Author's Note: It has been mentioned that courtroom law hasn't been closely followed, though I have to admit my ignorance there. I'm wondering how many people noticed that this was essentially an Ace Attorney case, complete with the Japanese names for Winston Payne and Mia Fey.

I also apologize for the delay between chapters. I've been stuck a bit on the last two...to the point I started a Fate fanfic when I needed to distract myself. I've yet to post it though.

Chapter 21: Logistics

After the case ended, Nodoka immediately filed for the adoption of Natsume and Kurumi and the guardianship of Ukyo while at the courthouse. They were all placed in her temporary care for the interim. The Saotome clan learned that Natsume's original intended adopters had since welcomed a different girl into their family and were no longer looking for a child, freeing her up for Nodoka. While the adoption process might normally take a good deal of time, the unusual and high profile situation made a swift adoption far more likely. The Tendos had to break off from the group to tend to their own matters while at the courthouse. They would not divulge what, but Ranma figured that it was none of his business.

When the doors to the courthouse opened for the Saotome clan's and Chihiro's departure, they were all met with a surprise. Flashbulbs went off in their faces as people took pictures. Reporters asked questions and attempted to push microphones toward their faces. Were it not for the police pushing them back and serving as a protective barrier, the children might have thought themselves under attack and responded to defend themselves. Even Nodoka and her mother weren't expecting this response, though the patriarch of the clan maintained his stoic demeanor and looked for a solution to their problem.

"My goodness," Nodoka uttered in surprise.

Chihiro looked around at the crowd before sighing. "I guess I underestimated the effect Ranma's story has had on the media. You usually don't see a crowd like this at divorce or custody hearings."

Having taken the train and then the bus to get to the courthouse, the group had little way to escape the madness. It was in this moment of need, however, when a limousine pulled up to the curb. Hurriedly getting out of the driver's side door and wearing a tiny chauffeur's outfit was none other than the Kuno family ninja, Sasuke Sarugakure. He rushed along the length of the vehicle and opened the rear door to show Kodachi, Tatewaki, and their father. The formermost beckoned for the embattled family and counsel to get in, which the group thankfully and hurriedly did. The limousine then drove away, leaving the reporters hungry for more.

Sachiko Hinata from NHK resisted the urge to click her tongue at the missed opportunity. Instead, she settled for doing what reporting she could for her channel's coverage of the proceedings. When Genma's balding and unsuspecting attorney stepped out of the courthouse, he barely had time to notice the wave of reporters before they broke past the police cordon and descended upon him in force.

Takefumi Auchi's fearful and high-pitched scream was quickly drowned out in the chaos.

Ranma winced as his hearing picked up something very familiar. The boy's moral code required him to say something in spite of his desire to avoid unnecessary trouble. "Uh, didn't anybody else hear that cry of terror?"

"Don't worry, Ranma." Chihiro placated with a thin smile on her lips. "Trust someone who knows. That is simply the sound of karma catching up to a man. No one expects you to deal with this one." While Takefumi wasn't one to use false evidence or overtly break the law in his work, he was still someone who exceeded the lines of propriety at times. His trying to paint Nodoka as some sort of psychotic monster during the proceedings was conduct the woman could not accept as ethical.

"Thank you, House Kuno, for getting us out of there safely." Tenma Saotome finally said, tilting his head toward the father and children of the Kuno clan.

Kocho Kuno, still wearing his complete samurai armor and making a notable depression in the reinforced limousine seat from its weight, nodded back to Tenma. "You are welcome, House Saotome. My children are fond of Ranma and his friends and wanted to meet again as soon as possible."

"Indeed," Kodachi said, though she appeared a little less than happy. "I recall asking you to find us when you came to Tokyo. Seeing reports of you on the television surprised us, so we came to welcome you."

"Ah! Sorry, Ko-chan!" Ukyo exclaimed when remembering Kodachi's request when they left Sekigahara. "W-when we arrived, it just got so messy and crazy..."

"That's right. They barely had time for a meal after finding me before we had to contact the police and work toward sorting this all out. It has been rather hard on everyone. It feels like we're only now getting a minute to relax, thanks to you." Nodoka clarified with a bow of her head. With that, Kodachi's expression shifted into an honest smile.

"That is understandable...very well, I'll forgive you! You need to stay in touch with us now, though. Where are you going to attend school?" Kodachi asked, curious about her friends' new lives. Tatewaki simply listened for the moment, allowing his sister to speak.

