cscc1y@rosie.uh.edu (RpM-acct2/5) A Ranma 1/2 fanfic by Rod M. Based on characters and stories by R. Takahashi. comments & criticisms, of course, most welcome. cscc1y@jetson.uh.edu ------------------------------------------------------------------ Before Mousse... Before Ryoga Hibiki... Before Ranma Saotome... there was... ==== B L U E T H U N D E R R I S I N G ===== ----------------------------- Part the First: brutal youth ----------------------------- *SNIP* The young boy shivered, his eyes closed. *SNIP* He tried to forget the traumatic event, the horrible incident. *SNIP* The sound of sharp blades doing their work on him still sent shivers down his spine. He covered his head with his hands. *SNIP* Then he snapped out of his memories and looked around. The young boy stood all alone in the classroom. It wasn't that the room was empty, it was that the classmates were avoiding this particular boy. Condemned to the slings and arrows of misfortune that all odd little boys have to endure at a young age, this one stood angrily, convinced that this prosecution by his fellow elementary grade classmates was surely an injustice in life. "Hey Tatewaki, nice haircut! HAHAHAHAHAHA!" Kuno winced. Silently he cursed his lot in life, his ill fortune, and most of all, his father. Now he was once again the target of ill treatment by his obviously inferior classmates. "Hey! Look at Kuno!" someone else yelled. Tatewaki narrowed his eyes and searched for the source of speaker. He found it. A pack of boys were so _obviously_ laughing at him. Apparently, they had never heard of Tatewaki Kuno. "Silence! Cease thy stupid remarks!" yelled Kuno. "And what if we don't wanna?" one of them asked. Tatewaki smiled... *** The boys ran off quickly, a few crying, others angry, all hurting. Kuno cleaned off his ruler as a samurai would his sword, and put it away in his bookcase. It felt good to let loose with his god-given skills. He took a deep breath and smiled. Someone walked up behind him. Kuno felt a hand on his shoulder. This startled the boy and so he spun around quickly, sliding his ruler out again with amazing precision. "Hey, it's me!" "Oh, it is only you, Nabiki Tendo." Kuno looked up at her, one of the few people who chose to be around Kuno in general. He figured that Nabiki Tendo merely had more sense tha the common peasants that surrounded him and mocked him these days. "Jeez, Kuno-chan, I didn't think a ruler could be so damaging." "Hmph. If only I were allowed to bring my bokken to school. Such a substitute is beneath me." "Anyways, that was a great fight." "Thank you," said Kuno, and once again put away his ruler. Nabiki reached out and brushed his hair. "So, your daddy got you again, did he?" "Sadly, yes. I would rather not-" *CLICK* "What is that?" asked Kuno. "What's what, Kuno-chan?" "The device you have held in hand. And I would prefer it if you stopped calling me Kuno-chan." "Oh, this? Fancy new camera I bought." "And you judged my image to be worthy of preservation in your archives? Nabiki, I am indeed flattered, but I wish you would wait until I recover from this... this... unfortunate mode of hair I have acquired." "Oh, don't worry. I want to keep this image forever." Kuno blushed. He didn't notice Nabiki holding back a laugh. "Hey Kuno-chan," said Nabiki. "Please do not call me Kuno-chan!" "Y'know, you always talked funny. You gotta fix that some time." "Nabiki! Where'd you go?" a short-haired girl called. Tatewaki raised an eyebrow. "Nabiki, who is that?" "Oh, that's my sister Akane." Akane walked up to the two. "C'n I borrow some money? I forgot to get my lunch this morning." "Sure thing, sis," said Nabiki as she smiled. "But you'll owe me a favor sometime, okay?" Akane hesitated. "Okay, but I'm not doing anything dangerous or too stupid." Money changed hands and Akane walked off. Nabiki turned back towards Tatewaki and noticed that he was observing Akane as she walked away. "Hey, what's this? You like my sister, eh?" she asked, as she elbowed Kuno on the side and grinned. "Er, um, do not make such accusations, Nabiki Tendo! I was merely surprised that you had a sister! You offend my honor!" "Hey, just kiding! C'mon, Kuno-chan, let's get back to class." "STOP CALLING ME KUNO-CHAN!" "Now, now. We've had this arguement before. Would you prefer it if I called you Tachi?" Kuno sighed. "Please, no. Anything but THAT." "Then Kuno-chan it is! Let's get going!" she said, and pulled Tatewaki by the arm. ------ From the journals of Tatewaki Kuno: My mind is troubled like a foountain stirr'd. Perhaps once it was enough to tolerate the mad cuttings of my father upon my hair, but it is causing me much grief and has been a source of vexation for much of my short time in the noble instutution of learning. One thing is certain, I shall not endure such humiliation for too long, by hook or by crook. ------ Kuno didn't know who the fiends and rogues were. He didn't know why they had done such an offense. All he knew was that a scene of definite dishonor was taking place and it was his duty as noble blood to end such vile behaviour. "C'mon, Kuno, cut it out! It's my fight!" "Stay back, fair Akane! I shall smite these fools!" said Kuno boldly. "Hey, let's see the TOMBOY fight, eh?" a boy teased. A pack of boys were there, teasing Akane. Kuno stood between them, armed with a measuring stick that he hastily grabbed from a classroom. "Leave at once or feel the fury of Kuno!" The boys looked confused. Akane just got angrier. After all, she was the one in training to inherit the Tendo dojo, wasn't she? She