Shampoo (Love Note)

**Shampoo** (シャンプー *Shanpū*) is a Chinese Amazon from Joketsuzoku.

## Plot

Kasumi used the Love Note on Shampoo so that she would fall in love with Mousse. However since the two were incompatible with each other it didn’t last long causing Shampoo to think he had put a love spell on her. For an amazon, to be taken advantage of by a male was utterly unforgivable, but since it only resulted in a kiss Mousse was just kicked out of the restaurant and not killed out right. He tried to go back to plead his innocence only for a furious Shampoo to almost stab him in the groin telling him she wouldn’t miss again if he ever came back.

Since kicking Mousse to the street, Shampoo remained in a rather mixed mood. Her anger with the boy was all too obvious. Merely mention his name and something would be broken in mere seconds by the young Amazon. However, at the same time, she also seemed to be very introspective of late going to so far as staying away from Ranma. Being on the other side of emotional magic left a bad taste in her mouth for it. she was brought out of her musings by Cologne telling her that they were closing the restaurant for a while as she needed to go back to China to investigate something. She warned Shampoo not to trust any sudden feeling she may have.

Ever since her brief bout of love for Mousse, Shampoo’s whole outlook on things had changed. Although she was still inclined to blame the cupid thing on Mousse, reason had won out in her mind making her doubt such a conclusion. She was still mad as hell at him, but she could no longer see him as the culprit, and more likely he was simply taking advantage of the situation.

Then there was the fact that Ranma didn’t do anything while she was in love with Mousse. Although her desired husband’s feeling were often very puzzling to her, she had long assumed that he was merely being excessively shy and would at least make a token appearance to protect his claim to Shampoo, but nothing.

While heavily disappointing in itself, that had lead Shampoo to a third thought. After calming down some, the hypocrisy of her anger towards Mousse for potentially doing something she had attempted on a few occasions herself had not escaped her. Being on the receiving end of such a thing had served well to make her reevaluate her actions. She had always viewed such things as fair game, and perfectly harmless. Now her opinion had taken a sharp turn, and that had lead to a disturbing thought.

With her Cologne out of town, she found herself without guidance yet desperately wanting some. However, there was no one to turn to in Japan. Everyone else she knew was a rival, or someone she would never ask advice of. Tofu being perhaps the one exception to that so she asked if she could stay at his clinic.

However, as the days passed, Shampoo found herself falling into an all too common trap for those worried about receiving bad news, she was avoiding the very thing she had come to seek. Such a situation might have continued had not Akane showed up to asked to talk to him. While she didn’t hear the conversation, merely seeing her had reaffirmed Shampoo’s goal.

When he returned to the clinic Shampoo asked him if he thought Ranma hated her. Unconvinced at his reflexive denial, Shampoo told him about her falling in love with Mousse and how upset she was at the thought of him trying to manipulate her. Given how many times she had done the same thing to ranma in the past.

Thinking about it for a moment he told her that Ranma wasn’t the type to hold grudges, and if he was truly upset he would have mentioned something. Shampoo thanked him for his answer, as she was leaving Tofu finally put it together that Ranma had fallen in love with Kasumi causing him to shout at Shampoo to wait. After a moment of puzzlement from Shampoo, Tofu sheepishly smiled and told her it was nothing.

Cologne soon returned distracting Shampoo from Tofu’s confusing behavior. Sadly she was only able to learn a few things about Cupid, only a little of it useful. Tofu asked if she would share what she learned, only to be told that she couldn’t exclude him as a suspect. He gave his word that he wasn’t and given what was happening with Kasumi the likelihood that he was cupid was low. Shampoo asked about Kasumi but was ignored.

Tofu went to prepare tea, as Cologne went into what she knew. About this time Nabiki had learned from Akane about Shampoo staying there so wrote there names do the fact Kasumi was no longer visiting him would be explained. Cologne seeing Tofu starting to become effected splashed Shampoo before she could as well.

Since they couldn’t be certain that Shampoo had been a target, and she couldn’t just stay in her cursed form forever it was decided that it would be best for her to fake affection for Tofu and hope Cupid thought he had succeeded. Unfortunately, that did little to make Shampoo happy with the situation. Tofu and Cologne had been met every other day since the incident, and although there was basically nothing new to report, they decided it best to convene anyway, just in case Cupid tried to pull one of her memory erasing stunts on one or the other. In no mood for the doctors antics Shampoo headed up to her room for some privacy, only for him to knock on her door.

