Does anyone besides me get the feeling that whatever Genma did to Ranma is
similar to the Nekoken, in that Ranma may not really be in control?  Trying
to drive Ucchan away, finding an out to killing Nabiki with the knife, not
killing the Hibikis quickly and outright even when it is clear that they
want him dead, it's almost like the younger Ranma, the 'normal' Ranma, is
trapped inside, trying desperately to deal with someone who has pretty much
complete control of his or their body.

I've wondered about that, actually.  In part eight, for example, there was a
reference to Ranma's eyes glowing red.  Now, this is an established anime
cliche for demonic possession, isn't it?

Or perhaps Ranma is in control most of the time, but the other lies buried
right beneath the surface, ready to be triggered at the slightest
provocation, to take over if Ranma ever stumbles or deviates from 'the
rules'?  Some of the things Ranma says and does clearly indicate he fears,
well, himself, more than anything else.

This would certainly explain the calculated way Ranma said things to Ukyou
that were guaranteed to hurt her the most.  In IMBS, Ukyou above all other
characters is a person that Ranma should like, considering their history
together. Two possibilities come to mind. One is that because of these
'rules', Ranma _can't_ be nice to people.  The other is that he wanted,
badly, to drive her away to safety.  This could also explain why he bolted
at the end of that last sparring match with Akane... another 'rules'
violation that almost happened.

Best,

Bob Barnes
rbarnes@moscow.com
Moscow, Idaho

When opportunity comes, the trick is to CATCH the red hat.