didn't mind practicing her art on jerks now and then. Besides, it was fun to beat up on boys. "Well? Depart, peasants!" yelled Kuno. "Hey, the runt with the stupid haircut wants to fight!". The four boys advanced on Kuno, who stood his ground and held his ruler. The boys grinned evily. They shouldn't have mentioned the haircut. "Fools! Feel my wrath!" Kuno charged, slashing furiously with the ruler. The boys dodged desperately as they were cut and slapped furiously by Kuno's blade, er, stick. Soon, two of the boys were driven off, running and crying. Two others remained, and they looked very angry. Stood her ground, surprised that a measuring stick could do such damage. "Hey you jerk! You ruined my shirt!" one of them yelled. "Infidel! I had given thee fair warning! Now feel the vengence of the heavens!" Kuno chared once more, but this time he was feeling arrogant and hence, left himself open. He was quickly punched in the jaw and fell back stunned. The boys advanced on the prone figure of Kuno, ready to exact their vengence, when suddely... "ALRIGHT! THAT'S IT! I WANNA FIGHT!" The boys were taken entirely by surprise as Akane jumped in with a flying kick, slamming one to the ground. She bombarded the one left standing with a barrage of punches and kicks. Finally, she grabbed him by the shirt and flung him several feet away. Kuno recovered from his blows just in time to see all of this. He watched, mesmerized, as she gracefully delivered a series of punches and kicks. His jaw dropped as she lifted her adversary and flung him away. He was speechless. Akane brushed her hands together and began straightening out her dress. She hated it when they teased her like that, but on the positive side she loved to practice her martial arts without restraint when an opportunity such as this one presented itself. She looked around and noticed Kuno on the ground looking a bit dazed. "Um, hey, are you alright?" Kuno didn't know what to say. This godess of war was talking to HIM? "Hey, I've seen you before, haven't I? You're Nabiki's friend, right?" Kuno stood up slowly and straightened out his outfit. "I.. I am Tatewaki Kuno. You are Akane Tendo, are you not?" "Yup, that's me. Thank you for helping, but I like to fight. You don't have to join in." Kuno looked confused. Had he offended her? Had he done the right thing? "By the way, why do you have such a weird haircut?" Kuno's spirits sank. "It's not my fault. My father... he..." Akane suddenly interrupted. "What time is it?" "Eh? Near three, I think." "Aw geez, they're gonna wonder why I'm late at home!" Akane ran off. "See ya later!" she yelled in the distance. Kuno sighed. ------ Tatewake Kuno, age 12. Undefeated practicioner of the art of Kendo. The offspring of a long line of Kendo masters throughout the history of Japan. The next in line, or so he thought, to inherit the mantle of the greatest living Kendo master of Japan. Perhaps he would be the first since his great ancestor of the 1300s to be undefeated. However, it wasn't going as he thought it would. "Father! I protest!" "Tachi! Don't disagree with your father. I do not wish for you to tarnish your record with defeat so early in life." The elder and younger Kuno stood in the underground training hall of the Kuno estate. The elder looked fairly relaxed, and the younger had a surprisingly serious look on his face, if one considers that he was only at the age of twelve. "But I have only sparred twice!" "And you nearly lost both times!" the elder Kuno yelled back. "Until you prove to me that you're worthy to carry on the tradition, you will see limited time against others." A gleam formed in Tatewaki's eye. "What proof would you need of my competence? Perhaps if I... DEFEAT YOU NOW!" he yelled, whipping out his bokken. He charged at his father at a lightning fast pace. Suddenly, there was a blur, a sound of snipping, and Kuno reeled back. He examined his bokken, which was in shreds. He looked down at the floor, where bits of hair were spread all over. The old man had done it again. "Hahahah! Good try, Tatchi! But as you can see, you are still unable to be a match for your own father." The elder Kuno waved his gigantic shears idly and smiled. He remained cool, calm, and relatively and unnervingly happy. Kuno longed for the day when he could wipe that smile off of his face. Kuno threw down the ruins of his bokken and stomped out of the room. "Father dear? Brother dear? I'm home!" Ah, Kuno thought, more aggravation upon my day. Home is where the hurt is. Tatewaki tried to sneak to his room without being noticed by his sister, but as he rounded a corner, he ran straight into her. Kodachi stared blankly at Tatewaki. He retained a slightly angry countenance. "O-hohohohoho!" "I wish not to hear of it, sister. Begone." "Ah, brother dear, when will you learn you're no match for our father?" "I'll fight, till from my bones my flesh be hack'd. Tatewaki Kuno shall prevail." *** Kuno went up to his room, got another bokken, went to the backyard, and went over all the lessons which his ancestors had written down over the years. He strode over to the practice dummy and went over the basics, muttering while he stuck, "Men, kote, kote, do, tsuki." As he muttered, he struck the head, the left hand, the right hand, the torso, and then a strike to the throat. He envisioned a live opponent, in feudal Japan, struck down before him, sinking to his knees before the great and mighty Tatewaki Kuno. He repeated striking the areas in different ways for a solid hour, and then moved on to the more interesting parts