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"You sure your mom is okay with you going to Barcelona?"

"Yes, Eli." Sienna sighs, "Amber is going with Jamie, so she's letting me go with them. No way I'm missing out on this."

"What about Nevaeh?"

"She's staying. There's no way I can deal with her in Barcelona. I can barely do it here." She says as she sets a shirt in her suitcase, "Where are you? You were supposed to be here like 30 minutes ago."

"I'm walking up the driveway right now. Relax." He chuckles

"Finally. Just come in. The door's open." She says

"Alright." He says before hanging up

Sienna hears the door shut downstairs before faint footsteps. Her back is to the door as it opens, "I haven't packed to go anywhere in so long. I don't even-"

She's cut off when she turns around. Her jaw dropping as she comes face to face with her boyfriend. Eli smiles as he walks closer, "Hey."

"What did you do?"

"What do you mean?"

"What do you mean what I do mean? You have the fucking American flag on your head."

"What? You don't like it?" He smirks

Sienna's brows crease, "Is that an actual question?"

"I think it's sick." He says plopping down on her bed, "We're going to Barcelona. It's a good way to represent the US."

"There are so many ways you could've done that." Sienna scoffs, "A pin on your shirt, a pair of shoes, even painting your nails the color of the flag. Not dying your hair red, white, and blue."

"I like it." He smiles. Sienna stands in front of him with shock still all over her face. Eli reaches forward and pulls her closer by her hips, "We can even match-"

"I'm not doing that shit. You're out of your fucking mind." She says causing Eli to let out a laugh

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"Y'all think there's any chance we don't make it in the top eight?" Miguel says as he and Jamie walk into school with Sam, Robby, and Tory behind them.

"Maybe when hell freezes over." Tory says as Jamie chuckles

"Let's hope there's not a tournament category for humility." Jamie says

"Oh, come on. We got two All Valley champs and two runner-ups." Robby says as they turn the corner missing Hawk, Demetri, and Sienna coming down the hall.

"I mean, you're a no-brainer." Demetri says, "It's really only those two spots that are up for grabs."

"Yeah, and it's yours for the taking." Hawk says

"I appreciate the support, but I ran a statistical analysis. And while there is an 18% chance you're right, the smart money is on Kenny. I mean, he did beat you in that head-to-head. Uh, cheap shot notwithstanding."

"Okay, Payne's got power. But so do you. Don't count yourself out, man."

"Hmm. I prefer to focus on something actually achievable. Getting into MIT. Early Action decisions come out any day now, you know."

"Yeah, I know." Hawk mumbles

"Hey, man, come on. Have no fear. I may not have confidence about becoming a world karate champion, but I know that MIT cannot turn down the Binary Bros."

"Jeez, your guys' pessimism is nauseating." Sienna says rolling her eyes. Hawk chuckles as he wraps his arm around her shoulders passing up a class as Anthony and Devon walk out.

"God, I hope I get to go to Barcelona." Devon says

"I don't see how they could leave you home. You got speed and agility." Anthony says

"You've got just as much of a shot as me. I saw you land that point on Robby."

"Ah, it was a lucky shot."

"Sure was." Kenny says closing his locker, "I wouldn't get your hopes up, LaRusso. No way you and I are both going. And I'm definitely going."

Anthony sighs as Kenny walks with them, "Senseis said it was anyone's game."

"All right. Let's see you bring it." Kenny says turning down the hall. Anthony chuckles as he looks up and spots Nevaeh. He turns to Devon, "Hey, I'll catch you later."

"Yeah." She smiles turning down the hall. Anthony approaches Nevaeh as the girl closes her locker.

"Hey, Miranda." He says leaning on the locker next to hers

"What do you want, LaRusso?" She says throwing her bag over her shoulder

Anthony shrugs, "Can't say hi?"

"You don't ever tell me hi." She squints, "Why now?"

"Because I haven't seen you all summer or even around school these past couple of weeks."

"Let's keep it that way." She says turning away

Anthony sits up and follows after her, "Come on, we've had this petty back and forth going on since fifth grade. We're freshmen now."

"It's not my fault you were annoying."

"Were?" He smirks, "So I'm not anymore?"

Nevaeh huffs, "Are. God, you just remind me every time why I don't like you."

"You know, I think we'd be really good friends."

"I don't." Nevaeh says stepping aside to pass by someone

"Why not?" He frowns

Nevaeh looks up towards him and his frown quickly disappears and is replaced by a smile. Nevaeh rolls her eyes with a small smile, "You're annoying."

Anthony chuckles as he continues to follow her down the hall.

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The students look up towards the sparring deck as Johnny and Daniel stand in front of them with another man beside them. A slight frown etched into his features as he stared down at them.

"Please welcome our guest for the weekend, Sensei Barnes." Daniel says

"Isn't that guy at the Silver house fight?" A student mutters

"Silence!" Sensei Barnes yells. The teens quickly go silent.

"I like this guy." Johnny whispers to Daniel

"In order to keep things unbiased, we brought in Sensei Barnes to observe then select our top eight." Daniel says

"During my years as the Tournament Terror, all I wanted was to be in the Sekai Taikai. But I blew my chance." He pauses looking to Daniel before turning back to the teens, "I am here to ensure that you maximize yours. Everyone I know who has participated in this has horror stories. This thing is intense. Unpredictable." He says stepping down and walking between the rows of students.

"People have died. Move!" He yells at a teen as he makes it to the back, "Who's ready for that?"

"Wait. Ready for the tournament or to die?" Demetri whispers. Jamie shrugs her shoulders lightly as he walks back up the row.

"I will do to you what the Sekai Taikai will do. I will surprise you with events. I will push you to your limits. And if any of you delicate flowers feel like going to your senseis and crying, don't." He says staring down at Sam, "I've been given full authority for these eliminations."

"Selections." Daniel corrects, "Let's keep this positive."

Sensei Barnes turns to him, "You came to me. The deal was my way or the highway." Daniel sighs as he looks back to the teens, "Get on the sparring deck. Now!"

The teens quickly walk up to the deck. Jamie letting out a sigh at Sensei Barnes' unnecessary aggression.

"He's a little aggressive." Demetri mumbles

"Extremely." Jamie says

"Anyone else worried about these "eliminations"?" Hawk says

Jamie and Miguel look towards each other before Jamie faces front. Cracking her fingers before placing her hands behind her back. Unknowingly, placing anxiety on Priscilla who stares at her from her place behind her.

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