Ranma took his words to heart.
When he returned to the restaurant Ranma realized that he hadn’t seen Ukyo all day and neither had anyone else when he asked around. He was eventually called by Akira and told she was at the animal shelter. When he arrived Akira handed a very downtrodden Ukyo, now collared and leashed. The mere sight of this was enough to make Ranma cringe. He allowed Ranma to keep them but advised him that he should get his own so that this doesn’t happen again. In fact he admitted that the only reason Ranma wasn’t being fined was that he didn’t want to deal with the paperwork.
Ranma took Ukyo to Tofu’s clinic where she had left her a spare set of clothes. The trip was not a pleasant experience for either of them. After returning her to human Ranma suggested that she tell more people so that things like this didn’t happen again. She agreed, but only if he punched out Rippa who had been the one to send her to the shelter in the first place. Later that night Kasumi and Shampoo returned to find Ranma, Herb and Makoto in the TV room. Shampoo placed a pair mouse ears on a thoroughly unamused Herb's head while Kasumi asked if they’d missed anything. After glancing at each other they told her no.
Ranma, Kasumi, Shampoo, and Makoto were surprised the next day when they were greeted by Sororo who told them that she was a relative who has been advising Herb. Everyone’s attention was attention was shifted to Herb when he arrived who was shocked to see Sororo there as it had only been a day since he saw her. She explained that something unexpected had come up so her opportunities for an introduction anytime soon narrowed considerably. Saying her goodbyes she left Herb explain who she was.
Ranma was the first to speak causing Herb to frown upon being asked where he was hiding her. He told them nowhere and demanded to know what she told them when Ranma then asked if there were any others. When Kasumi answered Herb explained Sorora’s nature as a Celestial Dragon as well as went into the history and nature of the Dragon Clan and the Musk. Ranma’s teasing smile slowly became more neutral as he asked more questions. Herb was shocked when Kasumi asked him about how the Dragon clan maintains their... purity as he never thought about her becoming the Dragon Lord.
Kasumi suddenly switched demeanor and brightened with a smile and showed everyone a strange stone given to her by Cologne. While Herb realized it was a magical he didn’t recognize the symbol on it. Shampoo told then that it was the mark of the Matriarch. They decided to ask Frost about it who explained that it was a speaking stone which is kinda like a mental photograph. Frost activated it using some of her blood.
While the holographic version of Cologne was annoyed to see the others there she had expected it so explained that the original Cologne may have discovered the location of the spirit of Queen Tranquility. Reaction to this was varied. Many were simply puzzled, the name lost on them, but Frost, Shampoo and even Makoto all went wide eyed in shock at the name. Kasumi recognized it as the last queen of the village. Holo-Cologne went on explain the true nature of Queen Tranquility. She told then that the reason she hasn’t awoken was because she resurrected as a non-amazon.
Ranma was the first to realize the significant of that. It seemed that Cologne’s plan was to find this woman and adopt her into the tribe as a loophole. Though she wasn’t sure if this would work as there were a lot of variable from the council to the woman herself not agreeing. Halo-Cologne warned Kasumi that the magic in the stone was limited so she should only use it again if she is ready to proceed. Genma expressed his excitement of trying out the new menu only for Ranma to call him out for looking for handouts, before taking him home.
Ranma noticed how much time Kasumi had been talking with Ami, Makoto and Usagi, but having a notion that it wasn’t something he should push. He instead turned his mind to another matter, namely Herb. The two agreed to meet at the training ground in the woods after school. As he was wondering weather or not he should Kasumi her conversation with the other girls ended and they headed off.
Kasumi asked him and Shampoo if they would like to learn some healing techniques. While interested given everything that was happening Ranma gave Kasumi a rain check. Kasumi and Shampoo gave Kuno and Ryoga the talk during the day 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.
While the forest training ground was one they had used a few times before, and actually did have relatively convenient bus access, it was still over an hour out much to Ranma’s annoyance. While he wasn’t surprised to find to find Herb waiting, he was to see that he wasn’t in his usual armor. This caused Ranma to briefly play with the idea that he had read the intents wrong, but when Herb rose to meet him, already stretching in preparation, he reaffirmed his original conclusion.
Herb asked Ranma if he intended to marry Ranma, who replied honestly. At this point Ranma was mostly along for the ride right now, he liked Kasumi but the fact this is an arranged marriage meant neither of them had time to truly think about it, however that didn’t mean that he was going to be intimidated into giving up. Ranma’s lack of encouragement annoyed Herb who then asked of Ukyo. Ranma wasn’t in love with her, but he did care about her.
With that the fight started. Herb quickly gained the upper hand, seemingly having a counter thought up to every one of Ranma's strategies. Every technique he had thought to deploy against the prince, Herb had an answer to it, sometimes mirroring or outdoing him at it. Ranma saw elements of Kasumi's, Shampoo's, Rippa's, Ukyo's, Genma's, and his own techniques among others.
He considered a wider set of options, immediately focusing he still had the advantage in hand to hand, the problem was closing to gap between the two. Realizing that a straight up fight was a lost cause Ranma switched tactics and began taunting the prince about his failure to protect Kasumi. It had the desired response of causing Herb to lose his composure, allowing Ranma to lead him to the ridge and activate his curse. 
Herb realized her folly a second later just as Ranma bounced back from the river and closed the gap with a flicker. Ranma did not let the opportunity go to waste, hammering the transformed prince with several kicks and punches. It was not a victory condition, however, as Herb quickly recovered even under the onslaught and let out a massive blast of energy, forcing Ranma back. This was still far better circumstances for Ranma as whatever advantage energy tap gave her did nothing for her body.
The fight became a battle of endurance which they both spent many times over. However, neither stood down, and with one more mutual burst of remaining energy they rushed, or rather hobbled at each other, both throwing punches that solidly connected with the other's chin. It mattered little. The punches had no strength to them. In fact, it was the motion itself that finally did them both in as neither could recover from it.
With the battle over the two gained a mutual respect for each other Ranma and Herb declared a truce as they helped each other to the nearest phone to call a taxi, only for it to quickly end as they raced to get there first. It was several hours later when the pair arrived home by taxi. They barely made it through the front door before being confronted by Kasumi who had figured out what they were doing. She immediately went from slightly disappointed to deeply concerned.
Ranma assured her that they were both fine, but she didn’t buy it. Herb concurred that they hadn’t sustained serious injury. She asked what they had been doing and they told her they were having a friendly discussion. Kasumi frowned, but when both refused to reveal more, she was forced to simply sigh in defeat. She took it as a good time to teach Shampoo the basics. As they both started healing some of the wounds, Kasumi asked about their talk. They told her that they came to an understanding. Kasumi looked between the two skeptically, but finally let herself smile just a little.
The restaurant was closed up for the day by the time Ranma had recovered enough to properly move about. Still, he decided to simply relax for a while to further recover as the others headed off to their respective rooms. Fatigue nearly took over and lulled him to sleep when he heard Ukyo in the kitchen. He found her trying to make toast, a confused Ranma tasted it and told her that not only was it the most perfectly evenly toasted bread he’d have ever seen, it tasted fine. Ukyo told Ranma about what the Cooking Priest told her.
Ranma tried to assure Ukyo that she was an excellent cook, but she just looked away, and did not argue the matter. He told her to call it a night as clearly this route wasn't what she needed to work on. As Ukyo headed up stairs Ranma wondered if he should talk to the priest, but decided for now not to force the issue and headed up behind her.
Ranma and Herb were talking when they were interrupted by the arrival of Grenda, Shampoo, and Kasumi. They greeted them and at that moment, a thought hit Grenda. It turns out that Happosai had been trying to steal her underwear while she was in the shower and she wasn’t wearing her glasses she ended up turning him to stone when she caught him. After a few seconds of silence, Ranma was the first to ask if he was alive. It turns out that he was just in a sort of suspended animation and reading the room gave them a vial that would turn him back when they were ready. Stating that he could use a vacation Kasumi picked up the statue, while Shampoo grabbing up the vial and the two headed off together.
