Ranma 1/2, volume 17 part 5 "Ranma nanka iranai!" (I don't want Ranma!) English translation by Theresa Martin p. 70 Dotatata... pounding footsteps resound even outdoors. Akane: Hold on, o-jii-san [= old man]. Happousai, carrying a bra, bounds through the doujou, with Akane in pursuit. Akane: Again with my underwear... Happousai: Isn't it OK, at least one piece. Humming, Kasumi is carefully carrying a tray of condiments and chopsticks up the hallway. Akane snatches the soy sauce from the tray in passing. Akane: When I say now, I mean now... p. 71 Akane hurls the soy sauce ballistically at Happousai. Akane: Punishment!! Happousai: Dodge. As the soy sauce whizzes through the air, someone slides open the outside door. Nabiki: I'm ho-me. Biju! Akane and Happousai (in mid-air) stare. The soy sauce hits the floor by a sneakered foot and rolls aside: Kon, kararara... Nabiki, tennis racket in her carryall, touches the big black stain on the shoulder of her white jacket {jowa~}. Nabiki: A-a, this, it was new... Akane is alarmed. Akane: Na... Nabiki o-nee-chan [= elder sis]. p. 72 Akane: S-, sorry, sorry. Nabiki: What, Akane [you] threw this? Kasumi: That's terrible, soy sauce stains don't come out! Nabiki: Especially this, it's pure white. Akane bows in apology. Nabiki removes the jacket. Akane: I'm very sorry, I'm very sorry. Nabiki: It's OK, it's OK. Nabiki gives the jacket to a stricken Akane and walks off. Nabiki: Stop talking, it was wrong of me to have worn it. Akane: (shuddering) It's mine... The door to Nabiki's room. Nabiki: Talk about obstinate, Akane... Akane: What! It suited me, that garment. p. 73 Nabiki opens her closet to Akane. Nabiki: I wish you'd shut up, I'll give you one article of clothing in exchange. Akane: Really!? Akane holds up a one-piece. Akane: Kya, this one-piece is pretty... This... Nabiki sips tea as Akane looks closely at it. Akane: ...isn't it mine. Night falls over the neighborhood. A dog barks: U- wan wan wan. Dosa... Clothes, purses, CDs, cassettes, bottles, jewelry, etc. are tossed in a pile on the floor. Akane: And this! And this! And this too is mine. Akane: (panting) Greedy as much as this... Nabiki: I was only borrowing them for a while. p. 74 Cha, the door opens and Ranma comes in, returning a towel. Ranma: Yo-, Nabiki nee-chan, the floor-cloth I borrowed before... Ranma holds up a tattered rag with a misshapen animal and the initials A.T. sewn into one end. Nabiki: N? Ranma: It wore to tatters when I wiped down the doujou with it but... Akane snatches the rag away. Nabiki: It's OK, just throw it away, that thing... She glares at it, burning with anger. Akane: This... I embroidered this with all my might... Sports towel... Akane angrily holds the towel wide, tears in her eyes. Nabiki: E!? Akane: It was perfect [lit. free from mistakes], this rabbit design!! p. 75 Nabiki: I'm sorry, that was Akane's [yours]? Ranma: Rabbit...? You mean that's not a jellyfish? Akane burns and trembles with anger. Ranma: N? What's wrong? Akane... At dinner, Ranma's face is ugly with bruises and bandages. Nabiki: Sorry~, Ranma-kun. I've a violent little sister. Ranma: Yeah. Akane: What! O-nee-chan is wrong. Things like my clothes formerly... Nabiki and Ranma eat their rice. Bon! Akane slams the table at their words. Nabiki: Having that sort of fianc\'ee, even you have a hard time of it, don't you. Ranma: Yeah. Akane: Ranma. p. 76 Akane stands up and yells at Ranma. Akane: You, whose side are you on. Ranma: In any case... Ranma smiles. Ranma: Isn't it all right, the clothes that most suit you are well... Akane starts. Akane: E... Akane fidgets, thinking about her pretty outfits. Akane: that?... or... As Ranma explains, the chopsticks break in Akane's fingers: Baki! Ranma: Since only a judo outfit suits you anyway... isn't it OK, the 10 or 20 outfits. Meshi... Akane slams Ranma into the floor with the overturned table. Everyone else is holding the dishes with the skill of long practice. Souun: Akane, Nabiki, please stop quarreling. Kasumi: O-too-san, you should have said that sooner... p. 77 Outside under the stars, Akane is shouting. GASHA-N! Gararara... She tearfully shatters cinderblocks. Akane: Ranma, you idiot. O-nee-chan, you idiot. Inside, Kasumi slides open the door to the Saotome's room, where Ranma is bandaging himself from a first aid kit. Kasumi: Ranma-kun, a moment... Ranma: N? Ranma sits on the bottom post of the staircase talking to Kasumi. Gasha-n! Akane is still destroying cinderblocks outside. Ranma: Comfort Akane? With what? How? Kasumi: You are the most proper one. Bakoo. More destruction. Kasumi: That is, Akane can be violent, strongly disobedient, Kasumi: A rash person, clumsy, though she may not be a charming child... Ranma: Yeah. p. 78 Kasumi: However... Akane is still a girl. Ranma is speechless. Meanwhile: Gasha-n! Bakoo. Souun comes up suddenly. Souun: Just so, here by way of her only fianc\'ee... Nabiki: ought to give her only sweet words. Ranma: And when you make a mistake, it's okay? Nabiki: Ranma-kun... Nabiki points straight at Ranma and exclaims into one of this series's omnipresent microphones, Nabiki: I just offend Akane. You injure her! Ranma: ...what are you priding yourself on? p. 79 Akane is airing out a towel on the balcony: Pan. Akane: (thinking) I won't talk to both of them until they apologize. Ranma swings upside-down from a rail above and behind her. Akane: ! She pointedly looks away from him, but then he's on the floor next to her. She turns away again, but now he's there on the railing. Akane: What! Ranma: What did I do. Akane: Not you. p. 80 Akane: Since Nabiki o-nee-chan was a girl, she habitually made little of my things. Nabiki suddenly slides open the glass door. Nabiki: Akane... Don't have a strange misunderstanding. Nabiki: Though I _did_ make little... Ranma: You were never a girl. Akane's face reddens. Nabiki: To the last we individually made little of things. Ranma: What, you only joined us accidentally. Akane balls her hands into fists. Akane: I implore you, more than this to me... p. 81 Doka! Akane punches the balcony. Akane: Don't speak to me-! BARA... The balcony falls apart. Inside, Kasumi and Souun hear the noise: Baki baki do do do do do. Kasumi: Oh yes, o-tou-san, the clothes-rack's foundation is dangerously rotten to the core. Souun: I'll call a carpenter tomorrow. Akane falls. Gararara. Akane: Kya- [= a scream]. Akane flips in air and lands on a tree branch. p. 82 The branch snaps: Baki! Akane lands on her posterior. Akane: It hurts... Akane: (thinking) Ha, Nabiki o-nee-chan... Akane: (thinking) she can't even break-fall... O-nee-cha... Ranma lands with Nabiki in his arms. Nabiki: Ah, you saved me, Ranma-kun. Ranma: That was a dangerous situation. Akane: ............ Ranma turns to Akane. The wind blows by: Hyuuu... Ranma: N. Akane: ............ p. 83 Nabiki: Isn't this awkward, Ranma-kun. Nabiki: Neglecting your fianc\'ee Akane even for an instant... Ranma: She's not injured. Ranma: Nee-chan is different from Akane, because ordinary, frail girls come first. Akane looks at the ground. Ranma: Well Akane, you're OK right!? Akane: ............ Akane fumes. Ranma: Oi [= hey], Akane. Pan! Akane slaps Ranma. Tearfully, Akane shouts, Akane: I don't know any more! Maybe you should be o-nee-chan's fianc\'e!! p. 84 Nabiki: Akane... Ranma: What nonsense are you saying. Nabiki puts her hand on Ranma's arm and says, startling Akane, Nabiki: You're giving him to me? I'll take him. Akane is nonplussed. Nabiki smirks. Nabiki: I'm not borrowing him. Because I'm being given him. Nabiki laughs: Hu hu hu hu. Akane flips out a noshi envelope. Nabiki: I abso--lutely won't give him back! Ranma: Oi... envelope: noshi Akane: I'm putting a noshi [= a strip of dried abalone in red and white paper put around congratulatory gifts] on him for you. [I'm giving him to you as a gift.] Ranma 1/2, Volume 17, Chapter 6 English translation by Robert DeLoura (deloura@noaapmel.gov) - ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- - "The truth is confessed" (Page 86) It's now morning, and time for school. The word's out about the latest development in Ranma and Akane's relationship. Students: Hey, have you heard? What, Ranma's no longer Akane's iinazuke? Everyone's talking about it. Students: I hear he ditched her for her older sister, Nabiki. Oh, marrying her older sister? Akane looks a bit irked at all the discussion of it. Nabiki: I wonder who could have spread the news? Akane: Probably you, oneechan. Nabiki throws a bunch of flyers around that have the Japanese equivalent of the newspaper phrase "Extra! Extra!" written on them. Several students read them curiously. Student: What? Cancelled their engagement? Akane glares at Nabiki. Akane: .... (Page 87) Kunou appears, chuckling quietly to himself, with a rose between his teeth. Kunou: Finally, Tendou Akane is available... Akane looks surprised, as Kunou lunges forward to try and take her in his arms. Akane: Kunou-sempai! Kunou: Come, fly gently into my arms!! Ranma jumps on Kunou's head. Ranma: Morning, sempai. Kunou recovers quickly, and grabs Ranma's hand. Kunou: Good morning, niisan. [younger brother] Ranma's not pleased with the idea. Ranma: *Who's* your niisan? Nabiki wraps her arm around Ranma's, while Kunou puts a hand on Akane's shoulder, elbowing Ranma while he talks. Nabiki: But of course... Kunou: Niisan, neesan [younger sister], you can count on me to take good care of Akane. (Page 88) Akane probably has something to say about that. She kicks Kunou up into the sky, out of sight. Nabiki gets a scheming look in her eyes. Nabiki: Akane... you're really regretting your decision about Ranma-kun, aren't you? Nabiki: I'll give him back to you right now for 5,000 yen. Akane and Ranma are both upset at this offer. Ranma: Don't *sell* me! Akane: I don't want him! Akane turns away to leave, but stops for a moment to say one more thing to Nabiki. Akane: Oneechan, there's one more thing I should tell you... Akane: Now that you've become Ranma's iinazuke, you'd better start training yourself. [to fight] Akane starts walking away again. Nabiki, confused, puts her hands on her hips. Nabiki: ....What do you mean by that? Akane: You'll understand soon enough. Ukyou is shown, with one of the 'Extra!' flyers crushed in her hand. She looks determined to do something about it. Ukyou: .... (Page 89) Later that day, in Nabiki's classroom (2-E), an okonomiyaki with a message on it comes flying in, headed for Nabiki. Nabiki catches it and reads it. Okonomiyaki: Meet me behind the gym. Ukyou. Nabiki: Okonomiyaki... Nabiki goes behind the gym, munching on the okonomiyaki. Ukyou is there, seemingly ready for combat. Nabiki: What's with you all of a sudden, Ucchan? Ukyou: I'm Ran-chan's iinazuke, too. Don't you think this is the proper way for two opposing iinazukes to treat each other? (Page 90) Nabiki has finished eating the okonomiyaki, and looks on as Ukyou assumes a fighting stance. Ukyou: (thinking) That neechan isn't used to fighting, unlike Akane-chan. If I pretend like I'm going to attack her, she'll have no choice but to surrender Ranma to me. Back in class, Ranma is worriedly talking to some of his classmates. Ranma: WHAT!? Ucchan and Nabiki are...!? Student: Well, it looked like a duel! Ranma runs off, intent on saving Nabiki from Ukyou, though a bit irked that he has to bother. Ranma: Bah, no choice. Akane calmly reads a magazine, ignoring the events around her. Student: Akane, shouldn't you go? Akane: It's no affair of mine. Akane goes back to her magazine, looking a bit angry and a bit concerned. Akane: (thinking) You idiot, oneechan! It's not worth risking your life to be Ranma's iinazuke, is it? (Page 91) Back behind the gym, Ukyou is still in a fighting stance. Nabiki looks quite unconcerned about it all. Nabiki: You're going to try and take Ranma from me by force? It won't be that easy, Ucchan. Ukyou: Oh? Ukyou starts to move in on Nabiki, with her spatula held high in the air. Ukyou: Pretty brave, aren't you! Ranma leaps down from a nearby rooftop, just in time to try and save Nabiki. Ranma: Aaah! Ranma: Don't fight, dammit! Nabiki may not know how to fight, but she shows that she knows how to defeat Ukyou.... Nabiki: Shall I sell him to you for 6,000 yen? Ukyou runs over and grabs Nabiki by the hand. Ukyou: Sold! Ranma falls to the ground in surprise. Nabiki crosses her arms, having settled things. Nabiki: Do what you like with him. Ukyou looks really excited. Ukyou: I'm so happy! Ranma merely looks annoyed. Ranma: Hey! Suddenly, a hail of gymnastics batons come flying through the air. (Page 92) Ukyou knocks the batons out of the air. Ukyou: Hah! >From a flurry of black rose petals, and a spinning ribbon, a voice is heard... . Voice: How dare you try to buy Ranma-sama for only 6,000 yen! Ranma: Urk! A black rose blizzard.... Kodachi is now visible through the flying petals. Kodachi: I shall pay 6,100 yen. Ukyou gets upset, and Ranma looks worried at this latest turn of events. Ukyou: How much did you offer? Nabiki: Oh, so nice to see you! Ranma: Black Rose Kodachi.... Ukyou and Kodachi get into a bidding war over Ranma. Ukyou: 6,200 yen! Kodachi: 6,250 yen! Nabiki: Keep it going! Ukyou: I'm willing to pay 6,300 yen. Kodachi: I'll pay 6,350 yen. (Page 93) Nabiki looks at Ranma, a bit annoyed at how quickly the bidding has deteriorated. Nabiki: You seem to barely be worth pocket money to them. Ranma: You.... Suddenly, Ranma's martial-arts instincts warn him that someone is about to attack. Ranma: Danger! Ranma grabs Nabiki and swings her out of the way of the incoming threat. Ranma: Out of the way! Nabiki looks confused at Ranma's behavior. Nabiki: Hm? Shampoo suddenly appears, swinging her fighting batons through the empty space where Nabiki was standing just the moment before. Nabiki: Oh, Shampoo! Shampoo and Kodachi both look determined to thrash Nabiki within an inch (or less) of her life. Ukyou looks like she just had an idea. Shampoo: Nabiki, you are about to die. Kodachi: What a stroke of luck. Nabiki finally realizes what she's gotten herself into. Nabiki: Shit. This is bad. (Page 94) Akane's still back in class, reading her magazine. Akane: (thinking) I dunno about oneechan. What's she going to do? Akane: (thinking) Well, Ranma will probably save her anyway.... Akane daydreams about what will probably happen when Ranma saves Nabiki. Nabiki: (imagined) Thank you for rescuing me. Ranma: (imagined) You're a defenseless girl, I had to do it. Akane imagines Ranma and Nabiki holding each other gently while they talk. Nabiki: (imagined) Will you protect me if it happens again? Ranma: (imagined) Of course I will! Akane finishes daydreaming. Akane: (thinking) The two of them, intimate like that? Hmph. Ridiculous. Akane goes outside and disguises herself by holding a piece of bush in each hand, and putting one in her hair. ["I'm a hedge. Move along."] She ducks down and shuffles off to find Ranma. Two of her classmates spot her. Student: Akane, what're you doing? Akane: Nothing. Akane, hiding in a bush, spots Ranma and Nabiki in the distance, running hand-in-hand. Some gymnastics batons and spatulas are in hot aerial pursuit. (Page 95) Ranma protects Nabiki with his body, while Kodachi attacks them with her ribbon, and Ukyou throws spatulas. Kodachi: I cannot allow Ranma-sama's iinazuke to live. Ukyou: Behave yourself and come with me! Ranma seems to be getting the worst of it, being hit by most of the attacks as he tries to defend Nabiki. Ranma: Ow ow ow ow ow ow! Nabiki gets a blissfully happy look on her face, and speaks to Ranma, who is trying to carry her away from the others. Nabiki: I'm so happy... you're taking all those wounds for me. Ranma looks quite tired of having to deal with Nabiki. Ranma: I'm taking them BECAUSE of you! Shampoo comes in for an aerial kick at Nabiki, who's still blissfully unaware of her surroundings. Shampoo: Nabiki, prepare yourself! Ranma swings Nabiki out of the way of the attack... Ranma: Hah! ...and gets kicked in the head by Shampoo. Shampoo: Oops! Ukyou swings her spatula at Shampoo, who leaps over the attack. The spatula hits Ranma instead. Ukyou: What're you doing to my Ran-chan? (Page 96) Ukyou jumps in at Kodachi, throwing spatulas. Kodachi defends herself with her ribbon. Kodachi: How dare you! Ranma-sama is mine! Ukyou: Take him from me! During a lull in the battle, they realize that Ranma and Nabiki have run off. Women: Hm? They're a bit disappointed at this. Shampoo: Where has Ranma gone? Ukyou: We let him get away.... Nabiki and Ranma have escaped into some nearby bushes, and are hiding there. Ranma looks pretty beat up, with some lumps and some spatulas sticking out of his head. Nabiki is looking around to make sure they aren't discovered. Nabiki: That was a close one. Ranma: That _hurt_. Nabiki: If I'm attacked again, will you protect me? Ranma: No way!! They hear some rustling from the bush they're standing in. Nabiki: Hm? (Page 97) Nabiki examines the bush more carefully. It turns out they're standing on top of Akane, who's trying to ignore them. Nabiki: What're you up to, Akane? Akane: Nothing.... Later that night, at home, Akane is talking to Kasumi. Soun's reading the newspaper. Akane has apparently mentioned that Nabiki is Ranma's new iinazuke. Kasumi: You should at least make up with Ranma-kun, Akane. Akane: But.... Soun looks at Akane, over the top edge of his newspaper. Soun: Is this really OK with you, Akane? Akane looks a little depressed, while she listens to her father. Soun: I don't care which one of you is engaged to him. So long as you're both happy with your decision afterwards.... Kasumi sips her tea, and points something out. Kasumi: Nabiki said that she plans to sell the doujou and play around for the rest of her life. Soun quickly changes his mind, and comes over to grab Akane by her shoulders and look into her eyes. Soun: Akane, make up with Ranma-kun. Akane gives Soun a dirty look. (Page 98) Akane goes upstairs and lies down on her bed, thinking about Ranma and Nabiki. Akane: (thinking) Hmph. Those two can't possibly be serious about each other. Akane thinks about something Kasumi talked to her about earlier. Kasumi: (imagined) You two girls are always fighting with each other. Now you're pulling Ranma-kun into it. Akane: .... Akane gets up, and walks down the hall towards Nabiki's room. Akane: Oh well, it can't be helped. I'll have to talk to Nabiki-oneechan. Akane reaches the closed door to Nabiki's room, and hears voices inside. She decides not to knock, and eavesdrops on the conversation. Ranma: (inside) This has gone far enough! Akane is surprised that Ranma is in Nabiki's room. Akane: Ranma...? Inside the room, Nabiki is patching up all the wounds Ranma got while he was protecting her. Ranma: These stupid stories you're going around spreading.... Nabiki: Well, it's the truth, isn't it? The change in iinazukes? Nabiki grins at Ranma while holding up a bandaid. Nabiki: You're in love with Akane, as I'd suspected. Ranma: Wh... who'd be interested in that violent woman! Akane is still listening in, but now she's angry, and is clenching her fist. Akane: .... (Page 99) Ranma points a finger at Nabiki, trying to get her to listen to him. Ranma: Anyway, just make up with Akane.... Nabiki: Ranma-kun. Nabiki gives Ranma a slightly surprised look. Nabiki: You still don't understand? The way I feel.... Ranma stops in mid-sentence and looks at Nabiki, puzzled. Ranma: Eh? Akane, straining to hear every word, has her ear pressed up against the door. She's just as confused as Ranma is about Nabiki's comment. Akane: .... Nabiki brings her hand up to her mouth and looks away from Ranma, while she explains. Nabiki: This is the one thing that I thought I'd better not tell you.. . Nabiki: For a long time, I've.... (Page 100) Nabiki turns back around and faces Ranma, her hands clasped together in front of her while she looks into his eyes. Nabiki: I've been in love with you, Ranma-kun. Ranma, taken aback, retreats as far away from Nabiki as he can get, bumping up against the side of her bed. She holds her position, gazing at him. Nervously, he has her verify what she just said. Ranma: You... you're kidding, right? Nabiki looks away from him, closing her eyes. Nabiki: I love you. Ranma: B... but.... Outside Nabiki's room, Akane is shocked beyond belief at her sister's revelation. She hadn't expected _this_. Akane: (thinking) Oneechan.... Akane: (thinking) You were serious...!? [Kawaisou na Akane-chan, ne?] Ranma 1/2, Volume 17, Chapter 7 English translation by Robert DeLoura (deloura@noaapmel.gov) - ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- - "Oneechan's feelings" (Page 102) Akane is laying in her bed the next morning, remembering what she heard Nabiki say the night before. Nabiki: (imagined) I've been in love with you for a long time, Ranma-kun. Akane: .... Akane gets up, looking a bit tired and 'down'. Akane: (thinking) I didn't know... the way oneechan feels.... Akane: (thinking) What about Ranma, though...? (Page 103) Ranma is outside, practicing his skills by kicking (and breaking) a large wooden post that's stuck in the ground. Ranma: Destroy! Akane peeks around the corner of the building at him, and he spots her. Ranma: What do you want, Akane? Akane crosses her arms and puts on a forced smile. Akane: Oh, nothing... nothing at all. Akane puts her hands behind her back. Akane: Isn't it great? Nabiki-oneechan saying such nice things about you? Ranma is unimpressed, leaning on the stump leftover from his practicing. Ranma: Hmph. (Page 104) Ranma: Training is all that matters to me. Ranma: I couldn't care less who becomes my iinazuke. Akane looks disinterested. Akane: Oh? Akane flashes back to Ranma and Nabiki's conversation again. Nabiki: (imagined) I love you. Akane: (thinking) Able to admit it like that.... Akane: (thinking) Oneechan... and I never even suspected it? Nabiki shows up, with a towel in her hand and a smile on her face. She waves to Ranma. Nabiki: Ah, you're here! Good morning, Ranma-kun! Ranma is rather...surprised. Ranma: Ack! (Page 105) Ranma stutters, a bit embarrased, while Nabiki wipes him down with the towel. Nabiki: Here, you're all sweaty. Ranma: Um...uh...th...thanks.... Nabiki "suddenly" notices that Akane is here. Ranma remembers it as well, and looks worried. Nabiki: Hm? You're here, Akane? Akane looks pissed off. Akane: .... Akane storms off, and runs to school, angry at Ranma the whole way. Akane: (thinking, over and over) Hmph, jerks like Ranma...! (Page 