Ryoga Hibiki (Black Rose, Blue Thunder)

Ryoga Hibiki is the son of Genma Saotome and Atsuko Hibiki making him the half brother of Ranma Saotome. In this universe Genma married both Nodoka and Atsuko and raised them both.

## Biography

### History

At some point when he was five Ryoga got lost and ended up separated from his family for a week.

Ryoga met Tatewaki in middle school. He and Ranma were raised to fight over food, Tatewaki unaware of this figured that Ryoga was being picked on and intervened. When they explained it to him, he was awfully sorry and the three got to be friends, though Tatewaki and Ranma can barely stand each other. The only thing they have in common is sword training and that made them more competitive with each other.

Ryoga has been traveling with Tatewaki for about a year. They started off traveling with Ranma and Genma but they ended up getting separated because of Ryoga’s horrible sense of direction. One day they were at a street fighting tournament in Tokyo and got separated from the two in the crowd. The next thing they knew they were in Osaka. They’ve been traveling alone ever since as they try to look for their families.

### Plot

Tatewaki and Ryoga tracked Kodachi down to the Bayankala Mountain range only to be captured by the Musk. They had been locked up in one of the harems for a couple of days when Ryoga came up with the idea to tunnel out. After escaping they made their way to Jusenkyo hoping that Kodachi’s trail as well as that of the guy she was traveling with hadn’t gone dead. As they looked over the training ground Ryoga noticed two swift figures in the midst of a battle on top of the high bamboo poles located in middle of the springs. He pointed them out to Tatewaki saying they might be some of the local Amazons. However, Tatewaki focused on the fact that one of the combatants was a male and rushed to put a stop to it before Ryoga could stop him.

The guide ran up to Ryoga to warn him that it was dangerous to fight there. When Ryoga asked him why the Jusenkyo Guide immediately began explaining the reason at a rapid pace. In a panic Ryoga rushed off to warn Tatewaki of the danger. Turning his attention to his friend, Tatewaki asked what was wrong, calling him out for choosing such a bad time to distract him. Ryoga looked like he was about to say more when his expression changed to one of alarm as he shouted out a warning. Tatewaki had only a second to see the cannonball before it connected with the side of his face. Stumbling from the force of impact he lost his balance and fell into the cursed spring below.

In a swift movement Ryoga launched himself at Mousse who easily dodged his attack that was clumsy in his rage. In a casual movement Mousse wrapped Ryoga up in several heavy chains which caused the lost boy to topple to the ground only inches from a cursed spring. It was only by a stroke of luck that he didn't fall in. Mousse bragged that if Ryoga didn’t stop he would end up like his friend. Ryoga was about to break out of his chains and attack again but was stopped by the sound of Tatewaki struggling to climb out of the spring. Snapping his chains Ryoga dashed over to his friend who was being carefully removed from the spring by the Jusenkyo Guide. A disgusted Shampoo threw Mousse into the spring of drowned girl before going to check up on Tatewaki herself.

It seemed that Tatewaki had fallen into the spring of drowned chicken however the guide informed Ryoga and Shampoo that it was actually the spring of drowned Phoenix its just that is what the bird looked like when it died. He was about to explain how Tatewaki could grant a person unbelievable power if he sat on their head but was cut off by Ryoga asking if there was a way to reverse the curse. Pushing Ryoga's hands from the grip of his shirt the Guide produced a steaming tea kettle from out of nowhere and explained the nature of Jusenkyo while he changed Tatewaki back. Unfortunately, he was naked and seeing Shampoo's interested inspection of his body Tatewaki turned beet red and quickly grabbed his nearby backpack to cover his most private of areas. Amused at his embarrassed reaction Shampoo closed her eyes and allowed him to get changed.

After Tatewaki got dressed and the three properly introduced themselves Ryoga was ready to track Mousse down and make him pay. Only to be stopped by Tatewaki who believed that Mousse’s actions was the result of psychosis and thus felt it was a waste of time to go after a madman. He also took the time to apologize to Shampoo for insulting her status as a warrior by interrupting her duel. Remembering their last visitors Shampoo asked they two were there. Seeing the scroll on her face Tatewaki nervously told her that they were there to find his sister Kodachi and Ryoga’s family. He showed Shampoo a photo asking if she had seen her.

Shampoo instantly recognized Kodachi as the demon thief. Apologizing to Tatewaki she told him that he and Ryoga needed to return with her to her village as his sister had been marked for death. She explained to a stunned Tatewaki that a month ago Kodachi and another man who they weren’t yet aware was Ranma invaded her village and made off with several of their most valuable treasures. Seeing his friends tortured expression after hearing Shampoo's words Ryoga asked where she was taking them. Shampoo told them that she was taking them to see her great grandmother who as the tribe’s Matriarch would know what to do about Kodachi. Hearing that there was a chance to prevent his sister’s death brought Tatewaki out of his funk.

Upon meeting Cologne Tatewaki couldn’t help but wonder how it was possible that she was related to Shampoo as well as if that was what Shampoo was going to look like when she gets older. Though he was smart enough not to say his thoughts out loud. Tatewaki explained the situation to Cologne and begged her not to execute his sister. Looking into Tatewaki's tear-filled eyes Cologne grimly told him that the punishment had already been set and it would not be easy to convince the council to change their mind. She informs Tatewaki that he must pledge his loyalty to the tribe and if by some chance Kodachi is spared she must do so as well, as well as except any new punishment. Tatewaki didn’t hesitate to agree. With that Cologne picked up her staff and left as there was little time to find Perfume and inform her to halt the execution.

Ryoga and Shampoo sat on the porch of the cabin watching Tatewaki practice his sword work. He slowly inched away from the Amazon and willed himself to remain calm. He used his fathers about his anxiety around the opposite sex and didn’t make eye contact with Shampoo as he answered her question about how he and Tatewaki met as well as why they were traveling together. Seeing how sad Ryoga was about being away from his family for so long Shampoo unsure of what to say told him that she was sure he’d find them once they return to Japan. Ryoga was so touched by her words that he lifted his head to look into her eyes and his reaction was immediate. First it was seeing her charming smile then it was seeing her scarlet eyes shining with concern and then it was seeing the sight of her slightly exposed cleavage. When all of these were combined it took less than a second for Ryoga to faint. Shampoo could just watch all this in shock. After Tatewaki managed to wake his friend and reassure Shampoo that Ryoga was fine the two boys decided they should go to bed early. This left Shampoo with Cologne who had been silent almost the entire evening.

The next day after a nearly five hour drive the group had finally arrived at the nearest airport, which was quite small with the limited amount of travel in the area, to wait for their plane, which took three hours. Ryoga was excited about the opportunity to ride on a plane since Genma made them walk everywhere. When they were in the air, he pressed his face against the window amazed at how miniature everything looked. He was brought out of his fantasy when he noticed how horrified Tatewaki was. Seeing this Ryoga assured his friend that there was nothing to be afraid of only to for Tatewaki to tell him that he wasn’t afraid. Needless to say, it was a long flight for the plane's crew. Tatewaki made constant request for a glass of cold water only for Ryoga to immediately dismissed the order. After this had happened several times, the crew decided to ignore whatever requests the pair made. Unfortunately, Tatewaki decided to go get cold water on his own which led to a rather violent confrontation with Ryoga in the small aisle of the plane. The brawl went on for several minutes with Tatewaki screaming about using his curse to escape a fiery death as Ryoga told him that he was in fact a needless coward. Eventually they were knocked out by Cologne much to the dismay of Shampoo Needless to say the crew was ecstatic to see these passengers exit their plane.