Ranma elected to respond to Kodachi. "We've been given paperwork for Lumiere Elementary, and Kurumi got some for Aokawa Kindergarten next door. Not sure if Mom'll try to change it though."

Kodachi smiled and brought her hands together in a gentle clapping motion. "Ah! Lumiere is where my brother attends! It is a fine school. Mother had intended that I attend a Catholic School, but the one we looked into currently lacks a Martial Arts or a Culinary program. As such, thanks to Father's aid, I shall be joining Tatewaki at Lumiere this year."

Ranma had always found it odd that Kodachi would attend a Catholic School. He never knew her to be a Christian, but the motives for attending may have been more discipline-inspired than religious. A disciplined effort that had failed miserably in the old future, in his opinion. Nodoka, meanwhile, had been a bit surprised by this news. Ranma's friends were attending Lumiere? She'd read the pamphlet that Ranma had been given and had no problems with the school. The fact they extended a hand to Ranma without even knowing who he was and were the ones to convince Ranma to attend school at all was a heavy plus in her book. Nodoka elected to speak to clarify her position on the matter. "While I am still trying to make a final decision, Lumiere is my first choice at the moment. Ranma and Natsume need to take placement tests to determine their positions, so I cannot make promises."

"A placement test? Isn't your son only now old enough to attend Elementary School?" Kocho inquired. It was unusual for placement tests to be done in such a situation.

"That's because Ran-chan can read and write kanji! He can do math in his head, too!" Ukyo said happily, proud of her friend's unexpected abilities. His ability to help them with the totals for their little cooking cart in Sekigahara came to Ukyo's and Kodachi's minds, the latter nodding in support of Ukyo's statement. Nodoka couldn't help but feel pride and Natsume was again impressed by the skills of her Master.

"That's right. We need to resolve that as soon as possible. There is only a week before classes start." Nodoka said in realization. Of course, her realization didn't stop there. "And we need to get them more clothes, furnish and rearrange the bedrooms, oh, so much to do!"

Kodachi's face lit up at the opportunity. "Oh! It sounds like some heavy shopping is in order! We had intended to drop you off at home or invite you to lunch, but perhaps we should instead assist you in this endeavor!" Tatewaki shuddered slightly and even Kocho's body tensed within his armor. The latter silently contemplated the chances of getting out of this and dumping the act of helping his daughter shop on Sasuke. Tenma simply adopted a more stone-faced expression. Ranma recalled his mother stuffing him into that weird suit this morning and briefly shuddered in horror. They had then hurriedly went shopping for suitable clothing and a few basics before the trial. Even that was something Ranma did not enjoy. Nodoka's future self having previously 'assisted' him in shopping for women's clothing did not improve his opinion on the activity.

"I need to take a placement test soon as possible. It'll be a long one, too. Maybe the girls can shop while I..." Ranma started trying to free himself of the situation until he saw Ukyo's eyes. She looked at him in worry, her left arm wrapping around his right in a clear plea not to leave her. He was reminded of how fragile she was right now with her father's actions brought to light. Mrs. Tendo had told him that Ukyo was very nervous when he vanished to take a bath before at the Tendos' place, the impact only mitigated by the comedy of seeing him return in his mother's horrible outfit.

Ranma's protests died on his lips. He couldn't leave her like this.

"...O-on second thought, I don't have enough clothes if we're livin' in one place..." Ranma yielded, Ukyo's smile returning. The boy braced himself for what was coming with a sigh. "A nice old lady gave me and Ucchan each 10,000 yen before for stoppin' a purse snatcher. Told us it was for school clothes. I don't need fancy stuff though. It's gotta be easy to move and fight in."

Tenma nodded, understanding his grandson's thoughts. Ranma was prioritizing Ukyo over his own wishes. Unexpected from a six-year-old, but it had long-since become clear that Ranma was far from normal. "We shan't impose on the Kunos unless there is full agreement from their family, though we will go shopping either way for the children. There are a few places to go for Ranma's needs. I will go as well to make sure the attire is suitable and durable enough." This surprised the man's wife and daughter. Tenma was not a fan of shopping for clothes or furniture.

"Father, I think I can shop for my own son..." Nodoka said while crossing her arms and pouting.

