The next morning, the school was abuzz with talk of the intense fight between Shampoo and Akane. Whispers echoed through the hallways, from students reliving the shocking moments to speculations about what punishment awaited the two girls.

In the principal's office, Akane and Shampoo stood side by side, though neither acknowledged the other's presence. Akane's arm was in a sling, her expression a mix of frustration and simmering anger. Shampoo, meanwhile, stood tall with a calm demeanor, though her narrowed eyes betrayed a flicker of annoyance at the situation.

Principal Hoshino sat at his desk, his face stern as he looked between the two students. "What happened yesterday was unacceptable," he began, his tone heavy with disapproval. "This school has a zero-tolerance policy for violence, no matter the circumstances."

Akane's fists clenched, her free hand curling tightly at her side. "She provoked me!" Akane shot back, her voice rising in frustration.

Shampoo rolled her eyes, crossing her arms. "Akane start fight," she said bluntly, her broken Japanese cutting through Akane's protest. "Shampoo only finish."

Principal Hoshino raised a hand to silence them both. "Enough. Miss Tendo, witnesses confirmed you instigated the fight. While I understand tempers can flare, you've been a student here long enough to know better. You will be suspended for three weeks."

Akane's eyes widened, and she opened her mouth to argue, but a sharp look from the principal stopped her.

"As for you, Miss Shampoo," he continued, turning his gaze to the Amazon warrior. "While you didn't start the fight, your response was... excessive. You're suspended for two weeks."

Shampoo's lips twitched, but she said nothing, merely giving a slight nod of acknowledgment.

"Both of you need to use this time to reflect on your actions," the principal said, his tone softening slightly. "This kind of behavior doesn't belong in our school."

As they left the office, Akane shot a glare at Shampoo, who simply smirked in return. "Don't think this is over," Akane muttered.

Shampoo leaned in slightly, her voice low and taunting. "Shampoo not worried. Akane too weak to be problem."

With that, Shampoo walked off, leaving Akane fuming in the hallway.

Shampoo left the school gates with a calm stride, her violet hair swaying with each step. Though her face betrayed little emotion, her mind replayed the fight and the tense meeting in the principal's office. "Three weeks for Akane," she muttered under her breath with a slight smirk. "Maybe school not so boring after all."

As she turned a corner, her thoughts were interrupted by a sudden impact. She collided with something—or rather, someone. Staggering back slightly, she blinked and found herself staring into the startled face of Ryoga Hibiki.

"Ryoga?" Shampoo said, her brow raising in curiosity.

Ryoga seemed equally surprised, his cheeks already reddening. "Shampoo?" he stammered, looking away as if the very sight of her was overwhelming. "What are you doing here?"

"Shampoo walk home," she said bluntly, brushing imaginary dust off her sleeves. Her gaze shifted to him, and a small smirk formed. "Why Ryoga look like he see ghost? Shampoo not bite."

Ryoga clenched his fists, trying to shake off his nerves. "You... shouldn't act like that," he muttered, his tone a mix of embarrassment and annoyance. "After what you did to Akane—"

Shampoo's smirk faded, her eyes narrowing. "What Shampoo do? Akane start fight. Shampoo only finish. If Ryoga upset, go complain to Akane."

Ryoga's eyes darted back to her, his frustration boiling. "That's not the point! You went too far, Shampoo. You didn't have to break her arm!"

Shampoo stepped closer, her voice low but sharp. "What would Ryoga do if family talked bad about?"

The question stopped him in his tracks. His eyes widened slightly as her words sank in. For a moment, he stood frozen, his mind drifting to memories of his own family—his parents who had left and his uncle, Takeshi, who had raised him in their absence.

"I'd do the same thing…" Ryoga finally admitted, his voice quiet.

Shampoo's expression softened slightly at his response, though she didn't back down. "Maybe Shampoo did go too far, but Shampoo does anything for family…" she said, her voice filled with conviction. Her gaze lowered briefly, and a small, wistful smile crossed her lips. Thoughts of her family—her great-grandmother who had taught her everything and the cousins she had grown up with—filled her mind.

