Genma sighed in abject frustration as he watched the rapidly disappearing dust cloud which had formerly been his son. Foolish boy, he thought miserably. Now our dinnertime is delayed because I have to chase after you. Sighing once again at the total unfairness of it all, he wearily resigned to trudging after the wayward child.

    The general tranquility of the township of Hashima was abruptly disturbed by the shockingly instantaneous arrival of a certain pigtailed boy - at least in appearance a boy. However, the furtively darting eyes of the said child betrayed him as perhaps something else - added to that the four legged crouching stance and the quiet mewling emanating from his throat, and it could be safely surmised that the rather dirtied 7 year old was not totally in control of his faculties. It was not surprising then that the majority of the populace wisely chose to avert their curious gazes, in the vain hope that if they didn't look at it, it would go away.

    For the cat infected child, the mind processes were infinitely more simple. He was aware of only 2 things: firstly, he was very hungry, and secondly, where there were people it was very probable that food was nearby. As far as he was concerned he would worry about everything else after the first of these 2 thoughts were satisfied. Upon coming to this conclusion, the 'neko-ed' young boy at once attuned his senses to the detection of any edible substances in convenient proximity.

    "Do you reckon we should, you know, like find somebody to deal with this?" commented a bystander. After all the poor kid was probably a danger to himself in such a mental state.

    His friend replied between the bites of his Western style sandwich. "Naw, just leave it be - the authorities will be around soon enough to collect the poor bugger" He paused as the said 'poor bugger' swiveled its gaze upon him, and more importantly, upon the food item clutched in his hands. That would have been disconcerting enough, but the wild ferocious  ferality in the child's gaze - totally out of sync with his child's face was very disturbing to behold.

    The cat quickly honed his eyes (and nose) at the tasty morsel nearby. Yowling with glee he leapt for the prize, unmindful or totally ignoring the hand (not to mention the rest of the body) attached to it.

    The targeted man didn't even have time to cry out, as he was bowled over by a growling bundle of boy which latched with astounding strength upon his lunch. Coming to a quick (and incidentally very wise) decision he decided to relinquish his meal and flee. So focused he was upon running he didn't even notice the slash marks which had tattered the sleeve of his once intact shirt.

    "DAMMITT boy, where the hell are you?" Genma shouted in frustration. Despite appearances to the contrary he was starting to get worried for his son (well, at least a little). In the state which Genma had last observed the boy, he was in no condition to be prancing about on his own. That training manual never said ANYTHING about the trainee turning into a cat and running amok. Sighing for perhaps the 34th time, the beleaguered father resolved to continue his search. Passing a local ramen stand, he decided that plans could perhaps be re-adjusted. Eat first, find boy later. After all it's not the first time I've lost him, and it's much easier to look for him on a full stomach.

**************

"Amazing, that HAS to be the Nekoken………that is, if Master Kagora's description is accurate." (and Master Kagora's descriptions were always accurate).

Her suspicions were quickly confirmed when the object of her scrutiny almost casually reached up to a passing sheaf of waste paper and swung at it. The fact that the scrap, despite having clearly missed his swing by a good 2 feet, disintegrated into hash was to her eyes simply astounding. Recalling her numerous chi manipulation lessons at the sanctuary, she deftly glided over to the unfortunate soul to offer some much needed assistance. And just as deftly leaped out of the way as the boy swirled in her direction with mind boggling speed, hissing menacingly.

    It was at this point she remembered exactly the details of the tuition from her Master concerning the Nekoken. It wasn't much - apparently nobody in their clan knew very much of this ancient technique, but what she recalled was horrifying enough.

A contained area, such as a pit of approximately 25 by 25 feet, with at least 10 feet depth, is required as the training ground. In it must be placed at least a dozen or so cats which have been denied sustenance for at least 3 days. The trainee must be of an age under ten, to ensure that they are unable to summon the strength to ward off the cats. To complete the technique, the trainee must be wrapped in fish products (sausages, raw fish, paste and the like), and secured in the pit. Given time the Nekoken should emerge naturally in his/her array of techniques.

The lady grimaced in distaste at the terrible image of this pitiful child vainly attempting to bat away a multitudes of hungry mouths. Her brief analysis of his chi revealed that he had only recently 'learned' the artform - perhaps as early as a day or so. Tentatively, reaching out to the cowering child she attempted to quell his hostility with reassuring noises. "Shhhh, quiet now. It's allll right now. Shhhhh."

Actually she felt a little silly making soothing noises to a human boy, but the resolution to help was by far a more dominant drive. The child eyed her suspiciously, startling her a little with his very feral gleam, but reluctantly submitted to her light petting. Once the needed contact had been established, the woman closed her eyes briefly, and murmured to herself. The hand stroking the child's head was seen to glow a luminous blue, before the boy slumped almost relievingly to the ground - fast asleep.

Task completed, the lady swiftly gathered the child in her arms, and despite his weight wafted away, out of the town.

