Part One: The Matsusake/ Setlin Reunion

The little old man wandered down the street, tapping his cane as he went. Occasionally he would wander toward the edge of the sidewalk and then right back to the other edge. He seemed lost in his own world, as he would occasionally bump into people, then he would apologize and say that he couldn't see them because he was blind. And wander off. After a while he turned the corner and he fished through his jacket, through the various wallets he'd lifted, and count up the cash he'd made. Then he quickly put it all away and continued down the street.

Ben was waiting outside Furinkan high school for Ranma. He figured that if he waited around long enough he'd find a way to repay his debt. Ranma and the others would be out soon. All of the sudden he heard a familiar tapping. He didn't think much of it, it could've been anything. He turned to look at the front gate, and an old man came around the corner, dressed in a green Kung fu uniform, worn under a brown jacket. He had a long mustache and thick gray eyebrows and carried a short wooden cane with him. Ben jumped back when he realized who it was, and quickly dove for cover.

The bell rang and the kids left through the front door. Ranma and Akane were walking down the main walkway when Kuno jumped out in front of them. "Ranma Saotome, prepare yourself, for today is the day when I finally bring you to justice!"

"Kuno, don't you ever give up?" said Ranma, a little annoyed. A small crowd began to gather. Nabiki and two of her friends stood off on the sidelines.

"Should we go take the bets?" one of them asked Nabiki.

"Why bother?" Nabiki replied nonchalantly. "Everyone knows who's going to win."

Just then the little old man walked by yelling "Place your bets! Place your bets!" "Hey!" Nabiki yelled, "He's hogging all the action!" The fight began, Kuno swung at Ranma several times with his sword. Ranma dodged every blow. Off on the sidelines the little old man was counting up the money on a Braille calculator, tapping in the numbers with the eraser end of a pencil. "Let me see..." he said to himself as he felt the display, "that's 500,000 yen on the guy on the left. Hmm..." he flipped the pencil out of his hand, and the point flew and hit Ranma in the back.

"Augh, what the?.." Ranma began, then he fainted.

Some of the kids turned to the old man. "Hey, that wasn't fair!"

"Yeah, we want our money back!"

"Dear me..." the old man stammered, "However could that have happened?"

"C'mon, old man, we want a refund!" said one of the kids, grabbing the old man by the collar. The old man tapped him lightly with his cane and the kid flew back several feet.

"Look, sonny," he said "the pencil slipped out of my hand and just happened to hit a pressure point. It was a complete accident! And besides, I could never have targeted that shot anyway, I'm blind!" he stuffed the money into his jacket "Sorry, no refunds."

"Hey, now wait a minute!" Akane yelled out.

The old man leapt over the wall continuing to yell out "Sorry no refunds, ha, ha, ha!"

"Ooh, that little jerk!" Nabiki steamed.

Later back at the Tendo Training Hall, Akane was relaying the scene to her father and Mr. Saotome. "...then he claimed that the whole thing was an accident, and he couldn't have been involved because he was blind!"

"Who the heck was that guy? His money lust seemed worse than..." Ranma began.

"Hey!!" came a yell from the front door. Everyone went into the main hall. Standing in the front door was Ben, carrying all his luggage. " Is it okay if I crash here for a while?"

"Oh, come on!" Akane burst out. "We already have three freeloaders here! What makes you think we'll accept one more?"

"Well, uh, let's see..." Ben started fishing through his pocket, "maybe because this freeloader is payin'?" he threw a large wad of cash at their feet.

Later at the dinner table Ben explained why he had decided to stay with them. "That guy at the school yard, today? He's my old sensei... yeah, he's kind of a money grubber."

"And he's followed you here to Japan?" Soun asked

"Yeah, Seems he feels I owe him a little more than I gave him for my initial training." Ben went on.

"How much did you give him?" Genma asked.

