Sighing, Ranma apparently stood in front of a place that might hold some answers for him.
While it was true that he didn't particularly want anything to do with his father, his past did still haunt him. Where he didn't want to actually meet that man, he was curious about a number of things. In the research the shrine leaders did for him in that regard, he was led to Nerima. Apparently in this district resided the only dojo to the style his father was attempting to teach him.
Hopefully the dojo wouldn't end up too close to the truth, but at least it promised a definite possibility of answers. The martial arts master here was rumored to have trained with his father, as well the two being friends. As such the information might be a little sugar coated. Still, he could very well find the answers here that he needed to bury his past.
Turning to his companion, he tried to show his gratitude to the woman while being as little of a bother as possible. "Ah, so this is the Tendou Dojo?"
Seeing the ghostly ethereal outline of her physical form nod, the gentle voice confirmed his limited vision. "Why yes, that is where you wanted to go, correct?"
Nodding and putting on his best smile while avoiding locking gazes with her out of politeness, he hesitantly spoke up. "Is there a challenge sign? Something with instructions?"
Quirking her head to the side, the girl seemed to suddenly realize there was indeed a second sign that was apparently to that affect. "Why yes. Challengers should use the back gate to challenge the owner in savage combat."
Nodding his head in a mimicry of happiness, Ranma avoided chuckling to that effect. The less she heard his voice or saw his face, the more comfortable she should be. "Ah, then I hope this is the front gate. It is a friendly call."
Pausing slightly, he became a bit more serious, looking partially her way. "Ah, Miss Kasumi was it? Thank you for the assistance. This was quite kind of you."
Curiously her aura stayed fairly steady, despite her sounding fairly pleased at the praise. At least she didn't seem troubled by his presence at least. "Oh, it wasn't out of my way at all, so it's really no bother."
Nodding happily to himself, he decided to do something nice for her, even if it might upset her. As long as his advice was helpful, he didn't mind at all if she got upset for touching on something personal. "Ah, well thank you Kasumi-san, it was kind of you. If you don't mind a bit of advice, have a doctor examine your lungs. The congestion isn't a mere cold I'm afraid."
Deciding that was a decidedly awkward bit of advice, he hastened to part ways before things got to be too uncomfortable. "Ah, well, here are your groceries. I'm afraid we must part ways here."
For an agonizing moment, the awkward tableau merely continued to stretch on as he offered her the groceries she'd been carrying when they met. The girl hesitantly took her bags before finally recovering from his odd pronouncement enough to speak. "...oh, but this is my house. Aren't you coming in?"
Stoically, Ranma refused to develop more than a slight twitch. Trained for years in the wisdom of monks, and he still ended up making a fool of himself and feeling stupid.
Somehow he didn't think this was going to be a lucky day.
Finding himself seated at the family table across from an older man, Ranma had to append his earlier assessment. Kasumi was more than just nice.
Apparently once he entered the yard, he officially became a guest, which seemed to grant a surprising level of attention from the girl. She didn't seem to be straining herself to do so, so he could only surmise she wasn't pulling out the stops due to his obvious impairments. Seating pillow provided, guidance to his seat a given, and drinks promptly served as snacks were prepared.
He had to admit, the girl was a natural at it. She seemed to have a genuine desire to please others and see them happy. While there was definitely a kind heart, he could sense some reservations about her. Unsurprisingly she did react to his appearance, though she did control herself well enough that he could surmise it might be mostly curiosity and surprise.
The man however was straightforward, diplomatic and a bit boisterous, greeting him loudly and proudly. "Ah well then I am Soun Tendou, Master of this dojo. You've already met my daughter Kasumi."
Nodding minutely, Ranma waited for his turn to speak, keeping his eyes closed to be polite, not that it really muted his senses much. "Ah yes, my name is Ranma. If I may be straight forward, I'm interested in someone you know, a Genma Saotome."
Slowing down a bit, the loud man quieted down to almost whisper levels. "Ah, may I ask why? Surely you don't think something untoward about him."
Nodding mostly to himself, that confirmed their relationship quite a bit. Apparently he was used to Genma bringing him bad news, though that news could be unwarranted. If he wanted answers, he would be best served by a neutral setting. "Ah, nothing so bad. I just want to know about him and your school."
Unfortunately, mentioning he had heard of rumors would likely compel the man to dispel whatever rumors those might be. It was a bit tricky as he didn't particularly want to lie too much, nor reveal too much about himself. Hopefully this path would lead him towards some answers.
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(Posted Wed, 06 Sep 2006 12:26)
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