�������������������������� The Leper: Symptoms
��������������������� by Nikholas "NomaD" F. Toledo
����� Ranma 1/2 is the property of Kitty, VIZ and the omnipotent Rumiko
Takahashi.� I am a property of Switch (so you know who to sue).
����� I am NomaD... I am coming... I am near.
����� By the way, this is a self-insertion.� My character had a past with
Ukyou, but not the kind you're thinking of.� And, because this is my
first Ranma fic, I'm gonna do some weird stuff like use Ryouga and Ukyou
but still keep Kuno, Tendo and Tofu.� But I'm really not sure.
����� This complete version was done with the support of Octavian and the
occasionals, all of whom have contributed to the formation of this fic.
��������������������������������� Part 3
���������������������������� "Family Secrets"
����� "So, how was it?"
����� "Okay, I guess... lots of talking, you know, yadayadayada... I
didn't know transferring would be this tedious.� Too bad I didn't get
your class."
����� "Wait!� What did you tell them?"
����� "Don't worry, Ucchan, I kept quiet this time..."
����� "... except?"
����� "... except... that I happened to mention that I'm good friends
with you and Ranma... which is so very true!"
����� "Okay, that's forgivable.� That'll keep you safe enough...."
����� "Hey, Kii!� Ucchan!"
����� The two turned in sync.� Ranma twitched at the uncanny likeness.
Kii saw two other guys coming up from behind Ranma - one had black hair
while the other had curly orange.
����� "Kiiroi, I'd like you to meet my two buddies, Hiroshi and Daisuke.
If were gonna be buddies and all, then you better know the rest of the
guys."
����� Hiroshi and Daisuke fumbled over each other, each trying to shake
Kiiroi's hand first.
����� "How are ya?"
����� "Heard you knew martial arts...."
����� "So what can you do?"
����� "Can you beat Ranma up for a change?"
����� "Heard you were from China...."
����� "Anything happens if you get wet?"
����� "You a real guy or a cross-dresser?"
����� "Got any fianc�es you wanna tell us about?"
����� Ukyou gulped in sudden alarm.� She managed to snatch Kiiroi from
the grasp of the two.� "Okay, that's enough.� Stop harassing the guy:
this is his first day, for goodness' sake."
����� "Ranma, Ucchan, can we eat now?� I'm starved.� We better find-
RANMA, LOOK OUT, THERE'S A GUY WITH A BOKKEN COMING AT YOU!!!"
����� Ranma just leaned to his left a bit.� The sword missed his ear by a
mere inch.� Kuno still had momentum, enough to trip over Ranma's stuck-
out leg.� Kuno fell flat on his face, still thrusting the sword forward.
����� "Kuno!� Where've you been this morning?� I almost thought you
wouldn't attack me this day - I'd hate to break a routine."
����� Kuno immediately got up and pointed his bokken at Ranma.� "Curse
you, Ranma Saotome.� Once again you cower among your henchmen to aid you
in our daily battle of honor.� But, beware, you vile cur, when you are at
your most vulnerable and most unsuspecting, then I shall smite you with
the wrath and vengeance for luring away my pig-tailed goddess and -"
����� Ranma plugged the yammering with his foot.� "Quit it, Kuno... let's
tango later - right now, I'm entertainin'...."
����� Ranma pushed Kuno's face away with a slight kick that sent Kuno
flying over a bunch of students.� Ranma waited for a resounding *THUD*.
����� Ranma then turned to his four companions.� "C'mon, let the five of
us get some grub."
����� "What about Akane?"
����� "Ah, leave that tomboy with all her GUHURL friends!"
����� "No, that's not what I mean -"
����� "Don't worry, Kii, she'll be okay with those bunch of sissies.
They'll probably be talking about cutey-wootsy stuff, like dresses and
actors -"
����� "Ranma, it's just that she's -"
����� "I know, she's a bit of a tomboy with all her brute strength.� You
know, no matter how uncute she is, she's actually a real girl.� Believe
me," wink, "I know...."� A pause. "... uh oh... she's behind me, isn't
she?"
����� *WHAAAM!!!*
����� Akane rammed Ranma down into the ground like a nail with her
enormous mallet.
����� "Hi, Akane."
����� "Hi, Kiiroi.� C'mon, I'm getting hungry, too."
����� The six went to the cafeteria with Ranma lagging behind, being
carried by Hiroshi and Daisuke.
----------
����� "So, Kiiroi, wanna try these muffins I baked in class?"