****************  

    Ranma Saotome awoke to an unusual feeling. By the constant sway of the stars in his vision it was obvious that he was moving, and the swiftly passing forest line indicated that it really was quite fast. But it was equally clear that his legs were currently inactive, and the movement was too smooth in any case to be warranted for natural foot patterns. It was then that the exhausted child noticed the more critical facts - that he was being carried by somebody, and that somebody was most certainly NOT his father. In fact he realised it was a lady, and also totally unfamiliar to him. Jerking awake at the realisation, he cried out to her, the defiance in his tone a striking contrast to its child's treble.

"Wha-   hey, w-who the hell are you? Where am I? Put me dow..."

"Such language from one so young." she interrupted, chiding gently. "There is little need to fear now, I'm taking you to my home. Rest for now - you are clearly very tired little one."

Ordinarily Ranma would have leapt out of her arms anyway, but she was right, he felt utterly exhausted - more drained than he had ever experienced in his short life. And she sounded sooo comforting, a lilt to her voice which seemed to drain his suspicions away. Despite the bizarreness of the situation, the young boy felt himself drifting away again.

"Where are you taking me?" he sleepily demanded.

"To the house of Clan Shinkasa" was the answer he dimly perceived before drifting off.

*****************

    Genma had now decided that it was time to be worried. In all their time Ranma had never failed to return to the campsite before dark. The problems of locating that dratted boy was compounded by the fact that he couldn't seek the assistance of the authorities - much too many problems with the odd thieving and conning he had used to keep the pair going throughout the years. It hadn't occurred to him yet that maybe, just MAYBE, it was a bad idea to force the Nekoken upon his son. The boy had better turn up by tomorrow or else........

Actually, Genma wasn't sure what he'd do. Ah well, tomorrow was another day, and he wasn't about to go bumbling after Ranma in the dark. Why couldn't the foolish boy just learn the damn technique and get it over without all this nonsense?

He headed to his bed roll disconsolately, and eventually settled into a troubled sleep, dreaming of vicious cat boys who attacked defenseless old fathers, stole their food, and eventually ran away.   

*****************

Mount Yamakaro was famous to the locals in that if offered one of the truly most beautiful vistas and natural wonders to be found for miles around. It was by no means a large mountain - indeed in this country of continuous rugged ridges and peaks that made Japan, it was quite insignificant in terms of height or body. But the ever present fog which seemed to hover plaintively around its peak, the clean flowing lines which comprised its silhouette, where it sat nestled above a forest of Sakura, pines, yew and she-oaks seemed to draw from those who beheld it a sense of mystique - a wonder at the almost fairy tale nature to its existence. To the locals as well, however, Mount Yamakaro was also a sanctuary, because along the east slope of its bulk resided an entire compound of houses, training grounds, walkways, contemplation glades and whatnot which was collectively known as the 'House of Clan Shinkasa'.

    Clan Shinkasa had resided there for as long as people could remember - which meant around three thousand years. It had survived the ever shifting fortunes and favours of the Samurai Era and Tokugawa Shogunate, the ravages of a World War, and the ultra-rapid modernisation of the 20th century all because of one reason. Clan Shinkasa was a self-styled 'orthodox' ninja and shadow art training centre. Self-sufficient in basic needs, it was only dependant on the outer world for rarer goods - metals, skilled craftsmen, and the like. The locals around Yamakaro mountain were all aware of the Shinkasa presence - unlike other more infamous ninja groups, the Clan openly encouraged others to visit their grounds - it was simply that like their ancestors before them, they tended to avoid giving outsiders the 'show and tell'.

     As far back as people could remember (again, three thousand years) there had always been a beneficial agreement between the Shinkasa and the people around it. In return for regular supplies and services, the members of the ninja group offered their unconditional protection, and in addition would willingly train anyone they deemed fit both psychologically and physically in their art. This agreement had kept the locals safe for all time, and the ninjas 'in business'. Amongst the people there, it was considered a great honour to be invited to join to learn the Shinkasa shadow art - and thus even in present times when in reality there were no more marauding samurai armies or raiding bandits to 'protect' the villagers from, Clan Shinkasa still enjoyed both a healthy lifestyle and a convenient anonymity in the greater world. There were enough members and willing trainees to keep the martial masters occupied, and the tradition of ninjitsu alive in the modern world.

    It was in a particular building inside this particular compound that a young lady was beseeching with her mentor.

"Master Kagora, I ask that you re-consider. I found the boy obviously abused by his guardians. Those cuts and abrasions, as well as the evidence of past bruising show clearly that he has led a very violent life."

The man she was addressing rose gracefully from his lotus position. In a mildly irritated tone, he replied. "Now you know as well as I do, Meyah, that the boy is obviously a martial artist in training. Their teaching methods are not as ours - those bruisings are natural in one such as him."

But for one so young, she commented to herself under her breath. Toward her sensei she added. "What of his undernourished and bedraggled state? A martial artist he may be, but do you consider it part of his training to be running about like a beggar vagabond? You have sensed the potential in him, Master, - under our guidance he can grow to be one of the Masters of our art."