She became even more annoyed that was worried that she’d do something to Kasumi, which she had no intention of. She called him out for lying to her about Ranma, and while he tried to deny it using her exact words, but she wasn’t buying it. Defeated Tofu truthfully told her that her chances with Ranma were slim, her hunting him down and trying to kill him is not something easily forgotten, and when combined her other antics. He didn’t hate her, but. Seeing how depressed this answer made her he offered to help.

Shampoo found Ranma outside of a restaurant and gave him her usual greeting. However his lack of reaction caused her to release him. She noticed that he was watching a date between Akane and Mousse and commented about hoe they deserve each other. Ranma reply was to comment about her dating Dr. Tofu. Shampoo deflated at the question. Another minute went by in silence as Shampoo fought a little war with herself. She had been long practicing this moment in her mind, and Ranma in the course of just a few seconds had completely destroyed those plans with his unaccounted for reactions.

Deciding that retreating wasn’t an option Shampoo took in a breath and prepared to speak, only for Ranma to grab her by the wrist and go into the restaurant. Were Shampoo able to peak into his mind, his plan of action was all too obvious. For the moment, however, she was too mixed up in her own thoughts to piece it together.

Akane and Mousse’s reaction to seeing them were predictably bad. Mousse and Ranma were soon exchanging barbs, and as usual Mousse was taking the worst of it. During the ensuring fight Shampoo stomped out unnoticed. There were a thousand different reasons she played with to give up on this task, but she kept coming back to, ’What if Tofu is right?’ Finally, with a defeated sigh, Shampoo looked back, made a rough computation, and jumped to the nearest rooftop to make her way to Ranma’s likely landing spot.

By the time Shampoo arrived at the market place to find Ranma had already left. She asked Jin Itsuki where he went, and realized it was unlikely they would talk after being told he and Kasumi left after talking to L. It took her a couple seconds for her to realize everything he said. Knowing that Cologne would want information on L Shampoo rushed off to find the three and listened in on their conversation in her cat form.

After they were finished from her hiding spot, Shampoo debated what to do. Although this man was odd in both appearance and mannerism, her instincts were telling her he was the real deal. With Ranma now in Kasumi’s company, there was no further point in trying to speak to him today, and this was definitely something she needed to pass on. Decided, Shampoo rushed off to recover her clothes and transform back before heading home.

She rushed into the Nekohanten rushing past Maho who desperately tried not to drop the bowls she was carrying. While she was successful hearing that Shampoo had seen L was too much of a distraction, fortunately Shampoo was able to catch the bowl she dropped.

She then went back to telling Cologne about her listening in of Ranma and Kasumi’s conversation. The two went into the back to continue their conversation. Cologne felt that there was little to worry about feeling that since they knew Shampoo wasn’t a Cupid she would quickly be excluded as a suspect. When she asked her about Ranma she admitted she hadn’t done it yet.

A confused Maho asked what that was about and she told her about her relationship with Ranma and Tofu’s idea for her to apologize here. Shampoo began to express her frustration feeling that she hasn’t done anything wrong to warrant an apology, but Maho told her that sometimes you have to swallow your pride. Maho tried to subtly bring up L only for Cologne to tell her to get back to work.

When Shampoo came to the dojo to talk to Kasumi, he reflexively sized up her newest rival in love, before focusing on why she was there. Discarding Kasumi’s offer of juice or tea Shampoo asked her why she no longer visited Doctor Tofu. Caught off guard by Shampoo’s directness she honestly told her she didn’t know. When Kasumi asked her about their relationship she was quick to that they weren’t together, though she didn’t tell her the full truth for precaution’s sake.

With that Shampoo bluntly told Kasumi that she wasn’t to marry Ranma and that Tofu was in love with her. Kasumi was struck by this, and unable to respond for a moment. Finally though, she lowered her head and admitted that she had been avoiding him but agreed to think about seeing him. Shampoo frowned, the response less than she had hoped, but decided it was best to accept it for now. Before she left Shampoo told Kasumi that she knew about what cupid did to Ranma but didn’t hold it against her.

Shampoo and Maho were waiting tables when Ranma and Ryoga showed up. Almost instantly, Shampoo gleefully rushed over and hugged Ranma. Ranma naturally did his usual protest at the attention, while Ryoga took it as a little comfort that not all had changed in his absence. Almost instantly, Shampoo gleefully rushed over and hugged Ranma. Ranma naturally did his usual protest at the attention, and she withdrew when Ranma told her that he was there to talk and told him that she wanted to talk as well. The two headed off to the back for privacy, leaving Ryoga behind.

