The usual disclaimer. Editing is useless at this point. Just sit back an enjoy. Secondary disclaimers include: 'Your fears of this being a ranma chan fic are unfounded', 'I won't OP ranma' and 'there is no Naruto/Ranma matchup'.
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The streets of Konoha were now bustling with activity, Ranma noted as he accompanied his blond counterpart as he sought to meet up with the rest of his team. That particular aspect of their trip was of little concern to Ranma, as he neither thought the Pink was as cute as Naruto professed she was or had the desire to associate with his brooding arch nemesis. Ranma chuckled at the thought as they cut through an alley. The fact that his friend even considered the Sas-kid a rival was amusing.
Gotta start somewhere, I guess, Ranma snorted mentally. Regardless, the martial arts heir did have a perfectly valid reason for accompanying Naruto, and that was breakfast, even if it was with Sas and Pink. The pigtailed boyÆs stomach grumbled as if to underscore the fact. The morning workout had done a good job in burning calories and his body was letting him know it was time to consume more, preferably in mass quantities.
àAnd that was when he spied a vendor opening up for the day, three blocks down. The aroma of crab cakes and octopus balls waft across his nostrils, sealing the old manÆs fate in that very instant.
ôHold up, æRuto.ö Ranma snagged the boyÆs orange jacket, pulling him back into the ally from which they had just stepped out of. Naruto blinked curiously as his friend reached into a pocket on his tangs and pulled outà a canteen?
Naruto Uzimaki gawked. No seals, no scrolls, no nothing. ôHowÆd you do that?!ö
ôKi folding.ö Ranma commented absently, uncapping the container and splashing himself with it. The canteen disappeared as quickly as it was obtained, leaving Naruto to stare in wonder. The fact that he was now a she was a minor footnote against the technique he had just witnessed. ôOkay, do that Minako jujitsu for me.ö
ôMinakoà?ö
ôYou, know, that blonde girl you can conjure?ö The pigtailed boy clarified. ôWeÆre gonna have a little fun.ö
ôOh, yeah! Sure!ö Naruto nodded excitedly, if only for the fact that somebody actually wanted to see the technique instead of yell at him for it. His face lapsed into a mask of concentration and cloud of smoke exploded around him violently "jujitsu tech here!ö
The smoke cleared and RanmaÆs cheek began twitching as she silently thanked God they were still in the ally. ôWith clothes, dummy.ö
Naruto Uzimaki blinked, then nodded. The slightly smaller puff of smoke that followed endowed the female Naruto with an outfit similar to his normal wear, but with a slightly tighter fit. Ranma gave the blonde haired, blue eyed girl clad in orange a scrutinizing eye before passing judgment. ôGood enough. Follow my lead.ö
The slightly taller blonde followed her redheaded friend out of the ally and back onto the street, where their senses were once again assaulted by the delicious aroma of baked goods. Ranma made her way down the street with Naruto in tow, pretending not to notice the vendor until the last minute. She sniffed the air in a rather obvious manner. ôOh! WhatÆs that smell?ö
Naruto took her cue, disguising her voice with admirable skill. ôSmells like delicious octopus balls!ö
ôAnd fish balls and crab cakes!ö The aging vendor unknowingly took his cue, springing the trap from which he was not to escape. ôMinumoto has the best street eats in all of Konoha!ö He leaned over the cart, clearly enamored by the two girls. ôWould either of you cuties like a stickie or two?ö
ôOh yes! How about you, Na-chan?ö Ranma clapped, gushing cuteness. Naruto stood, staring cluelessly at the vendor and his cart until her partner elbowed her. ôHow about YOU, Na-CHAN?ö
Naruto picked up the not so subtle clue and nodded furiously. ôOh yes! Definitely!ö
The vendor looked from one girl to the other, his gaze settling on the blonde in orange. He studied her for a moment, cocking his head. ôDo I know you?ö
ôUm, uh.. ehàö
Fortunately, Ranma had more than enough experience from being in situations exactly like the one presented to Naruto and picked up the fumble with practiced ease. ôOh, sheÆs my cousin! Just visiting for the weekend! YouÆve probably seen her around with me.ö
ôYep! Just visiting! ThatÆs me!ö Naruto chirped, flashing the old man a grin and a peace sign. The vendor studied the girl for a bit longer before simply shrugging, his good nature smile returning.
ôThen what can I get you charming girls?ö
ôOh! IÆll take two octopus stickies, a bag of crab cakes, some fishballs for Na-chan, some of those scrumptiousàö
Naruto listened to the redhead continue cheerfully, her eyes wide. How the heck did Ranma expect to pay for all that anyway?! It wasnÆt as if he had any money, and he was sure her friend didnÆt have much either. Maybe sheÆs rich or something, the blond mused, only to have his thoughts interrupted once more by a cry of dismay.
