***Author’s note***

This is an alterverse based on Hung Nguyen’s fanfiction, ‘Fighting Blind’. This take into account of all Ranma’s experience until the day he left the village with Cologne and the other female Amazons. Instead of going in a group, he left on his own. The story takes a life of it’s own from there on. This story is written by X-ile and H-Packrat.

A young man walked up towards the gates of Furinken High. It was his first day of school and he didn’t want to be late for the first class. He was dressed in a loud, red polo shirt with Chinese overtones and loose black pants. He seemed oblivious to the garish nature of his clothes.

As he approached, he noticed the large number of young men gathered at the front of the school inside its grounds. Pausing briefly in thought, he continued his walk into the school when he’d judged that they were not there for him.

Just as he reached them, that judgment was revised as they cried out as one and rushed forward.

It took a moment before he realized that it wasn’t him they were attacking, but rather a longhaired girl that was plowing thru the mob with a speed born of experience. By then, the young man was already committed to the battle as he had already rendered several students incapacitated.

And so it went. The young man would seem to stumble or fall in the way of a student attacking the girl and the attacker would find his legs wouldn’t work right or his arms paralyzed for some reason. Sometimes, the attackers would even trip and knock each other out.

It didn’t take long for the fight to finish, only seconds actually. The girl took a breather as the guy checked over the former attackers in the aftermath of their charge.

When she’d caught her breath, she turned to face the guy with suspicion written across her face. "Well? Aren’t you going to try and beat me also?"

The young man raised his hands to show his non-aggression. "Heck, no! This is my first day. I was about to go in when these guys just swept me up with them in their charge. I don’t even know why these guys attacked you really."

The girl stared at the guy for a moment before dismissing him when she instinctively caught the rose that was thrown at her by a guy in an old fashion kendo outfit.

Seeing that he was being ignored, the young man stuck around long enough to witness the girl take out the kendo student with a flurry of blows before entering the school.

*******

From the third floor window of the school, a girl’s eyes narrowed as she watched the young man enter the school. Her lieutenant stood beside her as she tallied the results of their earnings.

"We hit the jackpot this time, Boss. None of the betters even came close. We won’t have to pay off anybody this time."

The girl nodded her head in response before turning to her. "Have Kanase check on that new guy. There’s something fishy about him and I want to know what it is." The girl’s mouth turned up in a smirk that reminded her flunky of hungry sharks and wily cats. "He might turn out to be profitable."

*******

Akane was surprised as she watched the new student take his seat next to her. His name was Ranma and he was the guy who’d interfered with her fight a while ago.

When she had entered her class after dealing with Kuno, she had been bombarded by questions concerning the newbie. It seemed that, unknown to the combatants at the time, Ranma had been instrumental in her finishing the fight earlier than usual.

From what her friends tell her, he’d moved among the combatants in such a way that he would seem clumsy and awkward to them and would trip, throw or paralyze them just as they were about to attack Akane.

And he would’ve gotten away with it unnoticed if her sister, Nabiki, hadn’t investigated the matter.

"Ahem." The teacher caught the attention of the class as he reprimanded the new student. "Next time, please don the proper uniform to school, Ranma. I’m sure that candy-apple red is a nice color, but it isn’t the part of the school uniform. And please take off those shades."

Ranma stood up and addressed the class as well as the teacher. "I’m terribly sorry, sensei, but due to my eye condition, I’m very sensitive to light as well as being color blind. That’s why I never take off my shades if I can help it and why my shirt is the color it is. It’s all in my student record."

The teacher rifled thru the files at his desk before finding the note attached to it. Nodding his head, he excused Ranma and began the lesson for today.

From her seat, Akane kept glancing at Ranma as she thought about what to say to him later.

*******

Ranma’s hands shifted themselves with sure, precise movements as he carved the piece of wood that he held in his hands. He had already finished off his lunch and was taking the time to whittle some little trinket for later.

His little hobby was interrupted by the angry approach of the kendo student who had attacked his new classmate, Akane, earlier.

"Hark, I would have words with thee, lower classman." The kendo student strutted up to Ranma as if he was nobility and all others peasants. This really annoyed Ranma. "I hear that you had spoken to the beauteous Akane Tendo. By what right does one such as you associate with her?"

Ranma returned the items to their respective hiding places before confronting the upperclassman. "And who may I ask wants to know?"

"You do not know me?" The upperclassman seemed offended by this. "I am the rising star of the high school kendo world and captain of the kendo club, the Blue Thunder of Furinken High, Tatewaki Kuno, age 17!"

A slight thunder and mild lightshow accompanied this declaration. It would’ve been mildly impressive if Ranma didn’t notice the slight figure in the shadows carrying a boom box and some special effects equipment.

"I am Ranma of the Joketsuzoku." A bored looking Ranma merely tilted his head in annoyed acknowledgement. "As by what right I may speak to Akane, I’m her classmate. That gives me all the right I need to speak with her."

"Then desist with thy vulgar attempts at flirtation with the fair Akane. She is not for the likes of thee! Thy lowly stature is not even fit to walk in her presence."

"Oh, really?" Ranma’s left brow twitched as he stared at the arrogant upperclassman. Around them, a slight crowd began to gather. "And why should I?"

"The vengeance of heaven is slow but sure. If you do not desist, then I shall be forced to thrash you like the lowly mongrel you are."

