Dear Yoh, Anna, Ren, Lyserg, Tamao, Horohoro, Chocolove, and Manta,

I have been traveling the world since the Shaman King fight was postponed; soon I'll be in Tokyo, and I'll be able to see all of you! I've been to China, Malaysia, India, Egypt, and Florida (don't ask...) in search of my Best Place. I never thought I would travel so far! Mistress Anna, would you be as kind as to let me stay with you and Yoh at the onsen for a while? I will repay my stay by being your cook. Reply to this address, please:

8573 Rocianna Avenue

Miami, Florida 80075

Sincerely,

Ryu of the Wooden Sword

Anna shuffled through the mail and threw out what she didn't need: advertisements, "Have You Seen This Child?" flyers, restaurant menus, etcetera, and came upon a letter from Ryu. She scanned it over briefly and scrawled a quick reply on the back.

Ryu,

Yes, you may stay with us, but we inform you that your cooking standards must be very high, or I will kick you out. Ren, Horohoro, Lyserg, Tamao, and Chocolove are staying with us as well. I charge a rent of 500 yen per day, which is very cheap.

- Anna

Hao strutted into the living room casually with a timid Amidamaru behind him. "Hey, Anna-chan."

"DON'T CALL ME THAT, Y-"

Hao had placed a hand over Anna's mouth to stifle it. She gasped as she realized who it was. "H-H-Hao?"

The Asakura smirked, and replaced his hand with his lips instead. It took Anna a few seconds to fully comprehend what was going on. A few seconds was enough for Hao to enjoy the luxury while it lasted. He trailed his lips to her ear and whispered, "I came back for you."

SUPER SECRET SLAP NUMBER 2!

Hao smiled cheerfully and rubbed his swollen cheek. 'She tastes... good.' was the only thought running through his mind.

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"WHAT!"

"Yup. You heard me correctly. Tamao, Pirika, Lily, Sally, Elly, Milly, or Sharona?" Horohoro laughed victoriously. "Ainu's shall always prevail."

Ren mumbled something under his breath. "I'm sorry - what was that?" Horohoro leaned forward with his hand cupped over his ear. Ren looked as if someone had stuck his head under a leaking faucet pipe.

"I said ELLY! ELLY, OK? GO AHEAD! LAUGH!" Ren lifted his head and met Horohoro's face.

"Wow... I never knew you would fall for someone like her." Yoh's facial expression was that of shock.

"Ugh... I DON'T LIKE HER!"

"Then why did you say you would marry her?"

"WHAT! I NEVER SAID THAT!"

"Uh huh."

"Unh-un."

"Uh huh."

Ren began poking Yoh with his tongari, while Tamao watched on with a blush.

"All right then, we won't tease you about it too much," said Horohoro, "as long as you let me dare you."

"Fine... anything to get away from the suggestion that I like Elly..."

"Heehee. I dare you to make out with a girl in our class."

"No WAY."

"I am so evil..."

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"Hey Anna, want some green tea?"

"No." Anna handed Hao a broom. "Get scrubbing."

Hao looked at Anna with a puzzled expression and grinned his lazy smile. "I'm sorry Anna, but I'm afraid I can't do that."

Anna was petrified.

NO ONE defied the Ice Queen.

Hao grinned again. "Why don't we go take a na- who's this?"

Anna whipped around and saw Tamao entering the room. "Tamao! Aren't you supposed to be at school?"

The pink-haired crybaby shuffled her feet and looked at the floor. "Um... Anna, school was dismissed fifteen minutes ago."

"If that's so, then where's Yoh and the others?"

"They said they'd be out somewhere... then come back later. They said it was one of those 'boy things.'"

Anna frowned suspiciously. "Boy things, huh?"

"Yes, Anna-san..."

Hao looked at the two women with a perverted smile. 'Another lady in the house, ne? This should be fun!' He bowed low before a shocked Tamao and kissed her hand.

BOOM-KAPOWEY-BAM!

Tamao looked down at Hao. "No one does that to Tamao-san," said Anna. Tamao flashed a look of pure gratitude to a very, very smug Anna.

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"Boy things", huh? You'll find out in the next chapter! And what will it be like when Ryu comes over? STAY TUNED TO FIND OUT! I made this chapter short because I didn't have time to write a long one without receiving fifty complaints for the next chapter. XD