ôOh no!ö
Two sets of eyes focused on the pigtailed girl, who was now frantically digging through her pockets. ôOh, I know it was just here!ö
Naruto couldnÆt help but to arch a skeptical eyebrow now. The pockets that had held an entire canteen were now apparently empty. Fortunately, the old vendor didnÆt notice. ôWhatÆs wrong, Red?ö
ôI could have sworn my money was here!ö Ranma exclaimed pitifully, and even Naruto began to feel sorry for her until the redhead focused on her. ôHow about you, Na-chan? Do you have any??ö
ôUmàö
ôOh, neither of us do!ö Ranma inserted, her eyes shiny and sad. ôNow youÆll never get to taste the best octopus balls in Konoha!ö
Naruto blinked, staring at the girl incredulously. ôThatÆs, umà sad?ö
ôNow, now! We canÆt have that!ö The manÆs chest puffed out. Naruto watched with amazement as he began to wrap up the requested treats. ôI think I can afford to part with a few, especially for two of the cutest girls in Konoha!ö
Naruto watched as Ranma practically glowed. ôOh no! I couldnÆt do that for such a nice manàö
ôThink nothing of it, dear.ö He commented, packing an extra stickie into the bag for good measure. ôJust promise you and your cousin will stop by again.ö
ôOh, most definitely!ö The redhead piped as the goods changed hands. Naruto couldnÆt help but to note the unholy light shining in her eyes as she gathered the foodstuffs. Ranma bowed deeply and giggled before taking UzumakiÆs hand. ôCome on, Na-chan! WeÆll be late!ö
With that proclamation, She was dragging Ranma off down the road, away from the vendor and around a corner where she stopped abruptly. ôDibs on the crab cakes.ö
The blond girl stared at his friend with incredulity. ôYouà! Ià! Howà!?ö
ôHe didnÆt stand a chance.ö Ranma stated as she pushed a couple stickies toward Naruto. ôWe need to work on your technique, though. Maybe change your clothes in girl form, too.ö
Naruto blinked. Repeatedly. It was all she could do. ôWe got food. For free?ö
Nobody ever gave her anything for free.
ôKinda fun, huh?ö Ranma smiled between crab cakes. ôEven more fun now that I got somebody to score free eats with. Never could get Kawaii-kun to tag along.ö
Even if she were so incline, there was little Naruto could do to object as she stuffed her face full of seafood products. As it was, she wasnÆt inclined to and had to admit, Ranma was indeed correct. It was fun. The blonde girl tossed an empty skewer aside, rapidly depleting her share of the loot. ôWhat now?ö
Ranma looked at her friend with an impish smile. ôNow, how many vendors are there between here and your friends?ö
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8.5k words and building.
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The streets of Konoha were now bustling with activity, Ranma noted as he accompanied his blond counterpart as he sought to meet up with the rest of his team. That particular aspect of their trip was of little concern to Ranma, as he neither thought the Pink was as cute as Naruto professed she was or had the desire to associate with his brooding arch nemesis. Ranma chuckled at the thought as they cut through an alley. The fact that his friend even considered the Sas-kid a rival was amusing.
Gotta start somewhere, I guess, Ranma snorted mentally. Regardless, the martial arts heir did have a perfectly valid reason for accompanying Naruto, and that was breakfast, even if it was with Sas and Pink. The pigtailed boyÆs stomach grumbled as if to underscore the fact. The morning workout had done a good job in burning calories and his body was letting him know it was time to consume more, preferably in mass quantities.
àAnd that was when he spied a vendor opening up for the day, three blocks down. The aroma of crab cakes and octopus balls waft across his nostrils, sealing the old manÆs fate in that very instant.
ôHold up, æRuto.ö Ranma snagged the boyÆs orange jacket, pulling him back into the ally from which they had just stepped out of. Naruto blinked curiously as his friend reached into a pocket on his tangs and pulled outà a canteen?
