I always thought that if Mrs. Tendo had lived, there'd definitely be some major changes in Soun and his daughters... and so far, you've done an excellent job of addressing them in a believable and intriguing way. There are definitely some fascinating shifts in character dynamics as a result: Particularly Akane/Ranma, Soun/Genma, Kimiko/Ranma, and Akane/Nabiki.
I have to agree a bit with Taechunsa though... I'm always a bit weary of stories where Akane is equal to Ranma in skill. Not because I don't think it's possible, but because (at least in the context of this story) it doesn't seem like she's sacrificed enough. Yes, she travels around occasionally... but how can she juggle school, family, teaching, and the art, and still expect to be an equal match for Ranma, when Ryoga and Shampoo still aren't? I would have preferred it if something significant had changed in Ranma's own history to make the discrepancy less glaring; as well as explain his sudden propensity for hitting girls. In the very least, it would have been nice if Akane's skill had been downplayed just a bit, so that when she finally did manage to defeat Ranma, it wouldn't have seemed so contrived.
So then, what really IS the difference between Ranma and Akane's ability?
In this story, it seems the answer is Akane's loving, supportive family... since what else could account for her skill-level, despite her lack of constant training? Yet, if that's the only real difference between their development, then why is Shampoo not up to par with Ranma too? She should be able to trounce them both, considering her warrior-esque upbringing. And though Ranma was devoid of his mother's love, there's no denying that he still shares a strong bond with Genma, which should account for something.
Still, the methods you used to get Akane up-to-par were really creative. I look forward to seeing how much further she's able to push Ranma to better himself, and how that affects their budding relationship as well.
Anyway, I really am enjoying this story. Especially with the sudden addition of the supernatural, which I'm always a sucker for. I look forward to reading more, and seeing where your story goes from here. Happy writing! _
All I can really say is wow. I found this story by accident and now I'm a firm believer (even more than before) that there is no such things as accidents.
First off, this story is just so well written and the flow of the story is just right. I also believe that if Akane's mother lived, all the girls would be different .. but most importantly, Soun would have continued with his training and the training of the girls, especially Akane's. And to make their mom a doctor is completely cool because she's this smart, educated woman that understands the other side of things, mainly speaking about the art and training.
I also love love the fact that Akane is up to par with Ranma. She is that good .. if she was trained and taken seriously. I love her character and I always find stories where she's weak and doesn't take her training seriously annoying .. but having her not only be an honorary Amazon (cool way to include that little tidbit), but actually beat Ranma .. Ha! That was too rich.
It's good for Ranma's character also .. it makes him less cocky than he was in the manga and anime (although I love him anyways .), but the way you're making him, he has to actually struggle not only with his training even more (cause the boy has suffered), but also with his own ego and admit that a female is just as good as him. And this same female is pushing him to further improve himself and vise versa.
And their romance is just right. I mean, they can't automatically just be head over heels for each other because that would just be cliched. The way you're doing it is fine, subtle and slow .. the way good long lasting romances are. I mean, they really do understand each other and being in love is more than just physical .. it's being friends and partners, something they are becoming the best of. Also the fact that Ranma isn't as shy with Akane is a plus lol.
Great story and sorry for the long ramble .. I mean I could go on but I won't .
I really do hope you update soon .. but I know real life gets in the way .. so just know that whenever you do decide to come back, you got one fan waiting for you.
This was supposed to be at chapter 12 but the 4 year old stuffed that one up and it got posted unfinished and incorrect.
Well done story and an interesting idea.The difference the addition of one certian person to your story seems quite viable and well within probability to my way of looking at it.
The fact that Akane can be seen as Ranmas equal in ability in ths world, without going through all the hardships that he went through is just further proof that Genma is a complete idiot.
As i am a total Ranma/Akane believer i am happy to see that they are falling for each other even though they don't see this themselves yet.
I am very interested in seeing where you will take this story so update soon please, and i hope often and for a long time to come
Meant to say before the young one kind of force submitted my previos review , that i am glad to see Akane and Ranma falling for each other even if they dont yet know it.
While I have some mixed feelings about this story, overall I like it.
I have never really liked stories that have Akane being as good or better than Ranma and his cohorts. Mainly because of exactly what Nabkiki pointed out. In the canon there is a trade off. Ranma and Ryoga are exceptional at the arts, but they don't have anything else. Akane has a loving family, a home, friends, she had a fairly normal life. At least in this story you have addressed some of that, but still, Ranma gave up all of that to be no better than Akane in the arts. Just really doesn't seem fair, but hey who said anything about life being fair.
I was worried for a while when it looked like you were only going to have Akane training and getting better, with Ranma only playing catch up the whole time. The Apian fist took care of that well enough for me.
I absolutely love the romance between Ranma and Akane, however, your idea of sparring is bordering on the Genma Saotome side of insane. When Ranma and Akane "spar" they do more damage to each other then when either actually fights another opponent. Sparring, you know pulled punches and all that. Not broken ribs and slamming each other into the surroundings hard enough to leave one another incapable of moving normally afterward. It is like the only way you seem to think we can see them as being equals is if they try to kill each other all of the time. Why not actually show them sparring every once in a while. Maybe even train together instead of constantly trying to one up each other by training separately in secret.
Also, I hope that eventually you are going to get around to addressing some of those issues that Soun mentioned about Ranma and Genma's way of raising him. Ranma has had a rather rough childhood, and you seem to know this, as it is mentioned, but I would like to see more in story about showing it and addressing it.
Not real sure I am going to like the whole demon-hunter direction this one seems to be going, but I am more than willing to give it a shot.
I look forward to the next chapter, whenever you can get it out.
