Ranma the Tenth Hakkeshu or Ranma’s Cousin Iori (------) Disclaimer: I do not own Ranma ½. That is property of Rumiko Takahashi. I do not own The King of Fighters, that is property of SNK. I do however suggest you look up information on these two properties. You won’t be disappointed. (------) Note: This takes place after the Ranma ½ manga and while before the King of Fighters ’98. (------) Ranma the Tenth Hakkeshu Chapter 12: Knockout in Nerima It is early in the morning when Ranma, Leona and Iori reach Nerima. To hide his identity, Ranma is wearing the shirt Iori gave him. He also has his hair down, parted to have strands over his eyes, and he’s wearing black sunglasses. Leona and Iori are dressed as they usually are, since no one in Nerima knows them. They walk around for a bit, taking in the sights. They aren’t sure what to make of the place. It’s so calm, so serene. Than they hear a horde of people. They turn to see an old man with a sack, being chased by a mob of angry women. Ranma knows who it is and dives at the old man. Happosai: What a haul, what a haul, ha ha ha ha haaaaaaaaa! Ranma: Die old man! Happosai (Looks up, to be kicked in the face): OUCH! What you do that for? Ranma: That’s my line pervert. Happosai (Recognizes the voice): Do I know you? You seem familiar. Ranma (Smiles): Oh, no one important. But you better look behind you. Happosai: Wha… (Turn to see the mod of women). AHHHHH! (Women start pounding the old man into the ground). Woman 1: Pervert! Woman 2: Peeping Tom! Woman 3: Old Lecher! Woman 4: Thief! Ranma, Leona, and Iori just stand there enjoying the show. After the mob is done with the old man, they leave. Ranma than walks up to the now beaten up old lech. Happosai: Who… Who are you? How could you do that to an old, defenseless man? Ranma (Laughs): Defenseless? You had it coming you old goat. You stole their underwear. What did you expect? Happosai (Eyes widen): Ranma! How can this be? You left! And I was having so much fun while you were gone. Ranma: Well old perv, what’s there to keep me from coming back? Happosai (Angry): ME! (Angry, jumps up into the air) Hippo Fire Burst! (Throws little explosives at Ranma). Ranma (Smiles): Dark Thrust! (Sends purple flames towards the explosives and Happosai. The old man is burnt to a crisp). Happosai: Ranma that’s not fair. Ranma (Annoyed): Like you ever fight fair? (Old man faints before he can answer). Leona: That was the underwear thief? Ranma: Yup. Leona (Smiles): Good. He deserved it. Ranma (Smiles): You don’t know the half of it. (Leaves a little card of the King of Fighters Tournament for Happosai). Iori: Where to next? Ranma: School would be a good bet. (------) Ranma, Leona, and Iori get to Furinkan High, just in time to see Akane finish mauling a good number of the male student body. She’s about to go inside when Kuno throws a rose at her. Ranma catches it. Ranma: Is this yours? Kuno: Insolent whelp! You dare to mock the Tatewaki Kuno, the “Scarred Angel” of Furinkan High? Ranma (Smiles): Yes. Akane: What are you doing? Don’t you realize he could hurt you? Ranma (To Akane): And how is he gonna do that? Kuno: Like this! (Sends a barrage of strikes at Ranma. None of them hit him. Ranma moves so fast, it appears he didn’t move). Akane & Kuno: WHAT!? (The entire student’s watching from the windows are in awe, and Nabiki takes out her laptop, to see if she can find information on the three people there). Ranma: Is that all? Listen you two. I’m here to invite you to the King of Fighters Tournament. (He hands them both a card with information). Kuno (Pompous): So, you see my skill as a great asset to your pathetic little tournament? Iori (Laughs): Asset? We just need for someone to lose. You’re nowhere near the skill level of even the weakest contenders in this tournament. Kuno (Glares): You dare to insult the noble house of Kuno? Iori (Glares back at him): And you dare to insult the noble house of Yagami? Kuno (Pales): Yagami? No sir! I would not meddle in your affairs. Iori: Good. I see you are more intelligent than you let on. Akane (Shocked): You mean you’re actually afraid of him Kuno? Kuno: I am sorry, my dear Akane Tendo, but it is suicide to even try to approach the Yagami. They are one of the two clans that defeated the 8-headed Dragon God Orochi. I shall consider joining. (Pees his pants, and runs inside). Iori (Laughs): What a clod! Leona (Glares at Akane, than turns to Ranma): Is this the girl that always beat you up for no damn good reason except that she was jealous of