of his training. The great line of Kuno had mastered a few very powerfull techniques in its time, and the instructions for them were laid out before young Tatewaki. Several interesting moves were laid out with exotic names, such as the Tenchi Raimei Kiri, the Ko-kuu Zan, and other rather obscure names. Kuno ignored them. He was fixated on the diagrams and sketches of a kendoist whose arms moved so fast that they were portrayed as a blur in the sketch. In the back, a tree that was not even within striking range was being damaged from the sheer movement of air that was being pushed forward by the bokken. This, to Tatewaki, was interesting. He knew that he was too young to defeat his opponents (and most importantly, his father) with power, so he relied on hi s speed. This technique relied heavily on speed. It was perfect for him. Kuno closed his eyes, concentrated, and then yelled "Tembatsu da da dadadadadadadada dadadadadadadadada!" and burst out in a blur of strikes against a practice dummy. With each "da" he connected with his bokken against the practice dummy. The leaves behind the dummy blew as if a strong breeze was blowing. The dummy shook violently from the assault. Finally, Kuno slowed down, and then stopped. "My time grows near, father. Perhaps not today, but the final victory shall be mine! The vengence of heaven is slow but sure." In the distance, the skies darkened and thunder shook the earth. =end part the first= ednotes: "Tembatsu da..." = swiped off of the Ranma1/2 SFamicom Super Battle faq stored in the Ranma 1/2 Expanded Home Page. So are the other two moves that Kuno ignored. Whoever wrote that thing.... thanks. ---------------------------- Part the Second: Home Alone ---------------------------- Kuno looked out the front door of his estate. His eyes scanned the area, searching for the one man that had caused him unacceptable grief and humiliation for far too long. "Brother dear, father's been gone for quite some time." "Yes, he has." "Do you think he'll return soon?" "To the gods themselves I pray that I never see such a hated countenance roam the face of Japan within mine own lifetime. Cursed old man! May he plague the rest of this earth for the rest of his damned lifetime but he shall never be welcomed within the estate of the noble lineage of Kuno again! He is a disgrace to everything our ancestors held dear!" "You're still upset about the haircut, aren't you." "Dammit, woman, do not remind me of this sorrow inflicted upon me by mine own blood! Why could he not dedicate himself to the blade instead of the shears? Our ancestors must have spun in their graves the day our father was born! I shall not forgive him." "Let me guess, your classmates made fun of your haircut?" Kuno fumed. He reached up and felt where a normal hair configuration had once been. He trembled in anger. "I swear to the gods now that I shall never be mocked again! I shall be undefeated in all my glorious battles! I shall command the respect and fear of those around me! And if the damned foul creature that calls itself mine own father should return someday, I WILL HAVE VENGENCE!!!" "Brother dear, I think maybe you're overreacting." Tatewaki turned to his sister and narrowed his eyes. "Had _you_ ever endured a day whilst bearing the mark," he pointed to his hair, "of our father's hobby and obsession?" "Well, no." "Then you cannot imagine what torment I had suffered." Kodachi sighed. "Well, don't you have any idea of where our dear father-" "Our DEAR father?" Kuno sneered. "Fine. Our father. Any idea on where he may have gone?" "I care not!" "Sasuke!" A small blur zoomed into the room, stopping and revealing itself as a rather small ninja. "Yes, mistress Kuno!" "Where has my father gone?" "Um... well... he did mention something about a vacation. He might have gon e to America. You know how he's fascinated with that place." "Oh! To the heathen lands has he fled? How suitable!" yelled Kuno. Kodachi bonked him in the head with a mallet. "Calm down brother dear. Anyways, Sasuke, did he say when he would come back?" "He didn't say, Mistress Kodachi. It could be days or it could be months." "Hm..." Kodachi said. "Let him wander the heathen lands for ETERNITY! I care not!" declared Kuno. He stomped angrily out of the room. "Where are you going, brother dear?" Kuno raised his bokken. "To train! Ours is a long line of kendo masters, is it not? I shall carry on what our father had so pathetically failed to do. I shall be the next great Kendo master in the history of Japan! HAHHAHA!" As Kuno walked off, Kodachi looked out at the front door that her brother had left open. A gentle breeze blew a few inconsiquential small clouds across a bright blue sky. "He would not stray from home for years, would he?" Kodachi muttered. Kuno stopped in his tracks and turned to his sister. "Do you truely miss the pressence of our paternal figure? Does he matter so much to you? Fret not, dear sister! Are we not now free as mountain winds in his absence? I tell you, good days lie ahead. We shall persevere and prosper!" ------ meanwhile... [[Sir, would you like a pina colada?]] "Pina Colada? mmm...." [[Oh, you're not too fluent in English, are you.]] "Um... Hai." [[Yup. Or, how would I say it in your language....]] "Hai." The strange man thumbed through his Japanese-English dictionary. With a bit of difficulty, he said [I rike Hawaii!] ------ From the journals of Tatewaki Kuno: I have been forced to take up the duties of man of the household, which at first seemed to be a promising proposal. I had forgotten about the