Kodachi Kuno (Love Note)

**Kodachi Kuno** (九能 小太刀 *Kunō Kodachi*) is the younger sister of Tatewaki Kuno and the daughter of Principal Kuno.

## Appearance

Kodachi is a teenaged girl of medium height with curvaceous build. Her hair is very dark and almost always worn in a distinctive one-sided ponytail. Unlike her brother she wears clothing appropriate for school and other walks of life, but apparently always wears her gymnastic leotard and toe shoes underneath. If she feels the need for combat she will often whip off her outer clothing in one move and fight in her leotard.

## History

Known as "The Black Rose" (黒薔薇の小太刀 *Kurobara no kodachi*) in the gymnastics community, Kodachi is presented as Tatewaki Kuno's sister and a student at St. Hebereke's School for Girls (St. Bacchus School for Girls in the manga). This is in contrast to her brother and several members of the regular cast, who attend the co-ed Furinkan High School. As a master of Martial Arts Rhythmic Gymnastics and captain of the school's team, she often preemptively attacks her opponents with various weapons, including swords or a giant mallet to cripple them, thus winning by default. She calls it "fighting in all fairness *before* the match." Kodachi had seldom, if ever, lost a match before battling Ranma as a result of this practice. When these failed, she has also resorted to the use of more devious methods, once attempting to shake her foe's hand with thumbtacks between her fingers. She is especially fond of using paralysis gas and sleeping powders on people, even when she has no apparent motivation to do so.

## Plot

When Kasumi used the Love Note on Kodachi she felt that it would be best to just let the note decide on who the person should be with. It turns out that Kodachi is bisexual so she ended up falling in love with Ukyo Kounji. Ukyo threw Kodachi out of her restaurant sending and continued to try and chase her off when she told her to embrace the passion between them.

After coming across Ranma wondering the streets of Nerima aimlessly, Kodachi attacking him. Though she initially tried to claim it was an accident upon seeing that Ranma wasn’t buying it she informed him that she was leaving him for Ukyo. He tried to get her to realize that it was the fault of cupid, but she didn’t care, leaving him to cringe at how upset Ukyo would be. As Ranma tried to figure out whether this was a good thing the way the inevitable happened Kodachi went from love interest to rival. She demanded that he renounce his engagement to Ukyo or face her full fury. Knowing that no good would come of this Ranma opted to run away. Kodachi tried to make chase, but quickly fell further behind.

Mousse leaving to try and get his job back allowed Kodachi to sneak in and wait for her. When a shocked Ukyo found her she tried to playfully flirt with her which served only to disgust Ukyo. Getting tired a frustrated Ukyo pulled out her weapon and tried to get Kodachi to realize that her affection was just the result of Cupid.

Kodachi surprised Ukyo by revealing that she was fully away of this, but she had never felt like this before, while Ranma was amusing enough it wasn’t the same. Shaking her head to banish the thought, and the imagery this revelation brought up, Ukyo told her she still wouldn’t be her girlfriend.

Kodachi expressed her own frustrations at Ukyo pining over Ranma stating that he treated her poorly. However, before Ukyo started considering an all out brawl, which would no doubt cause considerable damage to the facilities, Kodachi changed approaches. She told Ukyo that she would prove her worth though when Ukyo told her to leave she told her anything but that. Her patience used up, Ukyo told Kodachi to go find a good psychiatrist, much to her surprised while Kodachi denied she needed one she agreed.

True to her word even though she thought it was totally unnecessary Kodachi set up an appointment to see a psychiatrist. The secretary ignored her complaints about being there as she waited. When his last session ended she told him the same thing as they went into his office. A half an hour later he told his secretary to schedule Kodachi to a session every other day.

Kodachi’s therapist put her on medication causing her to become much saner. He also told her that she was obsessing about her gymnastics, causing her to quit the team. Unfortunately this caused her former teammates to begin harassing Ukyo who they blame fore telling her to go to a psychiatrist in the first place. Ukyo was eventually forced to go to Kodachi for help.

She found her as she was in the bath bath and in her embarrassment Ukyo ended up accidentally falling in with Kodachi. Kodachi provided Ukyo a bathrobe and she explained what was going on as Kodachi got dressed. While Kodachi agreed to talk to her team she couldn’t promise that they would like what she had to say.