"Roughly, 5,000 dollars, and I promoted his Dojo." Ben answered, "But he knows I've made more in the film industry, and he keeps buggin' me for a larger share of it. He's a conniving little weasel, he'll try every trick in the book to get it. Back on the streets, after he started teaching me Ninjitsu, he used to follow me around to my fights so he could pickpocket the bystanders." Ben sipped his tea, "So I checked out of the hotel I was at, and told everyone I knew I was leaving town."

"This guy must really have you scared." Ranma retorted.

"You've seen me fight blind, and you know I'm pretty good at it. Well, master Matsusake practically revolutionized the style of blind fighting, he can be quicker than you can imagine when he needs to be." Ben sipped his tea again. "He's been in trouble with the IRS before, he's always cutting corners, and he also keeps swiping money from the wrong people, so he probably came here to Japan to get away from all the people he owes as well."

"This guy sounds pretty bad." muttered Akane.

"Well, if he doesn't find me after a few days he'll probably move on." That night Ben slept in the practice hall. He got up in the middle of the night to get a glass of water. He was filling up the glass when he heard the same tapping he did in the school yard. He quickly dowsed himself with the water to lessen the chances that the old man would recognize him, and peeked outside. The tapping seemed to be coming from the back porch. She looked around the corner. One of the trees in the backyard was swaying in the wind, and the branches were tapping the wall. "Darn it!" Ben thought "This guy's got me so damn paranoid." Suddenly a small form leapt onto her chest.

"Ranma! You waited up for me!" exclaimed Happosai.

Ben bashed the old man on the head with her elbow. "Get the hell off me, perv'! I ain't Ranma! But I'd be just as willing to beat your face in!"

"I still don't see why you gotta follow me to school," Ranma said to Ben the next day as they stepped out the front gate "and in your girl form no less."

"Look, I still have a debt to pay, okay? I'm just staying as a girl so master Matsusake won't recognize me should I run into him."

"Your acting as though I can't handle my own fights!" Ranma yelled back.

"I never said that," Ben replied calmly, "but sooner or later something's bound to come up that you can't handle."

"Oh, and you can!" Ranma yelled back. "Well, maybe not solo, but I do have connections."

All of the sudden from behind them, "Ben, my boy, It's been a while." They all turned back to see the old man in the green Kung Fu uniform.

"I'm sorry, sir," Ben said, trying hard to hide her fear, "but there's no one here by that name."

"Hmm..." muttered Matsusake as he wandered around the group "I'll admit you don't seem like Ben outwardly, but I can sense your aura! You're Ben all right!"

"I'm telling ya I don't know who you're talking about I'm... I'm..."Ben searched for a name.

"My cousin Ranko!" Akane jumped in. "Yeah, her cousin Ranko!" Ben smiled.

"You don't fool me!" Matsusake said tapping Ben lightly on the chest, "You had the surgery, didn't you! You went through all that just to avoid me! I'm so hurt" he began to cry.

"Oh, now don't cry..." Akane began.

"Don't fall for it Akane." Ben whispered, "He's trying to get us to reveal something, just walk off."

"Too late!" Matsusake said, whirling around toward Ben. He pointed his staff at Ben's face "You just gave yourself away, I heard It all, ha, ha, ha!"

"What," Ben stammered, "No... I... I mean... you must be hearing stuff old man!" Ben shouted at Matsusake "C'mon," he said to Ranma and Akane, "let's go." They walked off as Matsusake stood there thinking to himself.

Later at the high school, Ben stood out in the schoolyard under a tree, trying to think of a way out of her predicament. Suddenly, hot water began to pour on her from above. He looked up and was astonished to see Matsusake with a teapot. "Ha, Ha, Ha, I knew it, Ben would never have gone through that kind of surgery no mater what was at stake!" Matsusake laughed, then he leapt out of the tree. "So let me guess, Jusenkyou, I'd heard you went training in that part of China, I should have realized this earlier." He put his hand on his chin and thought for a second, "So, that means you probably have been doing twice the film work! Ha!" he quickly pulled out his Braille calculator "So let's see that brings what you owe me to about…$5,000,000! Plus another $1,000 not to reveal your secret."

