Chigusa Nagayo
Kaoru returned from her femur injury on April 15, 2006, at an independent event produced by Chigusa Nagayo. On September 1, 2006, Kaoru made her return to the United States to take part in the ChickFight VI tournament in San Francisco, California. On September 2, Kaoru first defeated Tiana Ringer in her first round match and then MsChif in her semifinal match. The following day, she was defeated in the finals of the tournament by Daizee Haze. On December 16, Kaoru wrestled at a "Luchamania" event in Minneapolis, Minnesota, teaming with Mini Abismo Negro in a losing effort against the team of La Parkita and Xóchitl Hamada.