Ukyo was satisfied when she agreed to at least talk to her therapist about her quitting. While Ukyo was in no mood for small talk she was not in much of a position to evade it either since Sasuke was still drying her clothing. Seeing how uncomfortable she was Kodachi agreed to hurry it along so that they could go talk to her team. Ukyo retires to her room leaving Kodachi outside talking with her squad, satisfied that she at least appeared to be talking them down.

She was watching Cupid’s Arrow when Kodachi returned. She couldn’t promise that there would be no further trouble, but her team appeared to have seen reason. She did tell Ukyo to contact her if they trouble her further and she would discuss it with them. Under normal circumstances, Ukyo might have felt sorry for the girls. She was long past that point though. Unfortunately Ukyo agreed that if Kodachi was able to get them to stop she would no longer be banished from the restaurant.

Ukyo once again brought up the fact that Kodachi’s love for her was coerced, but she brushed it off as love wearing off was the risk in all relationships. Kodachi asked if Ukyo believed she and Ranma were any different to which Ukyo was quick to reply that Cupid didn’t make her love him. Unexpectedly, Kodachi nodded in seeming acceptance of this. Though she did ask why Ukyo changed her mind about getting revenge on Ranma for abandoning her. Ukyo mentally replied that he called her cute, but knew such a response sounded lame. So merely said that it was complicated. Kodachi smiled at that answer and left leaving Ukyo with a shiver.

Kodachi cam across Ranma-chan while she was wondering the street. Now that she was no longer interested in Ranma she held no animosity against Ranma-chan allowing her to finally notice how similar the two looked. Kodachi asked Ranma-chan if she was Ranma’s sister. Ranma went with it deciding not to try and explain his curse. Kodachi was disappointed at this as it would serve her interests far better for her to be Ranma’s girlfriend. Ranma-chan started to laugh nervously when Kodachi started bemoaning how she wished Ukyo could see that Ranma never had any intention of marrying her. she started bemoaning how much it pained her to see her love be taking advantage of. Ranma just grin and bore it as Kodachi continued to bad mouthed him. Kodachi finished by stating her intention to be patient as Ranma would slip up eventually. Turning her focus back on Ranma-chan she asked her to convey what she just said to her brother. Kodachi gave Ranma a brief nod before continuing on her way. Ranma likewise waved weakly goodbye.

Since they all expressed a desire to aid in his investigation L invited Kuno, Kodachi, Ranma, Ryoga, Akane, Soun, Genma, Nabiki, Kasumi, Ukyo, Shampoo, Mousse, Cologne, and Tofu to a high rise building. He met with Cologne first figuring it was best to meet with her before the others.

Those first meeting the man paused in some wonderment, particularly noting his odd sitting posture. However, this lasted only a moment before they all began to take seats. Though he still had doubts Ranma confirmed to Nabiki the only one aware that Trista was there that he was the man he met. L introduced himself as Ryuzaki and Kuno was the first to express gis doubt that L was who he claimed he was. L confirmed who he was, but also eased there doubts stated that even if he wasn’t he was at least speaking on behalf of L.

L agreed to allow them to help him, but he didn’t sugar coat the fact that fact that they were all still suspects, though he didn’t reveal his exact suspects. Nabiki kept her face neutral at this revelation. With that he laid down what he had deduced so far noting. L eyed each member of the group in turn, pausing particularly on Kasumi who was all smiles and seemed absolutely riveted on the conversation.

The first was that there were Two Cupids. Many repeated in surprise. Nabiki in particular could not help but frown at this revelation. Much to Nabiki’s annoyance he explained how Kasumi clued him in on how Cupid needs a name and face to affect you. As he was talking the second Cupid revealed themselves on Cupid’s arrow. The others wanted to rush to put a stop to it, but L protested that it was to dangerous to intervene the others rushed. The second Cupid introduced themselves as the real Cupid telling L that they would offer him a gift of their benevolence.