"I see. Well, there might be some problems with that. See, firstly, I was not flirting with Akane. I hardly even know the girl. Secondly, you have no right to tell me whom I might associate with. Thirdly, I don’t give a rat’s ass if an arrogant slime ball like you doesn’t want me to associate with Akane or any other person I might speak with."

Kuno took a moment to digest Ranma’s words before he struck out with his bokken, only to have it carelessly turned aside by a collapsible ton-fa that Ranma had extracted seemingly out of nowhere. "Ah! So, you cannot accept insults as well as you give them, eh?"

Another strike was parried with a casual clumsiness that fooled the eye as Ranma stood up from where he sat. "I assume that this is your method of issuing a challenge to me? Cause if it isn’t then you really should brush up on you etiquette more often. It is incredibly bad manners to engage in a duel without challenging your opponent first."

Kuno struck out again and again. His blows sliced thru trees and shattered rock, but none touched Ranma as he sidestepped and twisted in a sort of stumbling, bumbling fashion that seemed clumsy yet graceful. He didn’t even use the ton-fa to parry any of the blows this time. And with each miss, he would add a small commentary on how Kuno might improve his form.

Tiring of the game, Ranma disarmed Kuno with an inept-looking flick of his wrist and a slap to his hands. "Well, I have to be going now. Unlike some spoiled rich kids, I have to work for my spending money."

With that, Ranma walked off and leapt over the wall of the school compound, as the members of the kendo club rushed to the side of their fallen leader.

*******

The girl seen earlier from the third story window frowned as she watched her lieutenant run off after Ranma. Things had not gone as well as she would’ve liked with the fight. She hadn’t lost any money in the bets, but things had gone too evenly to her liking.

Although she had suspected that the new student had some skill in the martial arts from his performance this morning, she hadn’t expected him to do this well against Kuno. Plus, the way he did it implied that he had more hidden abilities in him.

Just who was this Ranma of the Joketsuzoku? His records show that he was a Japanese national who lived in China and had only started his schooling in Japan the previous year or so. But aside from that, there was little else about Ranma.

The girl tucked away the various schemes with which to gain information on him for later as she went about her business. Ranma was not the only thing she had to keep track of, after all.

******

Ranma lightly traced his fingers along the ad in his hand as he made his way down the street. He’d been lucky that the lady-in-charge of the hotel was a kind soul. He would’ve missed the ad if she hadn’t pointed it out to him.

His seventh sense can do many things that the ordinary eye can’t but one of the things it can’t do was discern writing or color. For writing, he needed to draw his fingers along them. For color, well, he can’t do anything about that.

Right now he was walking down the street towards the address written on the ad with his ton-fa out and extended to its maximum length as he used it to probe the area ahead of him. Although unnecessary, it fitted in well with his role as a blind man.

It had been the practice of his sensei to exaggerate his handicap around people who didn’t know him. It made them underestimate his abilities in his dealings with them. Ranma was merely continuing the tradition set by him.

He could sense the person following him a short distance away, but didn’t let it bother him. He knew that his actions earlier would cause some curiosity among the students. As long as it wasn’t used against him, he was quite willing to let them wonder.

Stopping outside the gate of his destination, he returned the ton-fa to its hiding place before entering the clinic.

Inside the clinic, a young chiropractor was busy filling out a prescription to a patient. He looked to be in good shape and had glasses, his simple brown outfit reminded him of a gi. When the patient had left, Ranma presented himself.

"Pardon me, but I’m here regarding this want-ad about an assistant and a receptionist being needed. I would like to apply."

The good doctor viewed the young man with great curiosity. With his experience in the art, he easily noticed the small battle aura the young man possessed. For a moment, he almost dismissed it, but experience told him otherwise.

After thinking for a moment, he came to the conclusion that it was suppressed. This implied that the young man had great control over his chi, leading to his belief that the young man was actually a very good martial artist.

Ranma called for the doctor’s attention as he noticed him lost in thought. "Umm, excuse me?"

"Huh? Oh, please accept my apology. What can I do for you?" The doctor was a bit embarrassed over his inattentiveness. Medicine and martial arts required focus. He’d never hear the end of it if his old sensei ever found out.

"No need for apology." Ranma smiled a bit to emphasize his sincerity. "I’m here because of the ad you’ve posted requesting help."

"Oh, yes. Please follow me to the office and we’ll discuss it. My name is Dr. Tofu Ono." Dr. Tofu led the way to the back of the building past the main clinic and into a side room where the office was located.

As Ranma entered the office, he immediately noticed the range of books surrounding the small office. Running his fingers along the spines of some of the books, he smiled as he read their titles. "You have quite a collection, Dr. Tofu. Some of these texts are very rare."

"Why, thank you. I do my best to know as much as possible." Dr. Tofu chuckled in appreciation that this applicant was familiar with medical literature. It was a point in his favor, but there was something odd about him…

"Yes, medicine is a always changing. Although I notice that you have quite a few ancient titles here as well." Ranma ran his hands slowly over the spines of a set of books. "Recent translations?"

"Very knowledgeable of you." Dr. Tofu indicated a seat with a wave of his hand, his eyes never leaving Ranma’s face as he read his reactions. "Please have a seat and lets get down to the reason you’re here, shall we? Tell a little about yourself."

