Ranma Saotome (Love Note)

**Ranma Saotome** (早乙女乱馬 *Saotome Ranma*) is a Japanese teenage boy who has trained in martial arts since early childhood. As a result of falling into an enchanted spring during a training journey in China, he is cursed to transform into a girl when splashed with cold water, while hot water changes him back into a boy.

## Character

Ranma is a very contradictory character, possessing both positive and negative attributes. He can be petty, spiteful, egotistic, or manipulative, especially when irritated, pushed, or just uncomfortable. Despite everything, Ranma is shown as a generally very helpful and compassionate sort when he clearly notices that someone is in serious trouble, including people he just met if asked for assistance, and will recurrently feel extremely bad after he has gone too far. When he doesn't act cocky and arrogant towards his rivals, Ranma is actually a very nice person. If you're his friend, you see how loyal and caring he actually is. He even saved Herb's and Nabiki's lives, and felt sad for Happōsai when the latter felt abandoned by his students.

Ranma is marked by his childhood of being raised by Genma and has trouble getting on with people, though he's not as bad as people claim (as many of his distracters are just as bad if not worse). He’s able to utilize some of the more manipulative aspects of martial arts and knowledge gained from dating magazines for flirting, but ultimately he’s a shy and insecure when it comes to his feelings causing him to try and pretend he is totally disinterested. This is seen when the Kasumi accidentally makes him fall in love with her.

Also while Ranma’s compassion is admirable it combined his blunt nature is his biggest flaw. Ranma often thinks of others before himself (at least when it doesn’t involve curing his curse), but where others think of themselves and a significant other he thinks of everyone as a whole in a given situation. He was the first to wonder if his fiancé situation was the result of cupid given how quickly they fell in love with other. This makes him an easy target for is rivals and love interests anger, especially since they will have at least one other person to back their claim. Even in situation where he is generally at fault he ends up taking more blame then necessary. This is especially seen when Ryoga’s deception of p-chan was discovered. While Ranma kept his promise not to tell anyone, he didn’t argue the fact the he never tried to stop Ryoga or try to give Akane clues. He also accepted Akane’s hypocritical claim that him also thinking of Ryoga’s feeling meant that he chose him over her, given her double standards between the two.

## History

Ranma Saotome, the only son of Genma and Nodoka Saotome has led a fairly difficult life. At a young age, he was taken by Genma on various training journeys. On one of the most recent ones, Genma decided to take Ranma to China to train in Jusenkyo, an area of cursed springs (which Genma did not know). Ranma was knocked in to the "Spring of Drowned Girl," and now transforms into a female version of himself when splashed with cold water.

Ranma is 16 years old, and lives with the Tendo family and his father at the Tendo Dojo. Genma and Soun Tendo arranged for their children to be wed, and so Ranma and Akane were engaged (Nabiki and Kasumi said that they didn't want to marry Ranma, so Akane was chosen by default). Ranma and Akane rarely get along, which seems to stem from the fact that Ranma is quite the ladies man. In fact, he is also engaged to Shampoo and Ukyo Kuonji. While not engaged, Kodachi Kuno also hopes to marry Ranma one day.

## Plot

After Kasumi’s disastrous attempt at getting Shampoo and Mousse together she decided it would be best to limit herself to the direct problem of Ranma and Akane's relationship. Unfortunately even though they clash more often than not due to Ranma's general attitude and Akane's mild dislike of men they do have feelings for each other; so when Kasumi used the Love Note it caused their love to return to to its default. They both fell for the first compatible person they encountered Ranma to Kasumi and Akane to Mousse. Ranma ended up baking Kasumi some cookie and pretended they were from Soun.

When Kasumi decided to go out to the movies, Nabiki convinced Ranma to go with her. While there as he did with Akane he expressed his concern that about his fiancée’s

Through a combination of pride and uncertainty Ranma and Akane opted to ignore what was going on. Eventually Akane took the initiative to end the silence. She told Ranma that she knew cupid was responsible so there was no reason to blame each other. Unfortunately that just left them back where they started as nearly could really deny there knew feelings.

Despite herself Akane let the usual pangs of jealousy and anger surface when Ranma said that they should maybe accept it. He was quick to call her out on her hypocrisy, allowing her to rein it in by reminding herself that it was cupid’s fault. Ranma didn’t really know what to do just that fighting it wasn’t working.

Cupid’s antics also caused him to start questioning if his fiancée’s affection for him were real. After once again getting Akane to calm down after she jumped to conclusion that he was in love with Shampoo and Kodachi, he pointed out how suddenly they fell in love with him. This causes Akane’s anger to transform into uncertainty causing her to run off in a desperate attempt to escape the situation. Ranma didn’t give chase.

Ranma wondered the streets of Nerima aimlessly, only interrupted by 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.

