[FFML] [Ranma] Hearts and Minds, Part 9 of 10

[Michael Clark]

(Plot and Structure)

At last we understand the mystery behind Biaozi's appearance.  Could she
have anticipated that Shampoo would rise in prominence over the course
of this war and thus make it easy for her to swoop in as Shampoo and
claim leadership?

Nabiki's efforts back in the States don't go over completely well, but
she seems to have enough to dissuade her employer from making further
deals.  All in all, as well as could be expected.

That Genma is the "traitor" doesn't strike me as a big surprise. It fits
pretty well with his character.

One thing I feel somewhat puzzled about is Kasumi's glimpse into the
future.  Has it been hinted throughout that she could ultimately do
this?  Has she been struggling with the idea of doing it for some time?
If not, I feel that the introduction of this idea, and the quick use of
this power to see the future, may be plopped into the story a bit
suddenly.

(Characterization and Development)

Ranma's insistence that they lay off Akane doesn't come until *after*
he's realized that Genma is the real culprit; I feel this deprives him
of an opportunity to show faith in her, despite his brief struggle with
figuring out who could be the true perpetrator.

Kasumi has found out that she has a role to play in the coming battle,
ostensibly one that may deprive her of her life, or something else just
as serious.  Thus, she goes to Tofu and starts getting intimate with
him.  It's clear why Tofu would want this; why does she want to do this?
Is it for herself?  Is it just for him?  Both?  I expect this may become
more clear once we see what happens in the next chapter, but it struck
me as rather sudden from an in-story perspective.

(Style and Command)

>"Orders from General Ha," Cogenki said. "You are to fire an artillery
>barage on the following coordinates...."

Barrage.

> "That makes two of us." Ranma planted himself directly in Genma's
> path. "What the hell were you thinking?" *Come on, old man,* he
> thought, *give me one of your speeches.* Before he had left camp,
> Ranma had woke Akane, telling her to get the others and follow. Then
> he'd left as obvious a trail as he could manage. So any minute now
> they'd be here, if only he could keep his Pop talking until then.

Woke or woken?
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