Grenda turned to head to the Karaoke bar to wait but Ranma called out to her. Ranma asked her if anyone had ever tried to do magic with ki instead of mana. She told him that there was never any success as while the two wee definitely closely related, it's kinda like the relation between ice and water. You can make a sculpture out of ice, but not so much water. However she assured Ranma that ki had many applications that are rather poor for mana. Ranma thanked her before heading off. He made it only as far as the stairs though before Herb caught up to him and called him out for giving up so easily.
Herb pointed out that Grenda only said that chi magic had not been very successful, not that it was completely useless. He even offered his own knowledge on the subject. While it was dangerous, given Ranma’s current training and skill set he could use of it in some... creative manner. Ranma huffed at Herb, but as the prince left sight, he agreed with him.
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 getting the sense that something else was on the island, but unable to trace what it was, they ended up setting a trap. Kasumi volunteered to be bait, and it wasn't long before the kidnappers made themselves known. Prince Toma and his chief retainers Sarutoru, Torristan, and Wonton, using various illusionary magics to hide themselves. Seeing that they already had several of their number, Kasumi suggested simply letting them take them and follow. The plan nearly went awry as they proved capable of flight, but fortunately the next morning Togenkyo Island had appeared and they made their way over.
It seems the former ruler of their island, Toma's father, recently passed away in an untimely fashion. He requires a bride to ascend fully to the throne so they were rushing a bridal ceremony. It is an old tradition where they were kidnapping a bunch of girls from all the neighboring islands to be candidates for his bride. Much to their surprised however when they tracked the girls down they found them treated as queens. Which is why the other islands usually willingly have their younger maids cooperate as it is a very pampered atmosphere.
They were actually enjoying themselves Toma had them compete to be his bride in strange contests which are designed to amuse him. Kasumi and Shampoo were exempt since they were already married. He ends up choosing Akane Tendo, because she reprimands him about his treatment of the girls. After this his men take their own picks of the other women. Those of them free set out to recover those who were taken. Since she promised not to user her charm unless it was a matter of life and death Ranma was forced to rescue Lemon from Torristan. Torristan utilized his steel-hard feathers as throwing knives which Ranma was easily able to get past.
After dealing with the retainers and checking to ensure all the other girls were safe they began looking for Akane who was taken by Prince Toma. Herb got to her and Toma first, and they had it out.While Toma believed that they were fighting for Akane’s affection Herb simply wanted his gourd of mystic water as he wished to test if it would cure his curse. Ranko and Mousse both arrived shortly after Herb and Toma was forced to stand down as his illusions were useless on two of them and while he was a formidable fighter, he was no match for all 3 of them at once. Akane stepped in to cool things off, and after that they all came to a bit of an understanding. They were allowed to stay on the island until they ventured close enough to Japan to be taken ashore.
Everyone was enjoying the sun while Shampoo was attempting to speak with the Great Tree when Frost and Tofu managed to track them down. With everyone together they explained what had happened since they were gone. Learning about Toma Frost called him a degenerate, coincidentally Toma and his men showed up just as she said it. Since Frost had put his men to sleep when she arrived Herb told her to hold her tongue and let them handle it. Kasumi managed to calm him down and since she vouch for Frost and Tofu he decided to let the matter of his men drop. Though seeing as they had away to leave he told Akane she could give him her answer before promptly turning to leave, his men bowing slightly and quickly following.
Akane hung her head and explained to Frost that Toma wanted to marry her and how she had been stalling for time. She initially took Ranma’s saying how weird Toma was for liking assertive woman, but really couldn’t argue when he reminded her that it was only after she slapped him that he chose her. Kasumi remembered Ranko’s anti magic ability, but after some experimentation Frost determined that she could be flown back, though she wouldn’t be affected by the momentum canceling magic.
Akane asked if they could just leave, Kodachi called her out for trying to ghost the prince and Herb mentioned that there was no telling what trouble that may be caused down the line if she just disappeared on him. Unable to argue Akane realized it was best to get it over with and headed off, the others soon following suit. Dinner was an interesting yet uneventful affair. The whole group gathered around a huge dining table with abundant food served of various varieties. Only Toma from the island's people sat at the table, at its head naturally, as his retainers served and observed everything. The topic of the proposal had been avoided as the rest of the group did what they could to keep small talk going so Akane had time to strategize.
When Tofu asked Toma about the island he told him that no one knew why only males were born on the island, not even Shampoo could get anything from the Great Tree. Hearing about the water Tofu asked Herb if he tried it. Frost flipped out when Herb answered yes calling him out for mixing curses. He just rolled his eyes and told her he just analyzed the twos potential interactions without actual experimentation. The result was fairly obvious.
Kasumi commented on her regret that Genma would receive a cure; Ranma commented that he most likely would have just turned into a pandaman. No one saw Kasumi amused smile at this thought. As the table went quiet for a moment, Toma finally took this as the opportunity to speak on the main topic on his mind. Akane told him that she couldn’t marry as she had other plans. When he asked her what they were she impulsively told him that she was in love with Ranko. Akane slightly cringed as everyone else at the table, save the person named, all looked surprised. Ranko, by contrast, who had only been half paying attention, suddenly became aware.
Toma, to no one's surprise, was quite confused by this revelation and stared at Ranko for several seconds as he tried to process what he had just heard. Akane whispered to her begging her to go along so she confirmed to Toma that they were dating. Toma responded by challenging Ranko to a fight to determine her worthiness. Akane tried to interject, but Toma already sharply rose to his feet telling his men to prepare the main hall.
In a panic Akane asked Ranko why she did that, however she wasn’t worried since Toma almost exclusively used magic. Herb cautioned her about being so over confident, pointing out that Toma wasn’t stupid and while he could say what it was obvious that the prince had an angle. Ranko however still dismissed it. It was only a short while before the main hall within the tree was prepared with a simple open circle where Ranko and Toma could have their duel. Kasumi's group sat themselves at the perimeter on one side, while Toma's retainers and some other guards and islanders took a similar position opposite them. Ranko jumped down onto the battle floor confidently as Toma floated down onto his side.
Akane told Ranko that she didn’t have to do this; she assured her that she would be fine. She even teased Akane telling her that if she felt so guilty then she can take her on a real date when she won. Akane tried to reply in shock but at that moment Toma started advancing to the center and Ranko did likewise. Whatever Akane's reply would be was thus silenced and she sat down with the others to observe. Sure enough the duel soon began and the two exchanged various attacks to test the other's defenses and abilities. Kicks and punches were exchanged and likewise deflected. In the early going, neither was pushing themselves, but neither was making significant progress either.
Ranma wondered why Toma wasn’t using his sword; Herb told him that he uses it as a focus of his magic, so it would largely be useless. However from what he’s seen of his skills, Ranko should still have an edge. This made him worried as Toma might simply be underestimating Ranko, but he seemed too confident even now for that. As Herb gave his analysis, Ranko started to amp things up, and although she was fending off all of Toma's attacks, she was slowly pushing him back. Yet, despite this, Toma seemed unshaken. Just as the fight started to seem as if it would be a slow but inevitable victory for Ranko there was a flash and Ranko flew back, tumbling across the floor as she hit it.
The others could just watch in shock having no idea what happened. Ranko got up painfully as Toma slowly advanced on her. Again she went on the attack and just as before their exchange was close, but Ranko seemed just that bit better and was pushing the prince onto the defense. However, just as before there was a flash and Ranko was sent flying. Herb was the able to figure it out, he explained that Toma was using raw mana and since that should do basically nothing he realized the prince was using a technique called Kankaho.
