As Manta is walking home from school, he sees a second Shaman atop a building. When he tells Yoh this, Yoh doesn’t seem all that concerned, although he does admit he hasn’t been training much lately. He’s currently doing some type of exercise to “beat the sun”, but passes out from the heat. Later, he shares some ice cream with Amidamaru and announces to Manta that they are friends now.
As Manta is walking alone that night, he again meets the other Shaman, known as Tao Ren. He mumbles something about the stars being the lights that guide us. Those that can’t see the light stray into darkness. He steps out into traffic, and a truck almost hits him. At the last instant, he calls forth his spirit, Bason, who comes out and slices the truck in half with his sword. Tao Ren says that there can be only one Shaman King.
Yoh has never heard of Tao Ren, although Amidamaru says the kid’s spirit seems to be that of a Chinese warrior and he’d like to fight it. Yoh and Tao Ren finally meet while crossing the street. Tao Ren believes that spirits are to be used as tools to make the Shaman more powerful. Yoh is horrified that Tao Ren could think of spirits like that and tells him to rephrase his wording. Tao Ren just laughs and walks away.
Later that night, Ryu and his gang meet Tao Ren, who tells them they are in his way. They attack, but Tao Ren is far too powerful for them all. Yoh steps in and begins his first battle with Tao Ren. The battle has Yoh calling forth Amidamaru into “Spirit Ball Mode” in which he can insert Amidamaru inside him to harness his powers. They fight for a while, but it is obvious that Tao Ren is more powerful. He performs his final attack, the Chuuku Zanmai, which is struck down by Amidamaru. Tao Ren then powers up to Hyoi 100%, thus being able to utilize all 100% of his spirit’s powers and attack again with his Chuuku Zanmai. This time he hits Yoh and knocks him down.
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