"My name is Ranma of Joketsuzoku." Ranma nodded slightly in an informal bow as he took the seat. "It’s a village in the remote area of China near the Bayankala mountain ranges in the Quinghai province."

Dr. Tofu was very interested in this news. He knew of many stories concerning the indigenous people that lived there, the Joketsuzoku being one of them. They were a tribe of Amazon women that were not only known for their great warriors, but also their skilled healers.

"My mother is a healer in the village and I was taught in the ways of her art. I am familiar with a variety of herbs, pressure points, and potions. Though, I must admit that I am not a master healer yet, but I do believe that I would be of some help."

Dr. Tofu rubbed his chin in thought as he gazed at Ranma. "Your familiarity with the medical texts does give indication to your medical training, but there is something I must know…" He waved vaguely in his direction as a test.

Sensing the meaning behind the gesture, Ranma nodded his understanding before he removed his sunglasses for the doctor’s perusal.

"I see…" The scarring over Ranma’s eyes indicated a massive injury that occurred many years ago. And though the lids were open, a close look showed that one eye was clearly artificial while the other’s pupil was permanently dilated and unresponsive.

With a raised brow, Dr. Tofu waved a small hand-light from his desk over Ranma’s eyes to check for any reaction to visual stimulus. Finding none, he reclined in his seat before indicating to Ranma that he was finished with the examination.

With his shades firmly over his eyes again, Ranma continued with the interview. "Before I explain, please know that this old injury of mine doesn’t affect my skills as a healer. I’ve a means that compensates for its lack. In some cases, it’s even better than normal vision."

"This is certainty is fascinating. I would be very interested to learn about your, err, talent." This was an understatement since Dr. Tofu had never heard of any method where a blind man can simulate sight to this degree. It was only under very close observation that Ranma’s blindness was apparent.

"I’ll be happy to inform you, but unfortunately, we’ve ran out of time." Ranma stood up from his chair beside the doctor’s desk. "I must return to class, for I have exceeded my lunch hour."

Dr. Tofu blinked a bit at this. He hadn’t realized that Ranma was still in school. The shades and the faint outline of scars on his face that highlighted his features hid his true age well. They gave a certain ageless quality to his face. "Oh, I’m sorry. I didn’t realize that you had other commitments."

Ranma decided not to comment on his ability to keep track of time. It had been necessary to inform the doctor of his condition. Ranma bowed to the doctor as he made his exit. "I shall return after school to continue our conversation."

"I’ll be looking forward to it." Dr. Tofu was eager to learn what he could from this fascinating boy from Joketsuzoku.

"So will I." Ranma left the office and rushed back to class.

****

When he entered the classroom, Ranma was told to stand in the hall with the pair of buckets. It was nothing difficult, but it was an annoyance. In the hall, he considered his conversation with Dr. Tofu.

From his enhanced senses, he knew that Dr Tofu was very skilled. Based on the books he ‘saw’ in the office, the doctor relied on acupuncture and traditional medicine. Perhaps he would learn a few things from the good doctor. It wasn’t long before the teacher allowed him back in class.

Taking his assigned seat, he listened as the teacher droned on about the history of Japan. Though he missed a great deal of school, he still knew a lot from his studies in China and during the time he was in Junior High.

Back then, his sensei stressed that he needed to learn as much as possible while he was in Japan. Which meant, he spent most of his time catching up on his studies and learning more than what was assigned. His sensei told him to concentrate on the history the most since the rest of the subjects, he could be taught back home.

At the thought of his old sensei, he bowed his head and a sharp pain settled in his heart. He truly missed his presence.

Akane watched the new student next to her. He was certainly different. So far, Ranma had acted completely different from all the boys she knew, even as the thought of them brought renewed anger within her. She quickly suppressed the anger and returned to studying Ranma.

She had seen the fight he had against Kuno. Well, it wasn’t much of a fight. She’d noted the skills he displayed and was daunted by it. Part of her was ecstatic while another part was angry, angry because another person was better than her. Worst of all, it was a boy. Again, she felt the familiar anger surface and again, she buried it. It wouldn’t do to explode in class.

Akane sighed as she calmed down. She was the best in town, but now, she wasn’t so certain. She had to know. She needed to know.

A wave of confidence washed over her as she pictured herself fighting against Ranma and winning. She knew it wouldn’t be easy, but the victory will be more satisfying. She almost laughed aloud as images of her standing triumphant over the begging Ranma.

She quickly berated her almost lapse in control. A slight blush appeared across her cheeks as the thought of her laughing hysterically in class. Shaking her head, she quickly searched for a different topic to think.

The teacher noticed that the infamous Akane Tendo wasn’t paying attention to the lesson. In fact, she seemed to be quite fascinated with the new student. Best to call her to attention. "Miss Tendo, is there something wrong?"

No answer.

The teacher noticed the lack of response from Ms. Tendo and decided that stronger measures were called for here. "Ahem! Miss Tendo."

No answer.

Now the teacher was irritated. She expected her students to pay attention to class. A lack of attention usually meant a lack of respect and this teacher would not stand for any lack of respect if she could help it. "Miss Tendo!"

Akane’s head snapped up as she was brought out of her reverie. "Huh?"

"Is there something about the lesson that you disagree with?" The slight annoyance in the teacher’s voice was quite evident to all in class.