106) Akane arrives at school, only to find that all the guys at school figure she's fair game again, and want to fight her for a date. She's had enough of g uys for one day already. Student: Tendou Akane has arrived! Student: Now that Ranma has a new iinazuke, Akane must be available! The students all run at her, ready to take her on. Student: Tendou Akane, let's fight! Student: If I win, go out with me! Akane boots them all into the air with one swift kick. Akane: SHUT UP!!!! Ranma and Nabiki are just now arriving at school. Nabiki shades her eyes as she watches Akane. Nabiki: Wonder what's with her.... (Page 107) Nabiki: As soon as she's rid of her iinazuke, too. She's popular! Ranma: Hmph, don't see what's so great about that ferocious girl. Nabiki wasn't quite *thinking* the word 'iinazuke', rather something a bit more insulting. Later, in Ranma and Akane's classroom, 1-F, they seem to be studying English. The teacher reads from the class reader, while the students sit around looking bored (or sleeping). Teacher: "When you look closer, it's only his BALD HEAD shining." Ranma writes a note to Akane, and flicks it over two intervening desks, bonking her in the head with it. She glares back at him while she unfolds it, and he looks on, bored. Note (R): Make up with Nabiki. Akane writes another note and tosses it back to Ranma, who deftly catches it. (Page 108) Ranma looks at the note. It has a face with its lips stretched wide and its tongue sticking out, and a one-word message. Note (A): Idiot. Ranma throws another note to her, hitting her in the back of the head. Note (R): Who's the idiot, idiot? Akane throws an entire notebook back at him, hitting him square in the face. The notebook has nothing but "Idiot idiot idiot idiot idiot" scribbled throughout. Ranma decides he's had enough, and stands up, slamming his hand down on his desk and yells at Akane. Ranma: Quit being so damned stubborn about this! Akane stands up too, glaring and yelling back at him. Akane: What, you want to fight about it!? Teacher: Stand in the hall! Ranma and Akane stand out in the hall, holding a pail of water in each hand, mad at each other. Ranma points out what's got him so angry about all this. Ranma: Damned annoying! You two jerks trade me back and forth whenever you damn well feel like it! Akane: What's the matter, don't you like Nabiki? (Page 109) Akane looks off down the hallway, and Ranma glares at the back of her head. Ranma: .... Akane: .... Ranma gets a "maybe THIS will bother her!" expression on his face. Ranma: Well, I suppose that's true, too. Ranma: At least she's not a violent woman, always trying to pound me. Akane continues to look down the hallway, ignoring him, so Ranma tries a little harder. Ranma: It's really a nice change, and she's pretty good-looking, too. Akane clenches her hands tightly around the handles of the water buckets, and Ranma backs off a bit to defend himself. Ranma: Gonna fight about it? Akane just stands there, holding onto the water pails, staring down the hall. Ranmma is surprised that she hasn't attacked him yet, and takes a closer look. Ranma: Hm? Akane faces forward again, and there are tears in her eyes. Akane: Now that I've heard you say it, have fun with oneechan. This isn't turning out quite how Ranma thought it would. Ranma: Ehh!? (Page 110) At around lunchtime, Ranma has Nabiki meet him under some flowering trees in the schoolyard. Ranma looks uncomfortable. Nabiki: What do you want, Ranma-kun? Why did you ask me to come here? Ranma: Um, well.... Ranma: That bit yesterday.... Nabiki gives him a small smile. Nabiki: When I said "I love you"? Ranma gives her a forced smile back. Ranma: You were just kidding with me, right? Nabiki's smile vanishes. (Page 111) Nabiki looks away from him, and brings a finger to her lips. Nabiki: You hate older women? Ranma: Eh? Nabiki buries her face in her hands, as if she were about to cry. Ranma gets worried. Nabiki: You hate me, don't you!? Ranma hurriedly tries to keep Nabiki from crying, succeeding in getting himself deeper into trouble at the same time. Ranma: Er, um... your age is no big deal.... Nabiki clenches her hands into fists, and holds them below her chin. [Standard Anime 'Cute' Behavior #12345] She looks into Ranma's eyes from about 4 inches away. Nabiki: Really!? Ranma tries to back away from her a little. Ranma: Your age is... just fine.... Nabiki closes her eyes and smiles. Nabiki: Great! I'm so happy!! Ranma: .... That wasn't quite the point he was trying to get across. (Page 112) Ranma turns away from her and puts a hand up against a nearby tree to steady himself. Ranma: I... I'm sorry, Nabiki. I... can't become your iinazuke. There's just no way. Nabiki looks shocked, and begins to cry. Nabiki: Ranma-kun! Nabiki: After finally deciding to tell you.... I'll be too embarrassed to live in the same house with you.... Nabiki: I'll run away from home! Nabiki runs away, crying. Ranma waves his hands at her, in panic, trying to get her to come back. Ranma: Nabiki! But it's no use. She's gone. Ranma: This is bad. I've accidentally hurt her feelings.... Ranma sits there with his head in his hands, confused. Nabiki's standing behind him, selling pictures to his classmates. They must be pretty good pictures, because the students look excited about them. Nabiki: A set of five photos for 3,000 yen. Ranma: Aaaaaah.... what should I do.... Ranma suddenly realizes that Nabiki is behind him, though he didn't hear what she just said. He looks up, still facing away from her. Nabiki hides her hands (and pictures) behind her back, and faces his back. (Page 113) Ranma stands up, and turns around to face her, a suspicious look on his face. Ranma: Hey, just now.... Nabiki: Hm? Nabiki acts innocent, but accidentally drops a few of the pictures. Nabiki: Oops! Ranma looks at them, and they turn out to be pictures of his girl form, with her chest bare. Ranma: Ack! Ranma: And just WHAT are these? Nabiki tries to cover up her latest money-making scheme. Nabiki: But... Nabiki: How would it look if I didn't carry pictures of the one I love? Ranma puts two and two together, and unfortunately for Nabiki, gets four. He crushes the pictures in his hand, and look at her angrily, while she puts on her "innocent" look again. Ranma: You were SELLING them!! Nabiki: But I couldn't SELL them.... Their "discussion" is cut short by another voice. They look towards it. Voice: You even make a business out of your love.... What a sinful woman you are.... (Page 114) The voice is Ukyou's. She leaps in, hurling a small sharpened spatula at Nabiki. There's something tied to the spatula, though. They look up at her in surprise. Ukyou: Tendou Nabiki, payment! Ranma: Ucchan! Nabiki tries to hide behind Ranma, who catches the spatula. Ranma: Are you still going after Nabiki.... Ranma notices that there's something tied to the spatula. Ranma: Hm? He unties it, and it turns out to be a 1000-yen note. Ranma: HUH? Ukyou looks at the ground while she explains. Ukyou: Ran-chan's rental fee. Ranma glares at Nabiki, catching on. Ranma: Hey! Nabiki takes the 1000-yen note, and fills Ranma in on things. Nabiki: One hour, 1000 yen. Several students with sports equipment show up, to rent Ranma for their games. Judo student: You're loaning out Ranma!? Soccer student: OK, come join our game. Nabiki waves to them, as Ukyou drags the protesting Ranma away. Nabiki: Over here! Ranma: Hey! Ukyou: You're MINE for an hour. (Page 115) Akane is downtown, staring forlornly into a