Tatewaki was shocked upon being told that Kodachi had gone to Nerima. He explained to Cologne that it was where they lived before their mother died. Shampoo having been looking at the map stated that they could make it their soon if they hurry. Not wanting Perfume to complete her mission Tatewaki suddenly leapt into the air and began running on the rooftops on his way towards Nerima. Shampoo knowing that trying t stop Perfume wouldn’t be easy raced after him seconds later with Ryoga running at her side. Wearing a secret smile Cologne chuckled to herself before she followed her young companions on their way to Nerima.

Having heard all the rumors about Nerima being worse than Tomobiki Ryoga wasn’t all that impressed. Insulted Tatewaki tried to argue that Nerima was perfectly normal, but before he could start a truck with the words 'Akane-chan's Volunteer Biohazard Unit' written on the side of it went blazing past them on the road leaving them stunned in its wake. Tatewaki just gave a nervous laugh when Ryoga asked him to continue. Shampoo rolled her eyes at this before she found her attention drawn away by Kasumi and Perfume walking past. Perfume was the one who caught her attention as she was carrying a massive pile of bags. Shampoo recognized her from the long line of very descriptive and extensive vulgarities she was saying. The group all made their way back to the Tendo dojo and were so focused on why Perfume was carrying Kasumi’s groceries that they didn’t notice that Ryoga had gotten lost on the way.

Ryoga was standing in the middle of the street trying to figure out what to do next when he was found by Ranma and Kodachi. Ranma called out his brother’s name and two embraced each other. It took them a minute to part but when they did, they instantly began exchanging pleasantries. Remembering Kodachi he asked Ryoga if he was still traveling with Tatewaki. Ryoga was confused why Ranma would even ask just as Kodachi caught up with them. Ranma introduced his girlfriend to his brother. Ryoga watched the couple a moment as they lovingly embraced each other now that they had finally found her brother before he decided to stop them before he got sick. Releasing a loud cough Ryoga woke the pair out of their daze. And asked them to take him to the Tendo dojo as that was where his friends went to find Perfume. As Ryoga started to explain how he knew that name, he remembered why he there in the first place and asked Ranma if he robbed the Amazons. Ranma tried to play innocent, but Ryoga wasn’t buying it.

They arrived at the dojo to the sound of Soun crying. Kodachi walked past Ranma to the sitting room wearing a look of both anxiety and hope. Watching this with a face of concern Ranma quickly dashed after his girlfriend while Ryoga trailed behind them slowly. They arrived the overhear Cologne telling Genma that Ranma would pledge loyalty to her and become and Amazon. Ranma made his presence known causing the group all turned to see him standing in the doorway with Ryoga at his side and right in front of them was the wide-eyed figure of Kodachi whose eyes were focused on the sight of her older brother. In seconds the two were exchanging a fierce hug for an embrace that had been years in the making. When they finally parted after a few minutes, they said how much they missed each other.

The quiet moment of family reunion shattered by the loud shouts of Genma and Ryoga as they embraced each other. However, Ryoga was forced to let go when he forgot his strength and Genma told him that he couldn’t breathe. Ryoga apologized to his father, who brushed it off stating that everything was going to be fine now that he was there. Ryoga asked what he meant by that only to be interrupted by Cologne hopping closer to Ranma and Kodachi and reminding everyone that they had business. She told Ranma and Kodachi the death sentence placed upon them had been revoked. Tatewaki had asked for leniency on their behalf, and she decided to give under certain conditions. They give back the treasures they stole, and they pledge their loyalty to her and the tribe. There was another long pause of utter silence as Ranma and Kodachi exchanged a silent look. Together, they both turned back to Cologne and agreed. Their words were met with a loud crash as everyone with the exception of them and Cologne went toppling over on the floor. It seems that wasn't the answer everyone had expected.

Genma was the first to recover and was about to call Ranma out only for him to toss a bucket of water at his father. Genma pig began to squeal indignantly at being in his cursed form as everyone who was unaccustomed to it looked at him with wide eyes before they began laughing. Everyone except Ryoga who was shocked that his father had a jusenkyo curse. Ranma confirmed that he had a curse as well. Upon realizing that Ryoga new was Jusenkyo was Ranma began to panic thinking that he had a curse as well knowing that their mother was going to be pissed. Ryoga explained that Tatewaki was the one with the curse who stopped him before he could say what it was. Ranma started teasing Tatewaki who responded by accusing Ranma of corrupting his sister.

Tatewaki pulled out a katana and told Ranma that he would make him pay for defaming the Kuno family name and honor. Ranma just became annoyed at this, he told Tatewaki that he didn’t have time to fight as he was making a deal with the amazons. Looking at the distressed Kodachi, he pointed out that he was upsetting his sister. This infuriated Tatewaki even further as he saw it as a cheap trick. Kodachi finally spoke up and asked her brother not to fight with Ranma. She then asked Cologne to postpone their talk until later as she had family business to deal with. Cologne wrote down an address and told Kodachi and Ranma to meet her there later.

When Cologne moved back to talk quietly with her Great Granddaughters, Tatewaki moved to his sister's side. He demanded to know why Kodachi was protecting Ranma. Kodachi took Tatewaki out into the backyard where they could be alone. Awhile later he walked back into the sitting room to stand behind Ranma. When Ranma noticed his presence and asked him what was wrong Tatewaki just attacked him. Ranma hastily dodged Tatewaki's katana before he bounded out of the dojo with the angry Kendoist hot on his heels. Seeing his brother being pursued by his best friend, Ryoga started to run after them only to be stopped by Genma bitting the cuff of his pants leg.

Genma started to squeal indignantly only to realize that Ryoga couldn’t understand him. Kasumi offered him a kettle but only if he agreed to stop hounding Ranma about the engagement and trying to ruin his and Kodachi’s relationship. Genma agreed but before he and Ryoga could start talking Nabiki and Akane finally returned home. Seeing Cologne and Shampoo started another argument between Nabiki and Perfume. After Nabiki left Genma told Ryoga about his Ranma and Kodachi’s adventures over the past year, while Soun observed in something of a daze. Once he got tired of complaining about Ranma Genma slapped Ryoga on the back and told him how glad he was to have him back. Ryoga told his father that he was glad to be back.

It was at this point that Ranma returned and seeing the father and son bonding teased Genma about why he was never received the same mushy sentiment. Genma called Ranma an ingrate and started complaining about how much of a slacker Ranma is compared to the responsible Ryoga. Setting himself up to agreeing when Ranma said he took after him. Ranma had actually returned to talk with Soun. Ranma informed him that because of his relationship with Kodachi he couldn’t marry one of his daughters. Before the Tendo Patriarch could say anything Ranma slapped Ryoga on the back and volunteered him for the job as he was a Saotome. It took Ryoga awhile before what his brother said sank in. Soun became thankful for having daughters when the two brothers started arguing. Annoyed at Ranma’s teasing Ryoga threw him into the koi pond. Before he could start gloating, he got an eyeful of Ranma’s curse form for the first time and promptly fainted.