"Err… umm… No." Akane winced slightly at the glare that was directed at her.

"That’s good. Then I suggest you pay more attention to my lesson than Mr. Saotome." The teacher chided herself for being so harsh. After all, she had been young once also. But these things were best left outside the classroom.

Akane flushed deep red at the accusation and her head jerked about the room as the class started to buzz with rumors and innuendo. She quickly turned away from the class when she saw Ranma looking at her, the flush deepening from embarrassment.

Ranma studied Akane with great interest. He was rather curious at her reaction. From his senses, he knew the girl was embarrassed, but only minutes before, he’d felt a wave of anger directed at him. Was she angry at his interference in her fight earlier?

Ranma sighed and decided to worry about it later. His attention returned to the class. The rest of the period continued without further incident. However, he felt Akane’s attention return to him, but decided it was best to ignore her.

********

Physical education was the last class of the day and Ranma was greatly disappointed at the lack of physical workout required. It wasn’t anything like the Amazon’s classes. Hardly any challenge at all.

After completing his routine, he sat down away from the rest and ‘watched’ as the girls played softball. As he ‘watched’, he noted that most of the males' attentions were on Akane. The various, err, comments confirmed his senses. He sighed a little as he thought about some of the comments that focused on her features.

With his lack of sight, he had to rely on his other senses to give him a mental picture of a person. And while these can give him an accurate impression of a person, even to the point that he could ‘see’ thru flesh and bone, it was a bit lacking in detail. Something a sighted person tended to take for granted.

Sometimes, he wished that he could see again. To be able to view the beauty of a sunset, and compare it to his memories, or to watch the vibrant colors of the rainbow after it had rained. "Oh, well, why worry about the things you can’t ever have."

Crack!

Ranma hand flashed out from his side and caught the ball that aimed for his right cheek. Without a second thought, he flicked his elbow and the ball sailed to the catcher. Unfortunately, the catcher tumbled a few times before she came to a stop with a daze impression.

"Wow!" "Did you see that?" "He didn’t even use his full arm!" "He’s amazing!" "He’s fast!"

Ranma was jerked from his thoughts and surveyed the students. He noted the girl he had thrown the ball to and yelled out an apology. Not liking the added attention, he got to his feet and walked away.

Akane stared at the retreating boy with greater interest. He had thrown the ball with the precision of a sniper and the power of a sledgehammer then acted like it was nothing. She was even more determined now to challenge him. After Ranma disappeared over the hill, Akane returned to playing softball, though her attention was elsewhere.

As soon as school was let out, Ranma rushed to Dr. Tofu’s clinic and enter the building. There, he found the doctor sitting at his desk as he gestured for him to take a seat. "Afternoon, Dr. Tofu."

"Good afternoon, Ranma. Please take a seat while I pour us some tea." Tofu gestured to the seat in from of him.

"Thank you." Ranma took a seat and accepted the teacup given to him. After smelling the vapors and tasting it a bit, he took a deep sip from the cup. "Ah! Earl Grey. Good tea."

"Thank you. Glad you like it." Dr. Tofu decided to start off with some small talk. It would help create a relaxed atmosphere for the interview. "How was school?"

"It’s… different." Ranma felt that he could safely say that. "Shall we continue our conversation?"

"Please." Dr. Tofu was eager to continue. Ranma was becoming one of the most fascinating people he’d ever come across, a blind person that could ‘see’ and trained in ancient, unknown medical techniques.

"There is something I must ask of you before we continue." Ranma wanted everything clear from the onset before he told his secrets. "All information relating to my problems must not be told to anyone else."

"That goes without saying. I keep all my confidences. Your secret is safe with me."

"Thank you. It all started with a training trip with my so-called father. During this trip, he came across a training manual on an ultimate technique. Because of his poor judgement, I lost my sight at a very young age." Though Ranma attempted to keep his voice unemotional, some venom entered his voice.

"During our continued training trip, we traveled across China. During that time, a women saw my condition and brought me to the Joketsuzoku village." Of course, she had to beat the crap out of Genma first.

"In the village, she helped me heal both physically and emotionally. She has become a mother to me. During my stay, she came across a master of the unseen art. He helped me utilize my other senses and develop others as I progressed."

"Ah, your 6^th sense, I presume." Dr. Tofu nodded his understanding. There had often been tales of masters of chi using their inner abilities to sense people. This would explain Ranma’s ability to sense others. But it wouldn’t explain his ability to detect objects.

"That and a one additional. A 7^th sense." Tofu raised his brow at this revelation. Ranma suddenly paused as his head turned towards the door.

Dr. Tofu looked at the door and nodded in understanding. He walked up to the door and opened it quietly. He quickly masked himself as he noticed a girl holding a notepad wander into the main waiting room. She seemed to be searching for something or someone. As she turned away from him, he approached her his usual company, Betty.

Tofu placed Betty’s arms on her shoulder. "Hello."

"AAAAHHHHH!!!!!!!" The girl scurried away from the doctor, screaming her head off. This was something any normal girl would do when confronted with very bony fingers from the shadows. It also works well on burglars too.

"I’m sorry if Betty startled you. Is there something I can help you with?" Tofu waved Betty’s arm.

