Actually, I think it makes perfect sense that it would be a
*requirement* that she be defeated.  Shampoo is suposed to be the next
leader of the tribe.  It goes to follow that in such a tribe the next in
the family line would be expected to take over.  Thusly, Shampoo, and
the tribe in general, would want a strong man to bear a strong heir to
the lead chair.  The best and simplest way to test this would be through
combat.  That's why Cologne wants Ranma in the original series, and I
figure it carries over to this fic just the same.
PMasters

"I'm only holding back the rain.  So many raindrops, so many pains.  I
want to find my train someday.  As seasons go past the station." - Tokyo
Babylon OVA 1
/ E-mail at:  PhilMasters@webtv.net /
Web page pending use of a computer!
"...has anyone ever used something alive for a coat of arms?" - The
Sailor Who Fell From Grace With The Sea (Mishima Yukio, 1965) / 
"You see, what you call a cat, we use as armor." - Rune (El-Hazard,
1994)