Nodoka had been a little hesitant about going to this diner. She knew it was one of her son’s favorites, and the owner was one of the many women bedazzled by his manly charms. On the other hand that girl had also been part of the group that had destroyed her home over the Saotome family pill box. Now it appeared her hesitation had not been needed. Ucchan’s was closed and seemed to have been that way for a while. Just to be sure she tried the door.
“Please forgive this one, honored customer, but the plans to reopen Ucchan’s are not yet complete.”
Concealing the start she felt, Nodoka turned to face the pretty girl in a waitress’s kimono kneeling on the sidewalk bowing to her. “Where did she come from?” Nodoka thought as she returned the bow.
“How do you do. I’m Ranma’s mother Nodoka. Pleased to meet you.”
“I am Ucchan’s Okonomiyaki waitress Konatsu. How may I aid you, Lady Nodoka?”
“Is Ukyou well? I was seeking my son, and it surprised me that her business was closed.”
“Lady Ukyou is quite well, thank you for asking. She has entered into a merger with Lady Cologne of the Nekohanten where Lady Cologne is the senior partner. While they make plans to reopen Ucchan’s Lady Ukyou is training under Lady Cologne at the Nekohanten along with Lady Shampoo and Lady Akane. Perhaps Lord Ranma is there?”
“That does seem very likely, and I’d already planned to go to Nekohanten next. Thank you for your kindly help Konatsu, and good fortune on Ucchan’s reopening.”
“Please don’t mention it.”
As Nodoka turned to go to the Nekohanten she didn’t notice Konatsu blur back into hiding. Instead her thoughts were preoccupied. “What a pretty girl with such a wonderfully traditional manner. Perhaps she could join my son’s mistresses. I’m sure she would bear wonderful grandchildren.”