"You little cheapskate! I don't have that much!"

"You can pay me in shifts, a payment this month, a payment next month, and so on." He paused "But then there'll be interest." He stuck out his little wrinkled hand "But you still have to pay me not to reveal your secret."

Ben grumbled "How about $500?"

"$900!"

"$600?"

"$800!"

"$700?"

Matsusake thought for a moment "Okay, deal!" Ben wrote out a check.

"You won't cancel this before I cash it will you?" Matsusake asked snatching the check.

"No, sir." Ben grumbled "Now remember, you promised. Don't go back on it."

"I'm hurt!" stammered Matsusake "You know me better than that!"

Ben sighed, "I guess I do."

The bell rang and Matsusake rushed off "See you later, Ben, I got business to attend to!" Ranma and Akane came out, and Matsusake jumped right in front of them. "Hey, Kid, I remember you!" Ranma looked down at the little man. "Hey, too bad about the fight yesterday, huh? Well you know, accidents happen."

"Yeah, how convenient that they happened in your favor." Ranma remarked.

"Aw, c'mon, don't be like that!" he pointed his cane over to Kuno who was still bragging about his victory to the girls "Look, he's right over there, trying to make you look like a fool! Why don't you go challenge him to a rematch."

"I might, but not with you around."

"Aw, c'mon, what did I do?" Matsusake said.

All of the sudden he was grabbed from behind by the collar of his jacket "Hey!" he said as Nabiki held him up to eye level.

"Look here you," Nabiki started "this school ground is my turf, you got that! The only one to take bets here are me and my staff!"

Matsusake shook himself free "Oh, I see, a fellow entrepreneur, huh?" he put his hand to his chin "Well, sister, how would you like a chance at the big time? I'll give you a deal 80%-20% my way plus half the action here at the school yard."

"How about 60%-40% my way and I get 90% of the profits here at school."

"That's crazy, why should I agree to that?!" Matsusake stammered.

"Maybe because Ben told me about some of the people you owe money too," She smiled, "seems to me that a quick phone call to a few of them and..."

"Sounds good to me, 60%-40% your way and 80% of the profits from the school!" Matsusake stammered.

Nabiki shook her head "90% of the profits on school grounds go to me." "Yeah, sure, Okay, 90%, gotcha!"

That night at the Dojo while Akane, Nabiki, and Ranma did there homework, Ben was out practicing in the practice hall. He was practicing some of his Kung fu maneuvers when Matsusake walked in. "Change of plans, my boy." Matsusake started.

"I wish you wouldn't call me that," said Ben pulling off his blindfold, "You know how much I hate it." "Well, anyway," Matsusake went on, "Seems I'm going to need about half of what you owe me up front."

"You've gotta be kidding!" Stammered Ben, "I ain't that rich you know! Fer cryin' out loud, I'm a stunt man! The films I do act in are only minor roles!"

"Well, thinking about it now," Matsusake said, "there was an actress named 'Benasato Serrin' in that Seagall movie a few years ago who played one of the main villains. From what I heard she used your same style and looked kind of like you as a girl."

"Well,... maybe one major role."

"C'mon, you owe me!"

"No, I don't! I've paid you enough already! This time I'm putting my foot down!" Ben shouted at the old man. "I ain't payin' ya anymore."

"You'll be sorry you said that!" Matsusake remarked.

"Yeah, like I haven't been through enough with you already." Ben said, leaving the room, "See ya pops'" For the rest of the night, Matsusake followed Ben around singing "You owe me." At the diner table he just kept repeating "You owe me." That night while Ben was trying to sleep, Matsusake was there singing "You owe me." Continuing the next day at breakfast, Ben slammed his fists down on the table. "ALL RIGHT, ENOUGH ALL READY!!!" he screamed.