The girl was breathing heavily as she held her hand across her chest. Remembering her mission, she swallowed hard and shook her head in denial as she tried to calm down. Better to get back with what she had than to not get back at all, especially if the elder Tendo sister visits. She’d heard rumors…

"Are you positive?" Tofu wore a confused look to accentuate his innocence. It helped to cement his small reputation as a harmless eccentric doctor. At her denial, he smiled to set the girl at ease. "Well, if you’re certain."

Again the girl nodded and quickly excused herself before running out of the clinic.

"That’s an interesting technique, Dr. Tofu." Ranma appeared from behind the doctor, startling him slightly. He’d wanted to ‘see’ how the doctor dealt with unwanted snoops for future reference.

"Ah, yes. It comes in handy sometime." Dr. Tofu looked at Ranma and raised his brow in surprise as he smiled in amusement. "I see you’ve already picked it up."

"Another advantage to my additional senses." They returned to the office. "It helped greatly with my martial and medical studies."

"I see." Both of them took their respective seats. "Shall we continue our conversation?"

"Now where was I? Oh yes, the training. The 7^th sense helps me in many ways. I won’t go into detail, but it allows me to ‘see’ like a normal person to a certain extent. The only limitations are color and fine detail."

"If I concentrate my chi, I can even extend my 7^th sense to look thru the surface of an object but it only works at close range. For fine detail like reading, I rely on my sense of touch. My fingers are sensitive enough that I can read fine print so I have no problems with paperwork."

"I can diagnose most medical problems, that I’m familiar with, thru a person’s chi and have no problems identifying herbs, spices, and potions. It’s almost impossible for someone to give me any drugs without my knowing its content."

"Very impressive." Dr. Tofu was more than impressed. Even without sight, Ranma was, in effect, equal to any near-sighted, color-blind person. Plus, he doesn’t need an ultra-sound or x-ray machine. Dr. Tofu had encountered doctors with fewer qualifications and more handicaps than Ranma.

"Thank you. My sensei also helped me in my training as a healer as well as oversaw my studies." Ranma seemed to pause for a moment as if debating internally about something. "I also have another… talent that might be of use as a receptionist if you require someone of the opposite gender."

At Dr. Tofu’s puzzled look, Ranma took his tea and administered some cold chi to it, causing the doctor to raise a brow, before dumping it over his head. Dr. Tofu jerked back a bit in surprise before leaning forward and extending his own senses to probe Ranma.

He had just watched him change from a nice, healthy young man into a busty, young girl with red hair. If it were not for his experiences with his own sensei’s acquaintances, he’d probably be gibbering over the impossibility of it.

As it was, this merely stunned him a bit, but he quickly rallied and accepted it, even as he studied the phenomenon for future research.

Taking note of Dr. Tofu’s lack of adverse reaction, Ranma took the time to douse himself with hot water before giving his explanation. "What you saw was the result of an encounter with a person I was trying to get to stop bothering my Amazon cousin."

"At the time, I hadn’t yet progressed enough in my training, so was tossed aside before my cousin could beat him up. To my misfortune, I was thrown into some cursed springs that lie along the valley of Jusenkyo."

Sensing Dr. Tofu’s impending question, Ranma proceeded to explain. "Jusenkyo is a magical place filled with cursed springs. Any living thing that falls into one of those springs is cursed to assume the form of whatever creature that had drowned there."

<Flashback>

"Get away from her!" Ranma charged at his opponent. His senses had become sharp enough to actually tell where his opponent was. However, Ranma still lacked the speed and skill needed to use that information effectively.

His opponent easily dodged his punch and smirked as he took out a small hammer and bopped him on the head. Ranma went down then was promptly wrapped in chains and tossed aside. "Go away you little pest. You're no match for me!"

"He may not be, but I am!" The girl Ranma had accompanied closed in on the bully. No one does that to her cousin and gets away with it, especially not this moron.

"My love!" The moron raced to embrace her, thinking to overwhelm her with his affection.

WHAM! WHAM! WHAM! WHAM! WHAM! WHAM! WHAM!

The girl's speed training had only just started last week. She nowhere near as fast as her great-grandmother, but she still had enough speed to turn the moron into a bruised and bloody mess.

The purple-haired girl quickly rushed off in the direction that her cousin was thrown, fearing the worst. She knew that they should’ve gone some place else. There was a reason why this place was forbidden after all.

She spotted a figure struggling her way out of a spring. It looked like her cousin. It was wearing his clothes, but her cousin never had red hair before…

<End of Flashback>

Dr. Tofu looked at Ranma with a mixture of fascination and wonder in his eyes. "I’ve always heard tales from my sensei about the magical wonders that lie hidden in the remote regions of China, Jusenkyo being one of them. To find out that some of them still exist…"

"But tell me, what were you doing there in the first place? I would think that Jusenkyo was a place often avoided by the locals if they could help it."

Ranma rubbed the back of his head in embarrassment. "Well, I’ve always had this tendency to wander a bit. So when my cousin was looking for some privacy away from her admirer, I suggested Jusenkyo since no one was likely to look for her there. Obviously, I was mistaken."

Ranma chuckled a bit before turning to Dr. Tofu. "So, what do you think? Am I acceptable for the job?"

