Ranma Saotome is a martial arts genius and a leading student at the Saotome "Anything-Goes" martial arts school. While training in China, he and his father meet an unfortunate fate when they accidentally fall into a cursed spring. From then on, Ranma is under a curse that turns him into a girl when he comes in contact with cold water, and only hot water can transform him back into a boy. To complicate matters, Ranma discovers that his father has arranged for him to marry one of Soun Tendo's three daughters so as to secure the future of the Tendo dojo. Despite learning of Ranma's predicament, Soun insists on proceeding with the engagement and selects his youngest daughter, Akane. Akane is both a highly skilled martial artist in her own right and notorious for her strong dislike for men. Ranma ½ follows the amusing escapades of Ranma and Akane as they face various adversaries, develop new romantic interests, and find different ways to infuriate each other, all while their upcoming marriage hangs over their heads.