shop window, holding her school briefcase in her hands. Akane: (thinking) I don't want to go back. Akane: (thinking) A house that Ranma and oneechan live together in... Akane closes her eyes and leans her head against the glass, depressed. Akane: (thinking) ...I just can't go back to. A voice calls out from behind Akane, startling her. Voice: Akane! Akane turns around and sees Nabiki standing there, munching on something. Nabiki: What's wrong? Your face looks like the world is coming to an end. Akane: Oneechan.... Nabiki closes her eyes and laughs. Nabiki: Ha ha, you must regret having given Ranma-kun to me. (Page 116) Nabiki: I'll sell him back to you for 2,000 yen. Akane stares blankly at Nabiki, and then looks at the ground, not answering. Nabiki's a bit disappointed that Akane didn't jump at the offer. Nabiki: What, don't you want him? They walk together down the road, Akane staring at the ground, and Nabiki giving her a piece of her mind. Nabiki: You're sure stubborn. If you love him, you should say so. Akane: I'm not like you, oneechan. Nabiki's not sure what she meant by that, and looks puzzled. Nabiki: Hm? Akane: I.... Akane turns around, tearfully, to face Nabiki. Akane: I can't say things like you do, oneechan! Just leave me alone about it, ok? Nabiki: Akane.... Ranma 1/2, Volume 17, Chapter 8 English translation by Robert DeLoura (deloura@noaapmel.gov) - ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- - "I'm sorry, Ranma." (Page 118) Akane and Nabiki are in a restaurant, having a snack and talking. Nabiki laughs, and waves her hand at Akane while she explains... Nabiki: Wahahaha, you thought that was the truth, Akane? Nabiki: That bit about me being in love with Ranma-kun was just a joke! Akane stares dejectedly into her tea. Akane: That's not necessary, oneechan. (Page 119) Akane toys with her teacup while she continues talking. Akane: That could only be true if you were a twisted and cruel person, oneechan. Akane has a flashback to the time Nabiki confessed her love to Ranma. Nabiki: (imagined) I've been in love with you for a long time, Ranma-kun. Akane looks up at Nabiki. Akane: You couldn't have said something like that as a joke. Nabiki: Akane.... Nabiki leans forward to make Akane an offer. Nabiki: Would you give me 1500 yen to have Ranma back? Akane looks back down at her tea again. Akane: It's OK, you don't need to do *that* either. Akane continues to stare at her tea, while Nabiki looks on, worried. Nabiki: An absolute bargain at 980 yen! Akane looks back at up Nabiki. Akane: I said not to worry about it. (Page 120) Akane looks away. Akane: You love Ranma, don't you? Trying to sell him isn't very nice. Nabiki leans an elbow on the table and glares at Akane. Nabiki: Er, Akane.... Akane: It's alright. Nabiki rests her head on her right hand, and gets a scheming look on her face. Nabiki: Oh...is that so? Later that night, Ranma is staggering his way back home from school. Ranma: ...so tired.... Ranma: Shit... that jerk Nabiki! (Page 121) Ranma: I've had enough. I'm breaking up with her. Ranma has a flashback of what he's been up to since Nabiki left him at school. Students surround him, eager to rent his services. Student: (imagined) C'mon, let's go out to the playfield. Student: (imagined) I hear you'll work an hour for 1000 yen. Student: (imagined) We gave the rental fee to Tendou Nabiki already. Ranma gets home, and slams the sliding door aside. Ranma: Damn you, Nabiki! As Ranma walks in, Nabiki leaps at him, and wraps her arms around his neck happily. Nabiki: Welcome home, darling! Ranma's stunned speechless, and gapes at Nabiki, while Kasumi and Genma (in panda form) look on. Genma looks worried. Ranma: Huh!? Kasumi: Oh my.... Genma's sign: Darling (Page 122) Nabiki happily babbles on. Nabiki: Would you like to take a hot bath? I'll wash your back! Ranma blushes, embarrased at Nabiki's behavior (and offer). Ranma: Wh... wh... what'd you say.... Suddenly, a feeling of anger is almost tangible in the air. Nabiki looks out of the corner of her eye at what Ranma can plainly see -- Akane has entered the room, and boy, does she look pissed off. Nabiki looks pleased with the reaction she's getting. Nabiki: (thinking) Heh, Akane.... (thinking) You showed up immediately... you're so easy to manipulate.... Ranma puts up his fists, and tries to deal with the situation. Akane is burning with anger (and probably jealousy). Ranma: Wh... what?! You gonna do somethin'? (Page 123) Akane continues to glare at Ranma and Nabiki, slowly gaining control over her anger. Ranma: If you've got a problem with it, come at me.... Akane regains control of herself, to the surprise of Ranma and Nabiki. Ranma&Nabiki: Hm!? Ranma watches as Akane clenches her hands into fists, and stomps off. Ranma: Hey.... Nabiki: Darn. Later that night, Nabiki is feeding Ranma at the dinner table. Akane's lost control of her anger again, and everyone at the table except Kasumi can plainly see it. Genma and Soun are visibly worried/afraid. Nabiki: Here, Ranma-kun. Open wide! Nabiki: What's bothering you? We're engaged, aren't we? Ranma looks over at Akane. Ranma: I'll feed myself! Kasumi looks at Soun with concern. Kasumi: Otousan, you don't look well. Genma's sign: This is scary! (Page 124) After dinner, Akane is upstairs trying to do her homework. She's sitting at her desk, her arms crossed on the desk, and her head buried in her arms. Akane: (thinking) It's fine, it's fine, it's fine. Akane: (thinking) I don't care what's happening between Ranma and oneechan. Akane hears the door to Nabiki's room open, and she lifts her head up. Nabiki: (overheard) Oh, Ranma-kun, come in. The voices in Nabiki's room subside to whispers, and Akane can no longer hear them. Akane: .... Akane gets a glass, and holds it up against the intervening wall, eavesdropping on her sister. Nabiki: (overheard) Oh! Stop it, Ranma-kun! (Page 125) Nabiki: (overheard) We shouldn't do this until we're married! Kya! Akane crushes the glass she's holding, in surprise and anger. She can't hear what's happening in Nabiki's room anymore, so her imagination runs wild... . She imagines Ranma as a raving sex maniac, trying to take advantage of her sister. Ranma: (imagined) Heh heh heh... isn't it OK? We *are* engaged. Nabiki: (imagined) Ho ho ho. That's a good point. Akane loses control, and storms over to Nabiki's room, slamming the door open. Akane: RANMA!!!!!!! Akane is surprised to discover that Nabiki is alone in the room, sitting calmly on her bed, with a cup of tea in her hand. She realizes she's been fooled. Nabiki looks amused. Nabiki: Heh. Fooled you, didn't I, Akane? (Page 126) Nabiki puts the situation bluntly, looking confidently at Akane. Nabiki: I'm going to keep doing things like this until you buy Ranma-kun from me. Akane begins to get angry again. Akane: Oneechan, you wouldn't.... Akane: You really think you can do anything you please with Ranma, don't you? Nabiki ignores her question. Nabiki: And on top of that, you won't get him for less than.... Nabiki shows Akane 5 fingers. Nabiki: 5000 yen! Akane: I'm not giving you anything. (Page 127) The next morning, Akane is out for her morning jog, thinking about the day ahead. Akane: (thinking) I'm going to make up with Ranma. Akane remembers the fateful words she said just a few nights before. Akane: (imagined) Why don't you become oneechan's iinazuke! Akane: (thinking) Since I'm the one who said it.... Akane: (thinking) If I say "I'm sorry", that should fix things.... Ranma suddenly