obligations I had towards my sister... ------ Kodachi leapt from post to post, ribbon in hand, warily eyeing her opponent. This was a rarity indeed, for anyone to actually face Kodachi in the ring. Usually, Kodachi cripples her opponents before the match, but whispers of discontent among her own team had made her decide to not cripple this one. Yet. Her opponent snapped her own ribbon towards Kodachi, who easily dodged it and jumped off the post and to the mat. Some were actually doubting the fighting prowess of Kodachi Kuno, so she had decided to let this one fight unhindered, just to prove a point. Kodachi decided enough was enough, and lashed out with her ribbon, which went out into the stands and wrapped itself around a very surprised Tatewaki Kuno. "Sister! I protes*UGH*" The audience let out a mutual "ow" as Tatewaki collided head-first with the forehead of Kodachi's opponent. *** "Brother dear, are you feeling well?" Tatewaki adjusted the ice pack that he held to his forehead. "Sister, you try my patience." "But aren't you proud? You helped me win the match!" Tatewaki sighed. "It is good that you bring victory to the Kuno name. You've done well, sister." "May I ask a favor, brother dear?" "Are we not family?" "Would you mind coming to watch the next match?" Kuno paused. He thought for a moment. He supposed it was his duty as the man of the house to give support to his sister. "Yes, I suppose it wouldn't be an inconvenience to attend your next match." "Thanks." Kuno blinked. Kodachi used the "T" word? Hm. Strange days indeed. Tatewaki bit into his dinner. "Sister, I am gratefull that you had cooked such a large feast," said Kuno, as he gestured to the tablefull of food Kodachi had prepared, "but I must say that something most strange has entered the flavoring of your dishes." "I wonder if it's the arsenic?" said Kodachi idly. Tatewaki turned a shade of blue. ------ From the journal of Tatewaki Kuno: I know not where my sister has picked up this odd habit of applying such hazzardous materials as arsenic and applying it as a food seasoning. I do not recall mother having such habits, and father had never shown any inclination towards the realm of the kitchen, save for a midnight snack. Thankfully, the Kuno line is a strong one, and with the aid of several detoxifiers that our family ninja had in his posession, I now survive dinner with ease. Perhaps I should call a housekeeping service tomorrow. It should easily be within the price range of the great Kuno fortune. Speaking of good fortunes, there is one matter that I really should attend to. This problem should be resolved soon. ------ *RING*RING*RI- "Hello?" //Nabiki Tendo?// "Yesss, who's asking?" //It is I, Tatewaki Kuno.// "Oh. Hey, Kuno-chan." //I have need of your presence at my estate as soon as possible. Tonight, if it would not inconvenience you. It is of great importance to me.// "Really, now. Sounds interesting... sure, I'll be there." ------ Kodachi crept silently through the Kuno estate. She thought she heard someone not of the household. She stopped by the doors to her father's work room. The lights were on, the door was closed, and voices were heard within. "Kuno-chan, that isn't right at all!" Oh-ho. A girl's voice? "I beseech thee, have patience, I am new to this endeavor." And with Kuno, eh? "There ya go, Kuno-chan, that's better." Now wouldn't it be a shame to ruin this little romantic interlude? It probbably would. "How can you revel in such activities? This endeavor is certainly not what man would call a normal sport of recreation. It wears me out, this task does." "I guess I was born with the talent. You should have, Kuno-chan, since you're the one with the money..." Kodachi liked shame, especially if it was on others. She smiled wickedly and dramatically opened the door. "Brother! What are you doing here?" she said. And then she saw what was flowing on top of the desk. Paperwork. Lots of it. Journals, records, accounts, legal documents, all spread out on the large oak desk and under examination by Kuno, who was sitting on the big chair behind the desk where their father usually would sit, and with a short-haired girl that Kodachi was not familiar with was sitting on the corner of the desk. Both wielded calculators and pencils. "Ah, um, what is this, brother dear?" "Oh, Nabiki, I do not believe that you have met my sister Kodachi yet? Kodachi, this lady is a fellow classmate of mine at Furinkan High, Nabiki Tendo." "Oh. I see." Kodachi frowned slightly. No fun tonight. Nabiki briefly smiled, waved at Kodachi, and dove right into the paperwork monster once more. "Wow, you guys really are rich. How your dad kept track of everything in this mess is beyond me." "Once again may I say that I am gratefull for your assistance," said Kuno. Kodachi turned away and started walking out the door. "Hey, you guys got a boat?" Kodachi stopped. Tatewaki looked up from a ledger he was examining. "What was that?" ask Kodachi. "The estate of Kuno includes a seagoing vessel?" asked Kuno. "Hm... got a record of purchase for a fourty foot sailing ship... the Vincence I." "It must be an elegant craft indeed." "Brother dear, might I remind you that it was our father that purchased the item?" Tatewaki frowned. "Indeed. It may just be decorated with unbearable patterns of shears and such." The trio frowned at the possibility of a tacky boat and then resumed their nocturnal activities. Tatewaki and Nabiki resumed putting the financial house of Kuno in order and Kodachi went off to cripple next week's opponent. "By the way, Kuno-chan, my