Ranma of Ryozampaku

Part 2: Ranma, Disciple of Ryozampaku

After sleeping on a futon in a sparse guest room, Ranma woke up fairly early, though not early enough to beat someone who had already prepared breakfast for everyone. As he began to eat, the cook returned to make breakfast for Kenichi and Miu, who had yet to wake up, and Ranma discovered that it was Kensei Ma, the Chinese master.

At first, he eyed him with suspicion and then said neutrally, "No tricks today, old man?" The master, without turning around, responded with a light chuckle, "Ohohoh, I have no idea what you're talking about, young man. I'm just a peaceful martial artist who enjoys photography as a hobby. A sincere admirer of the female form, whose beauty is undoubtedly a sign of divine mercy toward us poor mortals."

"Yeah, well, you'd better look elsewhere for your mercy, because you won't find any here."

"Ohoh, what a cheeky young man. However... I can't help but wonder if all this cheekiness is matched by an equal level of skill," he concluded, glancing at him sideways with an amused smirk.

"Tsk! I'd like nothing better than to show you what I'm capable of!"

"Ohoh! There will be time, there will be time..."

At that moment, the other masters began to enter one by one. It was clear they had been holding a meeting in the large room until just moments ago.

Ranma looked them over again; they seemed even more peculiar than before. Not that he wasn't used to oddities, but still...

"Oh, you're already up, very good," Koetsuji remarked.

"Good morning, kid!" said the karate master with a wolfish grin.

"Apa!" squeaked the giant.

Ranma noticed that the Elder was missing and guessed that Shigure was probably lurking somewhere in the ceiling beams, as usual.

"Uh... can I ask where the students are? Miu and that Kenichi?"

"They just woke up. Miu is talking to the Elder, who's explaining what happened yesterday. Starting this morning, you might all train together, though regarding you, a decision still needs to be made," Koetsuji informed him.

"Uahah; yeah, as for Kenichi, it's a miracle if he wakes up after the kick you gave him yesterday!" Sakaki laughed.

"Well, he shouldn't have splashed me with cold water. It's not exactly the best way to put me in a good mood."

"I can imagine," Koetsuji replied, "but if you all have to train together, it would be best if you try to get along."

"I have no problem with that, as long as NO ONE acts weird," he said, shooting a glare at Kensei, who was whistling innocently.

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A few minutes later, everyone was in the courtyard. The masters sat cross-legged under the porch (except for Shigure, who perched on the roof), and were soon joined by Kenichi and Miu, who sat beside them.

Ranma noticed that when the girl met his gaze, she blushed and hid her face in her apron, embarrassed. They must have told her what happened the day before, and understandably, she was ashamed. The other thing he noticed was that she was REALLY cute—slender and graceful, yet with breathtaking curves, a long blonde braid, and sky-blue eyes.

Ranma stood in the middle of the yard, facing Hayato, who stood with his arms crossed.

"Ranma Saotome," Hayato began, "so you've come to Ryozampaku to train. Tell me, where did you hear about our dojo?"

"It was among the notes of my late master, the one who founded my style. Honestly, there wasn't much written—just 'The House of the Strongest.' That piqued my curiosity, so I came here to learn more."