jumps in front of her, probably off the adjacent fence. Ranma: Yo. (Page 128) Akane blushes, embarrassed. Ranma: Hm? Akane turns her face away from him so he won't see her blushing, and feigns anger. Akane: What's the idea, sneaking up on me like that? Ranma looks away. Ranma: Um.... Ranma: I don't know why, but... I came to apologize. Ranma looks back at Akane. Ranma: Can't we be like before? Akane looks back at Ranma, surprised. They both lean against the chain-link fence, looking at the river passing by. Akane nervously asks Ranma to clarify what he means. Akane: Uh... um... you mean... iinazuke...? Ranma looks bored. Ranma: Yeah.... (Page 129) Akane stares at the water going by. Akane: I... I don't mind, but.... Ranma looks at Akane, happily. Ranma: Is that so? Ranma smiles at her. Ranma: Heh heh, I'm glad. Akane is stunned by Ranma (seemingly) showing interest in their relationship, and looks back at him. Akane: Ranma.... Akane shuffles her feet around nervously, as they both look out at the water again. Akane: Um... Ranma: Hm? Akane: I'm sorry... it was all my fault.... They look at each other, with Ranma a bit surprised. After a moment, Ranma gives her a slap on the back. Ranma: What's this? You understand, don't you! (Page 130) Akane gives Ranma a confused look, and backs away a bit. Akane: .... Ranma leans against the fence, resting his head on his hand. Ranma: Yep, that's the way it is. I'm a victim of sibling rivalry. Ranma: This iinazuke bit is just another thing for the two of you to fight about. Ranma implies that neither Akane or Nabiki really care about him, they're just using him as something to fight over. Akane begins to lose her temper. Ranma perches on the fence. Ranma: I'd rather deal with your violence than your sister's scheming, anyway. Ahahahahahahaha! Akane cracks, and pushes Ranma off the fence into the river, turning him female. Ranma-chan comes wetly to the surface and yells at her. Ranma-chan: Th' hell was that for! Akane yells back at him from behind the fence. Akane: Idiot! You just don't understand people's feelings! (Page 131) Ranma-chan: What?! After all the trouble of trying to be nice to you.... Akane throws a [very large] mailbox at Ranma-chan. Akane: *When* were you nice to me!? Akane runs away, crying, wiping the tears from her eyes. [kawaisou ni] Akane: (thinking) You idiot, Ranma! Akane: (thinking) I thought we were finally going to make up with each other.... Akane: (thinking) Idiot! Idiot! Idiot! It's very quiet at the breakfast table that morning. Ranma's sporting a new bandage on his head. (Page 132) Ranma gets up from the table, and slings his bookbag over his shoulder. Ranma: Iinazuke Nabiki. Time for school. Nabiki looks up from her meal. Nabiki: Hm? Ranma grabs her hand and pulls her towards the door. Nabiki: Akane. Ranma: Leave her alone. Akane ignores them. Ranma: What's with that fool Akane? The rest of the household looks at Akane, after Ranma and Nabiki have left. Akane quietly continues to nibble at her food. Outside, Ranma is still pulling Nabiki to school by her arm. Nabiki looks back towards the house, concerned. Nabiki: Looks like they've *really* broken up. Ranma 1/2, Volume 17, Chapter 9 English translation by Robert DeLoura (deloura@noaapmel.gov) Assistance on the tough lines by Hitoshi Doi :-) Thanks to Hiroyuki Makiya for help with a really obnoxious verb. - ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- - "I'm sorry, Akane" (Page 134) During a break in class that morning, Akane sits at her desk, reading angrily, while Ranma plays cards with some of his classmates. Akane: (thinking) What's with that idiot Ranma! Akane: (thinking) I thought he wanted to make up.... Ranma looks away from his card game for a moment, to glance over his shoulder at Akane. Ranma: (thinking) Hmph, and after I went through the trouble of giving in to her.... Akane eavesdrops on a voice coming from the doorway. Nabiki: Iinazuke Ranma-kun. (Page 135) Ranma jumps down from his desk to talk to Nabiki at the door. Ranma: What, iinazuke Nabiki? The room goes silent for a moment, while Ranma and Akane look at each other out of the corners of their eyes. Nabiki: .... Ranma and Nabiki go to the roof of the school, to talk. Ranma: Break up? Ranma: Why this, all of a sudden? Nabiki and Ranma look away from each other, as cherry blossom petals float through the air. Nabiki: Ranma-kun.... Nabiki: You really want to make up with Akane, don't you? Ranma crosses his arms and looks indifferent. Ranma: Hmph. Who? Ranma and Nabiki look at each other again. Nabiki: Ranma-kun, don't try to hide it. Nabiki: Right now.... (Page 136) Nabiki looks tearfully at Ranma, and holds out her hand to him, palm up. Nabiki: If you give me 5,000 yen as consolation, I'll break up with you. Ranma: Nabiki.... Ranma turns away from her to lean on the fence, with a slight smile. Ranma: Don't be silly. I don't want to break up with you. Nabiki looks a bit surprised. Nabiki: Oh, in that case... Nabikki leans on the fence next to Ranma, with a scheming look on her face. Nabiki: Kiss me. Ranma's so unsettled by this idea that he's visibly shaking. (Page 137) Akane's hiding around a nearby corner, eavesdropping on Ranma and Nabiki. She's burning up with jealousy after Nabiki's suggestion. Ranma: Wh... wh... Why? Nabiki: If you *really* don't want to break up with me... Nabiki looks up at Ranma. Nabiki: I'd like you to prove it to me. Ranma: .... Silence. Nabiki looks away, with a sigh. Nabiki: Just as I thought... you can't do it. (Page 138) Nabiki falls to the ground, with her head in her hands, crying. Ranma looks on, surprised by the reaction. Nabiki: You're horrible! You're just playing with my feelings, aren't you? Ranma: Na... Nabiki. Nabiki still has her face buried in her hands. Nabiki: Obviously, I'm... Nabiki: Just being used as a tool for you to get back at Akane. Ranma's disturbed by Nabiki's comment, which is right on the "money", so to speak. Nabiki: Ok. That's fine. Raising the consolation money, for the pain you've caused me.. . Nabiki looks up tearfully at Ranma, with her palm out again. Nabiki: I'll break up with you for 6,000 yen. (Page 139) Ranma seems to have run off somewhere. Nabiki: Hm? Akane's still spying. Akane: .... Nabiki stands up, disappointed. Nabiki: Damn, I let him get away. Akane: (thinking) Oneechan's got Ranma completely fooled.... Ranma's sitting in a tree on the school grounds, in despair. Ranma: What kind of person am I.... Ranma remembers what Nabiki said to him. Nabiki: (flashback) I've been in love with you for such a long time. Ranma: Even though I know about Nabiki's feelings, I've been using her as a tool.... Ranma: What a heartless bastard I've been. (Page 140) Ranma gets down from the tree, and stands with his fist clenched, a look of determination on his face. Ranma: To keep from hurting Nabiki any more, I'm going to make up with Akane! Ranma practices his apology, using a tree as a substitute for Akane. Ranma: I'm sorry, Akane. It was my fault. Let's make up. A little later, some girls are giving him funny looks, as he continues to apologize to the tree. A small pile of cherry blossom petals from it have collected on his head. Ranma: I'm sorry, it was my fault. Girl 1: (whispered) Has he been there all this time? Girl 2: (whispered) Looks that way. A while later, Ranma's got an even larger pile of flower petals on his head. Ranma: My practice is over. The perfect words for the apology. Ranma goes back to class, and heads straight for