When the people gathered at the station started trying to batter there way in L called to have all broadcasts cut realizing that Cupid was still affecting them. With nothing else to to Ranma, Ryoga, Mousse, Akane, Shampoo Ukyo, Kodachi and Tatewaki went to the building to do what they could. Even Soun elbowed Genma and the pair joined in as well. Before they left L told them to everything that Cupid provided. Kasumi called out to them to be careful while beside her, Nabiki simply crossed her arms, a frown firmly locked on her face.

When L received a letter from Cupid he once more gathered with the various residents of Nerima to tell them what had happened. He also informed them of his theory that the Cupid they knew from before was in fact two people. There were various degrees of surprise at hearing this. Kasumi was the first to ask why the second Cupid never used such power until now. L figured that that there was some downside to it. Mousse was vehemently against agreeing as Cupid still needed reverse the damage the damage they had done. Upon being told that there was no evidence to date that Cupid can terminate love, only generate it he started banging his head on the table in frustration.

Kasumi got things back on track by asking L what he planned on doing. Given the seriousness of the situation L was inclined to agree so he told them to wait until he had more precise instruction on what to do. There was a variety of low key grumbles in response to this, but little else. Kodachi who was content with how things were found that fair. As they left she told the others that she was sure they’d adapt to her own situation in time while smiling at Ukyo. Ukyo just quickly looked away.

Later he played them an audio of not only him denying Cupid’s request, but a recording of the second Cupid denying the new ones legitimacy. After hearing it several were shifting into various disquieted positions and expressions. He asked them to stay at the building. They had come and gone numerous times and might be in danger as they could have been seen. The various Nerima residents looked at each other in consideration before Cologne took the initiative on behalf of herself, Shampoo and Mousse. This got the others to agree as well. He had Watari prepare them rooms as they waited for the official broadcast.

As expected it didn’t long for the worshipers of the third Cupid to find L’s building, with the more bold individuals shoving or otherwise attacking the other shutters in futility. While everyone else was in the main room Ukyo went off on her own. Kodachi found her looking outside, down at the crowd below. Kodachi tried to make small talk only to get short blunt answers causing her eventually to ask if Ukyo was moping. Ukyo’s face twitched at the accusation, but she did not argue. A moment of silence passed before Ukyo asked Kodachi how she dealt with knowing the person she loved loved someone else.

Kodachi told her that theoretically you would have the three D options: denial, defeat, or defiance. Seeing Ukyo’s confused glance she elaborated a little more. After she was finished Ukyo shoulders sagging, things were different when it was just Akane, but now that Ranma had fallen in love with Kasumi. Kodachi asked Ukyo is she thought she couldn’t endure the heartache causing Ukyo to sharply look at her, her eyes wide for an instant before quickly turning away. Kodachi smiled slightly but said nothing more.

Ukyo started to apologize for what Cupid did to Kodachi only to be quickly cut off as Kodachi was perfectly content with her situation. Besides she wasn’t about to crumble from a little heartache and was sure Ukyo could manage to. Once more Ukyo looked to Kodachi in surprise but the gymnast took a greater interest in the crowd. Ukyo looked as well, but before she could offer any ideas an explosion rocked the building from precisely that point.

Watari informed the group that someone had reached the network room and he believed they were trying to hack the system. As the worshipers began to break into the building everyone decided to go and stop them. L asked Ranma if he could stop those who were trying to hack into the system.

They had barely made it into the main stairwell before the next explosion hit, breaching the last of the obstacles between them and the protesters. As expected, before even the dust had cleared, people were pouring in through the breach. Cologne instructed the group to keep them from getting any further up as she dove into the fray, effortlessly disabling three men with but a touch. Shampoo and Mousse followed in just after. Ranma and the others were just finished dealing with those that slipped by when another explosion, further away, could be heard. Genma, Soun, Akane and Ryoga left to deal with that.

The protesters began throwing Molotov cocktails and while they were quickly ablr to put out the fires they still activated the sprinklers. Kodachi who had been having fun dealing with the chaos of a good riot let out an uncharacteristic squeak of shock at finally witnessing Ranma, Mousse, and Shampoo’s transformation. As Ranma looked back at the wide eyed Kodachi, she wondered if the the sprinklers were linked. Her questions were answered when she heard Akane yell Ryoga’s name in shear outrage. Ignoring that for now Ranma left Cologne to hold things here while she ran to the network room.