"No-chan, you know I care for you...but the suit you bought for him earlier says otherwise. Besides, Ranma is the equivalent of a 5th dan in his Art at minimum. He constantly needs to be ready for encounters. Even my own suit is made of materials and a subtle fit suitable for combat." Tenma noted his daughter's flinch after he spoke, causing the man to hope he hadn't pushed too far. Nodoka, meanwhile, wasn't ignorant of her father's position. If he was volunteering to help shop, of all things in the world, then he clearly felt strongly on the matter.

Sachiko decided to speak next to mediate. "Don't worry, No-chan. You just need experience! You've had no reason to learn about anything but newborn, infant, and toddler clothes before now. Genma always insisted he wore a martial arts gi after that, right?" Sachiko asked of her daughter, who gave a nod. "Well, then. This will be an opportunity to learn! Ranma clearly has his own preferences, and we need to help the girls grow their own as well." Sachiko's effort to encourage her daughter brought a smile to Nodoka's face.

"...Cute things." Ukyo uttered, drawing the attention of the others. When she realized everyone was staring at her, she blushed in embarrassment but continued. "Um, Daddy dressed me like a boy after Mommy died. Even Ran-chan thought I was a boy at first. But when we started the training journey, Ran-chan said I could be cute if I wanted, so...can I?"

"Of course, Ukyo! You may wear girls' attire and cute things freely. The school might require a uniform, but you would certainly wear the one meant for girls if that is the case. They are often cute!" Nodoka's words compelled Ukyo to smile happily in response. The former realized that this could be an important healing experience for the young chef.

"That's horrible, Ucchan! To think that your father could be so cruel!" Kodachi blurted out, horrified at the thought of being forced to dress as a boy. The young girl donned a decisive look on her face and nodded to herself. "Right. We absolutely must shop now. Sasuke, you know where to drive us." With that, Tatewaki and Kocho accepted their fates and gave no further protest as the limousine changed direction toward Harajuku. Tenma lowered his head slightly and raised a single hand in a prayer-like gesture toward the pair, silently asking for their forgiveness for the imposition upon their kindness.

Thus Ranma Saotome spent the rest of the morning and into the afternoon enduring the horrors of shopping.

The clothing stores on or near the pedestrian shopping street known as Takeshita Street weren't always the most frugal. Some of them, like one called Palais France which Kodachi insisted upon, focused on items that were of little value to the fashion-ignorant boy and made him feel rather out of place. It seemed that the Harajuku area was at the forefront of fashion though, meaning that Ranma was able to find clothing that at least resembled the more familiar attire of the coming 1980s. They were also able to find furniture at Palais France.

The Saotomes and the Kunos would learn that Ranma was a practical boy who preferred clothing which was easy to move in, though his silken Chinese shirts had to be imported. He had thankfully managed to recreate his future self's signature attire with a Tang shirt and pants, red and black respectively, with an added belt and slip-on shoes. He also obtained similar shirts in an array of other colors at his mother's behest, though he gravitated away from getting a Mao suit this time around. The pint-sized Martial Artist also received a few more suits, finding that he liked the idea of mixing a red dinner jacket with black dress pants, a white dress shirt, and a black tie. His grandfather knew a local tailor who worked with people in the stunt double industry, allowing a suit fit which would permit combat. Kocho Kuno knew the same tailor as a provider of Martial Arts Acting costumes. The boy's preferences were otherwise easy to shop for.

Ranma was able to dress unaided and took far less time trying on outfits than the girls. The flip side of this was that he was regularly bored. At the very least there were restaurants and cafes on the street so none of them were hungry while waiting, a must when considering Kurumi's hunger. Once he'd finished sending a letter off to Ran updating her on things, he spent some spare time telling Tatewaki about his travels while unknowingly attracting other random listeners. Tenma and Kocho had discussed something at length, staying far enough away at the time to be unheard. Chihiro, his mother's attorney, had since parted company with the group citing a need to return to work.

Sighing, Ranma wore the current version of his trademark tang suit as the group waited for Ukyo to emerge from the store. Everyone else had finished shopping for the day. Kurumi, dressed in a white shirt and pink overalls with a yellow chick sewn on the front, was playing with her big sister. Natsume had chosen a tang outfit like Ranma's to wear for the moment, with a purple top and the same black pants.

"I didn't know you liked Chinese clothes," Ranma said, finding it an unusual look for the older of the sisters.

"W-well...they're comfortable, I can move freely, and they're what my Master wears..." Natsume said nervously to the boy, causing Tenma to smile.