Akane's desk, repeating the words in his head as he goes. Ranma: (thinking) I'm sorry, Akane. Ranma closes in on Akane. Ranma: (thinking) I'm sorry, Akane. (Page 141) Ranma reaches Akane's desk. Ranma: (thinking) I'm sorry, Akane. Akane notices Ranma, and looks at him, surprised. Ranma addresses her haughtily. Ranma: Hey you, Akane!! Akane stands up, slamming her hand down on the desk, confronting Ranma. Akane: What?! You come to fight with me some more!? Ranma: It was my fault. Silence while Ranma's comment sinks in. Akane: Why'd you say that? Ranma: It was my fault and... (Page 142) Ranma: It's your fault too. Akane glares at him, and frowns a bit. Akane: And? Ranma: If you have nothing else to say, Ranma: I'm willing to make up with you. Stunned silence in the entire classroom. Akane closes her eyes and looks away. Akane: Fine, I don't care. Oneechan set you up to this, didn't she? Ranma's momentarily surprised, and it develops into anger. Ranma: Wh... Ranma: What? You obnoxious girl! Akane: So, this means that... (Page 143) Akane moves close to Ranma, and looks straight at him. Akane: You want to go back to being engaged to me? *Gulp* Ranma hadn't thought of that. Ranma: .... Their classmates are quite amused at this. Boy 1: Is that so. Boy 2: Just as I thought, he's in love with Akane. Girl: (whispered) I thought so! Ranma's very embarrassed at this turn of events. Ranma: N... Ranma: NOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Ranma dashes out of the classroom. Boy: He ran away. Akane looks at the door Ranma left through. Akane: Ranma.... (Page 144) Akane thinks to herself on the way home from school. Akane: (thinking) I guess it was a little too soon.... Akane: (thinking) I let another chance to make up with him go by.... That evening, Kasumi and Nabiki are talking in the living room. Kasumi: Nabiki, you should give Ranma-kun back to Akane. Nabiki: I can't bring myself to do it. Nabiki: I've been in love with Ranma-kun for so long.... Kasumi's not fooled for a moment. Kasumi: You're kidding, aren't you? Nabiki: Yep. (Page 145) Ranma's hiding up on top of the sliding doors into the room, eavesdropping on the conversation. Ranma: (thinking) WHAAAAAT!? Kasumi lectures Nabiki. Kasumi: That's mean, isn't it? Teasing him like that. Nabiki: But.... Kasumi looks a little angry at Nabiki. (Hey, that's probably a first.) Kasumi: If Ranma-kun finds out, he'll be angry! Nabiki waves the idea off. Nabiki: Oh, that's no problem. Nabiki smiles and sticks her tongue out. Nabiki: He's such a coward.... I'm not afraid of him at all! Ranma's still listening in. Ranma: (thinking) Heh. Later that night, Nabiki's in her room with her calculator, eating. Ranma knocks on her door. (Page 146) Ranma opens the door and walks into her room, a big smile on his face. Ranma: Nabiki! They have a conversation that we aren't shown. Apparently Ranma asks her out on a date. Nabiki: A date? Ranma: Yep! Nabiki's sitting on her chair, bored, while Ranma sits on the floor near her. Ranma: We're engaged, so it should be OK. Right, Nabiki? Nabiki: I suppose that's true. Satisfied, Ranma gives her the place/time and leaves. Ranma: Later.... Nabiki pokes at her calculator a bit, and thinks about things. Nabiki: (thinking) This is turning into a lot of work. Nabiki: (thinking) If he gets too attached to me, it'll be a problem. Nabiki goes to Akane room to talk to her. Akane: Eh? Akane: Ranma does...? (Page 147) Akane sits on her desk chair talking to Nabiki, who's sitting on the bed. Nabiki: Yep! Ranma said he wants to go on a date with you! Akane's getting flustered. She likes the idea, but she's embarrassed. She looks down at the floor while talking to Nabiki. Akane: Wh... Why.... Nabiki: He must want to make up with you. Akane sits there, trying to hide her excitement. Nabiki stands up and gives Akane a piece of paper. Nabiki: Anyway, here's the place and time for the date. Akane: Uh, OK. Nabiki goes to the door. Nabiki: Good luck, Akane. Nabiki leaves with a wave and a smile. Akane watches the door close behind her sister. She holds the piece of paper to her chest, excitedly. Akane: (thinking) I'm so happy! (Page 148) Later that night, Akane is going through her outfits happily, looking for one to wear on the date the next day. Akane: (thinking) Finally, we're really going to make up with each other! Ranma's thinking about the date too... in a slightly different fashion. He's burning with anger at the way Nabiki has treated him. Ranma: (thinking) Heh, you'll see, Nabiki! (thinking) This date will be such a nightmare that you'll wish you were dead! Nabiki spends the evening in her room, resting on her bed while she reads a magazine and eats. Nabiki: So, now the two of them will make up. I'm such a surprisingly nice person. Ranma 1/2, Volume 17, Chapter 10 English translation by Robert DeLoura (deloura@noaapmel.gov) Assistance on the tough lines by Hitoshi Doi :-) - ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- - "The maze of love and revenge" (Page 150) It's the next morning at the Tendou household. Akane's dressed up for her date. Akane: I'm going out for a bit! Kasumi: Akane, where are you going? Akane: Just out for a bit. Akane remembers what Nabiki told her the night before.... Nabiki: (remembered) Ranma said he wants to go on a date with you, Akane. Akane's excited about the date. Akane: (thinking) This date is a perfect chance to make up with Ranma. (Page 151) Ranma's at the flower shop, buying some roses for the date. He's burning up with anger, and looking forward to getting his revenge against Nabiki. Ranma: Some roses, please. Ranma: Those really DARK red ones. Must be pretty serious about this. They're labelled 500 yen apiece (about $3.50 each, at today's exchange rates), and he buys at least 10 of them. Storekeeper: Here you go. Got a date, hm? Ranma: Yep. Roses in hand, Ranma thinks about his upcoming "date". Ranma: Heh, Nabiki... Ranma: You've had me completely fooled until now.... Ranma: (loudly) But you'll see! Today's date... Ranma: (loudly) Will be like your worst nightmare! Ranma laughs evilly, and loudly. Passers-by look on, concerned. (Page 152) Ranma: Haahahahahahahaha! Coincidentally, Nabiki happens to be riding by on her bike about this time. She overhears Ranma's laughter, and apparently heard the rest of what he said as well. Nabiki: .... Nabiki: (thinking) Today's date is a trap...!? Nabiki: (thinking) What horrible thing does he have planned...!? Nabiki continues to look on, thinking. Nabiki: (thinking) But... poor Ranma-kun.... Nabiki: (thinking) After putting so much effort into his scheme, Nabiki: (thinking) It'll be Akane who goes on the date with him. Nabiki: (thinking) Please understand, Ranma-kun. Nabiki bikes away, and spots Akane. Akane's on her way to meet Ranma for the date. Nabiki: (thinking) Hm? Akane.... Akane's smiling slightly, and seems to be in a good mood. Nabiki: Wow, she looks really happy.... (Page 153) Ranma's waiting by a bench in the park, with the roses. Nabiki arrives, riding her bike. Nabiki: Ranma-kuuuuun! Ranma: (thinking) You've come, Nabiki. (thinking) You still don't know it's a trap.... Nabiki runs him down with the bike before stopping. Right over his crotch, too. Ouch. :) (Page 154) Nabiki: (thinking) I'll sacrifice myself to protect my little sister. Nabiki rides off on the bike as Ranma's picking himself up off the ground. Ranma: H...Hey, Nabiki! Nabiki: Hohohohoho, try and catch me! Akane arrives at the park bench, just after Ranma and