While out on one of his voyages Ryoga discovers the "Fishing Pole of Love" which is said to make anyone you attach the suction cup to fall in love with you. Ryoga buys one and plans to use it on Akane, not thinking it will even work. As she passes by he casts the line but strikes Ranma instead. Ranma starts expressing genuine affection towards Ryoga, and even transforms into a girl to make Ryoga feel better. The suction cup of the pole creates a mark which has three stages of affection, of which the last stage creates full bloom romantic interest. While opening Ranma's shirt to see what stage the mark was in, Akane walks in on them.