"It seems that we have a bit of hero worship going on." Tenma chuckled slightly, causing Natsume to blush. Ranma was reminded of how the girls' future selves treated Soun Tendo when they thought him their father. While his pride wanted to accept it heartily, how many times had that burned him over the years? Lacking teenage hormones seemed to help him think a little more clearly, though he never made that connection.

"Well, it looks good on you. Don't think you have to wear it just 'cause I do, though. This is all about findin' out what you like." Ranma explained as best he could, hoping to convey that she should find her own preferences. Natsume smiled happily at the praise, not fully understanding the meaning of what Ranma was saying.

"We're back!" Nodoka announced as they emerged from the store, with Kodachi and Ukyo walking next to her. Ranma blinked as he regarded the latter girl's attire. She wore a short-sleeved yellow top, a knee-length blue skirt, white socks, and white low-top tennis shoes. The girl retained the original white ribbon in her hair. Ukyo was nervously looking at Ranma, wondering what his opinion would be. "Doesn't Ukyo look cute?" Nodoka inquired, prodding her son to compliment the girl.

"Yeah, Ucchan! It's cute! You clean up nice!" Ranma smiled, knowing roughly what the proper response was. It was also true. This particular Ukyo dressing as a girl seemed so much more...right. It wasn't something that was imposed on her or a consequence of grief. It was a way for her to heal.

Ukyo's cuteness factor doubled when her nervous expression shifted into an elated smile. Her eyes lit up as she felt her stress and worry rush away. Rushing to Ranma's side, she eagerly interlocked her arm with his own and clung to him happily. "Thanks, Ran-chan! I'm glad you like it! Ko-chan and your mommy helped me pick it out!" Ranma was still one to feel awkward when clung to by girls, but he was improving. It helped that there was no ulterior motive. Ukyo felt a need to be close, and that was something he could do.

Ranma glanced at his mother, who had a very pleased look on her face. Part of him wondered if she was thinking of grandchildren, but he had to remind himself that this one was different from the manliness-obsessed woman he knew before. "Thanks, Mom, Ko-chan. You did good!"

Natsume compared the reaction to her clothing with the reaction to Ukyo's and felt as though she'd lost. Still, she understood. Ukyo was hurt badly by her daddy and needed help. She knew to be quiet...but then she felt a tug on her arm. Kurumi had stopped playing and started to drag her along. "W-wait, Kurumi! What are you doing?"

Kurumi dragged her sister to Ranma's other side, interlocked his free arm with her sister's, and then jumped up onto Ranma's back. Scrambling onto his shoulders, she gave a huff. "Don't ignore us! Ranma's giving Kurumi a ride as punishment!" Knowing Ranma couldn't see her face, Kurumi looked to her big sister and gave her a conspiratorial smile.

"What'd I do this time?" Ranma asked, only finding smiles and giggles in response to his query. He mentally shrugged when it was clear that no answer would be forthcoming. The boy decided simply to be thankful that the punishment was an easy one. He had a girl on each arm and one riding on his shoulders the whole way out of the shopping area, drawing several eyes at the display as they walked toward the waiting limousine.

In the family court that the Saotomes had previously been seated in, another case was wrapping up. It was an inheritance case this time, though one clearly related to the events of Ranma's life. The boy was not here, nor were the Saotomes even aware that it was ongoing. The Judge had heard enough and was entering in his ruling.

"Given what we have heard today and the acceptance of this court of the facts behind the convictions of Jiro Nekoyama for Conspiracy to commit Theft, Conspiracy to commit Inheritance Fraud, Attempted Grand Theft, Trespassing in a Military Base, and Attempting to conduct a Marriage without a License; this court approves the removal of Jiro Nekoyama from receiving a share of the Nekoyama property and treasure." With those words from the judge, Jiro Nekoyama's shoulders slumped. The man's legal convictions had come quickly due to the clarity of his guilt and the military's involvement. Soun Tendo, who was in the gallery, was silently thankful that he wasn't also being convicted of the lattermost crime.

"As it is a very unusual situation, I will ask once more if the remaining inheritors agree on the distribution of this man's share." The Judge stated, looking to Ichiro Nekoyama, Saburo Nekoyama, and a wheelchair-bound Kimiko Tendo.

Ichiro would be the one to speak, as the head of the Nekoyama family."We are in accord. Were it not for their risking their lives, there wouldn't be a treasure to possess. Besides, it was those two he wronged, when he tried to force them to marry." There were voices of agreement from the man's brother and sister.

