The next Monday, the school was buzzing with chatter. The rumor that Shampoo was the strongest girl at the school had spread like wildfire, and the students couldn't stop talking about it. Whispers echoed in the hallways, and soon, even the teachers seemed to be talking about the unexpected turn of events. But there was one person who was particularly irked by this new rumor.
Akane Tendo was seething.
She had always been known as the strongest girl in the school, and the idea that Shampoo had taken that title from her—especially after Ryoga's victory over her—was too much to bear. She clenched her fists as she stormed through the halls, ignoring the curious glances from her classmates.
By lunchtime, Akane had had enough. She didn't care about the rumors, or that Shampoo had effortlessly knocked out boys all week. She had to prove herself.
As Shampoo walked into the cafeteria with Yuka and Sayuri by her side, Akane approached her, her face set with determination. "Shampoo!" she snapped, causing the trio to stop and turn toward her.
Shampoo raised an eyebrow at the fiery look on Akane's face. "What Akane want?" she asked, her voice laced with confusion and a hint of amusement. "Shampoo not know you want something from Shampoo."
Akane crossed her arms, her eyes narrowing. "I've had enough of hearing about how strong you are, Shampoo. You think you're the strongest girl in this school? Prove it. I challenge you to a fight."
A ripple of silence spread through the cafeteria as the students watched the two girls, waiting for a response. Sayuri and Yuka exchanged nervous glances, clearly worried about their friend's bold challenge. Shampoo, however, simply tilted her head, her trademark smirk forming.
"You challenge Shampoo? How cute," Shampoo said, her voice dripping with playful sarcasm. "But Shampoo already know you not as strong as me."
Akane's eyes blazed with anger. "I don't care what you think! I'm not going to let you take my title."
Shampoo chuckled lightly, unfazed by Akane's anger. "Fine. Shampoo fight you. But be ready, Akane."
The fight was set for after school in the gym. By the time the bell rang, the students had gathered, the atmosphere tense with excitement. Ryoga, who had heard the challenge, was standing by the side, his arms crossed as he observed the situation. He could see the fire in Akane's eyes and the calm confidence in Shampoo's.
As Akane and Shampoo faced off in the center of the gym, Ryoga found himself feeling oddly conflicted. On one hand, he was more than familiar with Akane's strength. She was no pushover. On the other hand, he had seen firsthand just how dangerous Shampoo could be in a fight.
Akane didn't waste any time. She charged at Shampoo, her fists flying with raw power. Shampoo easily dodged her initial strike, gracefully stepping to the side and landing a quick jab to Akane's midsection.
"You too slow," Shampoo teased, a smile playing at the corners of her mouth. "Shampoo already know your moves, Akane."
Akane gritted her teeth and swung again, this time more focused. Shampoo blocked the punch with ease, her movements fluid and controlled. The two girls exchanged blows, their fight a dance of strength and agility, with neither willing to give up.
Ryoga, watching from the sidelines, felt the tension rise. He could see Akane's frustration growing as Shampoo effortlessly evaded each of her attacks.
"Come on, Akane, don't let her get to you," Ryoga muttered to himself, his fists clenched.
Akane was starting to tire. Her arms ached, and her breath came in sharp bursts. Shampoo, on the other hand, seemed to be barely winded. The difference in their stamina was becoming apparent.
"You're getting slower, Akane," Shampoo said, her voice still light and mocking. "Maybe you should give up now before you get hurt."
That stung, and Akane's pride flared. "I'm not giving up! I won't let you make a fool of me!"
With a renewed burst of energy, Akane launched herself at Shampoo, her fists moving faster than before. But this time, Shampoo didn't just dodge. She countered with a spinning kick, knocking Akane off balance and sending her crashing to the floor.
The gym was silent except for the sound of Akane's heavy breathing. Shampoo stood tall staring down at Akane on the floor, the crowd around them growing larger as the challenge drew more attention. Students whispered among themselves, excitement bubbling at the prospect of seeing the school's strongest girls face off.
Akane's fists were clenched, her expression a mix of frustration and fury. Shampoo, by contrast, stood tall and confident, her violet eyes sharp, her demeanor unreadable.
"QUIT PLAYING AROUND!" Akane's voice rang through the gym, cutting through the murmurs. She jabbed a finger in Shampoo's direction, her anger bubbling over. "You and your family always make things hard for everyone!"
The words hit Shampoo like a whip. For a moment, her face went blank. Then, slowly, her fists tightened at her sides, trembling from the force. Her jaw clenched as if she were biting back words, her entire frame taut with barely-contained fury.
"How dare you…" Shampoo muttered under her breath, her voice dangerously low.
Akane took a step forward, ignoring the warning signs. "Your great-grandmother shows up, throwing out rules and challenges, dragging people into ridiculous fights! And now you're here, taking over this school and—"
Shampoo didn't let her finish. She began speaking rapidly in Mandarin, her voice rising with every word. Though no one could understand her, the intensity was unmistakable. Her tone was sharp, her words clipped and searing. Finally, she stopped, glaring at Akane with pure venom in her eyes.
"你的死了!" Shampoo spat, her voice ringing loud and clear. The crowd froze as they watched her, the tension in the air almost tangible.
The words hung in the air, incomprehensible to most, but the dangerous glint in Shampoo's eyes needed no translation.
"What did you just say?!" Akane demanded, her confidence faltering slightly.
