“Saotome, change forms and face me like a man!” bellowed Kiba. “Hiding as a girl isn’t going to stop your beating! Akamaru, let’s get him… Akamaru? Where did you go?” Kiba’s voice trailed off as shiver of fear went down his spine. Saotome was leaking killing intent… that was visible and apparently freezing the surrounding area. “Shit.”
Man, this was a baaad idea; Saotome becomes such a raging bitch when PMSing. My plan was going to be so simple, get into scuffle with Saotome and beat him down with righteous brotherly indignation. Damn, Damn, DAMN! I questioned his manhood; Saotome is so freaking sensitive about that crap. Akamaru, you treacherous bastard, you better be running to fetch Hana. A million thoughts were flying through Kiba’s mind at warp speed as Saotome approached. ANBU, ANBU; come on, where’s the ANBU? The level of menace that Saotome is putting out has to warrant intervention!
“So, you wanted to see me Kiba?” Ranma icily responded. Cracking her neck and then her fingers, Ranma dared Kiba to respond.
Thoughts of family loyalty warred with self preservation, but for Kiba there was one answer, “Damn right, Saotome, I said you’ll pay…” A maniacal light began to shine in Saotome’s eyes as she closed the space between the two fighters. Kiba backed up hastily and threw his hands in front of his body, “You’ll pay 2000 ryou for my sister’s bath towel. It was a very nice terry cloth towel that was her favorite… please don’t hurt me.”
“Fine…” was Ranma’s muttered reply. Disappointment crossed her face as she handed over the money.
Stay of execution granted. Kiba exhaled lightly as Saotome headed back to the Ramen stand.
“I’m surprised you let Kiba off the hook, Saotome,” replied Nabiki. “You were infinitely harsher to Sasuke when he made that mistake.”
“Feh, Kiba is a well-intentioned meathead; Sasuke just pisses me off. And I do feel somewhat guilty about the demonstration debacle, even if it was hilarious to foist responsibility onto Hiashi,” Ranma replied between bites of ramen. “Besides Kiba isn’t off the hook, he just nominated himself as taijutsu dummy Number 1 during class. No point in beating his ass now, if I can beat his ass and score points during Taijutsu class.”
“Oy, Nabiki, Yakumo; Ranma’s mom said she was going to talk to your parents about staying over. Evidently the old man’s a big deal,” Naruto stated between large bites of ramen.
Ranma started twitching at the demands his mother would make. That’s the reason why Mom demanded I reread Icha Icha specials 7 and 11 again. Man, and I thought Pop’s version of the talk was scarring. “Well I probably see you tonight you two,” replied Ranma as she finished her second bowl of ramen.
“You really think our parents will okay a sleep-over, Saotome?” Nabiki asked while raising her eyebrow.
“Would your mom turn down personal tutoring lessons from a Sannin?” was Ranma’s level reply. “You’re going to be dragged into this debacle as well, Nabiki; our only hope is that your mom will be allowed to attend as a chaperone.”
“Grkkk…”was Nabiki’s unintelligible response. Now think rationally; Jiraiya should behave himself; we are just kids… what the hell am I talking about? When Jiraiya is the model of adult responsibility in a household, you’re screwed. “Is Ms. Saotome inviting anyone else, Naruto?” queried Nabiki.
“I believe she was going to invite Hinata over as well.” was Naruto’s reply.
And somebody for Naruto. Really, at least Daddy had the sense to wait until we were teenagers. All this time around Ms. Saotome is causing me to develop a small amount of empathy for Genma and his never-ending training trip. “Well…”
“Well what, Nabiki?” queried Yakumo.
“I’m still trying to think of a positive spin to put on this turn of events, Yakumo,” replied a lightly grinning Nabiki.
“We get to spend time amongst friends,” the pale girl replied quietly.
Man, I forgot what a cloistered existence Yakumo lived. Patting the girl on the shoulder, “Yeah, we get to spend time amongst friends.” Quirking her lips into a smile, Nabiki whispered conspiratorially “At the very least, it will be one hell of a team building exercise in the face of adversity.”
That cunning brat, obviously trying to get his claws into the presumed Hyuuga heir as a means of legitimizing his techniques. But the offer of personal training with a Sannin can not be dismissed lightly or without consequence. Blast that boy, his skill at the political game is beyond his years. “Hinata, you may go to this ‘training’ event at the Saotome boy’s house, but remember: a shinobi must see underneath the underneath,” stated Hiashi from his bed.
“Yes Father.” was the automated reply from Hinata. As she walked to her room, a pole axed expression gave way to a happier one. I get to spend time with Naruto and Ranma… although what did Father mean a ‘shinobi must see underneath the underneath’? Does Father approve of Ranma? He has complimented Ranma’s cunning, is ‘seeing underneath the underneath’ his tacit approval of Ranma as a potential groom? Oh my, but what about Naruto?
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(Posted Thu, 29 Jan 2009 15:22)
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らんま1/2 © Rumiko Takahashi
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