"So noted. Jiro Nekoyama's quarter of the Nekoyama Treasure and grounds is hereby transferred evenly between Kasumi Tendo and Ranma Saotome. Kimiko Tendo or, in the event of her demise, Ichiro Nekoyama will administrate this trust. Kasumi will receive custodianship of her eighth upon the age of eighteen. Ranma will receive his eighth once the statute of limitations on civil suits for all of Genma Saotome's crimes has been reached. Genma Saotome is barred from having access to these funds under any circumstances. It is so ordered on this day, March 28, 1977." These proceedings were concluded swiftly enough, and the Judge inwardly hoped that the boy would receive a decent life. He had a family that loved him and now a financial windfall. Of course, the simultaneous blessing and curse 'may you live in interesting times' seemed to define his young life.

After the case concluded, Soun attempted to leave with his family and two in-laws promptly through a side exit. The Master of the Tendo School of Anything Goes Martial Arts wouldn't say that he was worried about the sea of reporters out front. He told himself that it was simply the exit that had a wheelchair-accessible ramp. In spite of his efforts, however, one particularly tenacious young woman was waiting for them when they left the courthouse.

"Hello again! You just keep being newsworthy, don't you?" The young lady stood there with a microphone at the ready and a smile on her face as she was recognized swiftly by the group. Thankfully, she was the only one of the media who thought to stand near the wheelchair ramp instead of at the main doors of the courthouse.

"You're the NHK reporter and newscaster from Takato. Miss Hinata, right?" Soun stated while pushing his wife's wheelchair.

"That's right. I was wondering if we could have a word? You are not only close to the events of the past week in multiple ways but are a man trustworthy enough to be rumored as a future contender for a Nerima council seat. Your word will have heavy weight on these matters and people are eager to better understand what happened at Yaotsu in particular. I know I am." Sachiko Hinata smiled, trying to use her previous meeting with the family as an in. The unspoken word was that it could put his face and name in the minds of many for a future political campaign if he was so inclined.

The temptation was there for Soun, but he was concerned for his wife. Recent events had demanded more from her than he thought safe and his children looked hungry as well. "I might be able to speak with you in the future, Miss Hinata, but my family needs rest. It has been a hectic week for us all."

"Oh, I understand. It may be best to schedule a time instead. We had hoped for commentary from you or your Master of the Takato Rhythmic Gymnastics Exhibition Match footage, and also footage recovered of Ranma Saotome describing and demonstrating ki while teaching the Japanese Rhythmic Gymnastics Team later that day. Providing that footage for you to watch isn't something I'm equipped to do right now." Another unspoken implication. Hinata was willing to find the school's Grandmaster to speak if Soun wasn't willing to do so. The prospect of Happosai on television talking about the Art without a minder made Soun and Kimiko shudder slightly at the thought. The reporter presented Soun her business card, complete with contact information, and the man had little choice but to accept it.

"We will be in touch then, Miss Hinata. For the moment though, please excuse us." Soun said in a slightly defeated tone.

"Of course! Have a nice day!" Hinata gave a bow before she stood aside and let the group leave the courthouse. She did nothing to alert the other reporters to their escaping prey. This was her story, after all.

Shampoo missed one of the plates tossed in her direction, forcing Ran to catch it and place it on her tray for her. The little girl pouted, but the redhead simply smiled. Cologne simply kept trying to gather information and plan their travel across the country.

'Keep trying. This is training too, Xian Pu. It will also help pay for our meals.' Ran knew that Cologne had said that the Xiu were duty-bound to assist them, particularly the ones who became such as punishment for breaking Joketsuzoku law, but the embodiment of Nyannichuan also knew that it was a good idea not to anger the people who made your food. If she could help pay their bill while getting Shampoo some training, that was fine so long as she didn't start exploiting the child. She didn't want to become like Genma.

The part of her that wanted to be just also cried out that taking away someone's free will was wrong. The only sin that the woman washing dishes in the back had committed had been marrying for love instead of yielding to an arranged marriage. For that alone, she had spent the past three years practically as a zombie. Her husband retained free will mainly to tend to her needs. Cologne seemed sympathetic but was unable or unwilling to change it.

'Lan, please watch Xian Pu. I need to go with the husband to the radio downstairs and check in.' Cologne interrupted Ran's thoughts with these words, which informed the husband that he would have to close up shop until he was done tending to that duty. Frustrating, but he at least seemed a bit less irritated thanks to Ran and Shampoo pulling their weight.