Despite Ranma knowing that Akane was trying to make him jealous, he couldn’t will himself to leave as he spied on her and Mousse’s date. He was interrupted by Shampoo. Unexpectedly, his lack of interest seemed to have an affect, as Shampoo released him from her usual hug. However since he was so focused on Akane he didn’t notice. The two sat in silence for awhile before Ranma grabbed Shampoo and went into the restaurant.

Akane and Mousse’s reaction to seeing them were predictably bad. Mousse and Ranma were soon exchanging barbs, and as usual Mousse was taking the worst of it. The ensuing fight was brief. As expected, Ranma laid Mousse out, but not before several tables and chairs became unfortunate victims of the battle. Frowning, Akane got to her feet and stalked over to Ranma.

She called Ranma out for starting a fight, to which he countered by called her out for trying to make him jealous. In outrage she punted him away. Ranma crashed near Kasumi. At seeing her his angry demeanor quickly shifted to a nervous one, and then shifted to challenging upon noticing L’s proximity to her. This merely caused the detective to return a look of seeming boredom. Ranma was skeptical when L told him who he was.

Kasumi, L, and Ranma went to a restaurant to talk Kasumi remained oblivious to any implied meaning to L’s words as he explained to them his theories about Cupid. While Ranma just expressed his annoyance and frustration about everything that was going on. when Ranma sarcastically asked him how Cupid was pulling it off he told them that they needed a name and a face.

Kasumi ended up asking him why those people who are affected where Cupid would know both people’s names seem to not last as long. L had not thought of that and couldn’t hide his shock. Ranma decided to leave after this taking Kasumi with him. the two were greeted by Nabiki when they returned to the dojo who was shocked to learn that they had met L. This caused Kasumi to wonder if her sister was sick.

Ranma dismissed Nabiki’s question of what the three talked about. As he left Nabiki said she’s take a nap while Kasumi went to prepare dinner. Ranma was sitting out by the field during lunch when Ukyo found him. Having heard about how the St. Bacchus's School for Girls rhythmic gymnastics team had been harassing he attempted to cheer her up due to all the rumors that were going around. Ukyo asked if he was free that night, but Genma wanted him to train. So she asked him about L.

Ranma wasn’t really that convinced that the man he and Kasumi met was L. when Ukyo asked why he just shrugged stating that there was really no reason for him to reveal himself, which Ukyo conceded. They two had a little small talk about who Cupid could be before he casually asked how Mousse was doing. Ukyo wasn’t fooled and just told him that he and Akane were supposed to go out again that weekend.

Ranma darkened some at hearing this, but he merely huffed. Ukyo frowned slightly at this, but uncertain which way to go, so decided to just maintain the what was for now and told him that he shouldn’t worry about it. Ranma reflexively denied that he was stating that he wouldn’t fall for Akane’s attempt to make him jealous. Ukyo was not sure whether that was a good or bad thing for her.

After getting some groceries for Kasumi as he was distracted from his confused feeling he was bowled over by Ryoga who demanded to know how he could let that happen to Akane. It took a second, but exactly what Ryoga was referring to became obvious, and with that realization Ranma slugged Ryoga, sending him to the floor a few feet away. Ranma told Ryoga that he was in no mood to deal with him and seeing the emotion on his face Ryoga backed down.

Subdued Ryoga asked Ranma if it was true while annoyed that Ryoga would accuse him of something he wasn’t even sure of that quickly went away when Ryoga told him about Akane being out with Mousse. Wondering if Akane was trying to keep it from him, Ranma allowed himself to be distracted by explaining cupid and what had been happening to Ryoga, , although he omitted his own issues with Kasumi.

Ryoga demanded that they go and convince Shampoo to take Mousse back. While Ranma knew that Ryoga really met for him to do it he admitted that it wasn’t a bad idea. The two stepped into the Nekohanten to find Shampoo and Maho waiting tables. Almost instantly, Shampoo gleefully rushed over and hugged Ranma. Ranma naturally did his usual protest at the attention, while Ryoga took it as a little comfort that not all had changed in his absence. Shampoo withdrew when Ranma told him that he was there to talk and told him that she wanted to talk as well. The two headed off to the back for privacy, leaving Ryoga behind.

Much to Ranma’s surprise Shampoo apologized to him for her past behavior. It caught him completely off guard. Ranma was not the sort of person to dwell on the past. He had his own share of misdeeds to answer for, and really he did not want to get into back and forth with anyone over who was more in the wrong. Still, that did not mean he had simply forgotten. So Seeing Shampoo so contrite, Ranma did not really know how to take her apology. All he knew was asking her to take Mousse back in after that just felt so wrong.