sister isn't too thrilled about you ogling after her so much." "Oh the uncomparable Akane Tendo, she does love me. She just has yet to realize it. Time shall prove her heart to be mine." "Whatever, Kuno-chan." = end part the second = --------------------------------------- Part the Third: The Golden Age of Kuno --------------------------------------- From the journals of Tatewaki Kuno: With the lack of any parental figures in our household, my sister has taken over the culinary duties of the house, despite the protests of myself and good Sasuke. We fear that our digestive prowess will be put to the test. But perhaps this will be a boon, for is it not said that what does not kill you shall make you stronger? I am reminded of the old gaijin practice of bringing pet parakeets into underground mines. The concept was that whenever the unfortuante creature perished, the owner should flee from the area with much haste. Perhaps I should buy a pet. Maybe a dog. Anyways, Sasuke has taken over the menial duties of the house, including minor cleaning and garden chores. I oversee whatever duties remain, acting as representative of the house of Kuno. I have allowed the knowledgable Nabiki Tendo to peruse our financial records to ensure that the Kuno house is in good financial standings. I have even gone so far as to hire her as the Kuno estate stock broker on the Japan stock market. Without my father standing in the way, I participate more frequently in the kendo tournaments. Thus far, I have been unbeaten in my 50 matches. However, my greatest challenge should lie ahead in the coming years. I understand that competition is strong in the Furinkan High Kendo Club, and soon I shall be of freshman status in that institution. No doubt they shall hear of my achievements and elect me president of the club immediately upon my arrival. I feel a great time coming soon. Perhaps the best years of my life. After all, is it not said that high school is the most enjoyable time of one's life? ------ Tatewaki Kuno, high school freshman. The members of the kendo club eyed this new arrival with interest. Allegedly, he was a descendant of the legendary house of Kuno, which had always put out the greatest of Kendoists in Japan. In the past, that is. The most well-known Kuno at the moment was the mysterious principal of the school, who had never really displayed too much skill with the bokken, but weilded a mean pair of titanic shears. Kuno walked around, feeling rather pleased. His father was not there to stop him now. There was one situation that he felt he should get to immediately... the matter of leadership of the club was of immediate interest to him. "Excuse me, good sir," he said, tapping on the shoulder a person with long purple hair tied in a ponytail. "Hm? Yes, what're you bothering me for?" "Who, may I ask, is the current president of this club?" "Me." the man said, and promptly turned around to resume whatever it was he was doing. "So," resumed Kuno, "then you shall be resigning soon." The president turned around slowly. "What did you say?" "I said, you shall be resigning soon." "Oh, and why is that?" "I challange you, sir, for leadership of this mighty organization, to a duel!" "What? Very well, arrogant freshman malcontent. Step outside. And by the way, we duel for real. No points system." "As you like it." said Kuno. "You will regret offending the mighty Genjuro, freshman." *** Everyone agreed, it was a surprisingly fast match. Genjuro swung fast and hard, but was easily blocked Kuno, who in return swung at him at an increasingly fast rate. Soon, Genjuro was backed into a wall. Kuno grinned, and a spark could be seen in his eye. "Tembatsu da da dadadadadadadadadadadadadadadadadadada!!!" Kuno charged rapidly at his adversary, his bokken becoming a blur of movement rapidly striking out at a wide range, from the head to the abdomen. Genjuro blocked a few of the blows but soon his bokken was smashed. The reigning president stumbled back under the rain of blows and was brought to his knees. Kuno pointed his bokken at his opponent and looked smug. "Do you yield, adversary of mine?" "I... I..." Kuno raised his bokken menacingly. "I surrender," said Genjuro. Everyone looked in shock at the wall which was behind the ex-president. It was cracked severely, and yet Kuno never even touched the bricks. Kuno, noticing where the attention of his fellow club members was focused, walked over to the wall and gently tapped it with his bokken. It crumbled immediately. "Hear me now, fellow Kendoists! I am the unbeaten star of the kendo world. I am the heir to the noble lineage of Kuno. I am now your leader! I am Tatewaki Kuno, Freshman Fury of Furinkan High!!!" In the distance, thunder rumbled. "Well," one club member muttered, "he is good, but that nickname just isn't catchy, y'know?" ------ From the journal of Tatewaki Kuno: Today begins the Golden Era of Kuno! I have secured the position of leader of the Furinkan High Kendo Club. From this moment on, I forsee glory, fame, and good fortune. For is this not what is always destined and bestowed upon the house of Kuno? Tis destiny which guides my fates towards truely greener pastures. Whilst in junior high, I did take for granted the sight of Akane Tendo walking amongst the crowds. I had been content with merely being in her presence. However, now that I have gone on towards high school, I do miss the sight of her. I do declare, here and now, that I shall not take love for granted again! My courtship of the lovely and mighty Akane Tendo begins now! ------ Kuno stood