����� "Sure, I'd lo-"
����� "NOOOOOOO!!!� It's pois- oomph!"
����� Ranma tried vainly to remove Akane's headlock.� He'd just met
Kiiroi and was starting to like him already - it would be sad to see him
die like this...
����� Kiiroi took a muffin while Akane smiled at him like an angel
despite of the headlock she was currently applying.� He scanned the
entire cafeteria.
����� Everybody was strangely quiet and staring in their general
direction.
����� The muffin made the slow approach to his mouth... everybody seemed
to hold his or her breath at the same time.� Kiiroi started feeling
uneasy.� He heard somebody in the back say 'what a way to go....'.
����� Kiiroi decided not to take the unknown risk.
����� Akane's eyes became watery and sparkled.
����� Ranma sighed beneath her arm.� "That's so pathet- ack! k-k-khanth
buh-reeeeth..."
����� Kiiroi got out his handkerchief and wrapped the muffin inside.
"Tell you what, I don't want to spoil my appetite..."
����� "... or his life..."� *grip*� *krak*� "... hu-help...."
����� "... s-so, I'll eat lunch first and save this for dessert, okay?"
����� Akane pushed Ranma away and smiled childishly at Kiiroi.� "Promise?
I'll make you some more tomorrow, if you like it."
����� Kiiroi look past Akane where Ukyou sat.� Ukyou mouthed the words
'DON'T EAT IT'.� "T-that'll be nice."
����� Kiiroi turned to Hiroshi and whispered in his ear, "Is it really
that bad?"
����� Hiroshi whispered back, "You know, they used to have a dog...."
����� Akane fixed Hiroshi a cold stare...
����� "Did YOU say something Hiroshi?"
����� (How the hell did she hear me?)� "N-nothin', Akane, nothin' to do
with you... forget I said anything, Kii.� I still wanna live."
����� The six spent the entire hour talking about Kiiroi's life and
Ranma's day and the usual.� Ukyou silently observed the flow of the
conversation, making sure nobody mentioned anything about engagements.
����� Akane's eyes lit up.� "Hey, Kiiroi, if you'd like, you and Ukyou
can stay over for dinner later.� My sister's a great cook and my family's
great with guests."
����� Kiiroi looked at Ukyou for a response.
����� "I don't know... there's the restaurant, and Kiiroi and I worked
off our butts yesterday with all the cooking...."
����� "Aw, c'mon, Ucchan, don't be so stingy.� Close that thing for today
- tomorrow's a weekend, anyway, so you'll make up for today.� Please,
Ucchan...."
����� Kiiroi decided to play along.� "Yeah, Ucchan, pretty please?"
����� Ukyou gave an exasperated sigh.� "You guys are pathetic.� Okay,
fine.� We'll just go home and lock the place up...."
����� "Thanks, Ucchan.� There, Kii, I'll introduce you to the whole
family.� There's Akane's CUTE sisters, and our dads, and you might even
meet Ryouga...."
����� Ukyou blushed unnoticed except by Ranma and Akane, but they decided
to keep it to themselves.
����� "Ryouga?� Ryouga Hibiki?� I've met him, actually.� Really nice guy,
but he seemed to be having trouble with directions...."
����� Ranma smirked.� "Isn't he, always?"
����� "So, how is the guy?"
����� "Actually, he arrived just this morning.� The guy didn't get much
sleep.� Said he had something important to do in the sewers.� Kept
babbling about turtles, I don't know...."
����� Hiroshi and Daisuke's gaze went elsewhere.
����� "Hey, Daisuke, isn't that 'what's his name'?"
����� "It's that girl who's a guy who likes girls to be guys...."
����� Kiiroi froze in his seat.� Ukyou panicked - she knew who it was.
All of the boys were looking in that general direction.
����� Kiiroi started beading sweat.
����� "Hey, Ranma, didn't you try to date him once?"
����� "Aw, shut up, Hiroshi...."
����� Ranma turned as he said this.� And sure enough, there he was, his
brown hair flowing in the air in the most feminine manner.
����� He had a blue motif with a ribbon-adorned hat to match.� He was
carrying a bunch of items, mostly labeled 'Okinawa' - souvenirs, no
doubt.
����� Kiiroi was still seated the other way, not moving, so Tsubasa
didn't recognize him.� He just waved at Ukyou and the others.
����� Ranma cracked his knuckles and smiled arrogantly.� "Looks like the
day ain't over yet - hey, Tsu-"
����� "TSUBASA KURENAI!"