"Meyah, think wisely of what you propose. You are taking a registered citizen of Japan - no stealing a registered citizen of Japan from his lawful guardians. By all rights you should have returned him immediately to them." He paused, as if in consideration. "You are correct in that he indeed has the power - but taking him into our care draws undue attention from the authorities. Consider the ramifications if his guardians summon the police to search for their lost charge. In any case he is an outsider to our community, and he holds no reason to be loyal to Clan Shinkasa." At this, the Master Kagora closed his eyes in weariness. It was much too early in the morning to be arguing with his former student. What ever happened to the peaceful hours of meditation?

Meyah decided then that she had to play her final trump card. "Master, I must add, that the child has also learnt the Nekoken."

The response was immediate. Kagora stiffened noticeably in surprise. Without opening his eyes, he queried softly. "Are you quite sure of this - he knows the Catfist?"

"Master, I saw the Nekoken manifested in the boy with my own eyes. When I came upon him he was shredding a wooden board with his bare fingers."

"Interesting.." the ninja master mused. "A boy who has both mastered AND survived the Nekoken training. Such an example has not been seen for at least half a century." His voice darkened a little, "and I had hoped it would have been longer." He paused in his regular pacing, blissfully unaware that he was leaving his student hanging with suspense. After several long seconds he turned towards Meyah. "Fine then, when he is rested and refreshed, bring the boy to me, and I will confer with him." He observed amusedly at the expression of relief washing over his student's face.

"Thank you Master Kagora - I promise you, you will not regret this."

He waved her off. "I haven't decided as of yet whether he will stay. In addition, it is very unwise to make promises you cannot guarantee, Meyah."

Bowing from the waist, Meyah departed swiftly and glided towards her rooms, where her charge was sleeping.

****************

    Ranma awoke to the very pleasant smell of fresh pork, steamed rice, miso soup, and an assortment of fried vegetables. Years of travelling with his father, always dubious as to their next meal had instilled with him an acute awareness to the subject of food - hence he was able to make a fair assessment of the breakfast nearby without having opened his eyes.

Performing that action confirmed his analysis of the meal. Needing no further encouragement from his growling stomach, Ranma automatically fell to the food with impressive gusto. After a moment he paused an looked around guiltily. Perhaps this meal was meant for somebody else. Shrugging, he continued with the devouring. Pops always said that anything you could eat was rightfully yours. It was also during his continuous intake that he noticed for the first time that the clothes he wore were certainly not his - jet black kung-fu style trousers combined with an equally matt black silk shirt tied off with string at the cuffs. A rather surprising change from his usual white gi, but they were quite comfortable - if a little large for his frame.

"Ah, I see you have found the breakfast I prepared for you." a voice commented, mildly amused at the speed with which the said meal was rapidly disappearing. At his sheepish hesitation she added hastily, "No no, keep going child. I enjoy watching somebody appreciate his victuals." Though you could have 'appreciated' it with somewhat better table manners.

In short time Ranma had finished the meal, as well as the second helping offered. With a full belly (something he hadn't felt for a long while), he found himself considerably more at ease with his anonymous benefactor. His child's brief once over analysis judged her to be somebody trustworthy (at least for now). She was dressed as yesterday in black trousers and grey shirt, chestnut hair styled in a practical shoulder length, which matched the air of functionality and simplicity that she inherently radiated. At least as far as his child's perspective could tell, she seemed quite pretty - though rather more striking as opposed to possessing feminine beauty. His martial artist's eyes could detect the poise and the almost water flowing grace with her every move which revealed her to be skilled in some form of art or another. Overall, he surmised that if it weren't for the fact that she had fed him - he would have been distinctly wary of such a person.

    Thus it was with some trepidation that he answered her first query of, "So tell me child, do you have a name to go with your face?"

"Uhh, I..uhhh. My name's Ranma. Saotome Ranma that is." He responded in kind. "What's yours?"

Smiling at his growing confidence she replied. "Shinkasa Meyah"

"umm. Pleased to meet you Shinkasa-san, I guess" He was rather tongue-tied - after all he never really talked to anybody let alone this strange martial arts lady.

"Please, call me Meyah - we don't have that many formalities around here. So..  " she paused to arrange her thoughts. "It appears to me that you are a martial artist, is that not so?"

Now on more familiar territory, Ranma puffed up a little in pride. "Yeah sure I am. I'm the heir to the Mutsabeto Kakuto Ryu - the Anything Goes School of Martial Arts. Poppa says that I gotta to train to be the best of the best or else" here his face quirked into a peculiar expression, "I'll never be a man.…..or something like that. Poppa never really explained that too well."