you? Akane: Beat him up? I don’t even know this person! Ranma (Smiles): You don’t remember me at all. That’s not surprising. Yes Leona, this is the girl that beat me up, even though; I didn’t do anything to her. Why do you ask? Leona (Smiles): I would like to “spar” with her. Ranma (Smiles): Go right ahead. Akane: You think you can beat me? Just try. There’s no way a skinny twig like you can beat me. (A girl shouts from one of the windows, it’s Nabiki). Nabiki: Akane, there’s no way you can beat her. She is Leona from the King of Fighters Tournament. She’ll mop the floor with you. That guy that scared off Kuno is Iori Yagami. They are both accomplished fighters. Akane (Pales): What? Leona (Smiles): Too late. (Gathers energy from around her). Mizu Ken! (A ball of dark blue energy smashes into Akane). Akane: Gaaaaaaaaah! (Smashes into the school building). Leona: Not so tough when you’re against an opponent that won’t hold back, huh? Nabiki (Screams): WHAT THE HELL! ARE YOU SOME SORT OF PSYCHO? Leona: Naw. Just had top get back at the brat for what she did to Ranma. (The three walk towards the building). Nabiki (Thinks): Did to Ranma? I thought she was getting back at my sister for supposedly hurting her partner. (Makes a realization). My God. Is that Ranma with them? (Out loud) Ranma is that you. (The whole school goes into an uproar). Ranma (Smiles): Hello Nabiki, how’s business been since you haven’t been able to make money off me? Nabiki: It is you. (Shouts) Ranma, where have you been? And what are you doing with the Insane Orochi Warrior? Iori (Insulted): HEY! Ranma: I’ll explain later. Don’t worry, there’s much to talk about. Where’s Ukyo? I heard she left. Nabiki: She’s at her restaurant. She got back recently, and is trying to fit back in. Ranma: Okay. Thanks Nabiki. See you later. The three walk off towards Ucchan’s. The whole school is in chaos seeing Ranma is still around. Nabiki goes down to where her sister is lying unconscious. She helps her sister awaken and Akane is furious. Akane: That bitch! How dare she make a fool of me? That’s it, I’m gonna join that tournament with my boyfriend Shingo, and we’ll kick her scrawny ass. Nabiki (Stern): No you won’t. Do you realize who that boy was with them that gave you the information on the tournament? Akane: No. Why should I? Nabiki: That was Ranma! Akane (Pales): Ranma! You mean that was that stupid pervert I was engaged to? Nabiki: Yes that was our Ranma. He’s probably going to visit us tonight. I suggest you get ready. Akane: I won’t lose to her again! (------) The three make it to Ucchan’s Okonomiyaki. There aren’t many people in there. There’s a man in the corner drinking coffee and three people eating some okonomiyaki, and that’s about it. Ranma spots Ukyo behind her grill. She looks so depressed that the sight breaks Ranma’s heart. He walks up to her to talk. Leona and Iori keep their distance. Ranma: What’s the matter? A cute girl shouldn’t be so down in the dumps. Ukyo (Angry): Stop hitting on me pervert. Now is not the best time. If you want to live, I suggest you leave, NOW! (The people in the restaurant leave, feeling a fight’s going to break out). Ranma: Sorry. I just can’t stand to see you so down. May I please know what’s wrong? Is it about Ranma? Ukyo (Eyes widen): How do you know about my friend Ranma? Ranma (Surprised): Friend? I thought he was your fiancée? Ukyo: He was. But he only needed me as a friend. I’m sorry I wasn’t there for him. He needed a friend, but I wanted more. Now he’s gone. He’s probably out there alone, and helpless. (Tears flow from her eyes). It’s all my fault. Ranma: No Ucchan, don’t say that. It’s not your fault. If anything it’s Akane’s and Ryoga’s, so don’t blame yourself. You’re one of the best friends I got. Ukyo (Eyes widen): Ranma? (He pulls off his sunglasses, and pulls back his hair to let her see his eyes). Ranchan, it is you! (She hugs him tightly). I’m so happy; I never thought I’d see you again. Welcome back! Ranma: Thanks Ukyo. I’m glad to see you too. Ranma and Ukyo go into discussion. Ukyo tells Ranma about how she left searching for him after she couldn’t get anybody to help her. She spent a month searching for him, but to no avail. So she headed back to Nerima. Ranma than tell her about all the craziness that’s happened to him lately. Ukyo is amazed, but knows it’s the truth. After all, stuff like this happens to Ranma all the time. Ukyo: So now what? Ranma: So I need to find people to enter the next King of Fighters Tournament to help me stop this Rugal