'Alright.' Ran gave Cologne a nod before turning to Shampoo. 'Xian Pu, we're taking a break .' There was no more food to serve at the moment anyway. The young purplette was happy to have a chance to relax, climbing up into a chair and drawing with paper and charcoal again. A piece of bread was nearby to serve as an eraser.

With Cologne off tending to other matters and Shampoo distracted, Ran smiled. She pulled out a thermos from her ki-space and removed the letter Ranma had written earlier from inside. Putting the thermos back in her ki-space, she started to read.

Hey, Ran!

Sending you a line to update you on some things. We made it to Mom's house! It turns out that they kept Pops in jail this time and that our grandparents on that side of the family are alive and kicking. Gramps is named Tenma and is the head of the Saotome clan, not Pops. He also heads a school of kenjutsu. Granny's name is Sachiko and she's a lot like you, our girl half. Mom apologized for the mess with the seppuku agreement right off the bat and invalidated it. What's more, she was already in the process of divorcing Pops! Pops didn't have the right to engage us to all those girls without Mom's permission. Clan authority flows through her from Gramps, after all. That means those engagements were never any good to begin with. The divorce went through today and Mom got sole custody of me. Pops got booted from the clan by Gramps. Mom's also accepted Natsume and Kurumi, and the adoption process has started to make them our sisters. Mom's probably going to be Ucchan's guardian.

Ucchan's Pop wasn't the Master of her school or the head of her clan, but married her Mom who was. She died and he tried to marry Ucchan off just so he could steal the Kuonji School from her when she became a Saotome. It didn't work and he got arrested while she officially inherited her Mom's positions. The psychologist said that it messed Ucchan up and that I'm her whole world right now, so she might break if I'm not with her as much as possible. We're shopping for clothes and stuff with the Kunos' help. Hopefully she'll be able to cheer up soon. What is it with our folks screwing up our lives for their own gain?

At least things are going well enough otherwise. I'm hoping Ucchan pulls out of this soon.

Ranma Saotome

Ran took in all this information, the good and the bad. It was horrible to hear about Ukyo's situation, but things started to make a lot more sense. What parent would throw away their family or school's heir without a reason? Genma Saotome's reason was a lack of intent to honor any agreement. Mr. Kuonji's reason was to make sure Ukyo was ineligible to inherit. All those years of suffering for a man's greed...

Ranma looked to the kitchen, beyond the door of which he knew that woman was washing dishes with what little faculties she had left. A near-vegetable.

"What is it with our folks screwing up our lives for their own gain?"

Finding resolve to act, Ran stood up. 'I'll be right back, Xian Pu.' Only waiting long enough to get an affirmative response from the doodling child, she walked over to the doors leading into the kitchen and strode in. If anyone had been paying attention while she did so, they'd have seen her putting the folded letter in her cleavage and inexplicably pulling out a bottle of herbal shampoo in its place.

Xiao Mei sighed as she regarded the boy seated at the table. He'd been silent ever since lunch, staring at the rat trap on the floor. She recalled Mousse' staunch resistance when she broke the news about his mission and the poison he unwittingly carried. Motion within the trap had long-since ceased after her demonstration of the truth, which had employed only the tiniest corner of the note and the poison hidden within. The boy's tears had come and gone, leaving silent contemplation behind.

She was glad she had waited until later in the day to deal with this.

'...Do you believe now?' Xiao Mei dared to ask, only for the boy to hesitate before he quietly nodded.

'...Is this your first time seeing death?' She inquired...only for the bow to look up at her. His expression was haunted and was in and of itself an answer to her question. 'I thought it might be. You spoke of killing our enemies so easily when we first met. It was a distant and nebulous thing for you until now, wasn't it?'

Having a seat next to him, Xiao Mei wrapped an arm around him. At this prompting, the boy turned and clung to the older girl desperately. She heard gentle sobs from the child as he buried his head against her body, trying to turn this into a lesson while providing comfort. 'To feel this way isn't wrong, Mu Tsu. It is natural to respect and protect life. Life that is taken must be taken because of a valid reason. A reason that overpowers this natural impulse. It is why killing is not done lightly, and why we have strict laws regarding it. We kill to eat, to protect, or to continue our way of life.' Mousse looked up to the woman as she spoke, his glasses askew as he tried to understand.

