The Martial Arts Cheerleading Arc is the 53rd story arc covered in the Ranma ½ manga, spanning six chapters. This arc was included in volume 21 and 22 of the Weekly Shōnen Sunday tankōbon and volume 19 and 20 of the Viz Media tankōbon.
Plot Summary[]
When Akane is unfairly defeated by Mariko Konjo, cheerleader of Seisyun High School, Ranma decides to take avenge by challenging her to a cheerleading competition. Mariko, meanwhile, falls in love with Kuno after he falls on her head[1]. Akane begins to suspect that Ranma may be doing this because of her and tries to find a way to help her[2].
Since Kuno's love is needed to win the match, Ranma tries to show fake love for him by going on a date. But when the match begins, she is immediately put at a disadvantage when she is unable to actually love Kuno[3]. The fight continues and Ranma is continuously at a disadvantage until a new challenger joins the match, whom Ranma is able to latch onto[4]. As the fight continues, Mariko's attack temporarily disables Ranma's partner, who turns out to be Akane[5]. They use their combined might to finally defeat Mariko[6].
Chapters Covered[]
| Image | Chapter Number | Arc Number | English Chapter Name | Japanese Chapter Name | Anime Counterpart(s) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
HATUKOIチアガール (HATUKOI chiagaru) |
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|
愛の応援勝負 (Ai no oen shobu) |
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|
愛は勝つ!? (Ai wa katsu!?) |
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|
互角の愛 (Gokaku no ai) |
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|
愛の激突!! (Ai no gekitotsu!!) |
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|
それでも愛は勝つ!! (Sore de mo ai wa katsu!!) |
Major Events[]
- Mariko Konjo introduced as cheerleader for Seisyun High School and falls in love with Kuno.
- Ranma unintentionally professes his love to Akane.
Changes in anime[]
- When Ranma realizes he must love Kuno to win, just imagining how it would look knocks him down.
- Anime skips the scene where Mariko and Ranma shower Kuno with love letters and sexy pictures, as well as Kuno telling Mariko he loves her.
- Ranma kept his curse a secret from most of the school for pretty much the whole anime. In this episode, his secret is finally out (it was a known fact in the manga since Full Body Cat's Tongue Arc).
Characters Introduced[]
References[]