"Then you'll pay me what you owe me?" Matsusake asked.

"No! But..." "You owe me." Matsusake began again.

"I've had just enough!" Soun shouted. He went over to Matsusake. "Can't you just leave us alone!" Matsusake appeared to move his arm just a slight bit, like a muscle spasm, and Soun went flying.

Then Matsusake continued as everyone looked in amazement "You owe me."

"All right, look, I'll fight you, if you win I'll pay you what I owe you, If I win I don't owe you a thing. Deal?" shouted Ben.

"Deal," smiled Matsusake.

Part Two: The Blind Beating the Blind

Ben and Matsusake were in the practice hall stretching and getting ready. Matsusake seemed incredibly confident. Everyone sat back and got ready to watch the fight. "Okay, are you both ready?" asked Nabiki, Ben and Matsusake both nodded. Nabiki raised her hand to start the fight.

"Not so fast!" yelled Happosai, storming into the room. "I thought I recognized you!" he said, angrily, as he marched up to Matsusake. "Yashiro Matsusake, you owe me!"

"What are you talking about?" questioned Matsusake. "Years ago you sold me this amulet," said Happosai, holding out a small ornament "You said it had magical properties, that I would become irresistible to all women if I wore it! Well, I wore it for five years and it never once worked! I paid you 5,000 yen for this piece of junk and I want it all back!"

Matsusake stood there for a moment then smiled "Happosai, yeah I remember you, I'm so sorry the thing didn't work out. But, c'mon we were friends once. Let's let bygones be bygones."

"I'm afraid that won't do, give me my money!" screamed Happosai.

Matsusake pulled the old letch close "Look, I'll make you a deal," he began "have you ever heard of Las Vegas?"

Happosai looked at him, puzzled "No."

"It's a wonderful place, beautiful women as far as the eye can see, and they let you do pretty much whatever you like with them with nearly no restriction, all for a small fee. Interested?"

Happosai zipped out of the room and two seconds later zipped back in with two bags fully packed and an outfit that looked very touristy to say the least. "I'm all set, when do we leave?"

He smiled. "Just as soon as I get what's mine." Matsusake said turning back to Ben.

Ben said nothing, but lowered his blindfold back into position. "All right, then," Nabiki began again, "BEGIN!" Ben charged at the old man who remained perfectly motionless. A few inches before Ben reached him he seemed to disappear and then reappear on top of Ben's head, jumping up and down. "You owe me, you owe me, you owe me!" Ben attempted to swat Matsusake off his head, Matsusake leapt away before Ben even touched him.

"Is this how you're goin to defeat me, pops? By annoying me to death?"

"Well, if you want it finished so quick." Matsusake said leaping at Ben, jabbing him repeatedly in different areas. Ben swatted at him a few times until he finally knocked the old man away.

"I didn't want to have to do this to you," Ben stated, as he went into the traditional Muay Thai stance, "but you leave me no choice!" He began an incredibly fast kicking combination on the old man, hitting him with the first few blows. After he stopped Matsusake was nowhere in sight. Ben listened for any telling clues to his location, until he was whacked hard on the back and sent flying across the room. Ben got up and went into a Tiger Kung Fu stance and leapt at Matsusake, punch after punch. Matsusake dodged them all quite easily. Ben was beginning to tire, and Matsusake seemed to be enjoying the whole scenario. "All right, that's it," Ben said, going into his Ninjitsu stance, "I'm gonna beat you at your own game!" He leapt at the old man with a kick.

"That was a mistake!" said Matsusake pulling out his cane. He blocked Ben's incoming kick and at the same time flipped him across the room. Then he leapt at Ben and struck at him several times with his cane, the last blow sent Ben through the wall. "Well, that's that." said Matsusake, leaning on his cane. "We have air fair now!" he said to Happosai.

"Wo-hoo, look out ladies, here I come!" exclaimed Happosai leaping up and down.