Ranma was drying herself off when Ryoga came two, Genma stopped the two before they could start arguing again by telling Ranma to go get the girls. Threatening to tell everyone his dark secret if he didn’t. Ryoga quickly pounced on this and threatened to do so as well. It wouldn't be until sometime late tomorrow evening that Ryoga would finally realize that by him doing this he had helped his father and Ranma to stick him with the engagement. Ryoga had finally gotten over his shock about Ranma's elfin form when he got back and Genma was forced to stop the two from fighting again. When all his daughters arrived Soun informed them that since Ranma couldn’t carry on with the engagement his brother Ryoga would replace him. Ranma affirmed this while slapping Ryoga on the back who couldn't reply because for some mysterious reason he was gagged with one of his own bandannas.

Nabiki called the fathers out for tying Ryoga up. Unfortunately, this allowed Akane and Kasumi to put two and two together before she could, allowing them to foist the engagement off on to her. Nabiki was left in dim shock at her sisters’ actions. Before she could regain her wits to make a protest, Ryoga made another muffled sound and gestured towards her in a frantic movement. Seeing this, Soun took it as him picking her. Nabiki finally regained her wits when Soun hugged her and started talking about what a great wife she would be. A few seconds later all of Nerima would hear her outraged scream echo throughout the night. When his ears stopped ringing Ryoga called Ranma out for tricking him, but Ranma just shrugged. Saying that Ryoga needed to think on his toes in life.

Ryoga wandered out of the hall closet which he'd thought was the furo only to freeze on seeing Ranma and Kodachi making out. After making the two move out of the way he told Ranma he hadn’t forgiven him for tricking him. Later upon seeing the alterations Shampoo made to her school uniform Ryoga covered his eyes. Luckily Nabiki took pity on her nervous iinazuke and told Shampoo a lie that fashion bothers him. While helping Ryoga to class she was shocked at just how bad his sense of direction was. She gave his suggestions on how to help with it, but just as Ryoga was contemplating whether it would work or not they were kidnapped by their fathers. Knowing that Ryoga would never have the courage to ask Nabiki out, Soun and Genma took matters into their own hands and took the two to the world famous Karaoke Palace.

Ironically both Nabiki and Ryoga despised Karaoke bar’s and bonded over this fact. Just as they were about to leave the DJ called them up to perform. Suddenly Ryoga and Nabiki found themselves propelled through the crowd and shoved on stage. Their eyes wide and their bodies frozen they stared at the audience. After a long moment passed, one of the bar patrons shouted at them to sing. This snapped Nabiki out of her daze, she told the crowd that they weren’t going to sing, and then turned on the DJ Kamikaze Kenjiko; calling him out for forcing them on stage and accused him of setting them up. Suddenly nervous the DJ stuffed the bribe money that Genma and Soun had given him into the pocket of his pants as he denied it and told her to just sing.

When she still refused the bar patrons started getting irate, one even shouted at Nabiki to take her shirt off. This caused Ryoga to turn beet red and call the patrons freaks, which nearly caused a riot. Genma and Soun had a contingency plan for this, so from extremely safe booth the DJ accused the two of being unable to sing. Ryoga and Nabiki’s faces became an identical shade of red when the patrons started agreeing with him but it was Nabiki who reacted first as she stomped forward to grab the microphone from its stand. Seconds later, Nabiki broke out into an enthusiastic and notably excellent performance of Material Girl. It just so happened that Nabiki's second most secret vice was a never ending passion for Madonna and her music.

Afterwards Ryoga did a very rough but sexy version of Wherever I May Roam by Metallica causing several the female audience members swooned at the sound of his low voice echoing throughout the room. Among his admirers was Nabiki and when Ryoga finished the number she gave him a quick hug. The two then moved into a duet of Manic Monday all the while finding themselves becoming more and more fond of Karaoke bars and their patrons.

After finally escaping the surge of the crowd Ryoga and Nabiki made their way out of the Karaoke Palace with wide smiles on their faces and dashed down the street as they tried to lose some of their more exuberant fans from the bar. When they lost all their straggling fans the two began discussing how exciting the experience was before going quiet. It seemed like they were going to kiss when Ryoga noticed that somehow the collar of Nabiki’s uniform had been ripped and it now revealed a good portion of her cleavage. Ryoga provided Nabiki with some bandanas to fix her shirt and the two agreed to back to the bar the next day and make the guys who did that to her pay. They also agreed not to let their parent’s dumb idea about an engagement keep from them being friends and having fun.

The next morning breakfast was interrupted by a very high pitched and feminine scream. Genma and Soun remained where they were and continued eating but most everyone else in the house went running towards the sound of the screaming. It turned out that the slave amulet that kept getting Ranma struck by lightning also locked him in his cursed form. Later the group was discussing was discussing what happened. Ranma being out of the room as she was still upstairs with Kodachi. They came to the conclusion that Tatewaki and Kasumi should ask Shampoo and Perfume for help when Ranma finally came downstairs. The entire group froze upon seeing Ranma decked out in a pair of notably tight and form fitting black leather pants, a shrunken white tank top which served to reveal both her flat stomach and ample cleavage, and a pair of shiny silver boots. All except Genma who immediately became furious. Until he was told what happened, at which point he began panicking about what Nodoka would do to him when she found out. Genma didn’t feel that it was right to hit Ranma when she was struck by lightning after she started teasing him.

Due to the number of times, she was struck by lightning Ranma ended up passing out and had to be tugged along to school in the little red wagon by Kodachi. Lucky for Ranma, the little girl that Kodachi had bought the red wagon from didn't know the value of yen yet and she'd gotten a really cheap deal on it. The group arrived to discover that not only had Akane joined that weird crowd of boys which always gathered in the far corner of the yard, but Ryoga and Nabiki had gotten their own group of admirers, a result of their performance last night.

Nabiki was not happy after Ryoga ended up getting them lost while trying to walk her to her homeroom. However, after taking in his downtrodden and guilty features and felt all her annoyance melt completely away. So, giving him a soft smile, she made a joke about it. She attempted to cheer him up by pointing out that since they had ended up in Yokohama they get some time off of school. Ryoga took this to heart and suggested that they go sightseeing as he could show her some great laces. Nabiki was reluctant as they would be marked for skipping school if they didn’t get back, but Ryoga pointed out that all they needed to do is call their fathers and say they wanted to go out on another date, and they’d readily make up an excuse. Impressed Nabiki agreed, though she insisted that she led the way to the nearest pay phone.

The two ended up going to a carnival where in an effort to win Ryoga a plush Lina Inverse doll, a show he often watched with his mom who enjoyed the explosions Nabiki ended winning game owner Jukaro Katsuhito entire stock of Anime collectibles in a little over an hour. Ryoga couldn’t help himself from being impressed, not even his mother or Ranma ever won more than a hundred prizes from one booth. Though he was rather worried when he saw the owner collapse in a fit of tears. Nabiki paused for a moment then came to a internal decision and gently hooked her arm in his, before telling him that it the game was rigged. While initially angry Ryoga found the whole thing funny.