Tofu looked at Ranma thoughtfully. He had no trouble accepting him as a receptionist or a handyman but that would be a stupid waste of his abilities. "Ranma, I’m very impress with your abilities and can see that you’re an exceptional person given your problems. However, I must decline."

"I see. Thank you for your time." Ranma sadly started to rise from his seat but was stopped by the doctor with a shake of his head and a raised hand.

"Please let me continue. As I was saying, the ad asked for a receptionist or someone to help with normal tasks such as cleaning and bookkeeping. I cannot accept you for that job description alone."

"Huh?" Ranma was puzzled by the doctor’s reply. Does this mean that he wanted him to do something else?

Tofu smiled as he could see the confusion on his face. "I’m accepting your assistance as a doctor. It would be a disservice to you and to my honor to limit your skills to that of an ordinary receptionist. Now, would you accept my offer to become my assistant?"

Ranma was very confused. For a moment he was certain he had been rejected and the next, he was offered a job that’s usually given to students graduating from medical school. So delighted, he momentarily went into shock. "Ranma?"

Snapping out of his shock, Ranma looked in askance of the doctor. "Oh, I’m sorry. But why…?"

"It’s quite simple really. You studied Amazon medical techniques." Dr. Tofu was amused that he could get such a reaction out of the normally unflappable Ranma.

"I don’t understand…" Ranma had confusion written on his face.

"Amazon medical techniques are considered among the best in the world. One of my teachers was an Amazon and I learned more from him than I did thru my schooling at the university. I’m not saying that modern medical techniques are bad, but we tend to rely too much on technology as a way of diagnosing the patient. That’s why I believe that I cannot rightfully limit your skill like that."

Ranma smiled and bowed deeply to the doctor. "Thank you, Dr. Tofu. I accept your offer."

"Please, you don’t have to do that. As a matter of fact, you might even be more skilled than I am in the art." Dr. Tofu smiled as his newest assistant fidgeted under the compliment. "So when can you begin?"

"Right now would be great." Ranma cocked his head a bit as if listening to something. "You have a patient entering your waiting room."

********

"So, you weren’t able to get close enough to hear what they were saying?" The influential girl from Furinken High looked at her flunky in askance.

"I was… intercepted by Dr. Tofu before I could get close enough." Inwardly, the flunky was praying to the gods to make her boss believe her.

The boss girl looked at the flunky for a moment, making her sweat before putting her out of her misery. "Hmm, can’t be helped, I suppose. Dr. Tofu is a difficult person to spy on even in the best of circumstances. We’ll just have to rely on his patients to give us the skinny in there."

"Still, when we combine your report with what we witnessed this morning and at lunch…" The boss girl absently nibbled on the end of a lock of her hair in thought. "Have our bookies favor Ranma in any future fights that he might have until further notice."

The boss girl dismissed the flunky and waited for her to turn the corner before entering her home. "I’m back!"

A young woman exited the kitchen wiping her hands on her apron as the boss girl entered the house. "Why hello, Nabiki. How was school today?"

*********

"Ah, right on time. Let’s go meet our patient." Tofu looked at the clock as the two walked out of the office and greeted the elderly women.

"Mrs. Kanada, welcome." Dr. Tofu bowed to the elderly lady, who returned the greeting. "I would like you to meet my new assistant, Ranma of Joketsuzoku."

Ranma stepped forward and bowed to her. "Pleased to meet you, Mrs. Kanada."

"My, he’s a cutie, isn’t he?" The old women tittered a bit as Dr. Tofu guided her along while Ranma blushed and laughed nervously. He followed them as they headed for the examination room.

Tofu helped Mrs. Kanda onto the table and motioned for Ranma to make the initial diagnosis.

Ranma took the patient’s left hand and felt her pulse for a moment before running his fingers along her forehead. After a few moments, he rubbed her shoulders a bit as he felt along her neck and back before stepping away.

"Well, Mrs. Kanada is suffering from a back injury. I believe she was bending down to pick up a heavy object and her back gave out. She’s also having problem with her hands and feet as well as a slight headache. The headache is a result of the back injury."

Mrs. Kanada looked at Ranma with renewed respect. "T-That’s exactly c-correct, Ranma-sensei!"

Again, Ranma flushed at the added title. "Ah, please call me Ranma. I still haven’t finished my training yet, so am not worthy of being called sensei yet."

Mrs. Kanada chuckled a bit. "And so modest too. Do you have a girlfriend?"

"Eh? Err…I…I…That is…" Ranma looked in askance of Tofu. Well, actually he just turned in his direction with a pitiful expression on his face.

Dr. Tofu took pity on the young man and interrupted his patient’s attempts at matchmaking. "Mrs. Kanada, please don’t tease my assistant."

Mrs. Kanada chucked merrily as she ignored the good doctor. After all, what was an old girl like suppose to do for fun? Wrestle crocodiles? "Well, I have a granddaughter in case you’re interested. She can stop by first thing tomorrow morning…"

Ranma chuckled nervously as he scratched the back of his head. Great. One of the reasons he left China was to get away from matchmaking old fogies and here was one of them trying to hitch him with her granddaughter. Surreptitiously, he moved himself to put Dr. Tofu in between him and the patient.

"Now, now, Mrs. Kanada. I’m sure that he appreciates your offer, but he might have someone already." Dr. Tofu tried to maneuver her away from her topic. Ranma was looking a bit skittish as it was.