Ryoga noticed the change in her demeanor, his frustration fading into something more complicated. He sighed, running a hand through his hair. "I get it. Family's important. But you can't just... break people like that," he said, though his tone lacked the sharpness it had before.

Shampoo looked back up at him, her usual confidence returning. "Shampoo not regret," she said firmly. "Akane insult family. Shampoo never let anyone do that."

Ryoga looked down, his fists clenching again. "I guess... I can't blame you," he admitted quietly, though he quickly added, "But don't expect me to agree with everything you do!"

Shampoo smirked again, the challenge clear in her tone. "Ryoga act like he better, but Ryoga lose to Shampoo too," she said, crossing her arms.

He froze mid-step, turning back to face her, his eyes narrowing. "You think so, huh?"

Shampoo tilted her head slightly, her smirk widening. "Shampoo not think—Shampoo know."

For a moment, it seemed like Ryoga might say something else, but he only shook his head and continued walking.

Shampoo watched him go, a flicker of satisfaction mixed with something else stirring in her chest. "Hmph," she scoffed, turning back toward her path. "Ryoga so strange."

Shampoo walked away, her footsteps light and purposeful as she left Ryoga standing there. She glanced over her shoulder and waved without looking back. "Bye bye," she said with a playful tone, her voice carrying lightly on the breeze.

Ryoga paused for a moment, his thoughts still swirling. He hesitated but finally responded, his voice quieter than usual, "See ya."

Shampoo's smirk flickered for a brief second as she continued down the path, a part of her feeling more satisfied than she expected.

Ryoga watched her leave, his thoughts conflicted, but before he could analyze them further, he shook his head and turned away, trying to push his feelings aside.

Shampoo pushed open the door to the Cat Cafe, her movements sharp and purposeful, as if the weight of the day had settled heavily on her shoulders. Cologne was seated at the counter, waiting for her, her expression unreadable. The moment Shampoo stepped inside, Cologne's gaze softened with concern, but her voice remained steady.

"Shampoo," she began, her tone laced with quiet reproach, "you know better than this."

Shampoo didn't flinch or back down. Her anger was still fresh, and it showed in her voice as she cut Cologne off. "Akane talked bad about Shampoo family," she said firmly, her eyes narrowing. "Shampoo let no one talk about Shampoo family."

Cologne sighed, a weary look crossing her face as she set down her teacup. "I understand your feelings, Shampoo, but violence is not the way to solve it. You know this—just like you know the importance of patience and self-control."

Shampoo clenched her fists, her temper flaring again at the thought of Akane's words. "Patience? Self-control?" Her voice trembled slightly with suppressed anger. "Shampoo not care about patience when family insulted. Shampoo do anything for family. No one hurt Shampoo family."

Cologne studied her granddaughter for a long moment, her expression softening, but the wisdom in her eyes remained. "You've always been protective of your family, and that is admirable," she said quietly. "But you must learn to choose your battles. Fighting every time someone insults you won't solve anything. You're stronger than that, Shampoo. You know how to pick your moment."

Shampoo looked away, her frustration bubbling just below the surface. "Shampoo tired of always being told to hold back… Family come first. Always."

Cologne didn't respond immediately, her gaze turning inward as she reflected on Shampoo's words. Finally, she spoke with a calm, measured voice. "I understand. But remember, Shampoo, you are a reflection of your family, too. Your actions, your choices—they speak volumes. Make sure they reflect the strength and honor you want to show the world."

Shampoo's anger began to ebb as she processed her grandmother's words, though the fire in her heart still smoldered. She nodded, though her tone remained sharp. "Shampoo understand, but next time, Akane better watch her mouth."

Cologne gave her a knowing look. "Just be careful, Shampoo. We don't want to attract more attention than we already have."

Shampoo crossed her arms, but her defiance softened a little. "Shampoo not care. Shampoo will protect family, no matter what."