Kodachi was still in shock, making unintelligible sounds for several more seconds before finally asking Cologne and Cologne if they say it two which they just affirmed calmly. Kodachi’s anger and embarrassment was ignored as another wave of protesters approached. She did tell them they would deal with it later. Hours later, police were escorting various protesters and troublemakers from the building. Ukyo had managed to retrieve Ranma who they found paralyzed on the floor, but could do nothing for her till the trouble died down. Now finally free to act, Cologne was to fix Ranma. She explained to everyone that his ki had been poisoned. L didn’t believe that it was a coincidence that the person who broke in knew such an obscure technique and asked Ranma if he at get a look at either of them, but they wore mask.

Ultimately they were at a stalemate. The hack failed but the hacker escaped. Since there was no indication that any of them were identified it should be safe for them to go home. After Ryoga tried to jump off of the roof Ranma took him to Ucchan hoping she could help. The two overlooked him singing sadly to himself, spaced out of the goings on around him, sitting on the floor and rocking slowly back and forth while Ranma tried to ignore Kodachi periodically dousing him in cold and hot water by the second. Eventually he got tired of it causing Kodachi to go and get a mop to clean the mess up.

Still coming to terms with Ryoga being P-chan Ukyo asked Ranma why he didn’t tell Akane. Kodachi asked him as well though the fact that she was far more blunt about it caused an annoyed Ranma to just say that it was complicated. Not caring about the crying Ryoga Kodachi asserted that Akane was being taken advantage of by a shape changing pervert was correct. Ranma could just cringe and look away.

Ukyo had to go and open the restaurant so told them to stay out of trouble. After she finished cleaning up Kodachi asked why he felt the need to hide his curse from her. Given that there relationship was largely in Kodachi’s head and her antics usually creeped him out Ranma had never really tried to explain it to her. As her brother he tried but Kuno just couldn’t get it. Kodachi urged Ranma to tell her brother for his own good and her amusement. Having given up trying along time ago Ranma told her she was welcomed to.

With that Ranma turned on the tv to see the news on the coverage about the attack on L’s building. When one of the crowd members interviewed stated that they had come because they saw Joe on the tv Ranma and Kodachi were surprised when Ryoga unexpectedly repeated what she said. Ryoga stared at the screen for a little before loosing interest believing it couldn’t be her. Ranma asked Ryoga who her was with Ryoga telling him Anna before going back to moping. Not knowing who Anna was Ranma decided to go check things out.

kodachi was amusing herself as best as she was able with the television, but was mostly trying to tune out Ryoga’s sorrow filled whispered song that he simply continued to repeat endlessly. As she pondered what it was about Akane that he found so attractive a a voice called out from the stairs asking for Joe. The reaction from Ryoga was startling as he suddenly grew aware of his surroundings once more, almost like he had been shocked.

When he responded she rushed upstairs stating how she thought Ranma was sketchy and trying to get her alone. Ranma began to protest causing to joke that she found him sketchy. In a bit of a panic Ryoga asked Anna what she was doing there and she told him about how she saw him on the television. Some of Ryoga’s usual ire was renewed towards Ranma when he asked him how he could run off on such a fine lady.

Ryoga dragged Ranma into the hall apparently getting into a whispered conversation. Anna was telling Kodachi how she met Ryoga when the two returned. Ranma asked Anna where she was staying, and when she told them her aunt was letting her stay at her place. Kodachi guessed the answer had just refuted some argument Ryoga had been relying on. Much to Kodachi’s ire Ryoga just told Anna that things were complicated when she asked him why he was down, luckily she did say anything. Anna assured Ryoga that she would help him out. He tried to tell her that was not necessary, but told her that Ryoga could use all the moral support she could muster. Ryoga tried to complain but neither Ranma nor Anna seemed to care.

Ranma and Kodachi let the two get reacquainted and went to the main floor with Ukyo. With that Kodachi knew that it was time for her to leave as well. She told Ukyo she knew where to find her if she had any further need. Ukyo just mumbled that she didn’t have much need in the first place as Kodachi left.