She mused upon this, it wouldn't sit well with the master that she had 'procured' an heir to a martial arts school - that would probably mean that the resident arts master wouldn't be too keen on losing his or her successor. Of course she had little fear of retribution - Clan Shinkasa was very well guarded - but still it could generate plenty of unwanted publicity. Breaking the direction of her thoughts she turned back to the original goal about finding out more concerning her newly adopted charge. During their brief chat she was able to attain a summarised synopsis of Ranma's upbringing - not that there was very much to it. Simply a series of training sessions, followed by training grounds, more training, some time with various martial arts trainers - his father, Genma was the name, seemed pretty single-minded. Indeed, Ranma eventually revealed that training had been the reasons for their stay at Hashima. However, she had more pressing matters to attend to now. "So, Ranma, if it is alright with you, I'd like to take you to see my Sensei. We are both rather curious to a certain technique I believe you've been taught - the Nekoken?"

Upon registering that word, the boy was seen to almost reflexively cringe. It was then that Meyah was reminded that he was still recovering from the trauma of its teaching methods. Still, his natural willfulness shone through, and the young martial artist visibly shook himself to rid the disturbingly familiar images of tearing claws and ravenous glowing eyes to nod in acceptance. He had one problem though. "Meyah-san, I really gotta get back to Poppa - he's kinda strict on me not runnin' away too long."

He received a kind, abeit rather forced smile. "I'm sure your father won't mind waiting a little while longer - he IS a grown man after all".

Ranma shrugged dubiously, but followed her in the end. During the walk towards the main centre, he took a long moment to analyse his temporary guardian - perhaps a friend? - in any case it was a habit borne out of the constant surprises his father seemed to hide with his dealings with other people. After the first time being assaulted by an angry Rice vendor (he never figured out why the guy was angry, or why he was doing any assaulting for that matter), the boy had quickly learned to scout out any and all potential fighters.

The person quietly leading him was DEFINITELY some cause for concern in that field. He had known she was some kind of martial artist from the brief movements observed in the confines of her home, but she inherently revealed much more in her casual floating gait which served her as her 'normal' walking style. Ranma couldn't place his finger on it, but something seemed…'not quite right' with the way she moved. He was familiar enough with the physical signs of a martial artist (for a 7 year old at least), but this was something else. For want of a better image that his child's mind could conjure up, it was as if her body was independent of the floor she moved upon - although paradoxically it was clear that she was still a part of it.

Turning his senses to the greater surroundings he noticed at once the faint 'kiyahs', 'hiyahs', and other combat noises wafting through the air. Meyah turned to observe his rather cute pose - head cocked in an obvious listening manner and supplied the information to his clear curiosity. "Those are the novices in their morning training sessions. They have as of yet not learned to perform their arts in silence."

That only served to pique his curiosity even more - What was it with the silence thingy? None of the masters he had trained with ever complained about making noises. Dismissing it for now, he noted what little there was to be seen through the occasional gaps in the hedges lining the walkway. This place seemed to be very large and quite open, with much more land than buildings. The crisply sharp morning air, tinged with the moisture of dew was wondrous to inhale, and Ranma appreciated it with deep breaths.

In time, they eventually reached their destination - a largish rectangular building constructed in the traditional medieval Japanese style - the ricepaper screens lining its walls signifying it to be a dojo of sorts. As a form of encouragement, Meyah gave her charge a brief summary of what was to come.

"The man you will meet is Shinkasa Kagora. He was my sensei for many years. He will introduce our Clan, and perhaps show you a little of what we do here." She added for the benefit of her charge's combat background, "As a master of our art, he is very skilled in fighting forms."

That final point certainly drew Ranma's attention. Pops had taken him to many 'masters' of martial arts. Nodding his understanding, he somewhat tentatively followed her into the room. The man in question was standing towards one side of the dojo, gazing thoughtfully into space. He appeared to Ranma's eyes to be somewhere over fifty years of age, which put him well into the 'old man' category. Serious eyes and the slight frown to his features revealed weathered lines brought on by years spent outdoors. But from the moment he turned to greet the new arrivals, the boy could easily sense the same 'floating' glide to his movements - moreso even than in Meyah. He fixed a rather enigmatic smile upon the child standing a little nervously before him, before turning to his student expectantly.

Meyah silently padded closer, and whispered two words which seemed familiar to Ranma, despite his inability to hear what they were. The 'master' in response nodded once and quietly commanded, "See one of the spy masters and find out all you can about this character."

His student bowed once, then swiftly exited the dojo, offering a reassuring smile to Ranma as she left. Tentatively, Ranma opened the conversation, "Are you a martial artist like Meyah?"

"Not quite, child, we don't usually consider ourselves martial artists….actually, we're more of a ninja clan here." Ranma jerked noticeably and fought down a reflexive look of disgust. Pops hadn't taught him much other than Anything Goes, but he had heard enough of the legends of the ninja tribes. By all accounts they were honourless bands whose services could be bought for a monetary fee - services such as murder, assassination, thieving and the like. His father had stressed to him frequently that they were always to be guarded against because unlike the 'true' martial artists, ninjas had no concept of Bushido (the warrior's code), and would readily resort to, as Genma had said, 'backstabbing' methods to win.

"I see you may have heard of our kind." Kogara commented dryly at Ranma's obvious ill-concealed distaste. "I am well aware of our image amongst the people Ranma - I only ask that you see for yourself what we do before passing judgement. In fact, why don't you come with me, and I can take you on a little tour of the grounds?"

