Chapter 1: Before the Journey

"Happy Birthday Ranma!"

"Thanks Grandpa."

"How's about you show me what my stupid son has taught you about the Art?"

"Ok Grandpa."

"Why don't you go to the dojo and get warmed up Ranma and let me speak to grandpa?"

"Ok pops. I'll begin warming up."

Genma sighs with exasperation, shakes his head and then looks up. "What are you doing father? I thought I told you that I will be teaching Ranma and there is no way you will be involved."

"He is my grandchild and the only hope left to continue the Saotome family style. I will not let you corrupt the heir to our style with that old pervert's teachings just because you couldn't learn our style."

SMASH.

"WHAT IN THE WORLD!"

"FATHER IN LAW, GENMA COME QUICK."

"COMING NO-CHAN"

Running as fast as possible both Genma and Grandpa Genryu reach the Saotome dojo. Looking in the dojo, Genma just freezes blocking Genryu's path. "Out of my way!" Genma falls to the floor and Genryu lands in the dojo after launching a powerful side kick to see Ranma's hand glowing in a soft blue light. Genryu's face shifts from shock to surprise to sheer joy. "At last an heir to the Saotome style."

"Grandpa? What is going on? Why is my hand glowing? What is this funny feeling? What …."

"Calm down Ranma. It is nothing to worry about. Your true power has just released. It's completely normal."

SHIIIIING. "Nothing to worry about? MY SON'S HAND IS GLOWING LIKE A CHRISTMAS LIGHT AND YOU SAY THERE IS NOTHING TO WORRY ABOUT LIKE IT HAPPENS EVERY DAY?" Turning around Genryu looks into the icy cold eyes of an angry Nodoka and just smirks. "Well not to any ordinary kids but if a Saotome is capable of learning the Saotome style, then they usually display their ability to do so during their younger years.". 'Though the fact that he revealed it at just 5 years old? He must have an incredibly strong affinity to our style' thought Genryu. "This is normal?"

"Yes Nodoka this is normal. In fact the only thing that can be considered abnormal about this situation is how early he demonstrated his ability. Most children in our family display the trait when they're 10. The youngest we have ever had in our family is 7 but at 5 means Ranma must have incredible potential. Especially since only his hand is glowing."

"But father the revelation is an acute full body aura being produced unconsciously."

"Normally so Genma but his revelation is much better since he has mimicked our family's Iron Palm strike."

Back in the living room, "Genma" putting down the tea cup, Genryu sighs. "Since Ranma is now the only person alive who can inherit our family style, I cannot let you teach him the Anything Goes School. Instead I will be training him myself to inherit our style."

Putting down his own tea cup, "With all due respect father since I have been refused the right of learning this style, I am unwilling to let you teach it to Ranma. At least unless you agree to teach it to me.". Smirking; Genma picks up his tea cup and takes a slow sip. 'The old man will have to teach me that form now and I'll finally be able to inherit the Saotome lands'. Roused from his thoughts Genma looks at Genryu who just sighs in disappointment. "Genma you will never be able to learn this style. You of all people should know how weak your control over Ki really is. If you had even a slight amount of talent I would be more than willing to teach you but the style cannot be controlled by you without killing you. Besides as the Head to the Saotome Clan, it is my decision as to whether or not I train Ranma not yours."

Genma opens his mouth to argue but is immediately stopped by a small cough. "If I may Father in Law, shouldn't Ranma be the one to decide which style he gets to choose? It only seems fair since he will be the practitioner."

"Your point is valid Nodoka. Ranma is the practitioner so he should get the final vote."

Seconds later

Sitting in the centre of the dojo, Ranma faces his parents and grandfather sitting in a meditative yoga position. Looking at the tense faces of his father and grandfather, Ranma gets worried. Deciding to break the tension, Nodoka starts the meeting. "Ranma, your father and grandfather both came to the decision that they want to train you. However they are unsure which style you will be trained in. You are the heir to both the Saotome school of Anything Goes martial arts and also the Saotome Iron Dragon Form. It is your decision as to which one you choose. The style you choose will be the one you will be taught.". Looking at all three, Ranma pauses for a second before saying "So any style I choose I can learn it?"

"Yes son."

"I choose both. Can I mommy, please can I, can I?"

Giggling, Nodoka immediately interrupts the ensuing argument between Genma and Genryu. "Surely that isn't a problem is it? Genma the motto of anything goes is to win by any means and incorporating any style so you've told me. Correct?". Hmph. Sighing, "Yes No-Chan you're right."

"And Father in Law, surely by doing this, Ranma can inherit the Saotome family style and continue it from now on."

"I suppose so Nodoka. Alright I will teach with Genma on his training trip. However I will need to pack some gear for his training. Give me a few hours and I'll be back with everything we need.". Getting up, Genryu walks to the door, stops and looks at Nodoka. "Please make sure my son doesn't make a mistake and take Ranma before I get here."

"Don't worry Father in Law. I'll keep him in line."

Sighing in relief, Genryu immediately leaves the house.

2 Hours Later

"Ready to go Ranma?"

"Yes Grandpa. But can I ask you a question?"

"Sure! Ask away!"

"What is this thingy?"

"This is a muscle trainer. It makes it harder for you to move so you need to put more effort when moving. It allows you to do strength training at all times."

"What is that?"

"Strength training. We are building your endurance and power. After this training you should be able to last longer and hit harder than anyone else." Replies Genma in an irritated tone. Quickly hefting a pack, Genma begins to walk out. Ranma does the same but before he can move, Genryu interrupts. "Ranma, Genma, can I see your bags?"

"What for Father in Law?"

"Just humour me Nodoka. Pass me your bag Ranma.". Opening the bags, Genryu is immediately outraged to see that Genma's bag is only filled with his clothes whereas most of his and Ranma's camping equipment is in Ranma's pack. Shocked, Nodoka looks completely out of it whilst Genryu looks at Genma with a look of pure disgust. "And you wonder why I say you weren't worthy to carry the legacy of our style."

"Genma, how could you?"

"No-Chan …"

"Don't bother Genma. Take your own camping equipment in your own bag." Genryu replies scathingly.

"This is training for the boy. Father you are going to make my boy soft doing this."

"Is that so Genma, Then don't bother but you will be carrying my gear as well as the gear you are carrying. Of course as the master of both you and my grandson, I should make sure you don't go soft either.". Audibly gulping, Genma immediately starts taking all his gear from Ranma's pack and putting it in his own. Once done, Genma quickly states that the muscle suit should prevent him from going too soft. "In any case let's go. Look after yourself Nodoka. If you need anything, you should get it by just calling my wife."

"There is no need Father in Law. I am still a member of the Himura Clan and I'm sure my mother will be able to help."

"In any case we'll need to leave soon. Goodbye No-Chan."

"I will see you after this trip. Look after him husband and make sure he is educated."

"No-Chan a real man only needs to know how to fight and …"

SHIIING. "Will you like to repeat that husband?". Sensing a powerful burst of Ki, Genma turns around to see his father's hand in a Ki enhanced knife hand strike pointed at his neck. "Yes Genma. Would you repeat that?"

"D D D Don't worry F F Father. H H He will l learn ever thing he needs.". Satisfied by the reaction, Genryu and Nodoka relax. Nodoka then turns to face Genryu and asks him to ensure Ranma becomes a 'man among men'. Accepting, the group departs with Genryu and Ranma walking on a chain link fence and Genma walking on the road muttering angrily under his breath.