He ended up leaving the restaurant in shock, Shampoo followed him to ask what he wanted to talk about but he just told her to forget it. Leaving everyone a bit confused, Ranma rushed off without a further word. Ranma wondered around for a while trying to get his thoughts in order when he was splashed by a bunch of kids playing with water pistols. She was brought out of her thoughts by the arrival of Kodachi. 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.

Of all his unwanted fiancees, Ukyo worried him the most in fact. Shampoo, he could always leverage her love for him against her. Kodachi, it was just a big game to her in the first place. Ukyo though, her anger would go straight towards him, she was very serious, very capable, and had an ever growing list of complaints. It was difficult to predict exactly what would come, but the odds favored the worst. Even if Ranma beat the odds, she was almost certain that she could no longer count Ukyo as a friend. As Ranma thought on this, her mind turned back to Shampoo’s apology, wondering how Ukyo would take such a thing. Shaking her head, she dismissed the idea for now. It was far from the first time she had considered it, and it would not be the last, no doubt, but like all the other times, Ranma just did not have the nerve to attempt it.

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.

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. Ranma pointed out how this was also going to provoke Cupid’s fan club, but L had been expecting that even providing his address to the various news agencies. When Ranma called him out on his recklessness he assured him that he had made numerous security modifications for exactly this sort of scenario, and the police, while not part of the investigation, will nonetheless serve as crowd control. It would also allow him to use his equipment here to find a suspect pool from the gathered crowd.

Nabiki seemed skeptical given the number of people who most likely would come, but L believed that Cupid would stand out amongst the crowd. 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. Akane started to freak out a little when L told them they might be there for at least a week, which his assurance that it might be longer did nothing to calm her down. Nabiki just pulled out a book happy that she had brought reading material while Kasumi asked him if his divide would work.

A jealous Ranma pulled a reluctant Kasumi back towards the table with the others while suggesting that L get back to work. L watched the pair for a moment, then looked to Nabiki who was paying little mind to anything but her book. Dr Tofu also gave L a hard look as well, but quickly found something else to interest him when L noticed him. Shampoo held herself back, but was nonetheless annoyed at Ranma’s attentions to Kasumi. L pondered this as an opportunity but quickly dismissed it. With Akane in the room, as well as Mousse and Tofu, that angle would likely simply devolve into a fight.

When Watari told everyone that he laid refreshments in the cafeteria Mousse started asked Shampoo if she would like something only to be quickly told no before he could finish. This instantly caused Akane to glare at Shampoo from across the table. Noticing Ranma slightly off to the side, L walked over and joined him. he commented on the fight brewing. Ranma dismissed it knowing that him getting involved would just escalate the situation.

L brought up Ranma’s love life while he had more moral fiber than his father when it came to that he seems to have abandoned it, namely the legal situation with Shampoo. Given the chaos of the situation Ranma had never thought about what might happen to Shampoo if he didn’t marry her. Once L pointed out that punishment for failure might be severe he excused himself to go talk to Cologne.

Cologne had been off on her own smoking her pipe. She wasn’t that surprised when Ranma told her that L had put the thought in his head. She initially tried to be vague by stating that the council had full discretion on punishments for failure to comply with the law. When Ranma wouldn’t budge she told him that the worst punishment Shampoo would receive is death.

Ranma began freaking out and demanded to know why he wasn’t told this. He was surprised when Cologne told him that Shampoo didn’t want him to know as she wanted his love not his sympathy. Having always thought there marriage was a simple matter of tribal obligation Ranma didn’t know how to take that. Colgne informed Ranma that she had plans. After getting him to promise not to repeat it to anyone, especially Shampoo. Cologne explained as Shampoo’s trainer, she had the authority to take the responsibility for any transgression Shampoo may have performed. This means she would be in the clear.

Ranma was quick to point out that it would mean that Cologne would be in trouble, but she believed that her rank, history, and standing would be sufficient enough to shield her from sufficient punishment. Ranma took a moment to think before asking if there was anyway to get out of this other than marrying Shampoo. While there were ways other than his death they were nearly impossible to accomplish. Even faking his death wouldn’t be an option as the council would require proof.

Cologne told Ranma about her initial plan to get Ranma together which involved her playing the villain in order for Shampoo to prove her true feeling. However him using Shampoo to go into the nekoken instead of just fighting with her threw the proverbial wrench into the works. At that point she knew it could not succeed and had to alter her approach. After calling her out on her manipulative ways Ranma told her that it wasn’t that easy even outside of honor there were two many peoples emotions riding on him. if he can’t choose anyone without someone else getting hurt. Cologne old Ranma that hurt is inevitable. Dragging it out will only deepen the wound. While she still wanted him to choose Shampoo, the outcome would be the same no matter his decision.

Ranma told Cologne to promise him if she does get some way of getting Shampoo clear. Cologne told him that she will take it without hesitation, but should he be required she’d tell him. With that Ranma returned to the others. On his way the building shock causing him to rush to the monitor room, where he was told that someone had bombed their way in. 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.