Nabiki leave. Akane: This must be the place.... Akane sits down on the bench to wait for Ranma. Akane: Looks like Ranma's not here yet, though. Ranma chases Nabiki and her bike through the park. Ranma: Wahahahaha, you little rascal. Ranma jumps on the back of the bike, smiling. Ranma: Caught you. (Page 155) Nabiki keeps pedalling the bike. Ranma: Let's get started on that date. Ranma puts a hand on Nabiki's shoulder, and she looks at it, slightly concerned. Nabiki: You're certainly acting quite "familiar" with me. Ranma: (thinking) Heh. This is just the *beginning* of my revenge! Suddenly, Nabiki acts worried. Nabiki: Aaah! Akane! Ranma looks around nervously, probably worried that Akane will pound him into the ground if she sees him. Ranma: Eh? Eh? Unfortunately, he's so busy looking around that he doesn't notice a low tree branch coming his way at about neck height. *Wham*. Knocks him right off the bike, to Nabiki's relief. She bikes off, trying to put as much distance between them as she can. Nabiki: Hah! Fooled you! She looks back at him with a wink and some advice, as she rides away. Nabiki: If you care so much for Akane, Why don't you apologize to her and go back to being her iinazuke? Ranma runs madly after the bike. Ranma: Grr... quit playing with me, dammit! (Page 156) Akane's still sitting on the park bench, fidgeting nervously. Akane: (thinking) Hmph. Ranma's awfully late.... Akane: (thinking) Could it be... Akane: (thinking) Maybe he's changed his mind, and has decided to stand me up? While Akane worries about this possibility, Ranma rushes by behind her, trying his best to catch up to Nabiki again. Ranma: Waaaaaaiiit! Akane hears his voice, and turns around. Akane: Ranma...? Ranma's followed Nabiki into a hedge maze, and is wandering around trying to find her. Good thing he's not Ryouga. :) Sign: Garden maze Ranma: Sheeeeeit... Running away into such a strange place.... (Page 157) Ranma: However... Ranma: In here, if she cries or screams, nobody can come help her. Ranma grins and cracks his knuckles. Ranma: That makes it an even better place for my revenge. Ranma runs through the maze, looking for Nabiki. He hears her as she runs by on the other side of a hedge, so he grabs for her through it. Ranma: Over there? Nabiki recoils in shock at Ranma's hand suddenly appearing in front of her. Nabiki: Aaah! (Page 158) Ranma gropes around with his hand, trying to catch Nabiki. Ranma: Here? Here? Nabiki: Eep! Nabiki's worried, now. Nabiki: (thinking) What? It can't be... (thinking) Does he plan on beating me up!? Ranma comes through the hedge while she's distracted. Ranma: You've got nowhere to run, now. Ranma slowly moves in on her, while she backs away. Ranma: How dare you toy with people's feelings like this. Nabiki looks innocent. Nabiki: You mean when I said that I was in love with you? Ranma cracks his knuckles. Ranma: You're still holding onto that stale joke of yours? Nabiki: Ranma-kun.... (Page 159) Nabiki: You really... you thought I was *joking* about that....? Nabiki: How horrible! Nabiki runs off with her face buried in her hands, crying loudly. Ranma's so surprised by her reaction that he just stands there for a moment. Ranma: H... hey! Ranma: .... Nabiki hides around the corner, with a satisfied look on her face. Nabiki: Heh. What a sucker. Nabiki crosses her arms. Nabiki: I really fooled him with that straight-faced lie. If I weren't so cute, I'd have never pulled it off. Nabiki laughs loudly... which was a mistake. Ranma hears her, and apparently also overheard her last comment. His head appears over the hedge behind her. Ranma: Oh? Nabiki looks up and realizes she's in trouble, so she runs off again. Ranma runs after her, leaping over hedges as he goes. Ranma: You little bitch! I've had enough of you!! (Page 160) Akane stands forlornly amidst the hedge maze, breathing heavily from the exertion of looking through it for Ranma. Akane: Ranma, you idiot. Akane: What's his problem? He's the one that told me to come here.... Akane gazes at the ground, dejectedly. Akane: Maybe I should just go home.... Nabiki runs by Akane, trying to keep away from Ranma. Akane looks up at her after she passes by. Akane: Hm? That person who just ran past me looked like.... Suddenly, two arms appear through the bushes, one on either side of Akane. Ranma heard her voice and Nabiki's running footsteps, and thinks he's caught Nabiki. Ranma: Here! Nabiki turns around when she hears the voice. Nabiki: Uh-oh! (Page 161) Ranma grabs Akane, and starts pulling her through the bushes. Akane: Kyaaa! [a surprised scream] Ranma grins on the other side of the bushes, as he pulls "Nabiki" through. Ranma: (thinking) Heh. Nabiki, I've finally caught you. Nabiki calls to him from Akane's side of the bushes. Akane kicks her legs back and forth as she's pulled through. Nabiki: Hey, wait, Ranma-kun! Nabiki: What're you doing to Akane?! Ranma keeps pulling. He's got one of her arms through, now. Ranma: (thinking) Hah. She's not going to fool me again. Inside the bushes, Akane is furious. Akane: (thinking) Ra... Ranma... I'm not going to put up with this! Ranma's still grinning with thoughts of revenge. Ranma: (thinking) The time for my revenge has finally come. (thinking) All the pain she made me go through.... Ranma finally gets Akane through the bushes, and pulls her to him. Ranma: (thinking) Feel my vengeance!! Ranma: Listen carefully...! (Page 162) Ranma puts both his arms around her and holds her to him in a tight embrace. He still doesn't realize he's got Akane instead of Nabiki. Ranma: I LOVE YOU!!!!!! Nabiki looks through the hole left in the bushes by Akane. Nabiki: Hm? Akane's.... quite surprised. Ranma chuckles to himself as he keeps talking. Ranma: Yep... to put it simply, if you think I'm going to let you break up with me... Ranma: You're QUITE mistak........ Ranma finally gets a good look at who he's been holding, and realizes he's got Akane. Oops. (Page 163) Akane, still stunned, looks up at him through her slightly scratched-up face, with leaves in her hair. Ranma backs off a bit. Ranma: A...kane....? As reality sinks in, Ranma gets VERY embarrassed, and tries to make excuses. Ranma: No! You've got it all wrong! Nooooooo! Nabiki shows up to put her two cents (3 yen) worth in. Nabiki: I heard that! I heard it! Nabiki pats Akane on the back. Nabiki: Isn't that great, Akane? Akane looks back at her in surprise. Akane: Oneechan.... Nabiki: The two of you stay friendly with each other from now on, OK? 'Later.... Nabiki waves goodbye to the two of them, and starts to walk away, with a strange look on her face. Ranma and Akane watch her leave. Nabiki: (thinking) What a stupid way to get revenge. (thinking) I was worried about *that*? Ranma: (thinking) Shiiiiit.... (Page 164) Ranma tries to explain things to Akane, so she doesn't "get the wrong idea". Ranma: That thing just now... I thought Nabiki was trying to trick me again.... Akane: Ok, *OK*. I get the point. Just drop it, will you? Ranma starts heading towards home. Ranma: Hey, aren't you going back home? Akane: .... Akane looks back at him. Akane: What about our "making up" date? Akane: Didn't you suggest that we go on one? Ranma's confused. Nabiki had made that up, remember. Ranma: Eh...? Ranma: .... Akane comes over to him and looks him in the eye, while his flowers quietly start to fall apart in his hands. Ranma holds the flowers out to Akane. Ranma: ...Want them? Akane takes them, and beams happily. Ranma looks at her. Akane: Thanks.... --FIN--