Ranko's latest knock back had taken its toll and she was struggling to get up. Figuring it was time to change strategy so pondered the situation as Toma approached. Toma asked her if she gave up, but she just brushed him off and more rushed onto the attack, in what seemed to be a repeat of the last round. Everyone was puzzled as that is indeed exactly what happened, as Ranko was once more blasted away by the flash. This time Ranko struggled up, wiping away a bit of blood from her lips but smiled and once more went on the attack. Those observing were tense, but many were also sitting back slightly to study the exchange. Akane took note of this, turning away just a moment before another flash came, and she sharply looked back. However, to her surprise while Ranko had been knocked back, she landed easily on her feet.
This time it was Kasumi who figured it out Ranko had figured out the timing of Toma’s attack. Hearing this Akane watched intently as Ranko and Toma's exchange started and then there was another flash. However, this time Akane saw it, Ranko pre-emptively moving to shield herself from the attack, blunting its force with her ki shield. Still, she was forced back, and Toma now looked a bit worried. Toma also appeared not to have fully mastered Kankaho and Ranko was trying to find his lower limit.
Two more blunted exchanges passed with Ranko becoming more aggressive each time and recovering that much faster. Finally though, Ranko seemed to have her answer as she slipped through several punches before Toma could blast her away, but even this was blunted and Ranko was quickly back on the attack. Now the exchanges shifted, Ranko pressing hard initially but as soon as Toma's window of opportunity to use the blast arrived, she gave herself more room while still keeping up the pressure. While Toma could delay his attack, he could not speed it up any more, so steadily he was now taking blows, and his trump card was doing little but giving him a small gap that Ranko quickly closed to only dial up the offense once again.
It wasn't long before Toma finally abandoned the technique and simply tried to fight conventionally, but this was too little too late, as Ranko had him figured out thoroughly by that point and was consistently bypassing his guard until it was his turn to be dropped to the floor, much to his retainer's shock and dismay. There positions reversed Ranko asked Toma if he gave up and angered Toma was able to calm himself down and admit his defeat. 
Ranko smiled triumphantly and likewise returned to his own group. However as she reached them, Kasumi asked about her broken ribs which Ranko thought she had hid. Though freaked Akane managed to keep herself from screaming, causing Ranko to assure her that she was fine. They still needed to be healed so they group helped her into the seating area. Shortly later, the group was gathered at the dragon and already boarding as Frost was modifying the interior. Toma and his retainers were seeing them off and Kasumi took the initiative to thank him and wish him well for their group. She rejoined them just as Frost was assuring Ranko that it was safe.
Ranma and Akane made sure that Ranko was okay, Akane tried to apologize only to be dismissed with Ranko saying there was nothing to be sorry about. When they were far enough away from the island Frost asked her Herb and Shampoo what they actually ate. Herb told her not to worry about it, but this led to the others asking what she meant. Again he told that it was nothing to worry about as the food was perfectly healthy. Frost switched the topic to what she missed.
In lieu of morning training Ranma went to pick up Ukyo from the temple. On the way Ranma explained everything that had happened since they’d been missing. Rippa ended up laughing so hard he was crying. He managed to get out through laughing fits enough to express his worry that Ranma would miss the tournament. Given all that had happened Ranma had completely forgotten about that, but was up for a challenge. Rippa asked if Herb would like to join, jokingly calling him Ranma’s girlfriend. While Ranma just rolled his eyes at this he did warn Rippa what Herb would do if he heard him. Rippa waved it off however. While Ranma didn’t believe would want to join he’d probably wouldn’t mind watching so Rippa offered to get him a spectator pass.
The conversation moved to Ranma’s progress in keijutsu, Rippa can get individual motions to work, but it just all fades away so fast. Ranma has learned to manipulate his own circuits, but the recoil was dangerous and unpredictable. Ironically this increased his offensive application, but even that was touchy, Ranma was working mostly blind, and Happosai’s notes could only take him so far. Rippa suggested that he asked Frost for help and Ranma considered it just as they arrived. They both expressed their frustration at manpukuji. Rippa was dubious of Ranma’s claim that the priest could taste aura, and while Ranma wish he could tell Ukyo that he was fully of it; the nature of martial arts cooking techniques made that impossible. While he can’t taste aura Ranma could feel that something was wrong when comparing Ukyo’s cooking with the priest.
Not long after the head priest greeted the pair with a smile, though his smile cracked slightly when Ranma asked how Ukyo was doing. Seeing that she wasn’t making any progress Rippa suggested she try something new. With a sigh Ranma asked him if he had any ideas before heading off, leaving Rippa in thought. A short walk later, Ranma came to one of the indoor kitchens that Ukyo preferred to use here. Sure enough, just outside, waiting, or perhaps standing guard, was Mint. Ranma told the Musk warrior to help up front and he’ll get her. With him gone, Ranma peeked within and found Ukyo was furiously cooking away at the stove, a pile of various minor dishes scattered on various tables and counters about the room, clearly all rejected. Her focus was such that she took no notice of him, so he leaned against the door frame and waited as she finished her latest creation, a pasta dish of some description that Ranma didn't recognize.
Soon she was finished and laid out the meal meticulously, ensuring everything about its consistency and presentation was perfect, and then stood back to examine the work and immediately frowned in disappointment. Ranma broke Ukyo out of her hyper critical analysis of her work by revealing he was there. Ukyo quickly became self conscious about the state of the room; Ranma assured her that there was nothing to explain. He then called her out for not noticing that everyone had been shipwrecked. Ukyo went ghostly pale and started stammering causing Ranma to let her off the hook. He knew they had kept her in the dark and was just teasing.
It took Ranma nearly a half hour to help Ukyo clean the room at which point the pair rejoined Rippa and the priest who were deep in conversation by this point, but quickly went quiet as they approached, Mint hovering nearby. After some quick goodbyes the threesome headed out, Ranma and Rippa hanging back slightly as Mint led the way and Ukyo followed behind him. Ranma asked Rippa about his chat with the priest. He told him just this and that, but it did give him and idea.
Peach returned to Japan gathering Kasumi, Herb, Shampoo, Makoto, Ranma, Genma, Lemon and Akane at the San Cheng Huang pocket dimension to warn them that Lemon’s mother had slipped away from the Fox Clan and was likely looking for trouble. They were interrupted by Frost exiting her pocket dimension. Kasumi was forced to assure Peach that the door didn’t bypass the barrier before they could get things on track. Herb asked if Palm planned on taking Lemon, however Peach honestly didn’t know. While it was a possibility it wasn’t likely as no clan would take them if Palm just forcibly took Lemon back. Kasumi suggested that Palm would just take Lemon and live on her own. Though she didn’t explain why Peach knew that was just as unlikely. Her theory was that Palm was coming after Kasumi which is why she was there. Peach would act as Kasumi’s bodyguard while Kasumi stayed in the barrier until they get things sorted out.
After explaining Palm’s ability to them Peach called them out for not confirming she was who she said she was before letting her in. Shampoo would be the key to detecting Palm. Sadly, all they could really do now was wait for Palm to do something, either give up and go home or gets fed up and confronts Peach. Peach’s final instruction was to make sure that Ranko came nowhere near her. With that she left to prowl the neighborhood. Frost asked why they didn’t just let hand Lemon over, but they had asked that before she arrived. Given the circumstances the Fox clan wouldn’t respect the choice and consider it coerced.
With that the group began to break up, but Herb came over to Frost, while Ranma likewise lingered. He asked her if she had away to track palm. Sadly all Frost could really do was set up some extra security measure. Herb nodded and headed out, leaving only Ranma. He explained to Frost how he was trying to integrate some magical theory into his techniques. He asked for her help as she would have more knowledge on theory then Spring. After Ranma demonstrated the little he could do so far, Frost realized what the problem was. He was using the wrong magical language. Seeing that the newer forms of magic wouldn’t work she gave Ranma a guide to Glyphic and older form. Ranma then went to Lemon’s room to see if she had a way to deal with her mother. Only to find Herb already there having had the same idea. Herb told him it was pointless causing Ranma to groan in frustration. Neither boy noticed Lemon wince at this. Ranma asked Herb if Sorora could help, but he had already tried to contact her. as Peach stated all they could really do was wait.