"Oh dear, please forgive me then, Ranma." The patient eyed him for a moment appraisingly. "But if you decide to look for someone else, don’t hesitate to call me."

Dr. Tofu decided to put the conversation back on track before he loses his newest assistant. Ranma looked ready to bolt. "I must say that I’m very impressed. Your diagnosis is correct, Ranma. What would you suggest as treatment?"

"I can correct the back problem and alleviate the headache." Glad for the out, Ranma moved around Mrs. Kanada and corrected her spinal cord as he applied some shiatsu for the headache. "I can mix a few herbs to help with your arthritis problems in your hands and legs. It won’t cure it, but you won’t feel the pain." Ranma wrote the ingredients on a pad and gave it to Dr. Tofu.

He studied the pad for a moment before going to rummage thru his medicine cabinet. He returned with a bottle in his hand. "I believe this has everything you asked for and in the proper dosages."

Ranma sniffed the contents and tasted a pill before giving his approval. He gave the old women the bottle with instructions. "Take a pill every 8 hours and you should be fine."

Noting the feeling of puzzlement and worry in Mrs. Kanada’s aura, he proceeded to enlighten her. "We didn’t have a reliable pharmacy where I come from, so we habitually check the medicine we’re given or made our own batches just to be sure."

Tofu helped a relieved Mrs. Kanada off the table and led her to the door. Tofu returned to the room after a minute and chuckled at Ranma. He had a look that implied exasperation and doubt. "Please don’t take her comment personally. She does that to every young man she see."

"Err… right." Ranma weakly smiled and tried to relax. He should’ve known that old women were the same everywhere. At least here there wasn’t any politics involved.

"Come with me. I want to show you where everything is located." Ranma nodded and followed the doctor as they toured the clinic. It wasn’t long before he memorized the entire clinic. Like martial arts, he only needed to be shown once before he learned the technique.

Both of them returned to the doctor’s office. "You’re also welcome to borrow anything from my library. Though I’m certain you’re familiar with a lot of them, I’m sure you’ll benefit from some of the modern medical texts."

"Thank you, I’m sure they’ll come in handy." Ranma was grateful for the chance to study up on modern techniques. Getting up-to-date medical books in a remote village was difficult at best.

Dr. Tofu went over his conversations with Ranma and discovered something he’d missed earlier. "Tell me, do you have relatives here in Nerima? I don’t remember there being any Amazons in the area."

"Um… I’m staying at a local hotel until I find suitable lodging." Ranma couldn’t see where this conversation was going. Did the doctor wish to know if there were any other Amazons in Nerima?

Tofu thought for a moment. "I have a proposition for you. I have a room upstairs that’s not being use at the moment. Hmm, actually, no one has used it in quite sometime. It would be perfect for you."

"I-I-I can’t. You’ve already offer me so much…" Ranma was speechless. The doctor had already offered him a job and the use of his library. This offer of lodgings went beyond simple hospitality.

"Nonsense. You can stay, study, and work at the same time. You’re enrolled at Furinken High, right? It’s the only school in the area within easy walking distance."

"Well, yes, but I feel like I’d be imposing…" Still, the offer was very tempting. It would solve all his problems and allow him to conserve his nest egg for emergencies.

"Of course not. I would be glad to have you stay." Dr. Tofu saw that he was dithering over the decision, so he sweetened the deal a little. "And don’t worry about payment. We’ll work out something reasonable for you."

Resistance crumbled as Ranma sighed and smile at the doctor. "Thank you again, Dr. Tofu. I will accept your generous offer."

"Excellent!" Both of them settled down and worked out the details of the living arrangement. As they finished, Ranma informed Dr. Tofu that he had another patient. The doctor shook his head as they exited the office. This early warning system could really come in handy.

In the waiting room, the doctor introduced Ranma and they headed to the examination room where they made the check up like before. As he did so, a voice from behind him interrupted.

****

"Tadaima!" Akane removed her shoes as she entered the house. She was slightly depressed over losing her chance to confront Ranma when school ended. He’d jumped the fence and left the area before she could see where he went.

"Ah, welcome home, Akane." A young woman exited the kitchen wiping her hands on her apron. "How was school today? Did anything unusual happen?"

"It’s ok, I guess, Kasumi. Didn’t have to deal with Kuno much today, so that’s a plus." Akane nonchalantly waved off her elder sister as she rushed off. "I’ll be practicing in the dojo, ok?"

"That’s nice. Have fun, Akane. Dinner will be ready in a few hours." Kasumi returned to her kitchen after making sure that her sister was fine.

"Thanks, Kasumi." Akane rushed upstairs and changed into her yellow gi before going to the dojo. She started practicing some of her kata as she kicked and punched at her invisible opponent, Ranma. She pictured some of the moves he made fighting against Kuno and tried to anticipate what he might do.

After an hour, she stopped and practiced breaking the cinder blocks. Once done, she left for the furo. As she settled into the hot water, her thoughts wandered back to Ranma.

For some unknown reason, she felt warm whenever she pictured his face. She dismissed the feeling as due to the water temperature. Strange that every time she imagined his face, she never pictured it with the shades, but with eyes. Though hollow or black, she always saw him with eyes.

Then she thought about the challenge. She still needed to challenge him. She had to find out if she was still the best. Scenes from the fight with Kuno replayed themselves in her mind and she felt a sudden dread surface.

