On Tue, 7 Oct 1997 Toby_Kilbreath@markham.longview.ca wrote:

   'Besides, Ranma Saotome is my rightful Daiyamo', thought
Tatewaki Kuno.

Hmm... Daimyo's were the great Barons who were effectively emasculated 
when the Tokugawa Shogunate consolidated power.  

So by this idea Ranma is descended from a fuedal Baron who *REALLY* got 
on the wrong side of the Shogun and whose family has been in hiding ever 
since.  With mono-manical followers just waiting for a chance to return 
their "Daimyo" to his "rightful" position.

Fits right in with certain Japanese traditions of revenge and loyalty.

This adds some interesting side thoughts.

What if Ryoga is a cousin of the Kuno's.  His "lost factor" could be a
"disguise" for reporting to superiors, arranging "training" etc.

Doesn't fit in well with his "Die, Ranma!  Die!" greeting.  Still, all 
that is required is some suspension of disbelief.

Kuno's "Date Me" thing for Akane was to keep Ranma's bride free.

By old Japanese tradition Daimyo's and other great Lords would have what 
amounted to a Harem of women with the heir usually being the Daimyo's 
favoured child.  Western style monogamy and succession of the eldest 
son/child formally came in with the Meiji reformation, although 
succession by the eldest son was the usual thing.

Marriage alliances were well known though, which brings up the 
implication of what is it that makes house "Tendo" worthy of an alliance 
with house "Saotome".

Shampoo, Moose and Cologne definately would need to be kept "unaware".
Ranma marrying Shampoo would definately "help" the amazon cause.  If
Cologne knew Ranma wouldn't have a chance.

Oh I don't know...  why would the Amazons try harder for the heir to an 
old style Daimyo?  One nice thing about Amazon customs is that the men 
they chase are worth it in their own right, not because of their titles 
and/or possessions.

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"The Major"                     |  "Funny Games, Strange Cartoons, Confusing
David Bateson                   |     Computers and too many Books!  No 
                                |     wonder you're weird."
major@yoyo.cc.monash.edu.au     |       - My Sister.
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