Much to Ranma’s surprise Shampoo apologized to him for her past behavior. It caught him completely off guard. Ranma was not the sort of person to dwell on the past. Still, that did not mean he had simply forgotten. So Seeing Shampoo so contrite, Ranma did not really know how to take her apology. He ended up leaving the restaurant in shock, Shampoo followed him to ask what he wanted to talk about but he just told her to forget it. Leaving everyone a bit confused, Ranma rushed off without a further word.

Ryoga gained the Amazon’s attention by telling her that Mousse wasn’t cupid. When she reluctantly acknowledged this he asked her to let him back in. Shampoo asked him if that was why Ranma came there, which he affirmed. Shampoo continued her frown, looking to Cologne. The elder said nothing, merely watching. With a sigh, Shampoo turned back to Ryoga and told him she’d do it. Ryoga grew happy at this, but Shampoo cut him off before he could thank her to remind him that she still didn’t like Mousse.

Going over to Ukyo’s restaurant Shampoo’s mind remained on Ranma not sure what to make of his reaction to her apology. She wanted desperately to talk over the incident with Tofu, but the doctor had once more been called out of town. Just as she arrived she caught sight of L leaving and went in to ask Ukyo why he was there. Ukyo have Shampoo an evasive response causing her to examine her for a moment, debating whether to push the matter or drop it. In the end, she decided Ukyo would not bend to questioning if she had not already. With a huff, Shampoo asked where Mousse was.

Before Shampoo could theorize why L had been there Mousse came rushing, then tumbling, down the stairs. Recovering quickly at the bottom he rushed over to Shampoo. As he asked her if she forgave him Shampoo chose her words carefully. She told him that she didn’t think he was cupid anymore and that he could come back to work at half pay. Excitedly Mousse rushed off to get his stuff. Ukyo who had been listening from the top of the steps called Shampoo out. Shampoo replied that she wasn’t the one paying him and that it was probably ten times more then Ukyo did. Ukyo tried to defend herself by saying he got free room and board, only to get a huff from Shampoo before the Amazon left.

Since they all expressed a desire to aid in his investigation L invited Kuno, Kodachi, Ranma, Ryoga, Akane, Soun, Genma, Nabiki, Kasumi, Ukyo, Shampoo, Mousse, Cologne, and Tofu to a high rise building. He met with Cologne first figuring it was best to meet with her before the others.

Those first meeting the man paused in some wonderment, particularly noting his odd sitting posture. However, this lasted only a moment before they all began to take seats. Though he still had doubts Ranma confirmed to Nabiki the only one aware that Trista was there that he was the man he met. L introduced himself as Ryuzaki and Kuno was the first to express gis doubt that L was who he claimed he was. L confirmed who he was, but also eased there doubts stated that even if he wasn’t he was at least speaking on behalf of L.

L agreed to allow them to help him, but he didn’t sugar coat the fact that fact that they were all still suspects, though he didn’t reveal his exact suspects. Nabiki kept her face neutral at this revelation. With that he laid down what he had deduced so far noting. L eyed each member of the group in turn, pausing particularly on Kasumi who was all smiles and seemed absolutely riveted on the conversation.

The first was that there were Two Cupids. Many repeated in surprise. Nabiki in particular could not help but frown at this revelation. Much to Nabiki’s annoyance he explained how Kasumi clued him in on how Cupid needs a name and face to affect you. As he was talking the second Cupid revealed themselves on Cupid’s arrow. The others wanted to rush to put a stop to it, but L protested that it was to dangerous to intervene the others rushed. The second Cupid introduced themselves as the real Cupid telling L that they would offer him a gift of their benevolence.

When the people gathered at the station started trying to batter there way in L called to have all broadcasts cut realizing that Cupid was still affecting them. With nothing else to to Ranma, Ryoga, Mousse, Akane, Shampoo Ukyo, Kodachi and Tatewaki went to the building to do what they could. Even Soun elbowed Genma and the pair joined in as well. Before they left L told them to everything that Cupid provided. Kasumi called out to them to be careful while beside her, Nabiki simply crossed her arms, a frown firmly locked on her face.

When L received a letter from Cupid he once more gathered with the various residents of Nerima to tell them what had happened. He also informed them of his theory that the Cupid they knew from before was in fact two people. There were various degrees of surprise at hearing this. Later he played them an audio of not only him denying Cupid’s request, but a recording of the second Cupid denying the new ones legitimacy. After hearing it several were shifting into various disquieted positions and expressions. He asked them to stay at the building. They had come and gone numerous times and might be in danger as they could have been seen. The various Nerima residents looked at each other in consideration before Cologne took the initiative on behalf of herself, Shampoo and Mousse. This got the others to agree as well. He had Watari prepare them rooms as they waited for the official broadcast.

