With the teams all selected for the Sekai Taikai, it was now a matter of who would be the selected captains for each team. Miyagi-Do were bringing Miguel, Sam, Tory, Robby, Demetri and Devon whilst Tiger Claw had Kai, Takeshi, Masahiko, Aramis, Rae and Emiko.

In Korea, Kreese had been training Sensei Kim's students and had the pick of the best students in the country for his Sekai Taikai roster. Currently, he had Kwon, Yoon and Elijah and was picking three other students. However, he had an issue - Sensei Kim ran an all-male dojo which meant he didn't have any female fighters, hence he didn't have any candidates for a female captain.

He would have to figure that out.

In his back-garden, Daniel LaRusso cleared his throat. "The Sekai Taikai needs our final roster in three days," he began, "and now that we know who's going, it's time for us to name our male and female captains."

His announcement drew murmurs and excited glances from the team.

"The captains are not just the leaders of the team," Daniel continued, "they're the ones that will be fighting in the finals, if we can make it that far."

"And we will." Johnny interjected confidently. "Plus, the captains get to fight on live TV. Who knows what could come after that? Wheaties boxes, martial arts movies, endorsements...sky's the limit."

Daniel stepped forward slightly. "You'll all get the glory if we win, but yes, the captains will be in the spotlight. They need to represent the best we have to offer. And Sensei Lawrence and I want to assure you that the decision will be completely unbiased."

Johnny straightened up. "That's right. In two days, Sam will face Tory for the female captain spot, and Robby and Miguel will fight for male captain."

Daniel's tone softened slightly, though his words were no less serious. "We all know you've fought plenty of times before. But now that we're on the same side, this is the best way for us to see who's progressed the most. It's not just about skill - it's about leadership, discipline, and determination."

The four fighters looked at each other, determination etched on all their faces. This was it. This was their time to shine.

Over in Japan, Sensei Yazuko was having a similar conversation with his fighters. They all sat cross-legged in a semicircle inside their dojo, their gazes fixed on their Sensei as he paced slowly before them.

Yazuko stopped and clasped his hands behind his back, his presence demanding their full attention.

"With the Sekai Taikai fast approaching, it is time to name our captains," he began, his voice even and measured, "these leaders will represent not only Tiger Claw but Japan itself. They must embody skill, discipline, and the spirit of our dojo."

The fighters exchanged glances, anticipation sparking in their eyes. Kai knew this conversation was coming and he knew it wasn't going to be easy. There was only one captain and he knew everyone around him wanted it as much as he did.

"For the female captain," Yazuko continued looking at Rae and Emiko, "you both will face each other in a fight. The tournament regulations apply. First to three. Both of you have demonstrated strength and growth, and this match will determine who is ready to lead."

Rae's eyes widened slightly, surprise flickering across her face, but she quickly composed herself, her lips pressing into a determined line. Emiko nodded solemnly, her expression one of quiet confidence.

"For the male captain," Yazuko said, "Kai-san and Takeshi-san will fight. Both of you have shown the skill and focus necessary for this role."

Kai glanced at Takeshi, his expression calm but his mind already focused on the challenge. Takeshi met Kai's gaze, the two nodding at each other - ready for the challenge and knowing whoever emerged on top was the most deserving.

Before Yazuko could continue, Aramis rose to his feet abruptly. "Sensei," he said, his voice tight with frustration, "why am I not included in this? I've trained just as hard - harder even - than anyone here. I deserve a shot at this."

Masahiko spoke up next, his voice quiet but firm. "Sensei, I would like to compete as well. If this is about representing the dojo's strength, I should have the opportunity to prove myself."

Yazuko turned to the two, his expression unreadable. After a long pause, he nodded.

"Both of you raise valid points," he said, "Aramis, your passion is undeniable, and your progress has been impressive. Masahiko, your experience and technique are invaluable. Even though you haven't trained at this dojo for as long, it is fair to give you both a chance. Very well. To resolve this, we will hold a mini-tournament."

All of the members murmured between themselves, Kai's eyes darted to Masahiko and Aramis who looked pleased that they were given an opportunity to prove themselves.

"I will draw the matchups," Sensei Yazuko announced, he quickly scribbled their names on pieces of a paper and placed it into a small box before drawing names. "Kai will face Masahiko, and Takeshi will face Aramis. The winners will fight each other for the captaincy. You have today to prepare. Train hard. Show me why you deserve to lead. Dismissed."