As the two walked down the street they came across the galactically known Karaoke Citadel. They both broke out into smiles and decided to go and bust out a few tunes before heading back to Nerima. And that's how the patrons of the galactically known Karaoke Citadel met the best pair of performers ever to grace the insides of their bar and stage.

The owner of the Karaoke Citadel ended up inviting the two to comeback and sing professionally, and they ultimately decided to take him up on his offer. After the horrible experience they had on the bus both Nabiki and Ryoga decided that they would be taking the train next time. Ryoga started a walk down the crowded streets of downtown Nerima and towards the Tendo dojo with Nabiki at his side. They ended up coming across Ranma and Kodachi causing Nabiki to wonder if the two had gotten into trouble again. Ryoga however noticed that Shampoo and Cologne was there as well, as well as Tatewaki in his cursed for. Nabiki had to stop herself from laughing upon realizing that the odd looking chicken was Tatewaki. The two headed over to the group and after everyone explained why they were out of school Ryoga wondered if it had rained while he was away. Tatewaki phoenix letting loose a deafening squawk and attacking Ranma was all Ryoga needed to figure out what had happened.

Cologne’s voice cut through the air to serve much like a calming influence as asked Shampoo if she had placed Tatewaki on her head when she battled those boys at school. When Shampoo affirmed that she had, Cologne confirmed with Ryoga that Tatewaki’s cursed form was indeed a phoenix. She told everyone that if they wanted to know the exact nature of Tatewaki's curse they should be getting back. Ranma wasn’t interested and was about to head back to the dojo only for Kodachi to reach out and grab Ranma by the top of her pointy ears then started to drag her down the street and past the others. As she called Ranma out for insulting her brother despite being told not to, the others could only wear faces of surprised wariness.

When they made it back to the building Cologne explained the Phoenix Sword technique to them. This nearly caused another fight between Ranma and Tatewaki when the former commented on the fact that the later wasn’t so useless in their cursed for. Ryoga tried in vain to keep Ranma and Tatewaki from fighting. He even ran out the building after them when they both unsheathed their katanas again as they bounded out of the building to start up their duel once more. This prompted Nabiki to run out so that he wouldn’t get lost with Shampoo hot on her heels as the Amazon hoped to watch Tatewaki utterly defeat Ranma in a fair battle.

Once they got back to the dojo the group had all split apart to do their various chores. Perfume helping Kasumi to prepare dinner while Shampoo and Tatewaki were in the dojo sparring again. This left Nabiki, Ryoga, and Ranma in the sitting room observing the evidence of Genma and Soun's drinking binge. The most glaring of which was their unconscious and snoring forms on the floor. This was how Kodachi found them. Ranma was excited to see her having wondered where she had disappeared to. Kodachi coyly told Ranma that she had been discovering secrets that would benefit her, but before Ranma could ask what they were, he cut off by Nabiki. Everyone turned to look at the middle Tendo sister who was crouched in front of the television, her eyes glued to the screen as she wore an enraptured expression. Worried Ryoga tried to get her attention, but instead of replying, Nabiki moved forward and turned up the television volume so all the others could hear what she was listening to. It turned out that Kuonji Ukyo would be filming his new movie in the Nerima district and the film would be having open auditions for the role of the latest Peal girl. She then leapt to her feet and ran out of the sitting room as she shouted in excitement. Blinking at this, Ryoga, Ranma, and Kodachi got over their mutual shock and went after Nabiki who was in her room and standing in front of her closet. Having calmed down Nabiki explained that she has loved Kung Fu movies ever since her mother took her to one before she died. A confused Ryoga wondered what that had to do with what was on tv. Nabiki enthusiastically exclaimed that Ukyo is the biggest Kung Fu star in the world right now as well as her favorite actor. Seeing how giddy Nabiki was, Ranma teased his brother, that he had competition.

Nabiki opened her closet and revealed several large rows filled from top to bottom with videos. Seeing everyone’s shocked expressions she sheepishly explained that she had been collecting them since she was twelve. Studying the video’s Ranma realized that he had heard Ukyo’s name before. Nabiki and Kodachi assumed that it was because Ukyo was famous, but that wasn’t it and even Ryoga agreed that there was something familiar about Ukyo. As the two brothers stared at the video together, they eventually realized where they knew Ukyo from. Turns out that they met him when they stopped outside of Kyoto on their first training journey when they were six. Nabiki thought that this might help her odds for winning if Ukyo remembered them. Learning that she was planning on trying out for the movie role Ryoga was sure that she would get the part.

Ryoga was going to inform Akane that it was time for dinner when he heard strange noises coming from her bedroom. Shrugging it off he knocked on her door and he received no answer went inside only to become frozen at what he saw. And what Ryoga saw was Akane and Chocolate in the middle of their Twister game, in a very compromising position that implied some rather naughty things. Of course the naughty things were accentuated by the fact that Akane happened to be kissing a dazed Chocolate. Ryoga's reaction was somewhat predictable. He slowly backed out of the bedroom, closed the door, then promptly fainted in the middle of the hallway.

After finding Soun curled into a little ball in the far corner to the sitting room Ryoga wondered what was wrong with him. Nabiki had no idea as all her father would say was that he found Akane with chocolate. She wondered if he was just overreacting to finding Akane pigging out on a gift from her fans. She was proven wrong when Soun started wailing about the family. Decided to ignore her father Nabiki asked Ryoga how his morning training was. Ryoga told her that he had fun even though Ranma wasn’t there. He couldn’t prove it but he suspected he skipped out to be with Kodachi. Genma figured that he was off scamming somebody.

Before Nabiki could reply Soun leapt out of his corner to clutch to an extremely surprised Ryoga's waist. He made Ryoga promise that he’d do his duty to help the Tendo line go on. Ryoga asked Genma when did doing so entail. This surprised his father as he had already given his son the talk. One Ryoga realized what Soun met he paused to blush dark red and looking at Nabiki it took him just one second to faint.

While technically Ranma and Kodachi were fit to go to school since the lightning attacks had ceased entirely, they felt that this fact was still up in the air. After all, it was quite possible that the lightning attacks could start up again and if so they couldn't risk being at school and angering Principal Hiro. Which of course meant they were skipping school for the day to go with Nabiki to her movie audition. When compared to this logic, Ryoga's motives were infinitely easier to understand. He liked Nabiki therefore he wanted to be with her. Being unable to say this Ryoga instead chose to follow her like a faithful puppy and act like one by protecting his Mistress. Tatewaki refused to leave his sister alone with Ranma so skipped school so that he could make sure that Ranma didn't sully Kodachi's innocence further. As they left they came across Perfume and Shampoo who were headed for the Tendo dojo at the time and the latter decided to join them for similar reasons as Ryoga.

Once they made it to the audition Nabiki eyes widened upon seeing the crowd of thousands that had gathered in downtown Nerima. Ranma wondered how they were going to make it through. In response she produced a glass of cold water from out of nowhere to hold it in front of Ranma. Ranma was reluctant to change back now that his curse had been unlocked. Kodachi appealed to Ranma’s vanity by commenting how no one could jump higher than him in his cursed form. With that, Ranma took the glass of cold water and upended it over his head. Turning to face Nabiki, a now elfin lifted her into her arms then jumped almost a mile into the air in a strange trek towards the stage. Ryoga seeing this took off after Ranma and plowed through the crowd of people in the process.