As expected it didn’t long for the worshipers of the third Cupid to find L’s building, with the more bold individuals shoving or otherwise attacking the other shutters in futility. Akane started to freak out a little when L told them they might be there for at least a week, which his assurance that it might be longer did nothing to calm her down. Nabiki just pulled out a book happy that she had brought reading material while Kasumi asked him if his divide would work.

A jealous Ranma pulled a reluctant Kasumi back towards the table with the others while suggesting that L get back to work. L watched the pair for a moment, then looked to Nabiki who was paying little mind to anything but her book. Dr Tofu also gave L a hard look as well, but quickly found something else to interest him when L noticed him. Shampoo held herself back, but was nonetheless annoyed at Ranma’s attentions to Kasumi. L pondered this as an opportunity but quickly dismissed it. With Akane in the room, as well as Mousse and Tofu, that angle would likely simply devolve into a fight.

When Watari told everyone that he laid refreshments in the cafeteria Mousse started asked Shampoo if she would like something only to be quickly told no before he could finish. This instantly caused Akane to glare at Shampoo from across the table. When Akane commented her relationship with Tofu Shampoo jumped to her feet furious at Akane accusing her of being unfaithful.

Akane jumped to her feet as well when Shampoo called her out on her numerous boyfriends. She started to deny it only for Shampoo to remind her of Kirin and Toma. Akane twitched at the mention of the two princes, pointing out that she had been kidnapped. Shampoo shot back, circling the table to confront Akane more directly and asked about Ryoga. Akane called Shampoo out stating that it was her who tricked Ryoga into dating her, only for her to to reply that the two seemed like lovers given how close the two were.

Akane practically started screaming and when Kuno tried to calm the two down they both clocked him sending him into the wall unconscious. Tofu and Mousse both took up the charge, quickly rushing in, Tofu to Shampoo, Mousse to Akane to separate the pair. Shampoo’s frustration was all too clear as Tofu led her away. He tried to calm her down as she expressed anger at Akane abuse of Ranma how she won’t let him be with someone else despite her seeming open contempt for him. The fact that Tofu claimed she was just a bit indecisive and that there was more nuance didn’t help matters. However even he couldn’t come up with an answer when Shampoo asked how Akane could call off the engagement in the heat of the moment. Tofu realized Shampoo was actually angry about Akane implying that she was unfaithful.

Changing the subject he asked Shampoo if she talked to Ranma. She told him how Ranma barely said anything after she apologized to him. Thinking to himself Tofu started to understand why so many people hated Ranma, but out loud he just suggested to Shampoo that Ranma couldn’t think of anything to say. Shampoo anger drained into uncertainty as she asked Tofu what she should do. He told her that she just had to keep on working on improving things with him. Seeing the doubt on Shampoo’s face Tofu went to go get her some food.

When the protesters began bombing their way in, Cologne instructed the group to keep them from getting any further up as she dove into the fray, effortlessly disabling three men with but a touch. Shampoo and Mousse followed in just after. Ranma and the others were just finished dealing with those that slipped by when another explosion, further away, could be heard. Genma, Soun, Akane and Ryoga left to deal with that.

The protesters began throwing Molotov cocktails and while they were quickly ablr to put out the fires they still activated the sprinklers. Kodachi who had been having fun dealing with the chaos of a good riot let out an uncharacteristic squeak of shock at finally witnessing Ranma, Mousse, and Shampoo’s transformation.

Seeing Akane leave the clinic Shampoo went to check on Tofu only to find him in a depressive stupor. After breaking him out of it and then knocking him back to his senses when his glasses began to fog over she asked him what had happened. With the combination of the exertion of his will, the pain, and just his general depression of the moment, Tofu managed to hold on to his senses.

He told her about how Akane had come to talk to him about finding out about Ryoga. Shampoo had little sympathy for Akane even brightening up at the revelation that this might be the end for her and Ranma relationship. Seeing that he wasn’t going to get much empathy from the Amazon he pointed out that it means that their parents will likely switch the engagement to Kasumi. This gave Shampoo pause and she told the doctor that he needed to tell Kasumi his true feelings. While initially reluctant Tofu agreed seeing this as his last chance.