guy. I’m giving you a card with the information. You don’t have to enter, but please, keep this in mind. Ukyo: I will Ranchan. I’m just so glad to see you again. And don’t worry. This time, I’ll do every thing right. Forget the fiancée nonsense, I just want to be there as a friend. Ranma (Smiles): You mean it Ucchan? Ukyo: Of course Ranchan. I’m just sorry, I didn’t realize you needed a friend more than anything sooner. Ranma: It’s okay. I’m just glad to have you as a friend now. I promise to keep in touch. I have other people I need to talk to about this as well. Ukyo: Okay Ranchan. Just promise to see me later. Ranma: Don’t worry I will. Ranma leaves with Leona and Iori. They make there way towards the Nekohanten. (------) Nekohanten is very busy. They have people coming in by the carloads. Ranma wonders why they’re so busy now. He steps in and sees why. Shampoo is entertainment. She hacks at a training dummy with her sword. The Dummy looks suspiciously like Ranma. Ranma steps up to Shampoo. Ranma: Hey Amazon! You want to enter a tournament? Shampoo (Angry, and curious): What kind of tournament weakling? Ranma: The King of Fighters Tournament of course. Where the greatest fighters from all over the world come to fight each other to test their strength. Here’s three cards information. One for you, Mousse, and The Old Ghoul. Shampoo (Angry): OLD GHOUL!? How dare you talk about Great-grandmother like that? I kill. (She shoves her bonbori and sword at Ranma and misses. She’s shocked by the speed he moved with). Shampoo (Curious): Who are you? Ranma: Just a no-name fighter, entering the tournament to win fame. I’m entering others because that’s part of the training. Shampoo: Part of the training? Ranma: Yeah, you see… (Is about to continue, but lifts his hand up in time to catch Cologne’s staff. She is surprised by his speed). Cologne: My, you certainly have improved Son-in-law. Ranma: Hi Ghoul. Shampoo (Surprised): Ranma!? (Turns angry quickly). I kill. Ranma (Sweats): Well… I love to stay and chat, but I have other things to do. (Looks to Leona and Iori). Come on guys; let’s get out of here. (The three start running). Shampoo: Ranma, come back here. I KILL! (------) After running a good 5-miles, the three stop to rest, Iori: Damn. What was the girl’s problem? She some sort of psycho? Leona (To Iori): Like you have any room to talk. Iori (Angry): Hey, I fight with good reason. She attacked us for no good reason. And why the hell did you stop us from fighting her Ranma? Ranma: Remember the story about what happened at the Amazon village. Iori (Blinks): Oh right. The kisses of death and marriage. Ranma: Bingo! Leona: Well at least we lost them. Where are we? (They look around to see they are at the threshold of the Tendo Dojo). Ranma: Well… Might as well finish this. (The three walk up to the door, to be greeted by Kasumi). Kasumi: Hello. (Takes a look at all of them and blinks). Do I know you? Ranma (Smiles): It’s been a long time Kasumi. Kasumi (Shocked): Oh my, it you. (Smiles). I haven’t seen you in so long. My, you’ve changed. Who are your friends? Ranma: This (Points to Iori), is my cousin Iori Yagami. And this (Points to Leona), is my dear friend Leona. Kasumi: It’s nice to meet all of you. I am Kasumi Tendo. (Bows). Iori & Leona: Nice to meet you too. (They bow in turn). Soun (From the living room): Kasumi, who is it? Kasumi: It’s Ranma father, and he brought some friends. (The whole household runs to the door and bombards Ranma with questions). Soun: Where were you? Don’t you realize you have obligation to marry my daughter? Who are these people your with? Genma: Boy what’s going on? Do you realize the suffering I put up with not having you here? Nabiki: Ranma, what the hell were you thinking? Do you know how much money I’ve lost? You better have a good explanation on where you were? Akane: How could you let that b*tch hurt me Ranma? I thought I was your fiancée? Soun: Some one hurt my baby girl? WWAAAAAAAAAHHHHH!!! Happosai: How dare you ruin my fun? You ingrate! Ranma (Angry, shouts): WILL YOU ALL JUST SHUT THE F*CK UP!!! (Every one is silenced by the language Ranma chose to use). Iori: Wow… Ranma: Will you all just listen to me? I am the Tenth Hakkeshu. I have more power than any of you can dream about. I have been away learning how to control this power. I wouldn’t of had this happen if Akane and Ryoga didn’t beat me up within an inch of my life. I no longer have obligation to Akane. She dumped me for that stupid Shingo Yabuki anyway. (Akane’s face