nervously in front of the Tendo home. He nervously inspected the bouquet of roses in his hand. Puberty and raging hormones demanded that he come to this house and make his heart's desire known. His nerves, however, were not helpfull, and was the reason why he shook nervously. Kuno took deep breaths and calmed himself down. The whole courtship thing was still rather new to him. He knocked. The door opened. "Oh, hello there," said Kasumi. "Hello, I am Tatewaki Kuno, a friend of Nabiki. I..." "Oh! You're here to see Nabiki? Come on in. Nabiki! Your friend is here!" "Er..." said Kuno. Nabiki emerged from the staircase. "Hey, Kuno-chan, what's up?" "Um..." said Kuno. "Actually, it was my intention to..." "Hey, what's with those flowers?" She hoped they weren't for her. Kuno was generally nice, maybe a little on the weird side, but she liked their relationship as it was, just a friendship. Kuno realized the awkwardness of the situation. "Oh, well, These magnificent botanical wonders are for A-Akane Tendo. I... I was wishing to ask... Akane!" Kuno happily made a dash towards a very surprised Akane, who just happened to have been walking by, and minding her own business. "EEEEK!" *THWACK* Akane Tendo, age fourteen, stomped off angrily. "Hey, Kuno-chan. Hey. Heeeey. Get off the ground." Kuno slowly opened his eyes. "Nabiki, may I ask why your sister is so... unwelcoming towards me?" "What's that Kuno-chan?" "I said, why does she not like me. And don't call me Kuno-chan." "Gee, Kuno, I don't know." "I am amazed at her passionate words. I scorn her not. It seems that she scorns me. I am at a loss as to the source of her scorn." "C'mon, Kuno-chan, get off the floor." "_Must_ you refer to me as Kuno-chan?" ------ From the journals of Tatewaki Kuno: My purusit of the lovely Akane Tendo goes on, but for now, the tournaments begin! I hope to solidify my reputation in the kendo world with a few sound victories. ------ "... and in record time, the winner of this match, and still undefeated in all his matches, is, er, hey, what's your name?" Kuno grabbed the microphone. "I AM TATEWAKI KUNO, RISING SUN OF FURINKAN HIGH!!!" Kuno strode off the fighting area, leaving a rather impressed crowd. As he walked by the audience, a voice stood out amongst the cheers as it called to him. "Hey! Kuno-chan!" Kuno winced. "Nabiki Tendo, have I not requested politely that you prohibit further usage of the suffix -chan upon my name?" "C'mon, Kuno-chan, we've talked about this already...." Kuno sighed. He knew that Nabiki was not a creature of flexible nature, unless vast sums of money were involved. He had enough pride to turn down her offer of 100 yen a day for every day that she did not call him "Kuno-chan". There was such a thing as *Going Too Far. ----------------------------------------------- *naturally, this applied only to Other People. Tatewaki Kuno did as he pleased, and if people didn't like it, that was Very Unfortuante. ----------------------------------------------- "Very well, I concede this point. What do you call upon my name for?" "Just wanted to say congratulations! I think you've impressed your fellow club members too," she said pointing to where the other participants in the tournament were. They all were chatting and occasionally pointing at Kuno. It appeared that they were commenting in a positive light. "Yes, it would seem that I have impressed the audience, have I not?" said Kuno, fairly pleased with himself. "Of course I have! For whoever views the might of the great Tatewaki Kuno and is not overwhelmed with my prowess?" "Well, yeah, but what's with the 'rising sun' thing?" "All great warriors were known by a secondary name that reflected their greatness." "But I thought it was 'the Bokken Master of Furinkan High?' Wasn't that what you used last week?" "Rising Sun, Bokken Master, it matters not. A rose by any other name still smells as sweetly, does it not?" "Whatever, Kuno-chan. By the way, interested in more of these?" asked Nabiki, as she waved a handfull of photographs. *** "And once again, the winner and still undefeated, er.." the announcer stopped, waiting for the inevitable. He heard about this guy. Kuno grabbed the microphone. "I AM TATEWAKI KUNO, THE FIGHTING FURY OF FURINKAN HIGH!!! Once again, Kuno emerged victorious. His reputation began to spread through Furinkan High and with each victory he annointed himself with a new title... *** "...THE KENDO KING OF FURINKAN HIGH!!!" *** "...THE SAMURAI SPIRIT OF FURINKAN HIGH!!!" *** "...THE SHOOTING STAR OF FURINKAN HIGH!!!" *** "Hey, Kuno-chan, haven't you decided on a definite name yet?" Kuno and Nabiki stood at the gates of Furninkan high, relieved that another day of school was done. "It hardly matters, Nabiki Tendo. Am I not the only undefeated person of my art? Am I not the number one ranked kendoist in my division? Let them hear of a hundred names, they shall know that all of these refer to my greatness." "Hey, let's head over to the ice cream joint after school." "Oh? On what occasion?" "I'm bored." "Is that all?" "I've got more photos." Nabiki sighed. It was nice just to lounge around with her old friend, but he always had to have another reason. He was annoying like that. "Ah, a good reason. I shall meet you after school." "Oh, and one more thing. You're paying." Nabiki smiled. For all his annoying habits, there were a few nice things about hanging around with Kuno. Free lunchs were one of them. Kuno paused. "Hm...very well." He thought nothing of it. After all, she has served him well in the past, and he knew of few