Furinkan High and Tatewaki Kuno

At Furinkan High School, Ranma clashes with the arrogant kendo champion Tatewaki Kuno, who is obsessed with Akane and unknowingly infatuated with Ranma's cursed female form, fueling endless rivalry and slapstick duels.

Once Ranma settles into life at Furinkan High School, the cast expands with a string of eccentric rivals and suitors who define the early comedic rhythm of the series. The most prominent is Tatewaki Kuno, the pompous captain of the school kendo club who speaks in flowery archaic Japanese and considers himself a noble samurai. Kuno has long pestered Akane with unwanted affection, declaring that no one may date her unless they first defeat him. When he encounters Ranma's red haired female form, he falls hopelessly in love with the mysterious pig tailed girl, never realizing she is the same boy he despises as a rival. This dramatic irony powers many early chapters. The arc deepens the relationship between Ranma and Akane as they are forced to cooperate against shared annoyances, even while refusing to admit any genuine feelings. Takahashi uses this stretch to perfect her formula, blending martial arts battles, transformation gags, romantic tension and the slow build of a found family. It also introduces the school setting as a recurring stage for absurd challenges, love letters and duels that keep escalating.