'Someone wants the Elder dead for their own greed. So they lied to you and sent you to do it for them so they would not suffer for it. They are a coward Mu Tsu. Powerful, no doubt, but a coward none the less. These rats, which would have died anyway to prevent the spread of disease, have met a noble end revealing these facts to you and defending the Elder's life. Give them the proper respect and contemplate this pain when considering the taking of life in the future.' The child nodded almost imperceptibly before getting down and standing before the rat trap. Making a fist with his right hand and putting it in the palm of his left in front of his stomach, he gave a bow of respect.

Over the next couple hours while Xiao Mei worked, Mousse was digging a hole behind the barber shop to conduct a burial of sorts. Though typically not necessary for rats, the boy had insisted. Xiao Mei hoped that if he remembered this, then he might not be so quick to use a technique like the Wind Tunnel after feeling the weight of a life. 'So...what now?' He finally asked once returning inside after the 'ceremony' was done. Xiao Mei looked to the boy and saw a look of uncertainty returned to her. It was understandable. The child had been sent away from his home with a hero's mission only to learn that he'd been lied to and couldn't return safely for an undetermined length of time. His future was uncertain and he had no idea where to go from here.

Xiao Mei gave the boy a contemplative look before giving her response. 'I need to feel out the situation before I even contemplate any action. For you though, there is only one thing to do right now. Train.'

It was time to build the boy back up.

Ranma stood in his room at his mother's home and looked it over with wide eyes while his mother stood behind him. It had been transformed. The walls were still a light blue, but the crib and clothing were gone and moved to the attic storage. The shrine had been disassembled, the copy of the contract removed, and the picture of his two-year-old self had been moved to the wall of his mother's room. Replacing them were an actual bed, a chair, a desk, several shelves, and an empty toy box. The clothes they'd obtained today, aside from the ones he was wearing, were in the closet. The clothing and items he had in his ki-space from that trip through the Nekoyama Castle basement were taken to be returned to their rightful place, so the traditional clothes he wore at Takato were not included in this collection.

It was during his inspection when he became aware of his mother trembling slightly. When he looked to her and their eyes met, Nodoka finally broke down and wept. "M-mom? What's wrong?" The boy, even with his added years, didn't know what to do here except turn to her and try to listen. He didn't expect to see the woman smiling through the tears.

"I'm sorry, Ranma...it's just...I've been cleaning and preserving this room for four years, hoping for my baby to return. Changing it is both a sign that you're not a baby anymore and that you're finally home. It's a complicated feeling. Some things are ending and making me sad while others are beginning and making me happy. It's one of those little things that make all of this even more...real for me. You're really home..." She stooped down and wrapped her arms around her son. Ranma understood the feeling because he felt it too. His old life and the people in it ceased to exist, but he could make a new life which was far better and had an actual family. It was bittersweet.

He returned the hug, intent on letting her have a good cry. He knew that girls seemed to feel better after getting it out of their system; it seemed that grown women were the same way. Ranma was a bit envious that they had a 'release valve' like that. All he could do was bottle it up until a rival or enemy came around for a good fight. "Yeah, Mom. I'm home." The boy didn't know what else to say, but it seemed that this confirmation was enough.

"Thank you, Ranma..." Nodoka gratefully conveyed as she let go of the boy and stood, smiling down at him before taking a tissue and drying her eyes. "And I also thank you for being good to Ukyo. You've been doing very well by her."

Ranma's expression shifted to a pensive one at the mention of Ukyo. "Yeah...I've been through some of what Ucchan's gone through. She deserves better than this mess. I want her to be happy again soon. 'Sides, if I weren't there, her pops wouldn't' have..."

"Her father would merely have engaged her to some other boy to accomplish his goal." Nodoka pointed out in hopes of snuffing out any self-blame Ranma might have been harboring. The expression of surprise on Ranma's face showed that he hadn't considered that possibility. "There was no good way for this to end once her father made that decision. It's probably for the best that it was you. Very few children would have had the presence of mind to do what you did. You've done all you can to protect her future and minimize what pain she has to feel, so don't blame yourself for the mistakes of someone else."

Ranma smiled, thankful for being told that something wasn't his fault for a change.

The moment was broken when they heard a loud cry from Ukyo in the next room down the hall. "EHH?! My bed's not gonna be in Ran-chan's room?" The emphatic question from what was once the guest bedroom drew the attention of both mother and son.

Nodoka spoke softly to her son. "I'm sorry, Ranma. I need to take care of this. Feel free to put your belongings in here. You don't have to keep everything in your ki-space anymore." With that, Nodoka left for the newly reassigned girls' bedroom and proceeded to assist her mother in calming Ukyo down. Gently shrugging his shoulders, the boy went into his room and started picking and choosing what did and didn't stay in his ki-space.