others that were a constant in his life. She was almost not quite somewhat unexactly a close fascimile parallel to something of a friend to him. Well, that's how he liked to think of it. ------ Akane Tendo, freshman student of Furinkan High. Akane walked through the halls nervously. It had been a good year, last year. A few friends made, a few good times had. Most of all, Tatewaki Kuno was sent off to high school. It made for a year of good peace and calm. However, all good things must end, and so the next year Akane became a freshman student at Furinkan High. She nervously walked the halls, hoping to avoid the once and future annoyance in her life. Her friends were wondering why she was behaving in such a fashon. "Hey, Akane, why're you hiding behind us?" "It's this guy, he-" "Oh! So you've got a guy after you already? You work fast!" "No! It's not like that! He-" "Akane Tendo! How I have longed to see you once more!" "Oh no." The students around her looked around to see what the loud yell was all about. They stared at Kuno, who was striding happily towards Akane. "Hey," one of Akane's friends asked, "isn't that..." "Yes. It's Kuno." "But he's cute! What's wrong with him, Akane?" Before she could say any more, Kuno was kneeling in front of her, holding out flowers. "T'was destiny that we should be reunited once more, dearest Akane!" "Hey, not so loud, you idiot!" Akane hissed. Kuno took her by the hand. "Come, madam wife, sit by my side and let the world slip. We shall ne'er be younger." "WIFE?! I'm not your wife!" Akane pulled her hand away. "But someday you shall!" said Kuno, smiling. "Get away from me, Kuno!" Akane ran off. "Wait! My love!" yelled Kuno, and ran off in pursuit. The students at the scene stared at the duo, somewhat stunned. They talked amongst themselves. "Boy, he's obsessed." "Poor girl." "Poor girl? He's cute!" "Yeah he's cute, but he's a weirdo!" ------ Kuno knelt in his training room, drinking tea with his personal ninja. "Ah, my good man Sasuke, perhaps you can shed light upon this mystery which currently perplexes me." "Yes Master Kuno?" "The fair and noble Akane Tendo has thus far spurned my attempts at courtship and I am at a loss as to what can be done to rectify the situation." "Have you given her flowers? Chocolates? Notes of affection?" "Yes, yes, I have taken all known routes which the course of true love oft travels upon." "Hm... they did not work? 'Sweets for the sweet' I have often heard, but if it did not work..." Deep within the mind of Tatewaki Kuno, something clicked. Gears turned, wheels spun, and a few fuses were blown. "If it is sweets that be required to woo the sweet... I HAVE IT! I shall give unto her what compliments her grace, her strength, her spirit!" ------ "Akane Tendo, I challenge you!" Kuno bellowed, holding his bokken at a ready position. "What the..." Akane was stunned. Had Kuno gone mad? He was threatening to _fight_ her??? "Should I defeat you, then shall you DATE with me!" "What?!" "En garde!" Kuno yelled, and swung forth wildly. Akane dodged, silently thanking her father for her martial arts training, and hit Kuno with a punch to the stomach and a left hook to the jaw. Kuno reeled back. "Ah, she is delicate yet she is fierce! Do you not feel the thrill of combat, Akane Tendo?" Kuno swung down with his bokken, only for it to be caught by Akane's hands. She strained for a moment, and then flung Kuno away and into a brick wall. "Kuno, are you crazy?!?!" Kuno didn't respond. He usually doesn't when he's unconscious. *** A school dance was coming soon, and Kuno prepared himself to ask the uncomparable Akane Tendo to accompany him. He walked the school halls, immaculately groomed, not a wrinkle anywhere on his school uniform. He turned to where Akane's locker would be when.... "Hey, Akane, wouldja be my date for the dance?" "Hey, I asked first!" "Ignore these guys, go with me!" Akane had picked up an alarming amount of suitors. She fended them off with responses of "I'm flattered, but no...", "Sorry, but I don't want to..." and such. The boys begged, but she continued to turn them down. Akane felt that her training at the moment mattered a little more than boys at this point in her life. And more importantly, she was going to go visit Doctor Tofu after school.... Kuno was not amused. "Cretins! Scum! Peasants! Infidels! Villians! Rogues! Unworthy suitors begone!!!" roared Kuno. The boys, very familiar with the reputation of the unbeaten Kendo champion of Furinkan High, ran off immediately, leaving Akane alone. "Dear Akane, alone with me at last. May I ask for the pleasure of your company at the school dance?" "No." "We shall gracefully glide across the floor, a couple to be envied by the gods themselves." Kuno was lost in his fantasy. "No." "We shall set the nights afire with our passion! Yes! That night shall be passionate indeed!" *THWAP* "Snap out of it, Kuno. And the answer is _no_." ------ Kuno was disturbed for the next several days. It wasn't because Akane had turned him down yet again. No, he felt that time was on his side, and the course of true love never did flow sure and steady. The annoyance was the presence of the other suitors. That was a problem indeed. None must court the huntress except himself. All others were unworthy of the pursuit. But how to put an end to their foolish endeavor? Hm.... A-HA! Inspiration! Kuno grinned. His solution would give Akane that which she desired most AND would cut the unworthy from the ranks of her admirers. Kuno grabbed his pen and began to write the speech of his life... *** [Furinkan