Ranma considered this. The discovery of the dubious origins of his 'rescuer' (Meyah had already provided him with a general description of his mental state when they had 'met') did not match with her generally amiable appearance, nor with this friendlyish character next to him. In the end he accepted the offer. Heir to Anything Goes or not, he didn't favour his chances of escaping a ninja clan house if they chose to keep him. Kogara for his part was actually glad that the child appeared altogether rather naïve to be trusting a self-proclaimed ninja master - he'd been long accustomed to having to spend hours with outsiders (rare as they were) to earn even a semblance of trust.

As they walked, Kogara patiently quizzed his companion on his origins and history, and Ranma thus found himself repeating much of what he had said to Meyah to the inquisitive man. When they reached the subject of Ranma's recent trials with a certain pitfull of cats the conversation came to a disjointed halt - the boy was understandably still terrified dealing with his traumatic experience, despite his father's insistence that the 'foolish boy' was just behaving like a coward. "You know Ranma, it was specifically because of your treatment to learn the Nekoken that I wanted you to stay here awhile before returning you to your father." Kogara offered no more to say, and Ranma reluctantly suppressed his curiosity.

Eventually, the pair came upon an open courtyard some hundred by fifty metres in length, bare except for around thirty or so wooden posts dotted about in seemingly random fashion which were driven into the soft earth. To most of these posts were attached what Ranma recognised as being straw practice dummies, arranged in various semblances of human postures. What was perhaps unusual was that the trainees, all dressed in ninja's black, stood poised for action, but with their backs to their respective dummies. In fact, the boy noticed quickly, they appeared to look everywhere BUT directly at their supposed targets.

"The ninjas here are practicing their protection and bodyguard skills," supplied Kogara by way of explanation. Suddenly a flash of silver arced across the compound, its origins unknown, to be deftly blocked by a trainee armed with a bo-staff. This was followed by an arrow from another direction, several volleys of shuriken, a few axes - all of which were either blocked or deflected by the visible ninjas. All of them that is except a lone dagger which managed to slip through the defenses and embed itself in the skull of a hapless straw dummy.

"The object of this exercise is to 'protect' your dummy from the attacks. Obviously young Shikinazawa over there needs more work. Her dummy has just lost half his brains from that dagger. In any case you can see here that not all our time is spent murdering and pillaging." His last comment hinted at sarcasm, to which Ranma winced in sympathy, before noticing something.

"Kogara-san, is that ninja a she?" Ranma asked incredulously.

"Why yes," Kogara's tone was deceptively mild, "is there some problem with that?"

"But, b-but, she's a she! I mean you don't let girls fight here too do you?" The boy's eyes had widened considerably in shock.

"But of course. To deny females the right to learn our art cuts out half the population of potential artists."

"Pops says it's VERY dishonourable to let girls fight. He says that it's the job of a martial artist to protect the weak, and girls are weaker than boys."

Kogara dryly murmured, "Perhaps one day I'll have your father spar with one of the better women and see if she can't change his mind." Seeing Ranma's confusion, he added, "Ranma, take it from me that your father is gravely mistaken in his judgement. Yes indeed, it is correct that the average female has a lower physical capacity than the average male but, such factors as speed, dexterity, not to mention intelligence and skill are NOT gender specific." Ranma's doubt was still written on his face. Kogara sighed resignedly. "Perhaps it would be better if you yourself sparred with a girl."

"Uh uh, I ain't doin' that. Not now or never."

"Yes, yes, well shall we continue?"

****************

Genma Saotome cursed the Gods again for the ill luck which had bestowed upon him such an irritating son. Ranma had not turned up last night, and as of yet had failed to appear at the camp site. His consultation of the Nekoken training manual had yielded no clues, only the standard "This technique is very VERY dangerous!-" blah blah blah, "-not to be attempted under any circumstances-" blah blah blah blah "-may cause severe mental trauma-" yahda yahda. In all truth Genma was concerned for his son - after all the weak minded boy may have bitten off more than he could chew by attempting to conquer the Nekoken.

"Oh my son, why could you not be a man and learn the technique with the same dignity as any true martial artist?" Genma wailed to the heavens, "Now I have to waste my time and effort hunting you down because of your damnable cowardice." Genma Saotome did NOT approve of Anything Goes heirs gallivanting around the countryside behaving like some common feline. Certainly Genma had never behaved so dishonourably under Master Happousai's tutelage.

****************

"Here is where the higher level students train for the most," explained Kogara as they observed yet another training ground (the fifth in the tour so far). "Watch that boy over there, second from the left. He has just returned from an ancient village in China after training there for a year in some of their special techniques."