Once he caught up to them Ryoga jumped on the stage and grabbed Ranma by the collar and shaking her as he called her out for bounding off with his iinazuke. Ranma pointed out that she was just giving Nabiki a lift, but Ryoga didn’t calm down as Ranma could have hurt her. By this point Nabiki had calmed down and agreed that Ranma was just trying to help. By this point Tatewaki and Shampoo had caught up with them. Tatewaki reluctantly pointed out that Ranma wasn’t in the wrong. Releasing Ranma Ryoga apologized to his brother for overreacting.

The amiable mood was soon broken by a loud cough and the group turned to look into at the droll and amused features of Kuonji Ukyo. For Nabiki the response was immediate. She turned bright red, released a high-pitched squeak, then hid behind Ryoga's muscular figure. Ignoring this Ukyo greeted Ryoga in deceptively calm tone as he took a step forward. Ryoga was shocked that the movie star remembered him after all this time. Ranma forgetting that he was in his cursed form asked Ukyo if he remembered him. He realized what happened when Ukyo asked who she was and transformed back. Ranma ignores Ukyo’s shock at seeing this as he was more focused on Ukyo becoming a movie star.

Shaking seeing a jusenkyo curse for the first time off Ukyo turned his gaze back to Ryoga and noted Nabiki hiding behind him and nervously peering at him. Flashing a charming smile as he neared Ryoga he tried to coax Nabiki out from behind him. Frowning at this Ryoga introduced Ukyo to Nabiki making sure that he knew that she was his iinazume when stating that she was there for the audition. Ranma moved to stand at Ryoga's side and suddenly pulled Nabiki out from behind his brother for Ukyo to see, commenting on how much his brother had lucked out. Ryoga added that Nabiki could sing as well.

Recovering from his momentary daze, Ukyo moved forward in an easy gait, took Nabiki's hand in his own and gave her a soft kiss on the top of it as he told Nabiki that she would make a great leading lady. It took Nabiki less than a second to react. As Ukyo looked at Nabiki who had fainted in his strong arms. He stated that it had been a long time since a lady had acted that way around him. Kodachi made her presence known by stating how she doubted that. Lifting his head in a mechanical movement, Ukyo looked into a pair of violet eyes that he never expected to see again in his entire existence on this Earth. Kodachi asked if he was happy to see his former girlfriend and for a response, Ukyo screamed.

Backing away from Kodachi Ukyo demanded to know what she was doing there. Kodachi told him that she was only there to represent Nabiki as well as pay her respects to an old friend. This caused Tsubasa to speak up stating that he was one of Ukyo’s many stalkers if she was an old friend. This gave Ukyo time to subtly stepped behind his friend and fellow Kung Fu star. Again, Kodachi was asked what she was doing there this time by Tsubasa. With teasing exasperation Kodachi repeated that she was there as a representative of Nabiki's interests.

Ukyo wasn’t buying and accused Kodachi of trying to manipulate him into going out with her. Kodachi told him that she was already dating someone, and upon hearing this Ukyo wanted his name so that he could warn him about how dangerous she was. This Kodachi took offense to and pointed out that because of her Ukyo was now rich and a famous movie star. While Ukyo reluctantly admitted that what Kodachi said was true it didn’t change the fact that Kodachi screwed up his life. Kodachi accused him of being a drama queen before she arched her head to look back at Ranma, who had been observing the entire scene with shock and wonder. She then revealed that he was the one she was dating.

All it took for Ranma to snap out of his momentary shock was hearing his name being spoken. He then walked over to Kodachi's side, wrapped an arm around her waist, and gave Ukyo his most charming smile. He expressed his surprised that the two used to date. Ukyo once again denied that happened pointing out that Kodachi just chased him around like a relentless stalker and made his life miserable for five months before she ended up skipping town. And by then he'd already been roped into doing his first movie. Kodachi again accused him of being a drama queen, Ryoga still feeling partially upset over the attention Ukyo had paid to Nabiki spoke up as well, and asked Ukyo if he didn’t want to be a movie star.

Ukyo opened his mouth in way of reply but faltered and then looked back at Tsubasa who wore a soft expression of understanding on his features. Giving up Ukyo just told them that none of them would understand. Ranma took that as admission and had Ryoga pay up. While Ryoga handed over a thousand yen to his brother he pointed out that Ukyo never said for certain that they went out. Turning even more rade faced Ukyo shouted that they never went out. She stalked him and caused him to break up with the only girl that he’d ever loved. No one believed him, however. In desperation Ukyo once again tried to deny it only to be told by Kodachi that he couldn't have abandoned their love so easily.

At this, Ukyo released another scream of frustration before tangling his hands in his oak brown hair as why no one would believe him. Instead of an answer to his question, Ukyo received the sound of low and seething voice saying his name. When he looked up, Ukyo saw Tatewaki pointing a katana at him while wearing a look of quiet rage on his features. After introducing himself Tatewaki threatened Ukyo stating that movie star or not if he didn’t stop marring Kodachi’s name with denials of his relationship with her he would punish him. Ukyo response was to state that Kodachi can blemish her reputation perfectly fine on her own. It took Tatewaki less than a second to move into attack position and by the time he did, Ukyo was wielding a katana of his own and wearing the rakish smile that his millions of fans were so used to seeing on the big screen. After hearing Ukyo brag about all the training, he had undergone since becoming a movie star Ranma asked if his old friend could teach him how to kill someone with a spoon. This caused Tatewaki to call Ranma out as they were in the middle of a duel.

Tatewaki, Nabiki and Ryoga gathered in the sitting room. It was early in the morning, far before they had to go to school for the day, and they were busy conversing about all the various worries they had about Kodachi's past and current relationship with the Kung Fu star, Kuonji Ukyo. Ranma called them out for worrying about something that was not only none of their business, but obviously over. Tatewaki accused Ranma of not caring about Kodachi’s welfare. As who knew what Ukyo returning to her life might do to her. Nabiki called Ranma out as well for not caring what relationship Kodachi had with Ukyo. Ranma wore a face of disinterest and looked out at the koi pond stating that it was in the past.

Nabiki was still concerned about how terrified Ukyo looked upon seeing Kodachi and was satisfied when everyone agreed with her. She ended up asking Ryoga what he thought the two’s relationship was. Blushing a bit at Nabiki's attention, Ryoga recalled Ukyo's smooth and charming behavior around Nabiki and in anger stated that he believed that the two dated and that Ukyo still wasn’t over Kodachi. Tatewaki pointed out the other girl Ukyo talked about being in love with. He theorized that Ukyo must of left Kodachi for that girl and his sister didn’t take it well. Realizing how much sense that made Nabiki asked Ranma what he thought only to find an empty space in place of where he was sitting. It's true that con artists are expert liars amongst other things but there is one thing even the most talented of con men can never lie about. And that's feelings of the heart. Particularly, when that feeling just happens to be love. Love was something that Ranma found himself deeply entrenched in when it came to Kodachi. Which is precisely why he just left to find her.