����� But it wasn't Ranma who spoke.
����� Tsubasa stopped in his tracks and dropped the gift items.� A scowl
and a smirk appeared simultaneously on his face.
����� "Kiiroi, I almost thought you wouldn't come... you're ready to get
your butt kicked again?"
����� Kiiroi just stood his ground.� The two slowly approached each
other.
����� Kiiroi spoke first.� "I'll take my place...."
����� "And I'll beat you up again, and I don't even need to meld...."
����� "You can't take Ukyou."
����� "And you can't stop me."
����� Kiiroi stepped forward once but he suddenly appeared behind
Tsubasa.� Everybody gasped for he covered a considerable distance in a
blink of an eye.� He brought his fist back but Tsubasa just brought out a
backfist without even turning around.
����� Kiiroi stumbled back on the floor.� Everybody moaned then cheered
Kiiroi on.
����� At the back of the crowd, betting had already started, with Nabiki
officiating.� The odds were now five to one against the newcomer.
����� Kiiroi got up; he touched his reddening lip.� He rushed onward.
����� Tsubasa turned, getting ready to block.� But Kiiroi sidestepped and
disappeared.
����� He reappeared on Tsubasa's blind side and struck him on the face.
����� But Tsubasa's head didn't even flinch.� He grabbed Kiiroi by the
throat.� He drew back a punch, but saw that Kiiroi was wearing his
glasses, so he just gutted him.
����� Kiiroi felt his lunch jump in his stomach.� Tsubasa then punched
him twice on the face.
����� Kiiroi's started leaking blood, his face now bruised.
����� "That's enough, Tsubasa!"
����� Ukyou stared at Ranma as they uttered the same words.� Ranma pushed
Tsubasa away and took Kiiroi in his arms.
����� Tsubasa glared at the two.� "This isn't your fight, Ranma.� You
should know better."
����� Ukyou went to Kiiroi's other side and aided him.� "Tsubasa, stop
picking on him.� How many times do you have to beat him?� Please stop
this!"
����� "He's the one who keeps getting in my way.� But tell you what - LET
EVERYONE HERE BEAR WITNESS TO MY PROCLAMATION!� I, TSUBASA KURENAI,
CHALLENGE KIIROI NIWATORI TO A DUEL THREE DAYS FROM NOW!� THE LOSER WILL
LEAVE THE COMPANY OF UKYOU KUONJI FOREVER!� So, Kii, do you accept?� Or
just live up to your name?"
����� Kii, hanging between Ranma and Ukyou, was about to answer but he
felt a nudge.� He stared at Ukyou who stared back with pleading eyes and
was shaking her head.
����� "Yes, he will accept your challenge!� And he'll kick your butt all
the way to the moon on Monday, you freak!"
����� Kiiroi and Ukyou stared at Ranma.� Ranma was currently matching
gazes with Tsubasa.
����� "I'll take your answer, Ranma, but Kiiroi's the one I'm fighting,
don't you forget that.� You just signed your friend's death certificate,
Ranma."� Tsubasa, satisfied, went for the exit.
����� Nabiki emerged from the crowd and went over to Kiiroi.� She slapped
Kiiroi with her now empty wallet.
����� "I hope you're happy...."
����� Ranma and Ukyou brought Kiiroi to their seat and rested him there.
����� "Ranma, are you crazy?� You saw how he did - he can't fight him,
okay?"
����� "Shut up, Ucchan!"
����� Ukyou was startled by Ranma's reply.� Never had she seen Ranma
acting in this behavior.
����� "I can't let Kii be beaten by a stupid clod who's got no skill or
technique.� All he's got working for him is his brute strength and that
stupid thing he does with other things.� He's not even a martial artist!"
He then turned to face Kiiroi.� "And you!� You have the guts to call
yourself a martial artist.� Four hits and you're already down?� You
didn't even hurt the guy!"
����� Ukyou's eyes began to tear.� "He tried, Ranma, isn't that enough?"
����� "No, it isn't.� Hell will freeze over first before I see a fellow
martial artist be beaten by some poor excuse for a fighter."
����� Nobody spoke to Ranma during the rest of the day.� Kiiroi went to
his class with what was left of his dignity.
����� The cafeteria crowd departed in silent murmurs.
----------
����� Ukyou finally shut the lights and locked the door.� She walked
beside Kiiroi, the sun looming to their left.