What if she lost? She would have to date him. No, she won’t loose. She’s the best. But what if she did lose? Lose to a boy! Would he force the issue? What happens if he… Err… forced other issues on their date? Would she be able to stop him?

"Arrgghh! Why can’t I think about anything else?" Akane gulped as other images appeared. Images that she didn’t want to consider and feared. The fear she kept hidden. It was these images that she fought hard at school. Fought hard to prevent any of those images from ever becoming true.

Akane clenched her fist in determination as she psyched herself up. She’d show them. She was the best in Nerima! "I will not lose!"

"Lose what?" The door to the furo slid open to reveal Nabiki standing there with a brow raised.

Akane almost jumped out of her skin at the sound of another voice in the room. Flushed, she quickly composed herself. "Err… nothing."

"Whatever. Kasumi said for you to hurry. Dinner will be ready soon." Nabiki leaned against the doorjamb as she waited for her sister’s response. Who knows? She might reveal the reason behind her statement.

"Err... Thanks, Nabiki. I’m almost done." Nabiki didn’t say anything as she stared at her sister for a moment before she left the room. Sooner or later, she’ll find out what Akane was talking about.

Akane quickly got out of the furo and dried herself. At the diner table, she sat down at her usual spot and ate quietly with her two sisters and her father, Soun Tendo.

"Excellent dinner, Kasumi. Oh, your mother would be so proud." Soun beamed with pride and started wailing. Ever since his wife died, he’d been prone to weep at any mention of her. Time had not dulled any of his ‘passion’. If anything, it had gotten stronger.

"Thank you, father." Kasumi started to gather all the dishes when she stopped to look at her sister. "Akane, are you busy? I was wondering if you would return a book to Dr. Tofu. It’s over there by the telephone book."

Akane’s mood lightened as she fetched the book. She welcomed any excuse to visit the doctor. The reason behind this was because she had a crush on him since elementary. "Sure, Kasumi. I’ll go right now."

"Thank you, Akane-chan."

"No problem." Excited, Akane left the table and headed out the door, her pervious dilemma temporarily forgotten as she started to walk to the clinic. Along the way, thoughts of the good doctor drifted through her mind. But these were soon overlaid by images of Ranma.

"I HATE BOYS!" She forcedly pushed those images aside and ran to the clinic. It wasn’t long before she entered the clinic slightly out of breath.

"Tofu-sensei, I brought back this book my sister borrowed." Akane took the time to catch her breath as she waited for the doctor. It wouldn’t do to appear breathless in front of him.

"Just a minute." Akane heard the reply come from behind the door leading to the examination room. Curious, she pushed the door open and looked inside only to gawk. There, in front of her, was Ranma, standing next to Dr. Tofu, diagnosing the old man sitting before them.

Akane watched as Ranma wrote something on a piece of paper and handed it to Dr. Tofu. In turn, he nodded after checking the prescription and fetched some medicine, which he gave to Ranma. Slowly, she backed away from the door and waited in the outside room.

A few minutes later, Dr. Tofu led the old man out with Ranma behind them. She looked up and stared at Ranma with a blank expression. She wasn’t sure what to think. So lost in her thought, she didn’t see Ranma walking up to her.

"Hey, Akane. Dr. Tofu will be with you in a moment. Anything I can do for you?" He was a little surprised to see her here. From his scan, he didn’t notice any problems. A deeper scan still showed no sign of illness. He did, however, note that her heart rate was slightly higher than normal.

Akane suddenly jumped out of her seat when she noted how close Ranma was. She quickly gasped for air as her heart raced. "Are you ok, Akane?"

"I… I… Um… Yeah." Akane nervously fidgeted under his gaze as thousands of questions flitted thru her head. Each in turns more personal, and sometimes perverse, than the last.

"OK." Ranma turned to Dr. Tofu. "If you don’t have anything else for me, I need to go fetch my things from the hotel. I won’t be long."

"That’s fine, Ranma. I can handle any patients that might come in while you’re gone." Dr. Tofu returned to his conversation with Mr. Takagami confident in the knowledge that Ranma can handle himself in any situation.

Ranma bowed before turning to Akane and smiled. "Goodnight, Akane. I’ll see you in school tomorrow."

<<Heartbeat>> "Err…right, tomorrow. Um… Yeah, school tomorrow."

Ranma looked at Akane with concern. "Are you sure you’re ok, Akane?"

"Um… yeah. Fine. Dandy." Akane nodded her head vigorously, anything as long as he’d stay close to her. No, wait. That’s not right…

"Well, goodnight." With that, Ranma exited the clinic, leaving his schoolbag behind. Since he was going to be living there, he didn’t see the need to return with it to the hotel only to carry it back later on.

Akane shoulder slumped as she released the breath she didn’t know she held. Suddenly, her body jerked upright with resolve and she ran out the door. She searched to area and found Ranma walking on the fence some distance away. "Ranma, wait!"

Ranma paused in his step and looked at the source of the cry as she closed on him. "Hi again. Is there something wrong, Akane?"

Akane huffed and stopped before Ranma. She took a deep breath and sternly issued her ultimatum. "Ranma of Joketsuzoku, I challenge you! I challenge you to see who’s the best!"

<End of chapter 1>