High, Speech Competition] "AND SO I SAY, NONE SHALL BE WORTHY TO DATE WITH THE FAIR AND MIGHTY AKANE TENDO UNLESS THEY SHOULD PROVE THEMSELVES WORTHY BY DEAFEATING HER IN COMBAT!" The auditorium was stunned. The judges were baffled. The male section of the student body looked downcast. This was Tatewaki Kuno, the greatest warrior in Furinkan High. Nobody dared go against the Word of Kuno. "I WILL PERMIT NO OTHER TERMS!" "Hm..." said Nabiki, who was seated in the stands, "tomorrow should be interesting. Too bad Akane didn't go with me tonight. I would've loved to have seen the look on that poor girl's face." *** Akane took in deep breaths. She hadn't ever fought this hard before. It was a true test of her skills. Around her, piles of boys from the various clubs and sports were battered and broken. "What the... hell... was that... about," she said, still breathing hard. The boys were all screaming something about "date" and "love" and other nonsense and they all came charging at her when she stepped to the front gate of the school. Now, more than ever, she was gratefull that her father trained her well in martial arts. Suddenly, she sensed something being flung at her. She turned and caught... a rose. "What the-?" "Ah, Akane Tendo, I see you have proven these scoundrels unworthy of your love. Now, wouldst thou spar with me? Should I win, you shall be mine, and should I loose, I shall be obliged to date with thee!" Kuno? Kuno was the source of this trouble? That was it. That was the _last_ straw. "DIEEE!!!" *** "Y'know, Kuno-chan, I think this backfired." "Bah. The huntress does enjoy the hunt, for that is her nature. *OUCH*" "Sorry 'bout that," said Nabiki. She resumed applying alcohol to the various cuts and wounds that were inflicted on Kuno's body. "Seriously, Kuno-chan, I think the whole thing is backfiring." "Bah. My plan is faultless. Nabiki didn't bother describing what was happening with Akane. After weeks and weeks of battling _every_single_morning_ with half the male population of Furinkan High, she had developed a certain... hate? No, that's not strong enough... a certain psychotic streak against the male gender in general, with the exception of Dr. Tofu and her father. Akane _despised_ boys. "Maybe... maybe you're not just doing this because she likes to fight, hm? "What are you *OUCH* suggesting, Nabiki Tendo." "Well, maybe it's you that enjoys getting beaten upon?" "You dare image that I, Tatewaki Kuno, would indulge in self-injury inflicting pleasures? *OW* I am not the one," said he, "with the catalogue of exotic leather goods." Kuno let out a small smile. Nabiki blushed. "Hey, how'd you find out about that!" "The Kuno family has eyes everywhere." Kuno turned away and whistled. Tatewaki made a mental note to pay Sasuke extra. Digging through the Tendo mail had benifits indeed. While the searches revealed nothing of importance on Akane Tendo, the expression on Nabiki's face was priceless. *** Kuno stood high atop Furinkan High, awaiting the arrival of his golden huntress once more. Life, he felt, was indeed good. Akane charged at full speed towards a mass of men awaiting her arrival. Indeed, Kuno had come to greatly enjoy the morning duels with Akane. To be merely in her presence was enough for him. Akane swung wildly, knocking boys down in waves. Kuno decided to make his entrance as usual. By now the unworthy suitors would be reduced to bruises on the ground. Yes, indeed, the course of true love did not run sure and smooth, but tis not the goal but the journey that makes life the rich experience that it is. Akane snapped to attention, sensing something flying towards her. *THWAP* She neatly caught the object in her hand and saw it to be.... A rose. "Truely, such a boorish lot." Akane sighed. "Kuno," she muttered. "Evdiently, each of them intends to ask you out, on the dawn that he finally defeats you." Kuno suavely brushed his hair. "Oh. Upperclasman Kuno. Good morning," said an unamused Akane. And now, Akane Tendo... might you fight with me?" For the first time, Kuno noticed a boy that was standing next to Akane. In fact, he was talking with her as well. She did not smite him? She did not strike him down and yet he dares stand so close to her? Who was this person that would dare converse so closely to his love?!? "You there!" roared Kuno. He pointed with his bokken towards the pig-tailed stranger in the Chinese garments. "What?" the stranger asked. Ha! He seems intimidated by the might of Kuno! "You are being quite familiar with Akane!" "Tell him, Akane," the stranger said. "Tell him what?" Akane looked away innocently. "Who are you, boor?" The stranger opened his mouth. "Ah! But it is the custom to give ones own name first! Fine, then! Mine I shall give!" rambled Kuno. "Huh? If you want..." "My name... is upperclassman Kuno. Junior group E. Captain of the Kendo club. Undefeated new star of the high school Kendo world. But my peers call me..." "THE BLUE THUNDER OF FURINKAN HIGH!!!" The wind blew hard, the stormclouds flew overhead, and as if for dramatic effect, lightning struck and was accompanied by the roar of the thunder. Tatewaki smiled. The little fool would soon never forget the fury and wrath of the Mighty Kuno. Meanwhile, up in the school, students were watching the confrontation with interest. "Blue Thunder? Last I heard he was calling himself Shooting Star." "Where does he get these names?" "Don't ask me," said Nabiki. She thought about it. Blue Thunder? Not bad. Kinda catchy. Blue Thunder... yeah... sounds good. = THE END, AND THE BEGINNING =