����� Kiiroi's face was still swollen with bruises and cuts.� He just
walked staring downward, not caring what lay ahead of him.
����� Ukyou just stared with pity in her eyes.� She wanted everything to
be all right, but it seemed that even though dusk had settled, the day
was telling her that it has just begun and it still had a few more
surprises up its sleeve.
����� "So, what'll you do now?"� Ukyou finally broke the silence.
����� "I'll do what I have to do."
����� "You can still back out, it's okay.� You don't have to do this."
����� "No, I can't.� I will fight him, and I'll finish this once and for
all."
����� Ukyou grabbed Kiiroi by the shoulder and whirled him towards her.
"AND HOW THE HELL ARE YOU SUPPOSED TO DO THAT?� I know you, Kii, too
well.� You can't fight and you know that!� I know your secret, so stop
living those stupid lies of yours!� I'm telling you, YOU DON'T HAVE TO DO
THIS!� I can make it on my own now, I don't need you blocking every guy
that tries to come after me."
����� "I am your fianc�, I have made this my oblig-"
����� "Shut the hell up!� You are not my fianc�!� Why the hell did you
have to fall in love with me, you big jerk!� I hate you!"
����� Ukyou flailed her arms down at Kiiroi's chest until she broke down
and cried her heart out.� Kiiroi just held her when she couldn't hold
herself up.
����� "... I hate you... I hate you... why did you do this, why did you
have to ruin everything... you were my best friend...."
����� "I still am.� Hush now.� Forgive me for learning to love you.� I'll
leave after I lose.� I'll let you go, I promise.� I'll call my mom...."
����� Kiiroi managed to calm down Ukyou's sobs.� He gave her a hanky and
held her close one last time.
����� (Why does it hurt so much?)
����� Ukyou was leading, holding Kiiroi by the hand.� They arrived at a
building in an intersection.� It was far from what Kiiroi imagined as the
home of Akane Tendo.
����� "Is this where...?"
����� "No, this is Doctor Tofu's clinic.� Let him take a look at your
face before we go to the Tendo's."
����� *Kling*Kling*
����� "Good evening, Dr. Tofu."
����� "Ukyou, I haven't seen you for a long time now."
����� "My friend here needs treatment."
����� "Let me see what I can do...."
����� The good doctor got Kiiroi on the bed and examined his face.� He
went to the next room for a moment.� When he got out, he was carrying a
clear bottle of oil.� He got some cotton and rubbed on Kiiroi's face.
����� Ukyou stood up in alarm in the waiting room when he heard Kiiroi
cry out in pain.� She peeked inside and saw Dr. Tofu pulling Kiiroi's
nose while holding his head back with one hand.� Kiiroi was red in the
face and brimming with tears from the pain.� Ukyou stifled a giggle at
the ridiculous sight.
����� Tofu gave a slight twist and then let go.� At the same time, Kiiroi
stopped shouting.� Curiosity was all over his face.� He touched his nose,
as if testing if it was still there.
����� "There, all done."
����� "Wow, thanks!� It's straight now."
����� "No problem.� Now you kids run along, I'm gonna close the clinic
for the night."
����� The two waved their good-byes and left the clinic.
����� Doctor Tofu went in the other room and started fixing up his
things.� A shadow crept up behind him.� He turned and saw her standing on
a table.� Her large eyes showed the fear she felt.
����� "Well?"
����� "You were right.� His fingers were well adapted, long and thin like
you described.� They were wrapped in some sort of silk bandage."
����� "Yes.� That's for safety reasons."
����� "Cologne, why are you so concerned about this boy?"
����� "He's Niwatori.� He's not a threat, though, he probably won't even
harm a mosquito.� But still, it would be well to be careful."
����� "Have you encountered his family?"
����� "Let's just say that the past holds great secrets.� But it seems
that those secrets and others like them will be revealed tonight."
����� Cologne leapt out from an open window and into the night.
����� Tofu watched as the bouncing figure with the cane disappeared in
the darkness.� He closed the window when a wind started chilling him.
----------
����� "So, what are you gonna do about it?"
����� "That's for me to know."
����� Akane was starting to fear this manner that Ranma was displaying.
Since the incident during lunch, Ranma never spoke to anyone, even her.
He never even insulted her when he had the chance.� Ranma was serious
and... Akane wasn't sure but Ranma seemed determined.
����� (Determined?� To do what?)
����� Akane's thought was interrupted by knocks at the gate.� Kasumi
leaned her broom on the wall and went outside.
