Yes, Akane Tendo did harbor genuine feelings for Dr. Tofu.
Akane's Affection for Dr. Tofu
Akane's romantic interests in the early parts of Ranma 1/2 included a clear affection for Dr. Tofu. Her feelings for him were significant and lasted for several years. This strong admiration was evident in her actions, such as deliberately growing her hair out to resemble her older sister, Kasumi, who Dr. Tofu himself was infatuated with. Akane's efforts to emulate Kasumi's appearance stemmed from her desire to attract Dr. Tofu's attention and affection.
Key Aspects of Her Feelings:
- Duration: Akane maintained feelings for Dr. Tofu for an extended period, spanning years.
- Motivation for Change: She made conscious efforts to alter her appearance, specifically growing her hair, to align with Dr. Tofu's preferences, which were directed towards Kasumi. This highlights the depth of her desire to appeal to him.
- Unrequited Love: While Akane held deep feelings for Dr. Tofu, his affections were consistently focused on Kasumi.
Ultimately, Akane's early romantic landscape was marked by her enduring crush on Dr. Tofu, a notable aspect of her character development before her complex relationship with Ranma Saotome took center stage.
