The morning sunlight filtered through the window, casting a soft glow across the room. Shampoo had already woken up early—she was never one to waste time. Today, she had a plan, and it was important that everything went just as she imagined. She quickly got dressed in her school uniform, the fabric neat and crisp, and styled her hair into the familiar purple pigtails. The style was a signature look for her, and it always got attention.
As she looked at herself in the mirror, a mischievous smile tugged at the corners of her lips. Today's going to be fun, she thought to herself. She had agreed to walk with Sayuri and Yuka—two of Akane's classmates—to school. It was all part of her plan. By walking with them, Shampoo would make sure Akane saw her surrounded by other girls. She knew Akane could be a bit possessive, especially when it came to Ranma. Shampoo was going to use that to her advantage.
She grabbed her bag and quickly made her way downstairs, where Cologne was preparing tea. The elderly woman didn't say much, only offering a small nod of approval as Shampoo left the house. "Be careful, Shampoo. You don't want to start a war you can't finish."
Shampoo's grin widened. "Don't worry, Grandma. I've got everything under control."
At school, Shampoo found Sayuri and Yuka waiting outside the gates, chatting excitedly as they looked up at her. Shampoo's presence instantly drew the attention of the nearby boys, but she kept her focus on the two girls in front of her.
"Good morning!" Shampoo greeted them, her voice cheerful, but with a hint of something more calculated beneath the surface. "Shampoo walk with you today."
Sayuri and Yuka looked delighted. "Of course, Shampoo! We're happy you're joining us," Yuka said, beaming.
Shampoo linked arms with them, intentionally positioning herself so she was in the middle, drawing attention from everyone around them. As they walked, Shampoo made sure to laugh a little louder than necessary, tossing her hair and glancing at Akane whenever she could. The plan was simple: make sure Akane saw her walking with other girls. Make her wonder why Ranma's attention seemed to shift so easily.
When they reached the school gates, Shampoo spotted Akane not far away, standing with Ranma. Her eyes twinkled with a mixture of amusement and challenge. Akane had caught sight of her and immediately looked irritated.
Just as I thought. Shampoo kept her smile bright, though she knew Akane would be fuming inside. Akane was used to being the center of attention, especially when it came to Ranma. But now Shampoo was taking that place, even if it was just for a moment.
"Ni hao, Akane!" Shampoo called out cheerfully as she continued walking with Sayuri and Yuka, making sure to lean a little closer to them as they passed by. "I'm walking with new friends today. Maybe you should try it sometime."
Akane's frown deepened, her fists clenching at her sides. Shampoo could see her irritation building, just like she had planned. But the best part was yet to come.
The bell rang, signaling the start of the school day. As Shampoo walked into the classroom, she noticed Ranma glancing in her direction. For a brief moment, their eyes met, and Shampoo felt a small thrill of victory. Ranma's gaze lingered just a little too long, and Shampoo knew she had his attention.
Akane, who was sitting next to Ranma, noticed immediately and stiffened. She glanced between the two, her jaw set with frustration. Shampoo couldn't help but smirk inwardly. This is just the beginning.
As Shampoo took her seat, she saw Akane's eyes narrow at her, but Shampoo ignored her. Instead, she casually flipped her hair over her shoulder and glanced at Ranma. She knew Akane would be watching. She would be the one to feel the pressure.
The rest of the day would be full of opportunities for Shampoo to continue her little game. She'd flirt, she'd tease, and she'd make sure to always keep Ranma's attention just on the edge of Akane's reach.
Let the games begin. Shampoo smiled to herself as she sat back in her chair, ready to watch Akane's jealousy grow.
(Go get some water or smth)
The week flew by in a blur, and Friday morning arrived quicker than Shampoo had anticipated. She had spent the week walking with Sayuri and Yuka, making sure to keep Akane on edge, just as she had planned. By now, Shampoo was certain that Akane was feeling the pressure. She could tell from the way Akane looked at her, the way she clenched her fists when Shampoo got too close to Ranma.
As they reached the gates of the school that morning, Shampoo noticed a commotion ahead. Boys were gathered around Akane, shouting and causing a ruckus. Akane stood at the center, looking frustrated as usual, but today there was something different. There was an extra edge in her posture, an undeniable tension in the air.
Shampoo stopped in her tracks, her gaze narrowing as she watched Akane. She could hear the shouts of the boys, all clamoring to fight her for the same reason—to prove their love.
"What happening to Akane?" Shampoo asked, turning to Sayuri and Yuka.
Sayuri, looking slightly concerned, answered, "Oh, it's Friday again. Every Friday morning, boys gather around Akane and challenge her for a fight to prove who's worthy of her attention. It's been going on for a while now."
Yuka rolled her eyes. "It's so dumb. They all just want to show off for her, but Akane's never interested."
Shampoo scoffed, her lips curling into a small grin. "How stupid." She wasn't interested in the boys' antics. But this… She watched Akane, standing there in the middle of it all, with her usual look of frustration.
Without another word, Shampoo walked ahead, her pace quickening as she headed straight for the scene. The boys parted as Shampoo approached, some of them backing off at the sight of her. She could sense the tension rising as they all turned to watch her.
Akane had been preparing to ignore the boys when her gaze shifted to Shampoo. Her eyes narrowed. "Move it, Shampoo. I don't have time for your non-"
Before Akane could finish, Shampoo quickly swung her leg up, performing a swift, precise kick that sent one of the boys flying through the air. The boy soared upwards, screaming in surprise, before crashing back down to the ground with a loud thud.
Akane froze, her eyes wide with disbelief. The boys who had been gathered around her all stepped back in shock, unsure of what had just happened. Shampoo stood there, her leg still raised in the air, as if nothing unusual had just occurred.
"Get out of my way," Shampoo said, her voice cold and commanding as she looked at the stunned boys. "This is a school, not a battlefield."
Akane's mouth opened in shock, but she quickly snapped it shut, glaring at Shampoo. "You didn't have to do that!" she snapped, her cheeks flushed with anger and embarrassment. "I can handle them on my own!"
Shampoo lowered her leg, straightening up as she turned her attention back to Akane. "If you can, then why do they keep doing this every week?" she asked, her tone dripping with condescension. "You need help."
Akane clenched her fists, clearly irritated, but before she could retort, Shampoo turned her back to her and walked away. She was done here.
Shampoo continued walking into the school, leaving Akane fuming behind her. Let her think what she wants. Shampoo didn't care. She had proven a point today, and she was certain it would leave an impression on Ranma. Maybe Akane would finally see that Shampoo wasn't just some pretty girl trying to get attention. She was a force to be reckoned with.
As Shampoo entered the classroom, she saw Ranma glancing at her from across the room. His eyes lingered for a moment longer than usual, and Shampoo couldn't help but smile to herself. Perfect.
Akane followed in soon after, storming into the classroom with a furious expression, but Shampoo noticed the way Ranma's gaze flickered towards her before quickly darting away. Just as planned.
The bell rang, signaling the start of the school day, and Shampoo took her seat. Her heart was light, knowing she had once again thrown Akane off balance. But this was just the beginning. There would be more to come, and Shampoo was ready to play the game until the very end.