 Kobayashi returned to Japan in May, where she partnered up with Makoto for the Ultra777 U21 Tag Team Tournament.They eliminated Hamuko Hoshi and Ibuki Hoshi in the first round, but lost to Yoshiko and Rina Yamashita in the semi finals.In July, by virtue of defeating Tsubasa Kuragaki, she was entered into a 6 way number one contenders match for the OZ Academy Openweight Championship in August.