Disclaimer: I don't own Xiaolin Showdown, Mirmo Zibang or any character from any of the series.

Raimundo's Rival

After Raimundo was made Shoku Warrior, he began a special training with Master Fung and then helped him with the training of the three Wudai Warriors. A few days later, the four dragons received a special announcement.

"Young Monks, a new kid is going to join us at the temple." Master Fung announces with his usual serenity. "I hope Omi, Raimundo and Clay warm up to the newbie."

"What about me?" Kimiko asks, confused.

"You're already familiar with him, Kimiko." Master Fung calmly explains. "He is one of your friends back from Japan."

"A boy coming from Japan?" Omi happily asks. "Is he coming to replace Kimiko? It would help us against the forces of evil having another boy instead of a girl since girls are..." Before Omi can complete his phrase he's knocked down by Kimiko. Fortunately he wakes up on time to welcome the new monk.

"Young Monks, this is Kaoru Matsutake." Master Fung announces. "Kaoru, these are Omi, Xiaolin Dragon of Water; Clay Bailey, Xiaolin Dragon of Earth; Raimundo Pedrosa, Xiaolin Dragon of Wind; and I believe you already know Kimiko Tohomiko, Xiaolin Dragon of Fire."

"You are right, Master Fung." Kaoru humbly says and then bows to Master Fung.

"First day here and he's already bowing down?" Raimundo whispers to Kimiko. "Is he some sort of Teacher's Pet?"

"Shut up, Raimundo." Kimiko says and then hits him. "Kaoru is just like many Japanese boys."

"Hey, partner." Clay (who else?) says. "Where did you know Kimiko from?"

"We used to attend the same school before her father had her transfered to this Xiaolin Temple." Kaoru explains.

"Same school?" Raimundo asks. "Are you rich like Kimiko?"

"You can say so." Kaoru modestly says.

"You're being too modest, Young Master." A man says.

Kaoru turns around and recognizes the man. "Hirai, what are you doing here? Wouldn't you enjoy your vacation to see old friends?"

"Yes, Master Kaoru." Hirai replies. "I've been trained myself into martial arts in this temple when I was a kid."

"Hey, Kimi?" Raimundo asks. "Why does this Hirai call Kaoru 'Master'?"

"Because Hirai is the Matsutake Family's butler." Kimiko explains.

"But this shouldn't mean anything here." Omi replies. "Not only Hirai is on vacation from his duties as a servant but he also has a bigger level of experience than Kaoru."

"I agree with Omi." Master Fung says. "As long as Hirai and all of you are here as Xiaolin Monks I want you all to treat him with the same respect you all treat me. Is that clear?"

"Yes, Master Fung." The five kids reply in unison.

"Good. Then Fellow Xiaolin Master Hirai will train you this afternoon in honor of his visit. Hirai, they're all yours." Master Fung says.

"Thanks, Master Fung." Hirai replies. "Does this temple still have the obstacle course I used to run when I was a dragon-in-training?"

"Yes." Master Fung replies. Hirai then has the kids running on it and says the last one will do the dishes. Raimundo wins, with Kimiko in second, Omi in third, Clay in fourth and Kaoru in fifth. He tripped on the way, allowing Clay to get past him.

"Young Monk, you lost so you're doing the dishes tonight." Hirai announces.

"Yes, Master Hirai." Kaoru replies.

"He's getting used too fast to the idea of taking orders from his family's servant." Raimundo comments.

"He's just being formal and abiding the rules." Kimiko replies.

In the next morning, Raimundo is still surprised Kaoru actually did the chores appointed by someone used to be his servant. During breakfast Kaoru and Kimiko start talking to each other.

"Kaoru, how is everyone back in Tokyo?" Kimiko asks.

"I've kept playing basketball and basically all stayed the same except that we all miss you." He explains and then tells something in Japanese and both of them start laughing. Raimundo looks a little bit angry.

"Feeling jealous, partner?" Clay asks mockingly.

"Clay, do you think our leader is afraid of being outranked by a newcomer?" Clay and Raimundo roll their eyes at Omi's naïvety.

"Lil' partner, that's not what I think Raimundo is worried about." Clay explains.

"So is he afraid of being outranked by Kimiko? If so there's no need to worry since she's a girl..." Omi is knocked unconscious again by Kimiko.

"Does Omi have a suicidal wish?" Kaoru asks, making Kimiko blush and Raimundo and Clay smile. Before the two Japanese rich kids have a chance to resume their conversation Dojo Kanojo Cho appears.

"Shen Gong Wu alert!" Dojo exclaims.

Kaoru have already met Dojo and heard about the Shen Gong Wu but didn't believe the Wu to be real. "Are the Shen Gong Wu real?"

"You'll have the time to learn about them on the way to get it before the Heylin forces do it." Master Fung answers.

Did you like this chapter? Before anyone asks, this fic is showing Kaoru from before he met the Muglox Fairies and they won't appear. Please R&R.