����� "Is our guest here, Akane?"
����� "Yeah, dad.� I hope Master Happosai won't be bugging us tonight."
����� "Oh, don't worry, Akane.� He wasn't interested when he learned that
the guest was a man.� He contented himself with ironing his collections.
Well, you better greet our guest!� I'll go call Saotome."
����� Akane fixed herself up, trying to look presentable.� She gave one
last look at Ranma.
����� He barely moved from where he sat.� He just sat there, staring into
the night sky.
----------
����� "... and remember...."
����� "Yes, Ukyou, I will!� No mentions of engagements!� Fine!� Can you
just relax?� I'm here for dinner and idle chit-chat."
����� Ukyou was about to remind him again when the gate creaked open.� A
calm, smiling face greeted them.
����� Kiiroi had never seen the likes of this girl before.� She had the
features of an angel, and he was being literal.
����� "Hello, Ukyou, please come in... Akane's been waiting for you."
����� "Good evening, Kasumi.� This is my friend, Kiiroi."
����� "Hey, there you are!"
����� Akane emerged from the door and gestured the two to enter.� Kasumi
followed behind and immediately proceeded to the kitchen.� Akane sat the
two in the dining area.
����� Kiiroi saw Ranma sitting at the edge of the patio.� "Hey, Ranma."
����� "Kii."
����� That was all he said.� Nobody contested this.
����� "Dad!� Mr. Saotome!� Our guests are here!"
����� "Hello there, young...."
����� Soun and Genma paused and stared at the figure in front of them.
They immediately recognized him as the blind hidden weapons master/duck.
����� Kiiroi, for his part, jumped back, startled to see the familiar
faces.� "Ukyou!� That man!� He's a... a p-p-p-p-p-phan... p-pand..."
����� Genma immediately approached Kiiroi and caught him in the arm
before he could back out.� Genma's eyes seemed full of emotion.
����� "Listen, son, I know that ghoul and that Amazon girl had been
working you to exhaustion in that restaurant of theirs.� But, please,
drugs are not the answer!� There are people who can he-"� *WHAP!*
����� Ranma kicked his father away from Kiiroi.� "What the hell are you
tryin' to do, pop?� Scare our guest?� He's not Mousse, okay?� This is
Kiiroi... Niwatori."
����� Kiiroi waited for the boisterous barrel of laughs that people
seemed to do at the mention of his name.� He stared at their faces and
waited for their eyes to tear up and their smiles to appear.
����� It never did.
����� Everybody froze for an awkward moment, then Kasumi strode in with a
tray of food.
����� "Oh, my.� What a pretty name."
����� Then the two men started moving.
����� They cringed, moving away from Kiiroi.� They lowered their heads,
trying to show as much respect as possible.
����� Genma spoke first.� "Niwatori-sama, forgive me for my errors."
����� The situation felt ridiculous, so Kiiroi forgave him, forgetting
that he remembered the man as a panda.
����� Just then, Nabiki came down from her room.� She scanned the people
around the table.� She saw Kiiroi and stared at him for a moment with a
look of disgust.
����� "Hello... loser."
����� Soun Tendo stared at his daughter with great alarm.� "Hold your
tongue, Nabiki!"
����� Akane and Ranma stared at their parents, ignorance lined their
faces.
����� "Hey, pops, can you please tell me what the hell is going on?"
����� Ukyou didn't want anymore of this.� "Look, guys.� Can we please
discuss this after dinner?"
����� Everybody had a quiet dinner.� Genma and Soun were in a particular
hurry in finishing their meal.� Their excitement couldn't be suppressed.
����� When dinner ended, Kasumi took the dishes away.� Nabiki left the
group, disinterested with what they had to talk about.
����� Then the two fatherly figures began.� "The Niwatori School of
Martial Arts is one of the oldest schools that ever practiced in Japan.
There was no exact date on when the school came about, but history says
it came after the introduction of Sumo."
����� "But they did not only boast of being one of the oldest, they also
are the one of the most secretive.� Up to now, there is no known record
of anybody using the family's special techniques, except for the family
itself.� They have kept their technique pure and familial."
����� "Then, when the Shogunate wars erupted, the Niwatori clan was
exiled for some unknown reason.� They went to China and lived peacefully
from then on.� But even up to now, the Niwatori School is still one of
the most feared schools of martial arts.� Their technique is so powerful
that some even say that their strength was unmatched, that they could
bring down whole mountains..."
