The Martial Arts Rhythmic Gymnastics Arc is the fifth story arc covered in the Ranma ½ manga, spanning six chapters. It was included cross Volume 2 of the Viz Media publication and in Volume 2 and 3 of the Shonen Sunday publication.
Plot Summary[]
After Ranma saves some girls from another person known as Kodachi the Black Rose, the same girls approach Akane and ask her to take there place in the Martial Arts Rhythmic Gymnastics match. Despite initially being against the idea, Akane accepts. Unfortunately, Akane isn't very coordinated, but Ryoga appears and explains he'll train her.[1]
Kodachi learns of this, so tries to make Akane unable to compete herself.[1] However, all her attempts fail and she also develops feelings for Ranma who saved her from falling off the roof of the Tendo Dojo.[2] This doesn't deter Kodachi, who tries to attack Akane at school, but again fails (during this time Kodachi is revealed to be the sister of Tatewaki Kuno, who in turn allows her to go steady with Ranma). The night before the match arrives and Akane has improved in her Gymnastic skills, but after being angered by Ranma she slips on a ball, twisting her ankle. With Akane unable to compete, Ranma has to be trained by Ryoga all through the night.[3]
At first Ranma seems like she'll be not much use in the fight because of how tired she is. At the start of the fight, Ranma uses her real name (much to the shock of both Kodachi and Tatewaki). In another effort to reduce the chances of Ranma winning, Kodachi attaches a chain which P-chan (who Kodachi had found earlier) tied to the end of it to her wrist.[4] Despite Kodachi's multiple attempts at cheating during the fight, Ranma manages to knock her out of the ring and win.[5][6] In part of the agreement Kodachi had made earlier, she declares to give up on her love for Ranma, only to say she'll burn with a whole new passion for him.[6]
Chapters Covered[]
| Image | Chapter Number | Arc Number | English Chapter Name | Japanese Chapter Name | Anime Counterpart(s) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
黒バラの小太刀 (Kuro bara no Kodachi) |
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|
黒バラの恋 (Kuro bara no koi) |
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|
妹をよろしく (Imoto o yoroshiku) |
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|
負けてもらうぜ (Makete morau ze) |
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|
熱闘新体操 (Netto shintaiso) |
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|
あきらめますわ (Akiramemasu wa) |
Major Events[]
- Akane is asked to take part in a Martial Arts Rhythmic Gymnastics match and agrees, but eventually can't compete due to a twisted ankle.
- Akane reveals she's named her piglet "P-chan".
- Ranma takes Akane's place in the match and wins.
Changes in anime[]
- Girls attacked by Kodachi don't have covered faces, thus Ranma never mistakes them for men.
- Kodachi's leotard lacks the rose emblem.
- The Arc ends with an extra scene of Kuno siblings giving bouquets of roses to each Ranma.
Characters Introduced[]
- Kodachi Kuno
- Martial Arts Rhythmic Gymnastics Judge
References[]