The subject of their scrutiny was currently facing off against a master - as designated by her gold headband (Ranma cringed as he saw yet another female in the line of fire) - and appeared unarmed as opposed to his sensei's wooden training naginata. At her nod, he crouched low and leapt towards her blade with arms held outstretched, a suicidal move from Ranma's perspective. The young child's eyes widened as the attacker appeared to reach into his sleeves during flight, and pull out two full sized bokkens, apparently defying several laws of physics as well as obvious logic. He fell to with a vengeance on her defence, hacking with both arms but unable to pass her swirling wooden blade head. Ranma was amazed at the dexterity displayed by both combatants - arms twisting in graceful combinations of patterns which were centuries old, a counterpoint to the rapid klacks of the clashing wood. Unconsciously he catalogued some of their more exotic moves for possible integration with his own style (that was after all the essence of Anything Goes - flexibility). During a short respite in their duel, the student was seen to adopt a forward stance, one foot in front of the other before crying out a very fierce, "KACHU TENSHIN AMAGURIKEN!"

Before Ranma's startled eyes, the boy's bokken wielding fists seemed to blur - much too fast for even his seasoned eyes to track. Despite this, the trainee was unable to land a blow, as the woman's naginata whipped about in abandon, the rapid series of ear splitting cracks attesting to the weapon head's repeated breaking of the sound barrier. Finally, clearly exhausted beyond measure the student slumped to one knee panting heavily. Kogara clapped loudly in applause, only slightly teasing. "Very well done young man, though when you can perform that attack SILENTLY, then I'll truly be impressed. With that kind of shouting you'd have revealed your location to enemies for miles around."

Blushing furiously, the boy managed to spare enough energy for a nod of apology in Kogara's direction. "Well then, shall we go on?" the old master said genially to his companion. Ranma nodded dumbly, still stunned by the duel.

***************

Alright. Genma had now decided that he was in something he very much hated to be in, yet somehow regularly managed to find himself trapped within. Genma Saotome was in BIG trouble. Oh yes, he'd found the boy all right. Inquisition of the locals had revealed that a certain unknown insane 'cat-boy' had been frequently seen wondering around the Hashima. With the aid of his fists (it was amazing how persuasive they could be) he had managed to extract from a terrified old pot seller that usually things like that tended to be handled by the local guardians. Was it just Genma's luck that the said local guardians just HAPPENED to be a ninja clan? He was dreadfully worried as to how his son might have been 'dealt' with by such people, and at the same time furious that the foolish boy had got himself into such difficulties.

Despite Genma's 'encouragement', the pot seller had been tight-lipped about divulging any further information - which only caused him more concern since he assumed that suggested that the ninjas were ruthless indeed to be keeping such a tight security. Sighing mightily, and cursing the three banes of his livelihood (Kami-sama, luck, and the foolishness of his son), Genma tried vainly to come up with some form of plan to get his son back. After all, Nodoka would kill him (literally) otherwise.

***************

It was getting late into the afternoon. Ranma had spent the entire day being led around the Clan compound, his amazement and awe at the multitude of wonders erasing totally the memory that he was supposed to have returned to his father some time ago. What was perhaps most surprising to his young eyes was the fact that despite being educated to the contrary, it was quite clear that much of what was taught at the ninja centre was in fact not related to combat and ingenious ways to maim and kill. Far from it, through his tour he had in addition seen several meditation glades, music and singing classes, what appeared to be basic schooling in reading and writing, and to top it all, a Shinto temple - complete with priests and everything! He never imagined religion would have much of a place in a Ronin tribe. Eventually they found themselves returning to the master's dojo, to see Meyah standing patiently at the entryway, awaiting their arrival. Before greeting her tutor, she turned to Ranma. "I have prepared a meal for you back in my rooms. Do you think you'd be able to find your way back there?"

Ranma nervously reached behind his head to scratch at the base of his small pigtail - a gesture which to Meyah's eyes was so adorable. "Thanks but I really kinda gotta get back to Pops now. He'd be really worried for me."

Meyah's eyes narrowed at this. "Somehow I consider that highly unlikely Ranma. I ask that you stay here for only half-an-hour or so. There is something very important we need to discuss concerning your future as a martial artist."

He seemed to consider this, obviously very reluctant for any more delays. As a way of encouragement, Kogara said softly, "Fear not that you may miss your father. We have resources enough that we'd be able to locate him for you after we settle this matter. Why don't you head off to Meyah's place, and we'll see you in a few minutes?"

The pigtailed boy nodded dumbly - he hadn't really understood exactly what the old man had said, but the general idea appeared that he'd be able to find Pops despite the long absence. The old man probably wouldn't mind - he seemed to encourage anything that would promote the boys martial skills. Bowing to both the adults, he hastily retreated out of the dojo.

Meyah, noticing his perplexed expression as he left commented, "You know, he's only a seven year old, he cannot conceive the ramifications of his future with his father."

"Yes, it is so easy to forget that he is still much too young to be that worldly wise. We had a brief sparring match as a way of assessment. Truly he astounded me at his skills - certainly of a much higher level than I was at his age. It's no joke that the heir to Anything Goes aims to be the best of the best." Eyes narrowing slightly, he added, "Also during our duel I recalled the origins of that style and why it bothered me so."