Liking this story alot, especially the new direction it's taking with demons and the way Akane and Ranma try to one-up each other with cool techniques. However, I thought I'd echo the sentiments of some other reviewers in saying that the unrealism of Akane and Soun being stronger than Ranma and his father somewhat mars this fic.
The pair DID wander around all of Japan and China learning all kinds of techniques and fightings hundreds of different opponents for a decade, but somehow Akane and Soun know just as many/more techniques and are just as experienced? Like another reviewer mentioned, there has not yet been a believable reason for this.
Other than that, I am enjoying the story and your writing, hope to read the next chapter soon!
This is a very interesting concept for a story. However, by raising Akane, who lived a relatively conventional life, to Ranma's level you've drastically upped the unfortunate circumstances of Ranma's upbringing. The idea that Ranma and Genma, who've given up everything, are now inferior to the Tendos who gave up nothing for the art besides their spare time just makes Ranma's sacrifices all the more tragic. Essentially the 10 years of solitude and sacrifice for relentless pursuit of martial arts perfection are rendered meaningless. Also, there is no rational reason for Soun to be stronger than Genma unless there was a vast difference in their skills when they parted, however many years ago that might have been. Equality in their skills would be a more rational approach to the relationship between Soun and Genma. Based on the original manga/anime the one redeeming factor of Genma's treatment of Ranma was the unmatched mastery and drive Ranma displayed. In the original storyline only those who followed the path of the wandering martial artist with the exception of those of ancient Chinese martial arts heritage like the amazons grew to great power. Ryoga had no choice but to follow the path of the wandering martial artist due to his sense of direction. Taro's past is generally unknown but given he was a student of Happosai it can be assumed that he held no permanent address. Shinosuke was in constant combat with the creatures of the Forest and we never saw direct competition on a skills basis between him and Ranma. Ryu Kumon was essentially a wandering martial artist following his father's destruction of their family dojo and death.
By giving equal/superior combat prowess to the Tendos you've turned one of the fundamental rules of the Takahashi universe on its ear. The wandering martial artist is a staple of the genre. You need a reason for the superiority of the Tendos, and as yet I've seen none. I do not question that Akane could become Ranma's equal through dedication and a competent teacher who doesn't have nervous breakdowns(at least upon his arrival in Nermia), and Soun followed the path of the wandering martial artist in his youth so he could easily be a match for Genma if he kept his skills up. However the superiority displayed by Soun and to a certain extent Akane doesn't 'feel' right. Not to mention the references to injury. I realize that you're trying to keep an aspect of realism in the practice of martial arts, but it tends to become the focus of the story.
And finally, based on the Genma we all know and hate from the manga your treatment of his is richly deserved, but you've essentially kidnapped Ranma from his legal guardian(as unfit as he may be) through Soun's deception and violence upon a one time friend for the 'good' of a child that he has had little to no interaction with. Rationally people should not accept this so readily without more reason. The Tendo family, including the doctor mother, are taking a whole lot of faith. Not to mention the neighborhood. Unwavering morals aside there has been no reason for Genma to have to 'give up' his son, who he devoted himself entirely to training for the last decade, based on a 'bet.' Especially when such blatant manipulation is evident in Soun's actions.
It may seem like I'm being hyper critical, but I am enjoying your work. These things are just jumping out at me, and I hope you can enjoy some constructive criticism.
I must admit that this story threw me for a loop. I had never seen a "Akane is the equal to Ranma" story done really well, but it seems I've found it. Your fic makes sense, portrays your remade characters wonderfully, and to wrap it all up, actually really fun to read! Having a new enemy only serves to increase the entertainment. I especially like your fight scenes, because it doesn't just rehash the attacks that we all know and love, it either expands on them or is a totally new technique. I absolutely loved it! The little tidbits of Ranma x Akane are definitely helping that love too, as I am a slightly unrepentant RxA shipper.
I can't wait to see what else you'll be throwing at the Nerima Wrecking Crew and the readers!
This story is somewhat unbelievable, even for a fanfic
First Akane somehow has had enough time and training to match Ranma, when he arrives, and has a supply of Ki and chi techniques?
For someone that has a happy home life and full school demands, she seems massively overpowered.
Ok fair enough for her to have considerably advanced skill compared to canon if her mother is still around and Soun is not a crying embarrassment of a parent
But to match ranma's devotion to the art and skill, with no similar sacrifices and time involved training - something she clearly has no time for with her "normal life"?
At least have the Amazons come down hard on the Tendo clan later, for somehow being in possession of secret and private techniques
even if the amazons don't try to kill the Tendo's for having stolen skills, i doubt the Tendo family could talk their way out of trouble or offer an equal trade of original knowledge and techniques in compensation for their lives or memories
And by that i mean family knowledge or techniques in trade, passing off other stolen skills, and having it traced back to them is how blood fued's begin- and i doubt they could survive that!
i would reccommend starting again from the first 2 chapters onward and not making the MC too unstoppable
i feel like this is the turning point of ranma's strength and the confidence that he always get when he is protecting akane seems to give him much more power, strength and courage... update soon.
Another good chapter with a completely new treat. Hopefully you will be able to get that update out before you are swamped with work, so we don't all starve from reader's neglect. But, if not I will look forward to the next chapter when you are able. And where did my Mai Tai go?
You got me, I wasn't ready for anything so unexpected. I thought it would be just a nice rewrite of the story. Please, keep going, you got me interested.
Excellent job with Nabiki calling her father immediately.
Now, do these particular Tendo (Saotome?) enemies have multiple operatives or fast transport, to be able to threaten Kasumi in Hawaii at the same time (or close enough) they threaten the Japanese contingent?