DreAshaman@aol.com wrote:

Nabiki.  I think the most overused convention that has nothing to back
it up is making Nabiki the local maffia leader, for lack of a better term.
Nabiki is a swindler. 

This is my take on the subject as well.  A lot of people say Nabiki is
motivated by money, but I think that's a little inaccurate.  Nabiki is
motivated by EASY money.

This is why I don't buy either "Nabiki becomes a businesswoman" fics or
"Nabiki supports the family" fics.  If Nabiki would rather run scams
than get an afterschool job NOW, then why would anyone think she would
willingly do honest work in the future?  As for supporting the family --
when has she ever shown concern for anyone besides herself?  

If you want the family to have a visible means of support, then why have
Kasumi take a job?  She's finished high school, unlike the other two
daughters, and she's not really on stage that much.  Having her at work
while Ranma &c are at school isn't nearly as much of a stretch as having
Nabiki do something that (a) she wouldn't want to do anyway and (b)
probably couldn't take in enough money to feed the family anyway.

-- David