Ranma, having just finished his early morning set with his father, noticed Ranko by the two newcomers who were currently engaged with a light spar of their own. Curious, he joined her to ask why she wasn’t fighting. Ranma was surprised when Ranko admitted that a match for them. Seeing that she wasn’t lying he decided to see for himself how strong the two were. He got Kane to agree to a quick match, and found himself on the ground within seconds. Two more brief bouts followed with little difference in their results. His ego bruised enough; Ranma dismissed himself after that and rejoined Ranko and Herb. He asked Ranko if they would be up to give him some pointers, but was told they wouldn’t be there long enough to teach him anything.
Ranma went of to a corner of the field outside the castle to practice what Frost showed him. Much to his frustration no matter how many times he tried it the results were anything but consistent. His attempts were interrupted by Shan. Ranma trying merge some magical technique into his own reminded Shan of Tae-il’s Inferno style though it reminded of Toma’s technique when she explained it to him. Shan’s mastery of the Art of Logic allowed her to see what Ranma was doing wrong allowing him to finally get it to work. This allowed Shan to bring up the topic she had come over for, Ranma’s engagement to Kasumi, Shampoo and the others. Ranma really couldn’t put his feeling into words he like Kasumi, Shampoo and Ukyo, but the situation was complicated. 
When Shan asked if he loved Shampoo Ranma got the feeling there was far more to the question, and considered calling it out but decided against it. Instead he just told Shan that he wasn’t sure about his feeling with any of his fiancé’s. Suspicious Ranma asked Shan if Ranko put her up to this. Shan apologized for getting so personal admitting that Ranko and Ranma reminded her of her boyfriend. Seeing no sign of deception in the girl Ranma told her that the resemblance between him and Ranko didn’t mean anything. Ranma asked Shampoo about her feelings and was amused when she didn’t hesitate to answer that she wanted to spend the rest of her life with her boyfriend. He was going to ask Shan more about herself, but decided no to push things. their conversation ended when Ranma had to go check up on Ukyo.
Ranma found Ukyo talking with Frost and seeing her heavy aura, he suggested that she take Crystal up on her offer. Cutting Ukyo off before she could say anything telling her that her cooking was great, sure it wasn’t perfect but it was still some of the best around. Ukyo needed to start cook normally for a change without the pressure of the tests. Frost agreed that sometimes you just need to unwind and get back to basics. Ukyo looked up, glancing between the two and conceded. They agreed to sort things out after school. With that he asked Frost what she was up to. It turns out that she was trying to figure out to figure out the local ley lines to see if there is any extra power to be had. The barrier reinforcement imbalanced the power supply for the pocket dimension.
Ranma ask if the telescope she was using to view the ley lines could see energy flows in the body. This annoyed Frost thinking he planned on using it to fight told him that it was to expensive to lend out. Frantically waving off the magus' suspicions Ranma explained that he wanted to use it on himself as while he could feel the general nature of his energy flow he needed specifics. Calming down Frost told him that it still wouldn’t work as the scope was to cumbersome to carry around. While disappointed Ranma ended up having an epiphany after thinking about it some more. Frost went back to scanning while Ranma and Ukyo left to get ready for school.
Hours later, the school day was coming to a close and the various students were at preparing for the trip home. It was the first time in the day that Akane had managed to get close enough to Ranma to not have anyone else overhearing. He told her that they wasn’t any news on Palm and they both expressed how creeped out they were at how well Peach had impersonated Kasumi. Given what that would mean if Palm was half as good Akane switched topics and asked him about Shan and Kane. She had the feeling that the two had been given her odd looks all day. Ranma nearly dismissed it as Akane imagining things, but after considering it further he told her to ask Ranko about it. Akane considered the idea but didn’t want to seem rude. This is when Kodachi showed and having overheard their conversation decided to be rude for her. Without even letting Akane protest, Kodachi called out to Ranko who was just finishing at her own locker. Feeling unneeded in this conversation, Ranma dismissed himself and headed off. It was not long before he started his attempts at implementing his idea from earlier in the day.
Herb found Ranma sitting in the vacant entertainment room once more practicing. When the prince asked him what he was doing he explained that he was using the ki control technique Shampoo showed him to correctly trace the flow of his ki. Herb was impressed that Ranma was adapting the Ha Do technique to supply himself with the foreign ki necessary to complete the glyphs successfully. Herb had come over to talk to Ranma as a distraction. Kasumi and Shampoo had been there all day with little else to do. Realizing what he was talking about Ranma joked about Herb suggesting a threesome. The thought of that ever happening and was surprised that Ranma was so comfortable with it. Ranma however wasn’t and realizing he couldn’t keep attempting to draw glyphs with this thought now in his head he asked Herb if he loved Kasumi.
Herb confirmed it without hesitation causing Ranma to laugh at how easy it was for him. Herb meanwhile was annoyed that Ranma still couldn’t express his feelings. Ranma asked Herb about Shampoo and this time he did hesitate. He finally said that it wasn’t the same with her. This Ranma could relate to. He told Herb that he likes both Kasumi and Shampoo and would probably risk his life for either one; it just didn’t have that fire. Herb pointed out that they’d already had this converstation. Ranma’s talk with Shan got him thinking out it again. When Herb asked Ranma what she said he told him that Shan’s soon to be husband is the man she wanted to spend the rest of her life with. Herb was about to leave Ranma to his thoughts when both noticed the sound of a pair of feet rushing down the hall. He and Ranma both looked to the open door of the room to see Frost appear there. Both boys concluded what they were about to hear was not good news from the magus' expression.
Palm had attacked Akane, Kodachi and Ranko luckily they were rescued by Kane and Shan. The whole group was now at the restaurant within the pocket dimension, along with Kasumi, Shampoo, Herb, Ranma, Frost and even Lemon. Peach told them they were lucky as she neared the completion of her treatment of Akane. Kodachi was sitting nearby, recovered but looking unamused while Kane was doing her own treatment of Ranko who was still struggling to breath without coughing. This is far more troubling than Peach was expecting. Granted this was not directly that serious, they all would have recovered in time, but it was dangerous regardless, and Palm may have been intending to kidnap the three.
Ranma was the first to ask what they do next. It’s obvious that Palm wasn’t just going after Kasumi, Peach can't protect everyone all at once, and they can't all hold up in here indefinitely. Herb pointed out that this was most likely Palm’s goal when she attacked. Ranma suggested that they call the Fox clan, but was disgusted when told that since one of their own isn’t at threat they wouldn’t be here instantly like last time. For now all they could do was continue to wait. There was also the fact that they needed to bring the others to the pocket dimension so that they wouldn’t be in any danger. Ranma went off to call the dojo with Herb telling him to wait for Peach she could escort them. Akane left to go get some cloths. Kodachi decided to take her chances at home. If Palm chooses to attack her again at least they would know the extent to which she would stoop, the others nodded and started to break up into smaller groups to talk.
The morning practice session was unsurprisingly far less enthusiastic from normal. Ranma was off by himself, continuing his tracings. Herb was nearby but engaged in some simple magic practice, running through drills Sorora had instructed him on. Only Makoto and Akane were sparring with each other, with the rest of the group save the adults, who were currently elsewhere entirely, meeting off to the side out of earshot. It was this scene that Lemon watched intently, trying to muster up the courage to finally act. As Ranma began conversing with Herb as both continued their practice, Lemon found the strength and approached them. What they were discussing went unheard as they noticed her approach and both turned to her curiously. She asked the two if they could talk for a moment. Herb said nothing, merely ceasing his practice to regard her. Ranma likewise stopped his practice and nodded.
 
