Hm, I followed the various arguments on the appropriateness of
Akane's drowning herself in R2096, and find I have a few centimes
to add.
Among other points, the original poster (sorry, guys, hit the "D"
button too early, I don't remember his name) argued that, this
event was too important to just mention in passing, then be
expanded into a side story.
Well, I've reread part one, and the suicide is recounted by
Shampoo, from her own perspective. Mos likely, she doesn't
know all the stuff told in "Zannen", so the full story
simply would have to wait for part 4, after Akane and Ranma
meet again.
The only ones who couls have any hint of detail on that
would be Childra and Nutkin, who both have met Akane's
ghost.
All my deductions, of course.

A+

J.

PS: BTW, when are the poor WWW-challenged people be able
    to see R2096 parts 4 and further?