Ranma ½ Career Opportunities 6
- Thread starter Lawra
- Start date
Clearly the entire Mikigami scene seems overshadowed by the scene where Ranma is interacting with Nodoka and Seto. The scene where he is talking to the Treeship clearly sets Ranma up for becoming willing to accept his own Treeship.
The 'Go to your Room' Scene is one of the signs where it feels like Seto is aserting almost parental dominance over Ranma. It is also clear that Ranma either has not accepted Seto in that role given his action of rebeling that, or perhaps he has accepted it given how he interacts with Genma.
At first I felt the scene was heavy handed in forcing this interaction but now I feel it works.
I think Ranma should forgive Nodoka but Seto should give more of a gradual slip into interaction with them, mostly things like calls and letters for a few "months" to get Nodoka to know Ranma and a chance to devalue the contract.
The 'Go to your Room' Scene is one of the signs where it feels like Seto is aserting almost parental dominance over Ranma. It is also clear that Ranma either has not accepted Seto in that role given his action of rebeling that, or perhaps he has accepted it given how he interacts with Genma.
At first I felt the scene was heavy handed in forcing this interaction but now I feel it works.
I think Ranma should forgive Nodoka but Seto should give more of a gradual slip into interaction with them, mostly things like calls and letters for a few "months" to get Nodoka to know Ranma and a chance to devalue the contract.
What what what?
-----
Strolling down a dirt path lined with trees, Seto nodded her head towards the other woman in affirmation of her most recent question. While the situation was different than she had expected, the Earthling was showing where Ranma had received his inquisitive nature from. Although that wasn’t particularly fair of her, Genma had been the central parental figure in Ranma’s life, so she should give the man some credit.
“While there are examples, it’s considered exceptionally strange for anyone bonded with a tree ship to not join a royal house.†She explained, trying to assuage Nodoka’s distress at the implication that Seto was trying to steal her child away. “It’s merely a practical political arrangement.â€
She could admit to herself that she had made a mistake in assisting Ranma in finding Nodoka once again. The Earthling was currently a very negative influence. The boy needed to move on from his life on Earth not be forcibly tied down by misplaced sentiment. For long term and positive growth, Ranma needed to stop thinking so terrestrial, and to start thinking in a large galactic scale.
Then again, Nodoka was only a temporary influence, so she could afford to be briefly indulgent.
“That makes sense-- I suppose.†The Earthling stopped to watch a small fox like creature pause while moving through the surrounding trees to look at them. Two bright amber eyes appraised them both before it vanished off into the forest. “I’m overwhelmed by this place and I don’t understand how my son has adapted. Then again, I do not know my child.â€
“Unfortunately your time with him will remain limited. A consequence of your choice to have Genma raise him.â€
“Is there anyway that-- that could be changed?†Nodoka asked hopefully.
“The rules were bent quite extensively in the first place.†She answered evasively. “But I will do my best to ensure that you will have a way to communicate.â€
“Duty is heavier than a mountain.†The woman stood up straighter and tried to look resolute.
“Something I fear Ranma is still struggling to learn.†Seto smirked as she motioned for Nodoka to stop. “Shall we go see if he’s in a more agreeable mood?â€
“I’m not so sure if I should. I’ve only caused disharmony since I’ve seen him.†Nodoka fidgeted with the sleeves of her kimono while looking away uncertainly.
“Then how would you like to properly meet Mikagami-chan?†She certainly didn’t expect anything from it but it would be interesting to see her reaction.
“Isn’t that the name of this-- ship?†The Earthling asked in confusion, still struggling with the concept of a tree ship and their enormous interior.
“Yes, and I’m sure she would enjoy the chance to make your acquaintance.â€
zx
Ranma felt especially tired as he sat crosslegged under the shade of Mikagami. He had passionately explained why he was so upset with Seto, expecting the tree ship to fight him over every point. Instead the living ship had listened with incredible patience and even added to his reasons to further his case against Seto. Somehow, while feeling justifiably angry with the Juraian noble, it made him feel better by getting it out.
“And what do you think I should do?†Initially he thought to add ‘if you’re so smart’, but that felt wrong. Mikagami wasn’t to blame for his situation and the tree projected an aura of peace and serenity that felt too sacred to destroy further.
She didn’t offer him any suggestions, which he should have expected.
Closing his eyes, he considered how his choices had led him to this point even if he didn’t fully understand the consequences. If he didn’t like Seto’s plans then he could leave. He had sworn no sacred vows to Jurai for life and they really didn’t consider him to truly be in their service until after he completed his time as a cadet. Ranma was already out in space so he could explore the galaxy and see all the wonders that it held.