Lemon paused in consideration, stealing a glance back at the others before returning to the two boys. She asked if they would escort her outside so that she could try and call her mother off. Ranma considered for a moment, glancing back at Herb who gave no input on the matter. Finally he put up his arms and shrugged. While Herb called Ranma out on his recklessness he agreed as well. Herb suggested that they keep the party short if they wanted Palm to approach them. Ranma agreed that the three of them would be enough. He asked Lemon when they should go and seeing Lemon's intense look got his answer.
Having not expected it to be so easy Lemon stopped Ranma when he tried to leave, stressing to him that it could be dangerous.
 
Having long since grown tired of the whole affair Ranma was willing to risk it. both he and Herb stated that they weren’t helpless, Herb even pointed out that Palm wouldn’t want a prolonged engagement as it will attract Peach's attention. If all else failed they could always just run. As the kitsune rushed off to get her cloak Ranma asked Herb what he thought their chances were. He got a shrug as an answer. Palm's motivations were still quite the mystery. If nothing else, they could gain some info on her. Ranma agreed before noticing Lemon return from the castle with her cloak in hand, already making her way to the portal door. Telling Herb he’d meet them at the door Ranma left to go tell Kasumi.
 
Together with Kasumi, Shan, Kane, and Ranko, he explained the plan to Peach. He was easily able to tell by her expression that she didn’t approve. Peach admitted that that engaging Palm in discussion may be the best option; she just wished that there was a better way. Unfortunately there was none. Conceding this Peach still advised Ranma to run if Palm becomes hostile even telling to abandon Lemon if he had to. Kasumi reluctantly agreed believing that Palm wouldn’t hurt her daughter. After assuring Kasumi that he would be fine Ranma headed off.
 
