He was built like a brick wall.  Clever observers could tell 
the difference since walls don't wear Rayban shades or 
ascots.  For that matter, they don't open gold cigarette 
cases, and light one up.  "Hmmm.  Looks like a dull town," 
he rumbled as he looked around at the serenely sunny suburb 
of Nerima.  Naturally a moment later he was knocked flying 
by an out of control brawl.  

"Stop running and fight, coward!" Ryoga shouted. 

"Beeedah!" Ranma taunted, tongue out as he tumbled and 
leapt.  "Whatsamatta, too slow?  Or are you just afraid 
you'll get lost?"

Ryoga's only response was an inarticulate roar, followed by 
a headlong charge and a explosion as the fight quickly moved 
on.

A moment later, their victim stirred and sat up.  He 
thoughtfully brushed himself off.  "Hmm.  Looks like this is
the right place."  He put his hat back on, readjusted his 
cravat, and made his way to the nearest high school.

Lunch-time was almost over when he arrived at Furinkan High 
School.  The students were taking advantage of the weather, 
scattered all over the the grounds, including Hiroshi and 
Daisuke.  They examined the newcomer with a jaundiced eye.  

"That's just about the ugliest guy I've ever seen."

"Maybe it isn't a guy.  Remember that cousin of Shampoo's?"

Hiroshi shuddered.  "Don't remind me."

"Didn't she end up going off with the guy with all the weird 
disguises?"

"Wasn't that a girl?"

Daisuke sighed.  "Hard to tell in this neighbourhood."

"Sometimes I think we're the token normal guys in these 
parts."

"You're a guy?  Who knew?"

Hiroshi scrambled into a poor facsimile of a martial arts 
stance as he imitated Ryoga's voice to shout, "Daisuke!  
Prepare to die!"

Nabiki sneered a little at the clowning of the bookend boys 
and turned her attention to the hulk now scanning the 
schoolyard with what looked like a very expensive compact 
video camera.  Her nose twitched.  That fellow smelled like 
easy money.  

He scanned the yard, dwelling lovingly on the tree that 
someone had turned into a stump, the pedestal which seemed 
to be short a statue, and the rather clumsily repaired 
exterior wall surrounding the yard.  

"Looking for something in particular?

He lowered the camera to look at the source of the question.  
No cosmetics, and a rather utilitarian hair style, but that 
undefinably knowing quality to her regard that caught one's 
interest.  She archly commented, "You know the local 
authorities take an interest in guys who hang around 
schoolyards for no good reason."

His voice was like rusty metal as he said, "Oh I've got an 
excellent reason."

She smiled.  "Why don't you tell me about it?  Who knows, I 
might be of some service.

____________________________________________________________

Soun Tendo had one thing in common with his middle 
daughter.  Neither of them were morning people.  His 
bleary eyes noted that they were the first ones at the
table for breakfast and Nabiki looked a bit livelier than
usual.  He mumbled a greeting.

"Mornin', Daddy."

Kasumi was in the kitchen, of course.  It was raining a 
little today, so instead of fighting over the pool, the 
Saotomes were probably in the Dojo.  Akane might be there,
or upstairs with her weights.  Really, it might be a good
idea to have them work out together a little more.  He'd
have to suggest that to Saotome...

"Oh Daddy?  I need you to sign some permission forms."
Nabiki casually shoved a couple of papers in front of him
without looking up from her binder.  

Absently, he signed what she handed to him and turned
his attention to the paper.  Hmm.  Terrorists Fire Rocket
Launcher Into Catseye Cafe.  Tokyo Police Chief Calls 
Demon Sighting "Mass Hysteria".  Who Will Be A-ko?
Underwear Thief At Large.  Drat, the Master was back in 
business.  What a pain.  

"Breakfast's ready..."

There was a distinct breeze as Ranma and his father 
suddenly appeared in their places at the table.  Akane
was there a moment later.  

"Nabiki?" Akane asked, "Who was that man you were talking
to at school?"

"Hmm?"  Nabiki looked at Akane blearily.  "Who?"

"The one with the sunglasses."

"You'll know soon."