����� "... and their speed was unequaled.� Able to move faster than the
four winds.� Some say that ants make more noise than a Niwatori sneaking
up behind you."
����� "Which is all a bunch of crock!"
����� Everybody jolted in surprise as a new figure emerged from the
courtyard.� With one hop of her cane, she immediately seated herself with
the others around the table.
����� "What are you doin' here, you old ghoul?"
����� "Hush, son-in-law, I am here to speak... of my own version of
history...."
����� Kiiroi stared at the shriveled up individual.� He gulped but not at
her sight but at her speech.� Ukyou saw his fear and her pity grew even
more.
����� Cologne began.� "The Niwatori School started out as a bunch of
thieves and cutpurses."
����� Everyone gasped except for Ukyou and Kiiroi, who sighed.
����� "Not only that, but they were also known as a family of cowards,
hence their name.� The clan was of weaklings who knew nothing of martial
arts.� They worked as an underground organization specializing in
information gathering and sabotage."
����� Akane blinked, not believing what she was hearing.� "You mean they
were...?"
����� "Yes, my child, they were spies.� They were among the best, too.
They were gifted with the silence of their movements and their incredible
speed.� And they have kept their secrets well hidden.� Even up to now,
most believe that the family practiced an ancient form of martial arts
and has lived honorably and undefeated."
����� Akane spoke again.� "But how did they end up in China?"
����� "Aah, good question, young Akane.� This is where my Amazon tribe
comes in.� The Niwatori clan was particularly active during the Shogunate
wars.� In order to turn in more profit, they started working as double
agents.� When the shoguns found out, they started executing all of the
clan members they found.� Only a few managed to survive.� This handful
escaped to China where they met my people.
����� "They declared themselves as great martial artists and to whom we,
the Amazons, should pay tribute.� That was their greatest mistake.� The
Amazons fought fiercely for being insulted.
����� "The Niwatori clan members begged for forgiveness and told the
Amazons of their plight.� In exchange for their lives, the Niwatori clan
shared their only secret technique to the Amazon tribe.� Seeing the
technique as beneficial to them, the Amazons made a vow to keep the
Niwatori secret technique safe with them.
����� "As the Amazons grew in strength, the Niwatoris grew in profit from
planting tea.� Have I missed anything, young Niwatori?"
����� Kiiroi shook his head.� He avoided everyone's eyes, too ashamed to
face them.� "Yes, all she said was true.� It is only now that our family
has begun to migrate back to Japan again...."
����� Cologne stared at the young man for a moment.� "Now, tell them why
you have come to Nerima."
����� Kiiroi's fear started setting in.� He tried to hide his reddening
face.� "I... I came here to continue my education...."
����� "And?"
����� There was no way Kiiroi could avoid the old woman's bulging eyes.
His heart was pounding heavily in his rib cage.
����� (How could she know?)
����� Kiiroi stared at Ukyou, who just stared at her hands resting on her
lap.� He didn't know what to do.
����� "Kiiroi...."
����� "All right!� I came here because of my engagement to Ukyou!"
����� Everybody backed away in surprise.
����� A splash echoed from the pond as something sizable fell in.
Cologne just smiled in satisfaction.
����� Akane turned to the waters and saw a small, black figure emerge.
����� "P-chan!"
����� The black pig swayed groggily for a moment.� But when he regained
his composure, he gave Kiiroi a cold stare.
����� Akane brought him to the others.� Her blouse took in most of the
water, drying the pig.
����� "Kii, this is P-chan."
����� "They've met."
����� Akane and Kiiroi looked at Ranma questioningly.
����� Realization slowly dawned over Ranma.� "Uhm, I mean... forget it."
����� They looked back to where Kiiroi sat to find him not there anymore.
����� Everybody looked around to see if they could find the shamed
Niwatori.� Ranma jumped out into the garden.
����� P-chan struggled out of Akane's grasp and ran into the kitchen.
����� "P-chan, where are you...?� Oh, never mind."
----------
����� On the rooftop, two figures stood.� One was facing the moon while
the other stood right behind him.
����� A brief silence passed with the evening breeze.
����� "Kiiroi...."
����� "..."
����� Ranma prepared himself.� He was the one responsible for Kiiroi's
fight three days from now.� Since he found out about his past, he felt
somewhat more responsible about the inevitable outcome.
����� He took in the night air and exhaled his worries.
����� "Let me train you."
---------------
end of Part 3
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