Ranma soon became aware of someone approaching his room. Turning to look toward the open door, he observed his grandfather's arrival. The man had moved a hand to gently knock on the open door but saw that it was not needed. Tenma Saotome inwardly approved of his grandson's situational awareness. "I would like to speak with you regarding kenjutsu, Ranma. I am not here to pressure you into any obligations." The man stated, selecting his words with care. He knew that his wife would be upset if he pressed Ranma too hard, too fast.

The child donned a somewhat wary expression, warring with himself. This man hadn't wronged him and did say he wasn't going to pressure Ranma into anything. "Alright. I don't know much about weapons 'cept the basics and what I've figured out along the way, though. Pops really only taught me enough to disarm somebody."

"And yet you've managed to turn ribbons, hoops, clubs, and other innocent implements of Rhythmic Gymnastics into weapons to the point where you've started a new school. That tells of untapped potential." Tenma praised his grandchild for the accomplishment of creating Rhythmic Gymnastics in spite of Genma limiting his training in armed combat. Ranma's mind froze for a moment.

"Wait, 'invented'? That can't be right! Somebody else had to come up with this stuff first..." Ranma said in an awkward denial. The grandfather shook his head.

"While it is good sense not to assume an idea to be new without verifying it first, there are no indications or records of a Rhythmic Gymnastics-based Martial Art. The media and the various martial arts and sports organizations have been quite thorough investigating the matter. You are not only the first to even mention such a thing, but the first to effectively employ and train others in it. It is a reasonably new Western discipline that is only recently gaining popularity, so that may be why no one else has tried to adapt it for combat. Rival claims will have to contend with the video evidence Miss Kuno had her ninja record of your training session with the Japanese Team, as well as your internationally televised capture of Miss Zolotov during the match." Tenma's clarification of the matter prompted a realization on Ranma's part. The Martial Art that Ranma had learned in 1987 just after arriving in Nerima didn't even exist in 1977. He had gone back in time to before its creation and 'invented' it. He didn't know who the true Grandmaster of Martial Arts Rhythmic Gymnastics would have been, but Ranma had accidentally robbed them of their position. Oops.

"That aside, I was wondering if you would like to start learning kenjutsu and kendo. I would not need to insist upon you becoming heir to the school to teach you the basic forms. Young Tatewaki Kuno has been impressed by your ki enhancement skills and your mother's ability with the blade, and would be learning alongside you. All I would insist upon is that you neither dishonor the school through your actions nor give the techniques to Happosai's school. So...do you wish to learn? No engagements, no tricks. If you get to where I would need you to become the heir to learn more, I will tell you before we proceed further." Tenma earnestly offered, letting his grandchild decide.

Ranma noted the offer. To be given a chance to learn without strings attached? Even if only the basics of the Art, that was something he never expected. The boy beamed and grinned widely. "If there's really no strings attached, I'd love to learn, Gramps!"

The response made Tenma smile. There weren't many children passionate about the Art anymore, and Ranma had that passion in spades. The grandfather knelt down and placed a wrapped parcel on the floor in front of his grandson. Gesturing to Ranma to open it, the child complied. Within he found three wooden practice swords. One was a typical kendo shinai made of four slats of bamboo. The other two were bokken made of red oak and were different sizes, carved into shapes emulating the long and short swords of the various two-sword kenjutsu styles. For the one-sword styles, only the shinai or the longer of the bokken would be used. "I've also obtained a set of kendo armor for you to wear based on the measurements taken while shopping today. You may or may not see a need for the armor. I am afraid your mother, grandmother, and any official kendo function would insist upon it though."

Ranma couldn't help but smirk a bit. "You were pretty sure I'd agree, Gramps."

Tenma smiled back, nodding ever so slightly. "It takes an honest love of the Art to come as far as you have, Ranma. If I came to you without deception or ulterior motives, there was no reason for you not to accept sooner or later." Ranma found that to be a rather different logic than anyone had employed in dealing with him before. Usually, he was manipulated or honor-bound into a major life decision. It was refreshing, honestly. Though regulated by his poise and discipline, Tenma Saotome was a very straight-forward man. "Now, if you're done getting situated...shall we go into the yard and you can show me your skills with the sword? I need to know where we will begin your training."

Yes, Ranma suspected that he'd get along with his grandfather just fine.