As his students slowly made their way out of the dojo, Sensei Yazuko noticed Kai and Takeshi gather and whisper words between the two. Although he tried to hide it, he desperately hoped one of the two would represent his dojo as captain. They were raised on the dojo's virtues and embodied what Tiger Claw meant so well. It seemed fitting for them to be captains. However the other two male fighters raised a valid point, he should be fair and give them a chance. As much as his heart wanted his two sons to represent his dojo, his head knew that the best fighter would give Tiger Claw the highest chance of winning.

And so it began, the training for the coveted spot of captain for their respective dojos.

Kai had called Sam and she had told him about how her training was going. She was determined to get the spot, she wanted to shine on the world stage. Their calls was a constant in his life that Kai very much appreciated.

"Sam," Kai said, leaning back against the chair he was sat on, taking in the fresh air, "hey."

"Hey, Kai," her voice came through, warm and reassuring. "You sound tired. Rough training?"

Kai chuckled, rubbing the back of his neck. "You could say that. Sensei Yazuko's not exactly a believer in taking it easy. What about you? How's everything over there?"

Sam sighed. "Pretty intense. We've been going nonstop since they announced the fights. Everyone's watching every move I make - it's like they're sizing me up even before the fight with Tory."

Kai leaned forward, resting his elbows on his knees. "I get that. It's the same here. Feels like every time I spar, there's always a pair of eyes on me."

"Are you ready?" she asked, her voice tinged with concern.

Kai hesitated for a moment. "I think so. Masahiko's no joke, though. He's sharp, experienced, disciplined and his technique is perfect. He was born for karate."

"Masahiko...he's the one who's been training here the longest, right?" Sam asked, recalling what Kai had shared about his teammates.

"Yeah. He's solid - technically perfect. But I've been working on using my speed and unpredictability. Sensei Yazuko says that's where my edge is. I break and disrupt his rhythm and that will throw him off."

Sam smiled on her end of the call. "You've always been good at catching people off guard. I still remember that spinning hook kick you landed on Miguel during practice."

Kai laughed. "He still brings that up, doesn't he?"

"All the time." Sam replied, laughing along.

"What about you?" Kai asked, steering the conversation back to her. "How's it going with Tory?"

Sam's tone shifted slightly, becoming more serious. "She's been pushing herself harder than ever. I mean, I can tell she wants this just as much as I do. It's...weird, though. We're not at each other's throats like before, but there's still so much tension."

Kai nodded, even though she couldn't see him. "That's good, though. It means you're both in the zone. Just remember, it's not just about beating her - it's about proving why you deserve to lead."

"That's easier said than done, winning is still how they're going to decide," Sam said with a small laugh, "but yeah, I know what you mean."

They fell into a comfortable silence for a moment, both lost in their own thoughts.

"Kai," Sam said softly, breaking the quiet, "no matter what happens, whether it's you or me, or anyone else leading the teams...I just want us both to be there. Together. In Barcelona."

Kai's expression softened. "We will be. I can't wait."

"Good," she said, her voice steady, "because I don't want to face the Sekai Taikai without you."

Kai grinned, feeling a warmth spread through him despite the chill in the air. "Same here. But hey, let's both win, yeah? Then we can argue over who gets to call themselves the better captain."

Sam laughed, the sound making every problem in Kai's life dissolve. "Deal. Now, get some rest, okay? I don't want you blaming me if Masahiko beats you."

Kai smirked. "I wouldn't dream of it. Goodnight, Sam."

"Goodnight, Kai."

As the call ended, Kai leaned back, staring up at the stars. The pressure of the fight ahead was still there, but hearing Sam's voice had grounded him. For now, that was enough.

The next morning, Kai awoke with energy, ready for the day's activities. Today was the day Tiger Claw would decide their captains. The dojo was alive with energy as everyone arrived to warm up. Sensei Yazuko stood at the edge of the mat, arms crossed with a referee next to him to ensure impartiality.

The other fighters watched from the sides as Kai and Masahiko stepped onto the mat, bowing to each other before taking their stances. Masahiko's movements were sharp, precise, honed by years of discipline. Kai, by contrast, exuded a fluid, unpredictable energy. He knew he had to switch things up if he was to beat his opponent.

The referee signalled for the match to begin.

Masahiko struck first, a swift sidekick aimed at Kai's chest. Kai sidestepped, countering with a spinning back fist that Masahiko barely blocked. Their exchange was a flurry of speed and precision, Masahiko's calculated attacks clashing with Kai's erratic counters.

The first point went to Masahiko after a clean roundhouse kick to Kai's ribs.