But if he threw away his ties to Jurai then he could never return home. Before the body enhancement he would have been dropped off back on Earth with his memory of life in space wiped. However, he had gone through with it in a rash decision to remove the Jusenkyo curse.
‘Maybe I should have paid more attention to what she had to say.’ He conceded, remembering how he had dismissed Seto’s warning the night before his body enhancement.
“It’s been quite some time since Mikagami-chan has had so much attention.†Seto’s amused voice made him open his eyes to see the tall woman at the base of the steps that led up to the control room. Behind her, almost hiding, was his mother looking at him in trepidation. “Nodoka-dono, this is the real Mikagami.â€
“Hello, it’s-- nice to meet you and I’ve had a lovely time aboard.†Nodoka nodded curtly to the tree, clearly having little interest in it before addressing him. “Son, how are you feeling?â€
Ranma took a deep breath as the tension he had been feeling earlier returned. “Like I’ve been taken advantage of to serve her goals.†He answered, narrowing his eyes at Seto. ‘I must be spending too much time around Noike if I’m going to talk like this.’
Stretching out his legs, he stood up in one smooth motion. “If you expect me to be part of your family then I’ll need to know what those goals are-- or no deal.†He heard his mother gasp softly but he never looked away from Seto’s red eyes gazing back at him intensely through her mint colored bangs.
“I would expect nothing less.†Seto’s red painted lips smiled approvingly.
‘I was kind of hoping she’d fight a bit more.’ He should have come up with a lot more conditions. This was the kind of bargaining failure that his father was known for.
“Do I not get a say in this? He is my son.†Nodoka interjected upset over being left out of the discussion.
“Would becoming a Prince of Jurai satisfy your contract to be manly?†Seto shifted the subject.
"A-- a-- a-- a prince?" Nodoka stuttered.
"He would be in line to become emperor as well. Though only a series of truly extraordinary circumstances would move him to the front of the line of succession." Seto added as though she was considering just how exactly she would bring it about.
"That would be very manly."His mother slowly conceded.
"Also, while I know it's not the norm, polygamy is practiced in the Jurai empire. So he could have many wives." The mint haired woman quickly hid a toothy grin behind her folding fan.
"Son, you must accept her offer now." Nodoka quickly informed him.
Ranma simply blinked repeatedly, having not expected Seto to be buttering up his mother with information that fit right into her mentality. "Uh-- I guess I do-- so long as I chose who I marry." He added, not wanting to give Seto everything.
"Excellent, I'll just send you two back to Earth to finish off your visit while I go make the arrangements." Seto snapped her fan closed and didn't wait for a response before she was already heading back up the steps.
'Did I just win or lose?' Ranma asked himself in confusion as the teleporter kicked in.
-----
Strolling down a dirt path lined with trees, Seto nodded her head towards the other woman in affirmation of her most recent question. While the situation was different than she had expected, the Earthling was showing where Ranma had received his inquisitive nature from. Although that wasn’t particularly fair of her, Genma had been the central parental figure in Ranma’s life, so she should give the man some credit.
“While there are examples, it’s considered exceptionally strange for anyone bonded with a tree ship to not join a royal house.†She explained, trying to assuage Nodoka’s distress at the implication that Seto was trying to steal her child away. “It’s merely a practical political arrangement.â€
She could admit to herself that she had made a mistake in assisting Ranma in finding Nodoka once again. The Earthling was currently a very negative influence. The boy needed to move on from his life on Earth not be forcibly tied down by misplaced sentiment. For long term and positive growth, Ranma needed to stop thinking so terrestrial, and to start thinking in a large galactic scale.
Then again, Nodoka was only a temporary influence, so she could afford to be briefly indulgent.
“That makes sense-- I suppose.†The Earthling stopped to watch a small fox like creature pause while moving through the surrounding trees to look at them. Two bright amber eyes appraised them both before it vanished off into the forest. “I’m overwhelmed by this place and I don’t understand how my son has adapted. Then again, I do not know my child.â€
“Unfortunately your time with him will remain limited. A consequence of your choice to have Genma raise him.â€
“Is there anyway that-- that could be changed?†Nodoka asked hopefully.
“The rules were bent quite extensively in the first place.†She answered evasively. “But I will do my best to ensure that you will have a way to communicate.â€
“Duty is heavier than a mountain.†The woman stood up straighter and tried to look resolute.