Sometime later, the trio of Lemon, Ranma and Herb could be found atop the roof of a local apartment building. It wasn't the tallest in the neighborhood, but tall enough to allow good visibility while also being accessible. After walking about the area for several hours with no success, they had collectively agreed to simple wait for Palm to come, if she would. Lemon was currently sitting on the wall surrounding the rooftop, looking out through the safety fence at the city below, while Ranma and Herb sat against the rooftop stair enclosure. Ranma, at that moment, was looking to the sky in boredom, while Herb traced out some patterns in the air in front of him.
 
With nothing better to do Ranma asked Herb what he was doing. Herb expressed his frustration that Sorora wasn’t teaching him any useful magic, merely fundamentals. The fact she rarely visited made it worse. Ranma smirked at this but said nothing. Instead he gave his sympathies as he wasn’t really making any headway either. Herb was surprised as it seemed like Ranma had been making some progress, it just wasn’t enough for Ranma however. Herb told Ranma that he was developing something fairly new so it was expected to be reasonably slow going. Ranma accepted this. After checking on Lemon Ranma changed the subject asking Herb why Lime and Mint hadn’t come with them. It turns out that they had been making a fuss about him going off on his own all the time. It’s just that circumstances simply have not favored them being involved.
 
There conversation was interrupted by the weather rather suddenly shifting for the worse. They initially thought it was the usual Nerima weather but quickly realized something was wrong. In mere moments there entire surroundings had shifted, like the whole of the city had suddenly been assaulted by some particularly aggressive vegetation which was now growing everywhere. Trees and bush quickly sprouted up through the concrete of the ground beneath them, forcing them to move as they shot into the sky. Remembering Lemon Ranma looked around, and sure enough the kitsune was nowhere to be seen. When he turned back to Herb he noticed the distance between them had somehow increased. Where before they had been just a few strides apart, now they were at nearly ten times that distance. Realizing that Palm was trying to separate them Ranma tried to rush to Herb, but quickly found he was making no progress.
 
Not giving up Ranma used the flicker step. He noticed Herb too had apparently come to the same conclusion and same idea as he too began to run his way, and with their matched improved velocity, they came together before the flicker ended. Luckily by then their surroundings seemed to be settling. Unfortunately they couldn’t sense Lemon. Ranma believed they were in a pocket dimension, expressing his frustration at the versatility of spatial magic when Herb told him it was something else. Herb however was worried as he hadn’t expected Palm to powerful enough to create a conceptual space. He groaned as he felt the distinct sensation of a downpour beginning. "Naturally," he, or rather she, bemoaned as the Jusenkyo transformation took hold. As frustrating as it was it seemed to have calmed them both down. Ranma asked what do they do next, but sadly Herb told him that they were on their own and retreat is no longer an option.
Ranma and Herb marched through the wood with a heavy downpour bombarding them as the latter explained to the former what a conceptual space was. After what felt like hours Ranma had enough and demanded that Palm come out and fight them. When Herb admonished Ranma for wasting Ranma snapped a tree in half in frustration. Ranma called out Herb for being a hypocrite when she called him pathetic. Herb was about to retort when she realized something was wrong and asked Ranma if he was okay. By this point Ranma was done and told Herb they should split up. Without even waiting for a reply, Ranma began walking off in another direction. Herb called Ranma a fool as she turned away and continued on their original course, alone. Unseen by either, Palm simply smiled and slowly began following after the transformed prince.
 
Ranma marched on, barely taking notice of the rain slowly abating. This did nothing to ease Ranma's mind though, and his irritation at the whole situation simply continued to get worse. He continued to mumble and grumble to himself for quite some time before the sky above became clear, and he entered a clearing. He barely noted the change though before noticing Lemon standing across from him. Briefly the fog of his irritation made him think she was his target, but fortunately a closer inspection clued him in. Upon seeing him Lemon rushed over asking where Herb was. Brushing it off, Ranma asked her about her mother. He experienced a mix of emotions when told that he had just missed her. Looking back the way he came, Ranma told Lemon to wait there while he went after Palm.
 