Ryoga glared at the figure of Kuonji Ukyo who was wearing his usual charming smile and felt himself seething inwardly at it. This was because Ukyo was currently holding Nabiki's hand in his own and lightly kissing the top of it. Stomping over to Nabiki's side, Ryoga tried to touch her waist to pull her closer to him and away from Ukyo but he found himself too nervous to move. As if sensing his dilemma, Ukyo lifted his head and met Ryoga's eyes as he formed a smile. When Ryoga informed Nabiki that they would be late for class Ukyo told them that he was enrolling in to the school much to Ryoga’s frustration. Ukyo then went back to flirting with Nabiki stating that as co-starts should always be good friends before they start filming. He also felt that it would be a nice change to be somewhere more normal than a movie set.

Before Ryoga or Nabiki could reply to this, a huge crowd of athletes that was led by Akane and Chocolate was holding her in her arms, ran across the campus screaming as a small creature pursued them while it continuously shouted to let him glomp onto them. Sweatdropping at this, Ryoga looked at the shocked Ukyo. Recovering Ukyo stated that the school still had things that drew him to it. As he said this, Ukyo looked at Nabiki meaningfully and flashed her another heartbreaker smile that caused her to blush from head to toe on seeing it. They were interrupted by the arrival of Ranma and Kodachi causing Ukyo to scream upon seeing them. Ranma called him out for doing that every time he sees Kodachi, to which she accused him of doing it for attention. Luckily for Ukyo they were there for Nabiki who quickly found herself escorted away from Ryoga and Ukyo by the couple as they walked across the campus.

This left Ryoga and Ukyo alone. Ryoga was quick to call Ukyo out for flirting with his iinazuke. Ukyo answered by saying that Nabiki was his iinazuke not his wife. He went on to saw that he won’t let a clod like Ryoga have such a catch. Scowling at this, Ryoga looked at Ukyo with honest confusion and asked why he was doing this as he thought they were friends. At this statement, Ukyo's eyes darkened and he seemed to grow very tense, but he refused to answer just repeating what his father told him. That 'There's nothing dishonorable about taking a honorable lady away from a dishonorable man.' Offended Ryoga told Ukyo that he’d take Nabiki from him when pigs fly. Unfortunately Genma chose that moment to show up having brought Ryoga the lunch he forgot at the dojo.

The fight ended when Ryoga was swarmed by a bunch of Ukyo’s fans allowing him to get away as Ryoga fought them off. Once he finally managed to escape them Ryoga tracked Ukyo down at the dojo. Seeing his ragged appearance a worried Nabiki asked what happened, which managed to heave out what happened between breaths. Ryoga started to say something more when Happosai stomped on his face to bound higher into the air as Ranma continued to pursue him in their frantic battle. Well, it was frantic but not so much a battle if anyone other than Kodachi had bothered to watch it. Basically what it consisted of was Ranma attempting to hit Happosai and Happosai continually dodging these attacks. All in all, not much of a fight. Something that Kodachi, because she was the only one watching, definitely noticed. An annoyed Kodachi told Ranma to punish Happosai already who told her that he was trying.

After catching his breath he gently pushed Nabiki back as he continued to glare at Ukyo. Ryoga accused Ukyo of trying to lose him. Ukyo responsed by saying there was Ryoga already knew where he stood so there was no point in lying. On hearing this, Ryoga turned red with rage and started to step forward when Nabiki touched his arm and stalled him. When she asked him what was wrong Ryoga opened his mouth to reply but shut it and turning to glare at Ukyo and told Nabiki to ask him. Frowning at this, Nabiki looked to Ukyo who told her that he and Ryoga could no longer be friends since he had fallen for his iinazuke and wanted her for himself. There was a long pause as everyone, even Kodachi, gaped at Ukyo in complete and utter shock. This included the observing Soun and Genma standing on the outskirts. Nabiki's response was somewhat predictable. She promptly fainted.

Though only moments had passed since Ukyo’s announcement to everyone Ryoga who was getting more red faced by the second it felt like an eternity. Just when it appeared as if smoke might start curling out of his ears, the lost boy chose to speak in tight and controlled tones. He called Ukyo out for his lack of honor in trying to get with Nabiki despite knowing that she was his iinazuke. Ukyo’s only response was that all is fair in love and war, before once again calling Ryoga out on their past. An annoyed and angry Ryoga didn’t know what Ukyo was talking about. This just made angrier and he called Ryoga out for refusing to admit what he is, stating that taking Nabiki away from him will not only be fun but the right thing to do. The world seemed to freeze at these words, or at least, it seemed to freeze for everyone who happened to be looking at Hibiki Ryoga.

The air around him darkened and seemed to crackle with electricity. His dark brown hair was flying upwards in the wind and eyes that were normally kind in manner were filled with a sort of insane fury. Kodachi was the first to speak telling Ukyo to run away. But Ukyo didn't run. Instead, he stood in his place and steadily met Ryoga's enraged gaze. The resulting battle ended with half the Tendo dojo destroyed, the abandoned mitten factory toppled and various gapping craters in the street. Somehow Ukyo was holding his own against Ryoga who hadn't said a word since the actual fight had began. Ryoga's eyes had an almost dead look in them as he fought Ukyo. They were the eyes of a man without a soul. The eyes of a machine. A machine that appeared bent on destroying Ukyo and in order to do this he'd use anything at hand.

In between deep breaths Ukyo congratulated Ryoga for keeping up with the art. Ryoga didn't answer, and instead a glint surfaced in his dark brown eyes. In a decisive but somehow still rather animalistic dive, the lost boy swung at Ukyo who captured Ryoga's fist in his hand and held it in a tight grip. He didn't know how but Ukyo was holding him at bay. As hard as he tried, Ryoga couldn't manage to free himself from the grip that the other boy had on him. Nor could he move his fist forward to connect in a punch. Ryoga asked him how but Ukyo refused to answer just saying that he was new and improved and thus more then a match for Ryoga. Something he planned to prove by taking Nabiki from Ryoga.

After Ukyo said this, all was silent and a cold wind blew across the frozen boys as their gazes locked. Releasing a low and ferocious growl from his throat, Ryoga broke free of Ukyo's grasp and landed a solid punch to the Kung Fu star's chin which sent Ukyo flying several feet back and into a nearby soundproofing wall which crumbled from the impact. The air was silent again, except for the sound of the toppling rubble. Then slowly, it was pushed aside and the top of Ukyo's dusty head was revealed. He was smiling yet again and had a taunting look in his eyes. As Ukyo continued to taunt Ryoga he didn’t even see him move as he attacked. But he did see the fist descend on his face. And he did see the homicidal rage in Ryoga's eyes. And he did see him freeze in utter horror only mere seconds later when Nabiki called out to him to stop.

As he slowly returned to himself, Ryoga looked down at the badly beaten figure of Ukyo who appeared to be drifting into unconsciousness he felt his stomach tighten. Ryoga let go of Ukyo, causing the Kung Fu star to fall into the rubble with a loud crash. Turning around with a helpless look of desperation, Ryoga looked into Nabiki’s eyes and pleaded with what that he saw lurking there. Blinking back the tears he felt coming on and cried out that he was sorry and moments later, he ran away. From Nabiki and from that look in her eyes. A look that he knew all too well and never wanted to see from her. Never wanted to see from anyone that he loved. Because it was a look of utter fear.