Ben started to come to. "Argh," Ranma said leaping up from where he was sitting. "Look here, you!" he yelled at Matsusake, "I don't care who you are, I ain't gonna let you get away with this!"

"My dear boy," said Matsusake, "What could I possibly gain by fighting you?"

"How about double or nothin'?" said Ben.

"Are you serious?" said Matsusake, ecstatically. "Yep, Provided you don't observe him in training. Deal?"

Matsusake though it over for a moment "Okay, deal!"

Happosai leapt up and grabbed Ranma by the collar. "Ranma, you better not screw this up for me!" he yelled. Ranma bashed him on the head.

"It's not that I don't trust you or nothin'," Ben said, "but I'd feel better if you signed a contract."

"Saying what exactly?" said Matsusake suspiciously. "Basically, if Ranma wins you never bother me again about what I owe you. But if you win I pay you twice what you feel I owe you."

"Fine!" said Matsusake, "You write it up right now, Okay?"

After Matsusake had signed the contract and left, Ranma turned to Ben. "are you sure you know what you're doing?"

"Don't worry," remarked Ben, "I gotta plan."

Part Three: The Con Man's Downfall?

For the rest of the week Ranma and Ben went to train at the dance club where they had fought weeks earlier. Although it was during the off hours, Ben's friend made sure that there was someone guarding both the main entrance and the emergency exit. Matsusake tried several attempts to get in, including through the air vent. But Ben had taken precautions for everything. And the old man was booted out every time. On the day of the fight Ben walked Matsusake to the dance club. They were followed close behind by the rest of the Tendo household. "So, Ranma is already waiting there, huh? Any particular reason?" Questioned Matsusake.

"He's just getting some more practice in before the match," replied Ben.

They got to the dance club and were let in by the club's bouncer. "So, are you ready yet?" said Ranma as soon as they entered the door.

"You bet I'm ready! Let's get this thing started all ready!" said Matsusake leaping onto the dance floor.

"Okay, then!" shouted Ben, moderating the fight, "Begin!"

Matsusake began to run toward Ranma when something began crinkling under his feet. He reached down and felt what he was stepping on. He picked up a bill, "Money?!" He started feeling around, the whole floor was covered with money. Taking advantage of the distraction, Ranma attacked Matsusake. The old man went flying. "Why you!.." he began running at Ranma again. Then he felt the crinkling under his feet and stopped again. Ranma attacked him again and again. Each time the old man was distracted by the money covering the floor. Finally he pulled out his cane and leapt at Ranma. "That does it!" he yelled. Ranma prepared to block the incoming attack but the old man dropped in mid leap and began to scoop up the cash. Ranma chuckled. He walked over to the old man and kicked him through the roof. They all went outside and found him sprawling on the street for some of the money that he had been carrying when he was kicked out.

"Seems its all over, holmes, Ranma won," remarked Ben.

"No fair!" Matsusake stammered, "you preyed on my weak points."

"Yeah, so we did, but you did sign a contract." Remarked Ben, "So you'll never bother me again about what I owe you."

Matsusake got up. "Yeah, we have a deal." he said sorrowfully.

Happosai leapt up on Ranma, grabbing him by the collar. "You've really done it now, Ranma!" he steamed "You ruined my chance at happiness!"

"Not really," said Matsusake, "all I have to do is sell the movie rights to the highest bidder!"

"Movie rights?" asked Akane.

"Yes I can see it all now 'the life story of Ben Setlin, as told by his sensei, Yashiro Matsusake."

"Why you!" Ben yelled as the old man began to run off. "GET BACK HERE!!" Ben yelled. Chasing the old man down the street. "YOU AIN'T DOING NOTHIN' IF I DON'T SAY SO, GOT IT! GET BACK HERE!!"

The End

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The Legal Stuff: Ranma ½ and the characters therein are the property of Rumiko Takahashi and are used without permission.