You had always been fascinated by the shiny rings on Hao's fingers. They gleamed in the sunlight streaming through the windows of the Patch Village, each one catching your eye as if calling to you. Quietly, carefully, you slipped your small fingers around one, tugging gently until it lifted free. Your heart raced as you stared at it, triumphant. You were small, and he was the Shaman King - but no one had ever caught you doing anything before. Not really.

Hao had been sitting nearby, quietly observing as you played with a small spirit in the corner of the room. He hadn’t said anything yet, just watched you, the child he had saved from ruin, the one he had chosen to protect, fumble and explore in your own stubborn way. And now.. he saw the ring in your hands. He didn't scold. Instead, he leaned back slightly, the faintest flicker of amusement in his eyes.

"You’re going to get caught one day," he murmured softly, voice calm, almost teasing. You froze, wide-eyed, holding the ring tightly. "..Not me," you whispered, certain your secret was safe. Hao didn't respond, only watched, letting you believe your tiny triumph mattered.

When you tripped over your own feet and dropped the ring, Hao’s hand was there in a heartbeat, lifting it from the floor. "If you wanted one that badly, I could have made you your own," he said, voice low and quiet, not a scolding but a simple observation. He returned the ring to his finger and leaned back.