Ranma and company 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.

Trying not to think about how angry Akane would be with her Ranma pushed past the last few people in her path and found Beta hammering away rapidly at a laptop while Alpha stood watch. Beta turned towards Ranma at the declaration in shock, before quickly retreating. Alpha was more proactive, moving to shield the woman. Realizing she was harmless Ranma focused her attention on the man the fact she wasn’t able to feel his aura causing her to believe he would be easy to deal with.

As she expected, she easily bypassed the man’s slow guard, landing a solid blow to his chin, however as he began toppling over Ranma felt a sudden surge of vertigo. Before she could even assess her situation the sapping of her strength flowed right into her legs causing her to collapse, and the vertigo intensified. Alpha managed to right himself and realizing that Ranma was a ki user told Beta to ignore her and pack up before more come. Ranma could do nothing to stop them, immobilized on the floor.

Hours later, police were escorting various protesters and troublemakers from the building. Ukyo had managed to retrieve Ranma, 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. Seeing Akane glaring daggers at him from across the room Ranma opted to stay.

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 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.

Anna was skeptical about going with Ranma despite him telling her that he knew Ryoga, believing that he just wanted to get her alone so was happy when her trust proved fruitful. The reaction from Ryoga when Anna called his name was startling as he suddenly grew aware of his surroundings once more, almost like he had been shocked. 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 and tried to get Ranma to help him convince Anna to leave.. His argument that she had no where to stay was refuted when they returned and she told them she was staying with her aunt. 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 Anna distracting Ryoga Ranma felt that it was time to deal with Akane. With Ranma’s ultimate destination set, he was not above delaying such just a bit longer. As such, his immediate destination was the Nekohanten. He arrived to find Mousse waiting the tables, and Shampoo nowhere in sight. Heading through the restaurant to the kitchen he asked Cologne if there was a counter to ki poisoning, stopping himself just before calling her ghoul.

Cologne told him what he already knew the only way to deal with Alpha was long ranged attacks without the use of ki. Much to his surprise she told him that Mousse would be the ideal opponent for Alpha due to his quantity over quality approach to fighting and restrained aura. Before he left Cologne asked Ranma why he didn’t tell Akane about the truth. Ranma told Cologne about the promise he made, but with the reveal still being recent and having already been told off by Kodachi he remained vague not really going into detail and stubling over his words. He also didn’t argue when Cologne pointed out his many instances of gaming the rules. Just stating that he didn’t tell Akane bluntly enough.

Seeing that even Ranma didn’t fully understand his reasoning Cologne decided not to pry any further and let him leave. Ranma had delayed, and delayed some more, but finally he knew he could dodge it no longer and returned to the dojo. He barely made it in the front door before finding Akane glaring at him from the stairs. After a long moment of silence between them, she stomped the remaining few steps to be in the entryway with him.

Knowing that if he had gone back to Akane with the silent vow excuse, or worse the 'I tried to clue you in' excuse, he would have been shredded, Cologne correctly identified his excuses and tore them away with ease as they were excuses. While Ranma realized what Colgne was doing unfortunately it caused him to fall back on old habits. When Akane asked him why he didn’t tell her instead of just breaking down everything that had happened Ranma focused on Ryoga’s feeling on the matter. While it doesn't calm her, she knows it is the truth and begrudgingly accepts it even if she doesn't grasp it in that moment. With that, Akane marched back up the stairs after calling Ranma out for choosing Ryoga of all people over her. Ranma just hung his shoulders wondering if things not devolving into violence was a good thing or not.

Ranma’s training in suppressing his aura was interrupted by Happosai. While initially frustrated by his presence Ranma became excited upon learning that not only was Happosai aware of ki poisoning he had encountered it before. Unfortunately, Happosai told him that finding a countermeasure was a dead end. He compared it to when Ranma fought Hinako, suppressing his aura didn’t work when trying to stop her from draining it, and ki poisoning is even worse. Using a gun or crossbow was out since Ranma didn’t want to kill Alpha. Finally, even if Ranma did somehow manage to suppress his aura the dedication needed to master ki poisoning meant that Alpha shouldn’t be underestimated. Ranma wouldn’t be able to fight him on even ground.

Ranma admitted that for once Happosai gave good advice, fighting Alpha on his terms would make losing inevitable. With nothing else to do Ranma asked Happosai about his opinion on Cupid. He cringed when Happosai started crying about not having a harem of beautiful woman. After calming down Happosai told Ranma when things came to a close, which his instincts were telling him would be soon everything will change. Ranma looked back at the old pervert as he puffed his last and walked out, considering his words. Again Ranma admitted that Happosai was right, this time in his life was nearing its end.