Grabbing Ranma by the arm, Lemon informed him that Kasumi wasn’t the target Herb was only to be brushed off again. This caused Lemon to realize something was wrong and she held firm when Ranma tried to pull away. Ranma ignored her concern and more aggressively pulled, freeing himself. Telling her that he was fine started to turn away once again, but just then Lemon removed her hood. The effect was instant as Lemon's natural magics overwhelmed Ranma's mind and he stood, mesmerized. Telling him to act normally Lemon restored her hood as Ranma blinked a few times and shook his head before looking around, somewhat confused. As Lemon explained to Ranma that the conceptual space was messing with his head, he finally registered what she said about Herb being the target.
 
Ranma was about to run off and find Herb, when he thought of something and asked Lemon how long she was talking with her mother. This caused him to realize that the space was not only messing with his emotions, but his perception of time as well. Sadly Lemon pointed out that Palm may have actually bent time. After a few more moments, Lemon frowned and after a second of consideration, was able to figure out that since Palm’s scent permeated the space, she should be able to track Herb.
 
As the two headed toward where Lemon determined where Herb was they kept hearing the sound of a horn. After a while they realized that they weren’t getting anywhere. Much to Lemon’s confusion, Ranma stopped to snap the branch off of a tree. This puzzling act made sense a few minutes later when Ranma realized that they were running around in circles after they had paced the same tree, whose branch had grown back. Ranma told a dejected Lemon to let him think before breaking off the same branch. Both intently watched the tree as the seconds passed. Then, suddenly the branch seemed to reverse in time, repairing itself. Shortly after came the call of the horn. While it proved that Palm was messing with the area, the revelation didn’t do much to help them get out of the loop.
 
When they heard the horn again Ranma theorized that they had time between horn calls to catch up to Palm. He figured that using flickered again would work. Unfortunately, that still left the question of how they would escape the conceptual space. After apologizing to Lemon Ranma told her that he needed a kitsune to test on. Lemon withdrew, but the sound of another horn call caused her to moan and nod. When they heard the next horn Ranma took off immediately pushing as hard as he could to race ahead to the source of the sound. Just as he was beginning to have his doubt he saw it, a wisp of darkness, running ahead of him. Soon it became clear what that wisp truly was, along with the many others around it, demonic hounds. Ranma continued on, rapidly rushing past them towards their target. It took only one extra jump to reach Herb. Seeing the vacant expression on Herb’s face nearly stunned him.
 
Ranma attempted to get Herb to snap out of it. Unfortunately Herb gave no reply and seemed to lose interest in Ranma, returning his full attention ahead. He started in Shock when Palm’s voice came from his side telling him that this was none of his concern, but kept his pace as he looked over at her. Ranma attempted a quick jump kick at her, but found himself flying radically off target. After admonishing himself for thinking it would be that easy, Ranma flickered once more and joined Herb again, a sick feeling entering him as he started to put two and two together about what she did to Herb. Knowing that running wasn’t a real option Ranma looked back at the hounds before refocusing on Palm. As he was contemplating his next move, Herb finally spoke. telling that attacking was useless in broken speech. 
 
While happy that Herb was at least still there, Ranma told her to save her energy. Amused, Palm unexpectedly reined her mount in and raised her hand. In response the hounds halted their advance. She told Ranma that Herb was correct as the world was hers to command. Ranma huffed and came to a halt as well, noticing Herb do likewise. He then fired off a blast of ki at the distant hounds. None reacted, and the blast hit true but did nothing as the form of the struck beast simply scattered like smoke only to reform. Ranma responded to Palm’s continued taunts by calling her a coward. Scowling at this Palm corrected Ranma, telling him that this wasn’t a fight it was retribution. Ranma wasn’t buying it and just called Palm a sicko, stating that there was nothing noble about her actions. Ranma to goad until he suddenly found Palm right in front of him, a look of unbridled rage in her eyes as she stabbed her hand through his chest.
 
Ranma let out a pained groan and desperately reached out at her, able only to barely touch her face before strength left his arm. Palm withdrew her hand, now covered in Ranma's blood and shoved the boy backward to the ground. From her vantage point, Herb could see the life leave Ranma, a large hole in his chest right where his heart would be. Despite this alarming sight, the prince gave no indication of a reaction, and simply watched. As Ranma seemingly took in one last breath, the wound quickly sealed and repaired itself, even his clothing being restored and Ranma took in a new shocked breath before bolting upright.
 
It took awhile for Ranma to come back to his senses, when he did a smug Palm asked him if he still wanted to fight. In response Ranma steadied his breathing and forced a smile onto his face, before telling Palm that she had already lost. Palm was trying to figure out what he was talking about when she seemed to notice something. She looked about sharply, then to the opposite side, as if trying to trace a sound. She spun about, still confused when she raised her hands to her head and started to make confused grunts. Ranma rushed back to a confused Herb. Telling her that she would explain later, he had her sense where Lemon was. As their brief conversation had been underway, Palm's confusion had graduated into panic as she desperately held her head and she began to hyperventilate. However, before Ranma and Herb could begin their run, she screamed out and lashed out, her arms changing into long slender rope like appendages that slashed through the trees around her. Both Herb and Ranma managed to duck under the wild attack, and bolted the second she paused to scream again.
 
As they ran, Ranma looked back to see the kitsune repeat her flailing assault on the trees around her, but they were now out of range. However, while the assault itself did not reach them, a nauseating sensation washed over him. Ranma powered through the sensation, but soon found the very ground seemed to be swelling and dipping erratically. Both he and Herb stumbled and fell to the ground as the sensation worsened and the world started to bend entirely around them. Unfortunately for Ranma, this collapse was not easy on him either. The nausea only intensified and vertigo assaulted him, forcing him to close his eyes in a desperate attempt to manage it. Fortunately, though, the effect did pass, and he finally opened his eyes to see he was once more on the rooftop, apparently having never left. Collapsed next to him was Herb, apparently having been feeling the same effect, and Lemon was just a few short feet in front of him. Just as relief was starting to set in, a loud scream came from behind him, and only pure instinct saved him.
 
