No, it's just that Nodoka Saotome is always around to make sure that Ranma 
is being raised in a "manly" way, or she will force Ranma and Genma to 
commit seppuku, as they have sworn to do so.  That's why she always 
carries that sword around.  It's also why, for the longest time, Ranma hid 
his male form from her - a son who turns into a girl might not be 
considered "manly".  Fortunately, when Nodoka did find out, she decided 
her son was manly enough, even when he was a woman.
One of the mangas, though, did show a scene of what might happen if Genma 
and Ranma were forced to commit seppuku:  Ranma and Genma were kneeling in 
white robes in front of the killing blades, while Nodoka stood over them, 
sword at the ready.  It's this scene that people are discussing - what it 
means, exactly.
Fortunately for me, this was all covered in "Shogun", so I already knew 
all about how to commit seppuku.  Not a fun process, by any means.

-Richard
rlawson@lss.usa.com
	"Hello there, Auntie Saotome!"
		-Ranko  (aka Ranma Saotome)