Shampoo exhaled sharply, forcing herself to switch to Japanese. Her gaze locked onto Akane, her violet eyes blazing. "You not know what you say," she said, her Japanese accented but clear. "Shampoo's family honorable. Not their fault weaklings like you can't handle them."
The crowd shifted uncomfortably, exchanging nervous glances. They had never seen Shampoo lose her composure like this. Even Akane hesitated, unsure of what was being said but keenly aware of the venom in Shampoo's voice.
Shampoo took a step forward, her movements fluid and precise, like a predator closing in on its prey. "You talk about my family again, Akane, and Shampoo show you why she strongest."
Akane squared her shoulders, refusing to back down. "Fine. Let's settle this right here."
Shampoo tilted her head, a slow, confident smirk forming on her lips. "Shampoo teach you lesson you never forget."
The crowd erupted into cheers, the energy in the gym electrifying as the two girls faced off. Everyone knew this wasn't just a fight for strength—it was personal.
The moment the fight began, Shampoo lunged forward with terrifying speed, her fists a blur as they struck precise points on Akane's body. Akane barely managed to block the first hit, her forearms stinging from the impact. The crowd watched in stunned silence, the sound of Shampoo's strikes echoing through the gym.
Shampoo's crimson eyes blazed with intensity, locking onto Akane with a predatory focus that sent shivers through the onlookers. Each movement was calculated, her precision unmatched.
Akane gritted her teeth and swung a punch toward Shampoo's face, but Shampoo ducked effortlessly, her movements fluid and calculated. She retaliated with a swift kick to Akane's side, sending her stumbling backward. Akane gasped, her body screaming in protest from the sheer force of the blow.
"Stay still, Akane!" Shampoo demanded, her voice sharp, as if annoyed that her opponent wasn't cooperating with her precision.
Akane tried to regain her footing, but Shampoo gave her no time. Another barrage of rapid punches came her way, each aimed at a vital point. Akane blocked some, but it was clear she couldn't keep up with Shampoo's speed. The strikes she failed to deflect left bruising aches in their wake, sapping her strength with every moment.
"She's too fast…" Akane muttered under her breath, sweat dripping from her brow as she dodged another kick—barely. Shampoo wasn't just strong; she was relentless, her strikes so precise that it felt like every movement had been meticulously planned.
The crowd gasped as Shampoo flipped backward, landing perfectly before launching herself at Akane again. There was no room for taunts or distractions—Shampoo was utterly focused on the task at hand. Her glowing red eyes bore into Akane, her every movement radiating confidence and control.
Akane swung her leg out in an attempt to trip Shampoo, but Shampoo leaped over the sweep with ease, landing behind her and striking Akane's shoulder with an open palm. Akane let out a yelp, falling to one knee as pain shot through her arm.
"Why Akane not fight back better?" Shampoo asked, her tone almost mocking, though her focus didn't waver. "Thought you strong."
Akane's anger flared, and she pushed herself to her feet, charging at Shampoo with a furious yell. But Shampoo sidestepped effortlessly, catching Akane's wrist mid-punch and twisting it just enough to make her gasp in pain. Shampoo pushed her away with a shove, sending Akane stumbling once more.
"You can't win," Shampoo said bluntly, her tone calm but resolute. "Shampoo too strong for you."
Akane refused to give up, her pride not letting her admit defeat. But deep down, she knew Shampoo was right. The difference in their skill, speed, and strength was undeniable.
The fight pressed on, and Akane found herself struggling more with every passing moment. Shampoo's attacks grew fiercer, her speed and strength an unrelenting storm. Blow after blow landed with precision, leaving Akane gasping for air and fighting through mounting pain.
Shampoo's crimson eyes gleamed with intensity, her focus razor-sharp. She darted behind Akane, grabbing her arm in an iron grip. Before Akane could react, Shampoo delivered a swift, brutal kick to her elbow. A sickening crack echoed through the gym, silencing the crowd.
Akane let out a piercing scream, collapsing to the floor as she cradled her injured arm. The sound was gut-wrenching, cutting through the stunned stillness that had fallen over the onlookers.
The crowd didn't move. No one dared to breathe as Shampoo stood over Akane, her chest rising and falling as she caught her breath, her gaze still locked on her fallen opponent.
Ryoga started to move toward Akane, concern flashing in his eyes. But before he could make it through the crowd, Ranma was already there, sprinting to her side.
"Akane!" Ranma's voice was filled with panic as he dropped to his knees beside her. He gently placed a hand on her shoulder, scanning her injuries with wide, worried eyes.
Shampoo's expression was unreadable as she turned away, the fiery intensity in her eyes slowly dimming. She didn't speak, simply stepping back to give them space.
The crowd erupted into whispers and murmurs, some in awe of Shampoo's strength, others murmuring concern for Akane. But Shampoo ignored them all, standing tall and silent as the tension in the gym lingered like a thick fog.
Shampoo's expression hardened as she glanced back at Akane and Ranma. Her voice cut through the tense air, cold and sharp. "Watch your mouth," she said, her tone laced with venom. Without waiting for a response, Shampoo turned on her heel and walked off, her strides confident and unapologetic.
The crowd erupted into whispers and murmurs, some in awe of Shampoo's strength, others murmuring concern for Akane. But Shampoo ignored them all, leaving the gym with her head held high, the lingering tension a testament to her overwhelming victory.