Palm was still thrashing behind him, but now, outside the conceptual space, all four were now confined to the rooftop, a much smaller space, and one which put them all within each other's easy reach. Ranma barely dodged another sweeping attack, and in the next instant had to snatch up Lemon as she too nearly became a victim. Herb fortunately seemed to have regained enough sense to dodge on her own, carrying all three out of harm's way for the moment. Palm continued attacking randomly around her, forcing them to continue to dodge as the rooftop was quickly laid to waste. Luckily just as Ranma was about to grab Lemon and jump off the roof a new voice could be heard.
 
Ranma looked back in confusion to see a new woman on the rooftop standing over what looked like a pool of water on the roof itself. Ranma puzzled at this until he saw her gesture up and the pool rise off the roof, and reveal itself to instead be a decorated mirror with several charms attached around it. The surface of the water grew still turning into the mirror-like surface, but from within Ranma could see Palm in a great void continuing to silently lash out at the nothingness around her. Ranma set Lemon down and let himself finally feel the fatigue gripping him, before explaining to the newcomer who, given by her appearance he guessed was another kitsune allied with Peach that he gave Palm a really bad attack of synesthesia. Their conversation ended when Ranma noticed Herb start to stagger and quickly moved to balance the prince. Lemon transformed and rushed over as well, while the woman simply observed. Simple support proved insufficient as all strength quickly left the prince and she collapsed, although Ranma managed to catch her. Herb barely registered his words before passing out.
==Physical Abilities==
As one of the heirs of the Anything Goes Martial Arts School, Ranma was the school's most powerful warrior. It terms of his relative skill level, he basically started just above Shampoo. In a technical sense, he's actually probably above Ukyo, but she's so damned hyper aggressive she would overcome that disadvantage, and particularly now she has super powered modes that more than make up for her lack in pure technical skill. Against Herb, Herb is probably the technically superior, but as their initial match showed his own arrogance is still apt to make him not take things sufficiently seriously and thus Ranma would exploit that to make up the gap in most cases. Though now that Ranma has some technique to attack the ki system, Herb would have to take the fight very seriously to reliably win. Kasumi and Ranko would both be technically superior and have enough physical advantages to make most any fight fall in their favor with Ranma as their opponent baring special circumstances.
Like his counterparts Ranma is a veritable combat genius in every sense of the word. His analytical abilities aren’t at the same level as Ranko due to a mix of getting complacent and kind a bored too while also not having the harsh training his counterpart did. He still tries to analyze his opponents for exploits, and has a reasonably diverse approach, although when pushed he tends to go offensive first. Like with Kasumi whose early Tendo School training in shown in her favoring a more Aikido like approach Ranma offensive mindset is the result of his early training in the Saotome school.
Canon Ranma while he does analyze opponent, isn’t likely to, join their school to learn how to beat them. He is always, instead, analyzing from outside or getting outside assistance. This version however approached Rippa in this same way, trying to analyze how he was losing, but finally having to throw in the towel and join the school to figure it out. Ironically Ranma’s skill is limited because of a trait that in a roundabout way, he inherited from his father Sloth. Ranma has a desire to get stronger, but doesn’t really push himself. Ranma’s rapid increase in skill since the beginning of the series is more a result of natural talent then any real effort on his part. It is repeatedly shown that Ranma doesn’t put in a lot of effort to grow stronger.
For example after his initial defeat of Rippa he never bothered to incorporate what he knew of the dance style into Anything Goes. He quickly accepted the fact that Ukyo and Kasumi badly outclassed him. Which is why he was excited when Herb first showed up since as a near equal she kept Ranma on his toes. However like with Shampoo after he defeated Herb he no longer viewed her as a rival (at least in martial arts). When this was pointed out to him by Ranko, Ranma agreed that he had let his fighting instinct fizzle out and quickly set about to rectify the situation. The step to achieve this was by finally incorporating the dance style into his technique.
In battle, he utilizes his agility and strength to overwhelm opponents, aiming for their weak points and vitals with simultaneous combination attacks, while analytically formulating counters to their fighting style and special powers. His movements continuously deceive the combat instincts of his opponents by constant incorporation of feints and blind-spot capitalization, making his attacks difficult to predict.
Known techniques that Ranma has used:
*Keijutsu - The art of manipulating acupuncture pressure points in accordance with eastern medicine. While Ranma’s knowledge on how to alter the flow of energy is still in its infancy, he is still able to deal in various results. Such as causing ki contamination by injecting his own into opponent’s ki energy centers, causing opponents ki leak out uncontrollably by jamming open a few of their energy channels, he can even actively drain opponent’s energy. For example he was able to forcibly cause a really bad attack of synesthesia within Palm, though according to him it was more like cross wiring than simple distortion.
*Martial Arts Dance - This general form allows the user advantages when music is present. Primary among these is being able to read the beat of an opponent allowing them far greater predictive ability of that opponents strategies and tactics.
*Kongōtaihō (金剛体法; lit. "Tempered Diamond Body"): A technique that enables the body to become as solid as diamond. It works by assembling the chi in ones body to the area of the body where an attack will strike preemptively strengthening and hardening the area to increase defense. The name comes from the fact that Chi flows like water and the strongest water pressure can stop even bullets. The technique was developed with the help of Ranko so is most likely based off of her ki shield. Like keijutsu it is still in its infancy so it relies more on his physical conditioning then spiritual.
*Dragon Fang Fist/Strike: A technique taught to Ranma by Shampoo that allows him encharge his punches with powerful ki blasts, or to fire ki blasts at an opponent. He has mastered it enough that he is able to control the output of the energy he unleashes.
*Ha Do Ken: Ranma was taught this technique by Kasumi and while he has mastered it by his own admission it really isn’t that compatible with him. He doesn’t use it do to his fear of succumbing to the Dark Ha Do. 
*Chi Magic: A theoretical type of magic that specializes in the manipulation of Chi instead of mana. Ranma is attempting the theory by combining magical theory with his knowledge of Keijutsu and External Chi Gathering, but has been less then successful. At most he is able to give himself a small speed boost at the coast of heavy physical recoil. It turns out he was using the wrong language. At this point while Ranma has been able to get it working, there isn't much room to work with to do anything complex, and it still is all internal. 
==Notes==
In contrast with Ranko Ranma seems to be based off of his manga counterpart.
Category:A Scary Thought
Category:Ranma Saotome