Ryoga was tossing stones into a lake as he lamented how he ruined things with Nabiki. He knew that he was bothering the people who were trying to have fun on their boats but he didn't really care. This is where Nabiki found him, and when he asked her how she just told him magic as she sat down next to Ryoga on the lake shore. Several moments of complete silence passed before Ryoga said very quietly apologized. While he didn’t try and excuse his behavior Ryoga attempted to explain his nature as a berserker so that Nabiki knew what really happened. Once he was finished Ryoga told Nabiki that he’d understand if she wanted nothing to do with him after seeing that part of him, especially that she had a movie star in love with her.

This declaration left Nabiki stunned leading to Ryoga to explain why he and Ukyo started fighting and stress his own feeling for Nabiki. Ryoga abruptly rose to his feet and purposefully avoiding Nabiki's eyes as he wished her good luck hoping that she could one day forgive him. He then started to walk away only to be stopped by the lightest tug on his hand. Turning his head, Ryoga stared at Nabiki in certain wonder. Her voice trembling slightly Nabiki told Ryoga not to go. She tried to put her feeling in to words causing Ryoga to softly wipe at the tear falling down her cheek. Telling her that he would stay as he only wanted to make her happy. He just thought that Nabiki would be happier with him gone. That way she could be with Ukyo and start over. This caused Nabiki to call Ryoga an idiot.

Almost painfully, she ripped her gaze away from his she could tell Ryoga that she loved him back just yet as the situation with him and Ukyo as so confusing. Ryoga tenderly pressed his fingertips against Nabiki's lips and told her to take all the she needed. Just knowing that she cared about him and wanted him around was enough for Ryoga. They didn't know how it happened but one way or another they ended up in each others arms. Nabiki was warmed by the gentle sensation of Ryoga's arms around her while the lost boy exalted in the knowledge that Nabiki wanted him with her despite seeing the very worst part of him. To Ryoga it was perfection at least it was until Nabiki lifted her head from his chest and rather sternly told him to apologize to Ukyo first thing in the morning at school. When he opened his mouth to reply, she cut him off and said that she planned on telling Ukyo to apologize to him as well. He was her iinazuke and Ukyo was her ... well... co-star, and the two of them getting along would help her figure things out. Forming a slow smile Ryoga agreed.

Ryoga was having a hard time walking. The reason he was having a hard time walking was because Nabiki had her arm hooked in his and was resting her head just the tiniest bit on his strong shoulder. All in all, this served to distract Ryoga mightily, but not enough to keep him from noticing when a huge horde of panties went flying past him. While the horde of flying panties was a strange sight for even Ryoga, what he found most odd was the fact that the panties were somehow shouting the word 'sweet' over and over in horribly ecstatic tones. Shocked Ryoga asked Nabiki if she knew what was going on.

When he didn't receive an immediate reply, Ryoga turned to regard his iinazuke who wore what could only be described as a dark and murderous look on her lovely features. On seeing it, Ryoga jumped backwards, fearing that Nabiki had decided to take back her forgiveness for his actions with Kuonji. He asked her what was wrong and Nabiki's only response was a twitch of her forehead before screaming hentai. Now thoroughly scared out of his wits, Ryoga did the only thing that he could do under his current set of circumstances. He passed out from sheer fright. Leaving him unconscious as Nabiki chased after the horde of flying panties, thinking that they were her best lead for finding the person that was responsible for her sudden lack of underwear.

Ryoga found Ranma chasing after a clafairy riding a tauros and knowing that his brother has succumbed to the Pokefist he put a stop to things. Though she attempted to get around Ryoga and near the Clafairy Ryoga wouldn’t let her telling Ranma once again that just because she wants to play with other Pokemon doesn't mean they want to play with her. This was the sight the others saw when they finally caught up. Tatewaki was amazed to see Ryoga controlling Ranma.

Ryoga asked the group if Ranma had caused any problems. Nabiki told him no but before she could say anything more she was abruptly cut off as Ranma made a sudden mad dash around Ryoga and pounced towards Taro whose eyes immediately went wide. It seemed like time froze as Taro raised his tiny hands into the air and used metronome. The blonde elf went flying high into the atmosphere and as she did, the Taro heaved a sigh of relief. Kodachi cried in panicked tones while she rushed out into the yard. She turned to glare at Taro only for Akari to appear in front of her blocking her path. She called Kodachi out for being made at Taro for protecting himself, but Kodachi wasn’t listening upset that Taro possibly injured her Ranma.

Fortunately or unfortunately, their would be battle was interrupted by Ranma landing square in the middle of the two girls with a thunderous crash. Kodachi quickly sprinted into the crater and cradled Ranma in her arms. By this point Taro was able to change back. He told Kodachi that Ranma should be fine as his metronome attack is fairly harmless against humans. While she had calmed down Kodachi still called Taro out for being so harsh on someone who obviously wasn’t in their right mind. Taro reluctantly agreed but Poke-Ranma was too kawaii even for him. Seeing that Ranma would be okay Kodachi demanded that Ryoga and Tatewaki explain what was going on.

Kodachi initially believed that Genma forced Ranma to learn the Pokefist. This offended Genma who was insulted that she’d think he'd make Ranma learn something as useless and stupid as the Pokefist! Stating that if he was going to have him learn a dangerous technique that psychologically scarred him then it would at least be a useful one. Ryoga was quick to point out that didn’t make Genma look good. Once Ryoga finished explaining the Pokefist and what it does there was another moment of silence before everyone broke out laughing. Well, everyone but Kodachi who was frowning severely at Ranma. Taro was the first to calm down and asked how they snap Ranma out of it not wanting her to chase him anymore. Sadly the only people who are able to snap Ranma out of the Pokefist are Atsuko and Nodoka. Genma begged Ryoga not to call them believing that he’d be spanked for jusenkyo. This went on for several minutes before Nabiki finally grew tired of the odd almost conversation and then produced a mallet out of nowhere and hit Genma on the top of his head with it. Watching Genma topple over on the ground, Nabiki returned the mallet back into pocket space and told her iinazuke to go and call his mothers.

They dumped hot water on Ranma hoping it would snap him out of his Clefairy brained state but it hadn't helped at all. It just made him look stupider as he bounced around everywhere cuddling everyone. Including Nabiki. Who was currently sweatdropping as she looked at Ranma rubbing his head on her abdomen. Ryoga, however, turned an interesting shade of red as he pulled his brother off of her by the collar. Ranma said clefairy in kawii tones. Despite Ryoga telling his brother that it wouldn’t work he pulled Ranma in a hug apologizing for doubting him as as Ranma smiled almost smugly. Shaking his head slightly, Tatewaki commented on how manipulating Ranma was even while having the brain of an innocent Clefairy. Shampoo thought the whole thing was funny however. A tied up and gagged Genma tried to get his attention and when Tatewaki asked what he was trying to say.

Kodachi who was running her fingers through Ranma's silky black hair as he was once again curled up in her lap explained that Genma wanted to know why no one feels sorry for him. she then called her brother out for making fun of Ranma when Ryoga explained that they had tried to stop Ranma. Sensing his wives presence begged to be set free but it was too late. Seconds later, in a cloud of black smoke the figures of Saotome Nodoka and Hibiki Atsuko appeared. Then just as swiftly, they then disappeared, taking Ranma, Ryoga, and Genma along with them. When the smoke cleared, everyone was left in shock. Everyone except for Soun, who was used to seeing this happen since he did know both of the women.