Naruto Uzimaki gawked. No seals, no scrolls, no nothing. ôHowÆd you do that?!ö
ôKi folding.ö Ranma commented absently, uncapping the container and splashing himself with it. The canteen disappeared as quickly as it was obtained, leaving Naruto to stare in wonder. The fact that he was now a she was a minor footnote against the technique he had just witnessed. ôOkay, do that Minako jujitsu for me.ö
ôMinakoà?ö
ôYou, know, that blonde girl you can conjure?ö The pigtailed boy clarified. ôWeÆre gonna have a little fun.ö
ôOh, yeah! Sure!ö Naruto nodded excitedly, if only for the fact that somebody actually wanted to see the technique instead of yell at him for it. His face lapsed into a mask of concentration and cloud of smoke exploded around him violently "jujitsu tech here!ö
The smoke cleared and RanmaÆs cheek began twitching as she silently thanked God they were still in the ally. ôWith clothes, dummy.ö
Naruto Uzimaki blinked, then nodded. The slightly smaller puff of smoke that followed endowed the female Naruto with an outfit similar to his normal wear, but with a slightly tighter fit. Ranma gave the blonde haired, blue eyed girl clad in orange a scrutinizing eye before passing judgment. ôGood enough. Follow my lead.ö
The slightly taller blonde followed her redheaded friend out of the ally and back onto the street, where their senses were once again assaulted by the delicious aroma of baked goods. Ranma made her way down the street with Naruto in tow, pretending not to notice the vendor until the last minute. She sniffed the air in a rather obvious manner. ôOh! WhatÆs that smell?ö
Naruto took her cue, disguising her voice with admirable skill. ôSmells like delicious octopus balls!ö
ôAnd fish balls and crab cakes!ö The aging vendor unknowingly took his cue, springing the trap from which he was not to escape. ôMinumoto has the best street eats in all of Konoha!ö He leaned over the cart, clearly enamored by the two girls. ôWould either of you cuties like a stickie or two?ö
ôOh yes! How about you, Na-chan?ö Ranma clapped, gushing cuteness. Naruto stood, staring cluelessly at the vendor and his cart until her partner elbowed her. ôHow about YOU, Na-CHAN?ö
Naruto picked up the not so subtle clue and nodded furiously. ôOh yes! Definitely!ö
The vendor looked from one girl to the other, his gaze settling on the blonde in orange. He studied her for a moment, cocking his head. ôDo I know you?ö
ôUm, uh.. ehàö
Fortunately, Ranma had more than enough experience from being in situations exactly like the one presented to Naruto and picked up the fumble with practiced ease. ôOh, sheÆs my cousin! Just visiting for the weekend! YouÆve probably seen her around with me.ö
ôYep! Just visiting! ThatÆs me!ö Naruto chirped, flashing the old man a grin and a peace sign. The vendor studied the girl for a bit longer before simply shrugging, his good nature smile returning.
ôThen what can I get you charming girls?ö
ôOh! IÆll take two octopus stickies, a bag of crab cakes, some fishballs for Na-chan, some of those scrumptiousàö
Naruto listened to the redhead continue cheerfully, her eyes wide. How the heck did Ranma expect to pay for all that anyway?! It wasnÆt as if he had any money, and he was sure her friend didnÆt have much either. Maybe sheÆs rich or something, the blond mused, only to have his thoughts interrupted once more by a cry of dismay.
ôOh no!ö
Two sets of eyes focused on the pigtailed girl, who was now frantically digging through her pockets. ôOh, I know it was just here!ö
Naruto couldnÆt help but to arch a skeptical eyebrow now. The pockets that had held an entire canteen were now apparently empty. Fortunately, the old vendor didnÆt notice. ôWhatÆs wrong, Red?ö
ôI could have sworn my money was here!ö Ranma exclaimed pitifully, and even Naruto began to feel sorry for her until the redhead focused on her. ôHow about you, Na-chan? Do you have any??ö
ôUmàö
ôOh, neither of us do!ö Ranma inserted, her eyes shiny and sad. ôNow youÆll never get to taste the best octopus balls in Konoha!ö
Naruto blinked, staring at the girl incredulously. ôThatÆs, umà sad?ö
ôNow, now! We canÆt have that!ö The manÆs chest puffed out. Naruto watched with amazement as he began to wrap up the requested treats. ôI think I can afford to part with a few, especially for two of the cutest girls in Konoha!ö
Naruto watched as Ranma practically glowed. ôOh no! I couldnÆt do that for such a nice manàö
ôThink nothing of it, dear.ö He commented, packing an extra stickie into the bag for good measure. ôJust promise you and your cousin will stop by again.ö
ôOh, most definitely!ö The redhead piped as the goods changed hands. Naruto couldnÆt help but to note the unholy light shining in her eyes as she gathered the foodstuffs. Ranma bowed deeply and giggled before taking UzumakiÆs hand. ôCome on, Na-chan! WeÆll be late!ö
With that proclamation, She was dragging Ranma off down the road, away from the vendor and around a corner where she stopped abruptly. ôDibs on the crab cakes.ö
The blond girl stared at his friend with incredulity. ôYouà! Ià! Howà!?ö
ôHe didnÆt stand a chance.ö Ranma stated as she pushed a couple stickies toward Naruto. ôWe need to work on your technique, though. Maybe change your clothes in girl form, too.ö
Naruto blinked. Repeatedly. It was all she could do. ôWe got food. For free?ö
Nobody ever gave her anything for free.
ôKinda fun, huh?ö Ranma smiled between crab cakes. ôEven more fun now that I got somebody to score free eats with. Never could get Kawaii-kun to tag along.ö
Even if she were so incline, there was little Naruto could do to object as she stuffed her face full of seafood products. As it was, she wasnÆt inclined to and had to admit, Ranma was indeed correct. It was fun. The blonde girl tossed an empty skewer aside, rapidly depleting her share of the loot. ôWhat now?ö
Ranma looked at her friend with an impish smile. ôNow, how many vendors are there between here and your friends?ö
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8.5k words and building.