Surprised Meyah awaiting clarification - it was not often that her master was 'bothered' by anything. He didn't disappoint her. "Yes, the boy was using moves I haven't seen in decades - but the last practitioner I saw of that style was one Grandmaster Happousai."

His student started at this - as his kohai she was very familiar with that name. Happousai was almost legendary in his skills; perhaps the only man in Shinkasa history who was able to walk through any and all ninja guarded areas seemingly at will - Kagora readily acknowledged him as a vastly superior warrior to just about any Shinkasa ninja - himself included. As such, this was reason enough for even the mighty clan to fear this Happousai.

"I would have thought this Happousai to have been dead by now - you spoke of your own grandparents encountering him", whispered Meyah apprehensively.

Kagora's answer was a bitter laugh. "Any who face this degenerated old troll will quickly come to learn that the master of Anything Goes NEVER dies. He fought and defeated my great-grandfather, my grandmother, my father, and of course myself - truly a plague on the Shinkasa line. I remember his words as he stood upon my broken chest. Kagora's brow wrinkled as he attempted a credible imitation of Happousai's wheedling tone. "I'll be back, my boy, to fight your child when she's old enough. It wouldn't do at all to let the mighty Shinkasa grow contemptuous of Anything Goes now would it? Of course not. Well, until then toodle doo!"

Meyah shuddered briefly - she had a very personal reason to dislike that particular comment.

Kogara continued, "I'll warrant old Cologne of the Joketsuzoku would be the only being in the history of mankind who stood a chance of beating that perverted soul - and even she could never kill him."

"All the more reason that we take the child now away from his father now. As great as Ranma's potential is, surely he would eventually draw the notice of the founder of Anything Goes."

"Yes, perhaps. I can't imagine what would happen to the boy's spirit if it were placed under such tutelage." Kogara chose that moment to change topics. "So, what did you manage to discover about this man, Genma Saotome?"

"Ah,, therein lies a tale to be told," Meyah commented wryly. "You won't believe what our contacts throughout Japan have to say about THIS man." She then handed him a stack of typed sheets.

Kogara absently leafed through the gathered information, his raised eyebrows the only sign of his surprise. What's this? he mused, long history of petty thefts, stealing of foods and money throughout all the islands of Japan.

"Skip that, and read from page five."

There was a pause, and a ruffling of notes. "Engaged?! At such an age. My, my it seems that Genma Saotome takes a VERY strong interest in his son's future love life - and so many candidates too."

"Spymaster Misho found three so far….." She indicated with her finger, "the Daijkoku, Kuonji, and Mizumo families. Interestingly enough these three have all at some stage employed Shinkasa members for information on the whereabouts of these elusive Saotomes - hence their quick identification. Give her a week, and I'm sure she can locate more."

He glanced up from his perusals, obviously impressed. "I was never aware that Suzaharo Misho was so talented in her skills. This is a very extensive report for a day's work."

Her response was tinged with sarcasm. "I think we can attribute that to Genma's lack of tact as opposed to our extensive network - he has a remarkable skill for generating enemies."

"Perhaps that skill might be useful if we wish to keep him busy, yes?" He folded the papers and tucked them into a voluminous sleeve. "In any case, I've considered deeply your proposals - and - I've reached the decision that despite the obvious risks in doing so, Clan Shinkasa will adopt Ranma Saotome as a clan member…." He raised a hand to silence her reflexively joyous thanks, "PROVIDED that young Ranma Saotome is totally agreeable to this arrangement."

Meyah was more than satisfied with his pronouncement and with quick thanks swirled around to dart out the door. With a lighting quickness that belied his advancing years, Kogara reached out and spun her around to face him again. "Now, Meyah, encouragement him if you must - but his final decision MUST be of his own making and not based on embellishments to the facts provided by yourself. I will not permit Ranma do be deceived in any way about the trials he will face in the future if he so chooses to take the way of the Ninjitsu. Is that very clear?" his countenance was stern for the first time Meyah had seen for weeks.

"Yes, Master Kogara. That is absolutely clear." She retreated at a more respectful pace.

******************

While this discussion was proceeding, not far away another slight disturbance was breaking the peace of the natural twilight environment. This disturbance took the form of a stoutish, heavyset man, resplendent in a grey gi (it's original colour had been white, but that was years ago) who was currently lying prone hoping for a glimpse of his son in the Shinkasa compound.

It was perhaps unfortunate that two of the border guards had caught a glimpse of him first, and now sat some 15 feet behind the martial artist, discussing with complex hand gestures on just how to deal with the intruder. After a few tense seconds they finally agreed that this man appeared harmless enough that they needn't bother trussing him up and taking him to headquarters (a forceful ejection would suffice).

Genma never did discover just what had hit him. To his credit the ninjas had surprisingly required two blows with their maces to send him out of commission (the standard blow to the head only served to plant the target's face in the damp soil - still groaning). However, after successfully incapacitating the fat martial artist it was a relatively simple matter to drag him (none to gently - after all time was of the essence) to a cart and tote him off the grounds.