After countless days away they were finally back home. Too bad for Genma, Ranma, and Ryoga they didn't have a chance to enjoy it. That was mostly because as soon as they arrived in the courtyard to their large mansion, Genma found himself at the end of Nodoka's katana. Atsuko and Nodoka asked their husband why he had been staying with Soun and never sent them a single word of this situation. Seeing Ranma crouching on the ground, holding onto Ryoga's leg, Atsuko brought him out of the pokefist. Ryoga assured and embarrassed Ranma that he mostly just hugged people before Nodoka brought their attention back to her. Ignoring his fathers begging Ranma revealed his curse to his mothers. While Atsuko whirled on Genma for taking their boys to Genma, Nodoka approached her eldest son with concern when told that he wasn’t cursed due to getting lost. Ryoga assured his mother that he was fine before telling her that he missed her. With this Nodokapulled him into a hug. When she finally went out of his arms it was only to embrace Ranma who turned an interesting shade of red before returning the hug.

Ranma squaked out that they weren’t kids anymore so the two didn’t have to worry so much, but Atsuko wasn’t having any of that. Ranma and Ryoga would always be their little boys or girl in this case. Reminded of Ranma’s curse Atsuko asked her husband why he took Ranma to jusenkyo. Laughing even more nervously, Genma said that he forgot about it being cursed until he was there and stuck in one of their cursed pools. The dry look of skepticism that Atsuko and Nodoka exchanged told Genma they didn't believe anything of the sort. Which didn't mean anything good for him. He finally admitted that since nothing happened the first time he went to Jusenkyo he would be fine when took Ranma much to his wives frustration. Genma was spared because they loved him so much, and luckily Nodoka understood that being a man is more than just having his body.

With that out of the way the topic moved on to Ryoga’s engagement to Nabiki. Ryoga face reddened as he stated that he didn’t mind as Nabiki is a great girl. Seeing how embarrassed he was Ranma whapped her older brother on the shoulder as she told Nodoka that he had a thing for Nabiki so everything was cool. Nodoka congratulated Genma for finally doing something good for once. Wanting to get Ryoga back to his iinazuke Atuko felt that it was time to head back to the dojo and needed Nodoka’s help so that she didn’t get loss. Nodoka chastised Atsuko for embarrassing RRyoga telling her to wait until they meet Nabiki. Atsuko's only response was to form a wicked grin which caused Ryoga to groan very loudly. Because as nice as it was to have his mothers back there were certain things he didn't want them involved in. His love life being one of them.

Nabiki and Kodachi quickly embraced Ranma when they returned something Ukyo watched with a dark gaze. Returning the embrace with an expression of wonder Ryoga tried to calm his panicked fiancée down explaining that his mothers just wanted to talk. Nodoka and Atsuko were sure that Nabiki was Kimiko’s daughter the moment she turned on them, calling the two out for taking their sons in such a dramatic fashion. Though they did apologize for making her worry. Looking over at Kodachi who was busy making out with Ranma, she asked him about her. Ranma pulled away from Kodachi reluctantly, looking red from lack of breath. She squeezed Kodachi around the waist and introduced his girlfriend of over a year to his mother. Knowing her son Nodoka was surprised that they had been dating for that long.

Atsuko told Kodachi that she must be a special girl. They would've kept up their casual conversation if Tatewaki hadn't cleared his throatand reminded everyone about the airship. On hearing this, everyone looked up at the crazy man on the airship who was beet red and shouting. Kiren tired of being ignored demanded to know where the scroll of luck and his bride were. Siren and Cologne were the only ones who knew who he was and what he was talking about. Naturally they suspected Happosai of taking the scroll. Narrowing her eyes, Siren summoned Happosai. While initially surprised at being teleported Happosai was happy to see Siren. Cutting him off before Siren demanded to know where the scroll of luck was. When Happosai asked what she was talking about Kiima once again demanded the scroll. When Happosai revealed that threw it away before anyone in the dojo could properly react, a storm of pickles dropped from the airship and onto them. Burying them all in a pile of pickled monstrosity that smelled just as bad as it tasted.

As Kirin prepared the second wave those aboard his ship and the few people who'd dug themselves free of the pile of pickles turned as Akane made her presence known as she walked into the sitting room, a tray of pickles in hand. At her side stood Chocolate who was never far away from Akane. What more caught everyone's attention weren't the pickles on the tray but the scroll on it also. In particular it caught the attention of Prince Kirin who had Akane wrapped up in a long fishing wire and pulled high into the air and onto the airship. Akane called Kirin out for causing her to drop her pickles as she had made them for Chocolate. Putting his arm around the surprised Akane’s waist Kirin told her that they would have many delicious chocolate pickles at their wedding.

Using Genma's head for a vault, Chocolate bounded into the air. She pulled out a long claw and threw it against the ship, using it to climb on board. In dark tones, she demanded he let Akane go. Instead of doing what Chocolate demanded, Kirin held Akane tighter and simply smirked. Which caused her to scowl deeply and fly at him with an assorted arsenal that was discarded by Kirin in a lighting fast movement with, believe it or not, a pair of chopsticks. Unfortunately for those below, all of Chocolate's various weapons which included maces, dynamite, and one or two bombs, fell to the ground. Causing quite a bit of chaos as they scurried around, trying to avoid them.

Ignoring the explosions from below, Chocolate rushed at Kirin, only to be swept away by the speed of his chopsticks, causing her to fall from the airship with the sound of Akane shouting her name meeting her ears. It was that sound that kept Chocolate from giving up and reaching out at the last moment, she grabbed the chain she had attached to the airship earlier. When the ship vanished into nothingness, she went along with it. Watching this happen, those gathered at the dojo were silent for a long moment then Soun spit out the pickle he had stuck in his mouth. Some would swear for years later that the name Akane echoed in the air for hours after he screamed it. Then again, that might have something to do with the fact that not only Soun was screaming it.

## Personality

Ryoga isn't like Atsuko in the fact that when he gets depressed it doesn't go away quickly. Instead, he tends to be depressed for long periods of time. Replaying the event that caused his depression over and over in his head until he reaches such a melancholy state that he isn't aware of anything else but his feelings of depression. Lucky for Ryoga, and everyone else, he hardly ever gets depressed. Like anger it is a rare emotion for the lost boy who led a nominally happy life.

While a nice guy and a very amiable person Ryoga is a berserker. One worse then his mother and that’s pretty bad. It takes a lot for Ryoga to get mad, thanks to Atsuko’s training, but when he does it's something to be feared. Back home in Juuban nobody messes with him or Atsuko because of the few times they've lost their tempers. When they're angry they become a force of nature that's almost unstoppable.

## Ability

Ryoga is the weaponless heir to his family’s school of martial arts. Ranma was taught to fight with and without weapons. He learned mixed styles while Ryoga’s fighting style is pure and goes along with the oldest traditions of their school. In A Tale of Two Wallets the Hibiki School of the Righteous Fist that Atsuko created is described as a combination of what she learned from her father growing up and the Saotome School taught to her by Genma. So Ryoga’s fighting style is most likely a more refined version of that.

Ryoga hasn’t shown being able to utilize any of the youma abilities of his mother.