Kai adjusted, using feints to disrupt Masahiko's rhythm. He baited Masahiko into overcommitting to a high kick, then slid underneath to land a low sweep. Point Kai.

As the match wore on, Kai leaned into his unorthodox style, throwing unexpected combinations that left Masahiko struggling to anticipate his next move. A surprise kick earned Kai another point, leaving the score at 2-1.

In the final exchange, Kai danced around Masahiko, feinting left and right before landing a spinning hook kick to his opponent's shoulder. The whistle sounded.

"Point! Winner! Kai!"

Kai bowed deeply to Masahiko, who returned the gesture with a nod of respect, before he bowed to his Sensei whose eyes gleamed with pride.

Takeshi and Aramis faced off next. Where Takeshi's energy was calm and disciplined, Aramis's was fiery and volatile.

Aramis launched into the fight with an aggressive flurry of punches and kicks, but Takeshi blocked each strike with perfect precision that frustrated his opponent.

Takeshi countered with a clean back kick to Aramis's chest. Point Takeshi.

As the match progressed, Takeshi's composure proved to be Aramis's undoing. Aramis attempted a spinning kick but left himself open, and Takeshi capitalised with a quick jab to his torso.

By the end, Takeshi had dominated 3-0, his calm, methodical style neutralising Aramis's fiery aggression. Aramis knew he had been outclassed by Takeshi and was not a sore loser, he offered a hand for Takeshi to shake in which he did.

As Sensei Yazuko called for a short break, Kai found Takeshi meditating near the training hall. He sat down beside him.

"You were solid out there." Kai said.

"So were you," Takeshi replied, opening his eyes, "you were unpredictable but you're fighting with more control than ever."

Kai chuckled. "I've been working on it."

They sat in silence for a moment before Takeshi spoke. "You know, no matter who wins later, it's an honour to fight you. We've been through too much together for this to be anything but respectful."

Kai nodded. "Same here. Best fighter wins."

Takeshi smiled. "Best fighter wins."

After the break, it was time for the girls' fight. Emiko and Rae stepped onto the mat, tension radiating from both of them.

The fight began with explosive exchanges, both girls showing speed and strength. Rae scored the first point with a swift back kick to Emiko's abdomen, but Emiko came back with a strong strike.

At 1-1, Emiko paused mid-fight, her breathing uneven as her gaze drifted to the floor. Flashes of her past clouded her mind, and she took a step back, signalling for a timeout.

Takeshi was at her side in an instant. "Emiko, are you okay?"

She nodded, her voice steady despite the turmoil in her eyes. "I'm fine. I just...I need a moment."

"Are you sure you can do this?" Takeshi asked, he knew that in the real thing the conditions would not be as forgiving and she might not be allowed a timeout.

"I'll be fine." Emiko countered, she knew it was a one off. She just needed to calm her mind. Relieve herself of the stress and pressure.

After a few deep breaths, Emiko returned to the mat. Her stance was different - lower, more aggressive. She channelled the pain and anger she had buried, her movements sharper and more deliberate.

Emiko unleashed a devastating combination of strikes, overwhelming Rae and earning two more points. Rae fought valiantly, but Emiko's ferocity was unmatched.

"Point! Winner! Emiko!"

As the fighters clapped, Emiko's eyes locked with Takeshi's. She gave a small, triumphant nod, and he smiled in return. Rae was disappointed but she was comforted by her brother who reassured her that she still fought well.

The final fight was set. Kai and Takeshi faced each other, bowing to each other before bowing to Sensei Yazuko who watched intently.

The match began with measured exchanges, neither fighter overcommitting. Takeshi scored the first point with a perfectly timed jab, but Kai quickly evened the score with a low sweep.

They traded points until the score reached 2-2, and the match entered sudden death.

The final round was a chess match. Both fighters anticipated each other's moves, countering and deflecting with precision. The tension in the room was electric as the seconds ticked by.

Finally, Kai broke the stalemate. He feinted a roundhouse kick but transitioned mid-air into a spinning heel kick, catching Takeshi off guard. The kick landed cleanly on Takeshi's shoulder.

"Point! Winner! Kai!"

As the fight concluded, the two bowed to each other. Takeshi clapped Kai on the shoulder. "Well fought, brother."

"You too." Kai said, his chest heaving with exhaustion.

Sensei Yazuko stepped forward, a rare smile on his face.

"Kai-san, Emiko-san, you have earned the honour of leading Tiger Claw. Congratulations."