**************

Ranma was still immersed in the fine art of food inhalation when Kagora and Meyah stepped into the room. Making a mental note in his sorely needed tutelage in basic table manners, Meyah quietly coughed to announce their presence. "Ranma, would you mind stopping for moment? We have some important things to ask you."

Ranma looked up reluctantly - where he came from food ignored was very quickly a lost cause. Kogara offered, "It won't take that long."

Kneeling so that he could face the boy eye to eye, he began. "We've come here to offer you a place in our Clan, permanently." There was a stunned silence.

"Wha-what? I-I..er…..say again?"

 "I know you might be a bit young to understand this…….but we are asking if you would stay here with us rather than return to your father."

The young child only grew more confused.

Meyah chose that moment to join in, "Ranma, your father did some very bad things, especially to you. If the authorities knew about what your father did, they would take him away and put him in jail."

"B-but, I have to become a martial artist. Pops said I need to do what he tells me or I'll never be his heir, and……"

Kogara interrupted, "Ranma, do you remember the last thing that your father did to you? Remember the pit with all the cats?"

The boy reflexively shivered and took a weak step back from the adults. Eyes shining with the beginnings of tears, he whimpered, "I didn't like it. I wanted to get out so bad, but P-poppa wouldn't let me….and then there were all those eyes looking at me….lotsa eyes a-and…"

Meyah's heart wrenched a little as the quivering child convulsed with suppressed sobs. Instinctively she reached out to hold him in her arms. Eyes hardening, she looked toward her sensei. "That settles it. We are NOT letting him go back to that man." Her glare almost dared him to disagree.

Kogara raised his hands in placation. "You needn't worry. I won't oppose you on this, 'daughter' - it would be too dangerous anyway to let him into society without proper control of the Nekoken in any case."

At that particular moment, the sobbing child did not seem a particular threat to anyone.

***************

Far away, on the island of Kyoto another child was quietly crying, but unlike Ranma she had no warm arms to comfort and support her. Sniffling once, she furiously wiped away her blossoming tears, hoping furtively that no one had seen the spectacle. After all, boys NEVER cried. Damn you Saotome, damn you, damn you, damn……..

***************

It was fated for the next morning that the early risers in the town of Hashima were to discover a pile of man raggedly clothed in a dirty gi, dumped unceremoniously in the gutter of the main thoroughfare. Most turned their head's the other way - it was not considered prudent to be associated with any who had run in with the local ninjas.

It was around 10 o'clock in the morning before the pile finally awoke, groaning heavily and cursing his infernal headache. At first, Genma was puzzled - he hadn't been drinking last night, so a hangover was out of the question. Eventually even his limited brain functionings were able to determine that perhaps last night's scouting mission hadn't gone as planned. He cursed those wretched ninjas for their dishonourable ways (even in Anything Goes it was still dishonourable to sneak attack an opponent from behind). Even now they might be corrupting his wretched son - turning him into some little Yakuza. No, Nodoka would most certainly not approve. Gulping at her imaged he groggily arose and headed for the nearest cafeteria. A little sake would restore his spirits; it didn't matter that he was broke - that had never stopped him before.

**************

Meyah silently floated out of the room after tucking a now slumbering Ranma in his provided futon. Outside she met a quietly observing Kogara. Whispering so as not to wake their newest Clan member, he commanded, "Tomorrow Meyah you will become this child's guardian and protector. You will care for him and teach him what is to be known about the complexities of life. As it was your firm decision to adopt this child into Shinkasa, so will his actions be your responsibility. Even your standing as my daughter will not save you from retribution by the other masters if Ranma breaks faith."

Nodding once in acceptance of her additional role, Meyah responded simply, "Yes Master Kogara, I thank the master for the honour."

"Come now, we are outside official training time. What happened to the word 'father'?"

Smiling a little, Meyah corrected herself, "Yes father."

Kogara's brief bemusement ended as he grimly stated, "Tomorrow as well, Meyah, we will begin Ranma's educations, and training. I will personally take on his tutelage in Shinkasa ninjitsu. He is far too powerful to be trained in the conventional methods, especially with his knowledge of the Nekoken. It will be a very great trial, both for him and us, to work him clean of the madness and for him to be able to voluntarily harness its power. Yes indeed, a very great trial."

His daughter's eyebrows raised at this - Kogara hadn't taken on another student since he had finished with herself - and that had been 4 years ago. Under her father, Ranma would truly come to know the way of the ninjitsu.

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Well how was that for the opening of a series? I really hate it when writers leave fanfic series unfinished, so I already have the entire plan all worked out. It looks like this story is going to last for a while yet. Hope you liked it enough to want Chapter 2.

You can find the rest of my works at http://members.xoom.com/dojohouse

Incidentally some things to note.

Ninjitsu is the term to describe the 'art of the shadow warrior', or the ninja, just as kenjutsu is the art of the kendo (katanas, bokkens etc.)

Kohai (did you notice that word?) is a term by which a sensei refers to his/her student. 

See you round in Chapter 2. Ranma gets introduced to his new life.