“Something I fear Ranma is still struggling to learn.†Seto smirked as she motioned for Nodoka to stop. “Shall we go see if he’s in a more agreeable mood?â€
“I’m not so sure if I should. I’ve only caused disharmony since I’ve seen him.†Nodoka fidgeted with the sleeves of her kimono while looking away uncertainly.
“Then how would you like to properly meet Mikagami-chan?†She certainly didn’t expect anything from it but it would be interesting to see her reaction.
“Isn’t that the name of this-- ship?†The Earthling asked in confusion, still struggling with the concept of a tree ship and their enormous interior.
“Yes, and I’m sure she would enjoy the chance to make your acquaintance.â€
zx
Ranma felt especially tired as he sat crosslegged under the shade of Mikagami. He had passionately explained why he was so upset with Seto, expecting the tree ship to fight him over every point. Instead the living ship had listened with incredible patience and even added to his reasons to further his case against Seto. Somehow, while feeling justifiably angry with the Juraian noble, it made him feel better by getting it out.
“And what do you think I should do?†Initially he thought to add ‘if you’re so smart’, but that felt wrong. Mikagami wasn’t to blame for his situation and the tree projected an aura of peace and serenity that felt too sacred to destroy further.
She didn’t offer him any suggestions, which he should have expected.
Closing his eyes, he considered how his choices had led him to this point even if he didn’t fully understand the consequences. If he didn’t like Seto’s plans then he could leave. He had sworn no sacred vows to Jurai for life and they really didn’t consider him to truly be in their service until after he completed his time as a cadet. Ranma was already out in space so he could explore the galaxy and see all the wonders that it held.
But if he threw away his ties to Jurai then he could never return home. Before the body enhancement he would have been dropped off back on Earth with his memory of life in space wiped. However, he had gone through with it in a rash decision to remove the Jusenkyo curse.
‘Maybe I should have paid more attention to what she had to say.’ He conceded, remembering how he had dismissed Seto’s warning the night before his body enhancement.
“It’s been quite some time since Mikagami-chan has had so much attention.†Seto’s amused voice made him open his eyes to see the tall woman at the base of the steps that led up to the control room. Behind her, almost hiding, was his mother looking at him in trepidation. “Nodoka-dono, this is the real Mikagami.â€
“Hello, it’s-- nice to meet you and I’ve had a lovely time aboard.†Nodoka nodded curtly to the tree, clearly having little interest in it before addressing him. “Son, how are you feeling?â€
Ranma took a deep breath as the tension he had been feeling earlier returned. “Like I’ve been taken advantage of to serve her goals.†He answered, narrowing his eyes at Seto. ‘I must be spending too much time around Noike if I’m going to talk like this.’
Stretching out his legs, he stood up in one smooth motion. “If you expect me to be part of your family then I’ll need to know what those goals are-- or no deal.†He heard his mother gasp softly but he never looked away from Seto’s red eyes gazing back at him intensely through her mint colored bangs.
“I would expect nothing less.†Seto’s red painted lips smiled approvingly.
‘I was kind of hoping she’d fight a bit more.’ He should have come up with a lot more conditions. This was the kind of bargaining failure that his father was known for.
“Do I not get a say in this? He is my son.†Nodoka interjected upset over being left out of the discussion.
“Would becoming a Prince of Jurai satisfy your contract to be manly?†Seto shifted the subject.
"A-- a-- a-- a prince?" Nodoka stuttered.
"He would be in line to become emperor as well. Though only a series of truly extraordinary circumstances would move him to the front of the line of succession." Seto added as though she was considering just how exactly she would bring it about.
"That would be very manly."His mother slowly conceded.
"Also, while I know it's not the norm, polygamy is practiced in the Jurai empire. So he could have many wives." The mint haired woman quickly hid a toothy grin behind her folding fan.
"Son, you must accept her offer now." Nodoka quickly informed him.
Ranma simply blinked repeatedly, having not expected Seto to be buttering up his mother with information that fit right into her mentality. "Uh-- I guess I do-- so long as I chose who I marry." He added, not wanting to give Seto everything.
"Excellent, I'll just send you two back to Earth to finish off your visit while I go make the arrangements." Seto snapped her fan closed and didn't wait for a response before she was already heading back up the steps.
'Did I just win or lose?' Ranma asked himself in confusion as the teleporter kicked in.
Lanceavalon said:
About damn time. 
So I'd like to comment but first I need to reread the rest of this chapter... any idea where it is?
So I'd like to comment but first I need to reread the rest of this chapter... any idea where it is?
Alternatively, maybe Lawra can edit that posts in the thread with the issue, which should correct the problem.