Why Ryoga Hates Ranma in Ranma 1/2, Explained

Episode #4 of Ranma 1/2 The remake introduced one of the franchise’s most beloved characters: the heir’s former friend and rival Saotome Ryoga. This powerful but easily distracted martial artist will become a recurring character, with many future episodes revolving around the resentment he feels towards Ranma.

However, episode 4 does not explain the reason for the hatred he feels towards the protagonist, despite it being vital for Ryoga’s character to be fully understood. Ranma’s former friend wants revenge for the curse given to him in Jusenkyo, which causes him to turn into a piglet when splashed with cold water. But considering Ranma shares the same illness, it may seem strange that Ryoga hates him so much.

Ryoga’s curse is Ranma’s fault

The protagonist accidentally pushed him into a cursed lake

As explained in episode #4 of Ranma 1/2Ryoga attended the same school as the protagonist, quickly becoming his rival. At some point, the bandana-wearing fighter challenged his friend to a fight after school, an encounter that never occurred. Heir Saotome waited many hours for his opponent, who never arrived due to his condition of getting lost easily no matter where he was going. After a long wait, Ranma had to leave the school he and his friend attended together, as his father wanted to continue his nomadic and chaotic training journey.

Ryoga, determined to prove he was stronger than his rival, attempted to follow him on his odyssey, finally catching up to him during his stay in Jusenkyo. While wandering the cursed pools of this legendary place, Ranma jumped on top of his head while chasing his father, causing Ryoga to fall into one of the bodies of water. After leaving, Ryoga discovered that he had transformed into a small, defenseless black pig. His hatred comes from the fact that Ranma pushed him into the water, cursing him to become a weak animal.

Ryoga’s grudge will continue in the story

Ryoga will become more than just an old rival

While Ranma 1/2 will initially portray Ryoga as just an old friend of the protagonist, later he will become a great antagonist. Although he still has a strained relationship with the Saotome heir, he will soon realize his growing feelings for Akane. His desire to be with Ranma’s fiancée will lead him to challenge him several times throughout the series, as well as working with other characters to prevent his rival from breaking his curse. Ryoga will never stop trying to surpass him and prove that he is the best suitor for Akane.

The youngest Hibiki is among the most iconic and hilarious characters in the world. Ranma 1/2 franchise has to offer. Ryoga is one of the few characters in the anime who can be considered as popular as Ranma or Akane themselves, and for good reason. New fans of the series will undoubtedly enjoy the chaos and mischief it brings into the protagonist’s life.