pales, Soun takes a stern look at her). These two people are my friends. The red haired man is my cousin Iori Yagami (Iori smiles at Genma, Genma’s face pales). The nice blue haired lady’s name is Leona. Leona beat the crap out of Akane, because she hates how the tomboy treated me. Dad, Nabiki… I couldn’t care less about what you want. Pervert, you can go to hell for all I care! The Tendo household is speechless. They are afraid to speak. They have never seen Ranma this angry. Hell, they never had him ever actually angry with them. Annoyed yes, but never angry. The stand there watching, when a boy in a blue school outfit, white bandanna, and blue fingerless gloves with The Kusanagi sun on them. He holds up flowers to Akane. Shingo: Hello Akane. Ready for our date? (Looks around). Why are you all shocked? Iori: Hello Shingo (Shingo’s face pales. He prays to the Kami he doesn’t see what he thinks he heard. He turns around to see it fails). Shingo (Afraid): Ack, YAGAMI! I THOUGHT YOU WERE DEAD!!! Iori (Smiles): Boo! Shingo (Screams): AAAAAAAHHHHHHH!!! (He passes out). Akane (Angry): What the Hell did you do that for? Iori: For fun of course. (Eyes Genma). Hello Uncle, long time no see… I think we should have a little chat in the dojo. Catch up on old times. (Genma tries to run but Iori grabs him by the back of his gi. He drags a kicking, screaming Genma to the Dojo). Ranma (Waves): Have fun you two. Iori (Smiles, waves): We will. Heh heh heh heh heh… Genma: Noooooooooooo! (The dojo door shuts behind them). Ranma: Anyway, I’m here to invite all the fighters here to the Next King of Fighters Tournament. It is a chance to show how great the Tendo Dojo is. Soun (Bawls): Ranma you do care! I’m so happy! Ranma: Uh… Right. Anyway, the engagement’s off. Too bad for you Akane. (Genma’s scream interrupts them for a second). Akane (Smiles): Too bad for me? Who do you think you are? You think any of the girls would go out with a MONSTER like you? (Leona’s about to strike Akane down but Ranma places a hand in front of her). I have Shingo now. That’s more than you’ll ever have. Ranma (Smiles): You always were the jealous type Akane. Don’t worry about me; I have someone that loves me just fine. Akane (Angry): WHO!? Ranma (Smile widens): You’ll have to wait to find out. Come on Lechan. Lets go get Iori and get the hell out of here. (Iori steps out of the Dojo with a lot of smoke following him out). Iori (Widest Smile possible, teeth are bared): Flame broiled panda anyone? (------) The trio walks home. Iori is as happy as can be Leona moves closer to Ranma as they walk home. Leona: Ranchan? Ranma (Smiles): Yes Lechan? Leona: Were you talking about me when you told Akane off? Am I the girl that you see that loves you? Ranma (Mock hurt): I hope so. Or else I wouldn’t have much to live for. Leona (Smiles): Thanks Ranchan. (She kisses him on the cheek). Ranma: I’m glad you love me too Lechan. (The two reach for each other and they walk home hand in hand, enjoying each other’s presence. Iori is happy about something else). Iori (To no one in particular): And than I did the Shakunetsu Amaguriken on Genma’s fat ass. Boy, he sure smelled like a hunk of pork as he cooked. MWAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAAAAAAAA!!! (------) In Rugal’s fortress, Rugal finishes the last of the invitation, by dripping red wax on it and placing a stamp of the Rugal seal in the wax. Rugal: Ah, I finished all the invitations. I better mail these. They are all going to freak when they see my seal on the letters. I can’t wait! Hmm, I wonder how Chizuru is doing. (Picks up a phone and dials a few numbers, Chizuru picks up). Chizuru: Hello. Rugal: Ah, Mirror Keeper. So how goes a hunt for exotic locations? Chizuru: Very well actually. Ever heard of Jusendo? Or how About Mount Phoenix? Or possibly Togenkyo? Rugal (Eyes wide): What are you talking about? Chizuru: You wanted exotic locations, so I got them. Most of them haven’t had outside visitors for hundreds of years. Rugal (Smiles): Interesting. Tell me more… (------) End Chapter 12 Next Time: Your favorite King of Fighters combatants receive their invitations in the mail, to see that they have the seal of Rugal on them. And how’s Billy going to react when given his new assignment by Geese Howard? And Ranma and Iori come up with a new technique. (Boy these two make a dangerous combination). Send your questions and comments to either RedPriest17@aol.com, or Ryutsurugi@yahoo.com. Note: Flames will be read and than used to fuel the Orochi fire.