On Sun, 13 Apr 1997, Hitomi Ichinohei wrote:

	A handsome man in a dark, almost black gi answered him with a
smile, "Son, you've got to start thinking of various possibilities instead
of only a small number of circumstances.  As the sole heir to the
Musabetsu Kakutou Ryu, you have to be ready for anything." 

	(sinister voice)  anything....?

	While Ranko doubted that she could ever really fall in love with
him sexually, she was convinced that it was now possible to fall in love
with him in the future.  He was exactly the type of man that her
girlfriends at school used to giggle and gossip about as the perfect
boyfriend.  A very handsome face, strong body, a firm, but soft touch, and
very nice personality.  If Kaneda had been female, Ranko knew she would
have fallen in love instantly. 

	Sure you would have...

	True, he was a bit angry at first, probably because of something
between him and his father, but it didn't appear to be his normal
attitude.  Besides, he was willing to teach her in the one profession that

	Ranko sure can misread a person...

she really did want to learn, and was willing to protect her from the
consequences of that training as well!  *Kaneda-kun, I don't know what the
future will hold, but if I have to marry a man, I'm sort of glad it's
going to be you.*
	Ranko, of course, loved to read romance novels of love at first
sight. 

	ahem...bad news, Ranko...

	Nabiki was looking at this and raised an eyebrow.  She was the
only one who saw the emotion flit through the young girls eyes because of
where she was sitting, and realized that Ranko wanted, and _needed_ to do
the martial arts, much like she needed to work with business related
items.  It seemed that this match between Ranko and her brother might be
better than any of them realized, if Nodoka would let her daughter life a
more modern life.  "Well, it may be necessary Aunt Saotome.  This is a
martial arts family after all, and the reason for the marriage is to
continue the school.  If Kaneda is going to be teaching the Art, he will
need to concentrate on the higher levels, and someone will have to teach
the beginners classes.  Besides, Ranko would work with the children better
than Kaneda ever could." 

	Could be...

	Ranko spoke up slightly, "Mother.  It would not be fair to
Kaneda-kun if I don't help him.  He is the man I am betroth to, and that

typo: betrothed

means that his burdens must be mine." 
	Nodoka nodded.  Her daughter spoke not only from honour, but from
the heart.  "Very well.  But if you are to do any more practicing, you
must only do it in proper clothing.  A dress is not something to fight
in." 

True enough...

	Ranko looked at her dress and winced, "Thank-you Kasumi-onnechan. 
I would appreciate it." 
	Nodoka smiled, "Go on Ranko.  Soun and I still have to talk over a
few matters." 

yah-hum... here it comes...

	As Ranko left, Nabiki excused herself as well.  Her little
brothers attitude, and the way he was doing things, was annoying,
especially since it seemed he was doing everything he could to discourage
Ranko.  Giving Kaneda a small bit of pay back for that would be good, and
it just might let Ranko display the anger that she had in an amusing
manner. 

Actually, Kaneda seems to have *encouraged* her by offering to teach her 
the martial arts, and Nabiki hasn't seen them together since the cab.  
Or has she?

*** > 
ready, little brother.  Make sure you've washed up and aren't smelly eh?" 
	Kaneda stared daggers at his sister and then growled out
sarcastically.  "Thanks!  I'll remember to do that." 

heh.  Good ol' Nabiki...> 

***

	Ranko lowered herself into the tub, happy and glad for this first
day.  It hadn't been so bad, and although there had been an unexpected
discovery that Kaneda was Uncle Tendo's only son, she decided her mother
was correct.  Besides, Kaneda was kind of fun to be around.  If they got
to know each other, then when she told him her secret, all would be well. 

You're about to get to know each other just a little too well for this 
early in the relationship...

	Ranko looked down and then up, a little scared.  "Ah...Well...You
might as well know.  I...I'm Ranko, although when I was born I was named
Ranma." 
	Getting out of the bath quickly, he got the rinse bucket he had
left beside the tub and poured it over himself, saying, "I can explain
this, if you give me a chance." 
	Kaneda just fell to his knees as he saw a person who was
definitely _male_ get out of the water saying that he was Ranko.  When he
poured the water over his head and became at least a head shorter,
rounder, and _very_ female, his mind went on overload.  having faced one
too many shocks already, he fainted. 

oops.

	Ranko's fear immediately became concern and she rushed over to
him, placing his head on her lap and gently running a hand across his
forehead. "Kaneda-kun.  Kaneda-Kun!  Please wake up!"

	Not necessarily the best move, considering she's still naked...

SKJAM!