"Welcome, competitors, Senseis, sponsors, and esteemed guests to Barcelona, this year's home of the world's greatest karate tournament, the Sekai Taikai!"

The crowd roared, their cheers echoing off the walls of the arena they were in.

Gunther Braun continued, his voice booming. "The Sekai Taikai boasts a rich and proud history. And if you are here, it's because you embody all that the Sekai Taikai stands for - leadership, respect, sportsmanship."

The crowd fell silent as Gunther gestured to the front. "Captains, step forward and tie on your headbands."

From Miyagi-Do, Sam and Robby stepped forward.

For Tiger Claw, Kai and Emiko stepped forward. Kai turned to look at Sam, the two sharing a smile. He hadn't had a chance to speak to her yet as the moment his dojo arrived, it was time for the welcome ceremony.

For Cobra Kai, there was the big surprise. As the captains were called two familiar faces stepped forward. Elijah St John and Tory Nichols.

The betrayal was heart-breaking for all parties. Not for Elijah, that was no big surprise, but for Tory. She had been training with Miyagi-Do and after her mother's death, she had turned to Kreese.

Kai surveyed the rest of Cobra Kai's team, they were all Korean and he assumed them to be students of Sensei Kim's dojo. He surveyed Elijah, what did Kreese see in him to make him captain? Technically he wouldn't be the best fighter, but perhaps Kreese saw something in the boy that no one else did. After all, Elijah and Tory were his prodigies.

Each dojo's captains moved in unison as they tied their headbands on with pride.

The audience's applause grew louder as the captains returned to their teams.

"Captains," Gunther addressed them, "you will have the honour and privilege to compete in our televised tournament of champions. But that is only if your dojo does well enough in our team competitions to make it to the final four."

The stakes were clear, and the tension in the air grew thicker.

Gunther paused, his expression turning serious. "Once the tournament is over, we will tally all the points your dojos have earned. The dojo with the most points wins the Sekai Taikai. Team events begin tomorrow. Each event counts. They will all be a surprise."

"Great," muttered Aramis, "guess we're going in blind."

"That's not a problem for us." Takeshi said.

"But today," Gunther said with a grand gesture, "it's about enjoying our host city and making new friends." He paused, a mischievous glint in his eye. "Or enemies."

Gunther clapped his hands together. "We have a field trip arranged for our competitors. And for our Senseis, a cocktail mixer with our distinguished sponsors - some of the world's finest martial arts brands."

As Gunther wrapped up the ceremony, his words hung heavy over the crowd. "It's a beautiful day to make a first impression. And I suggest you enjoy it, because tomorrow, your lives change forever."

The competitors dispersed, some eagerly discussing the field trip, others casting wary glances at rival dojos.

The Miyagi-Do team huddled together. Daniel addressed them with a steady voice. "This is it. You've all worked so hard to get here. Tomorrow, you'll show the world what Miyagi-Do is all about. But today, soak it in. You've earned this moment."

Johnny grinned, slinging an arm around Miguel and Robby. "And remember, when it comes to the competition - strike first, strike hard."

On the other side of the room, Yazuko stood before his Tiger Claw team, his hands clasped behind his back. "Tomorrow, the world will see what Tiger Claw is capable of. Hold your heads high. Today, you represent not just this dojo, but the legacy of all who came before you. Show no weakness. Show no fear."

Their two captains, Kai and Emiko nodded in unison, their focus unshakable. The group left and exited for the hotel lobby as they were instructed to get their room keys. The hotel lobby buzzed with the energy of martial artists from around the globe. Competitors mingled, some chatting animatedly, others sizing up their rivals from across the room. Once they arrived at the check-in desk, Kai stood with Takeshi, their duffel bags slung over their shoulders as they waited for their room keys.

Kai's sharp eyes scanned the crowd, and his gaze locked onto a familiar figure. Sam. She was standing by the next desk, chatting with Devon while they both held their room assignments.

A warm smile broke across Kai's face. "Sam."

Sam turned, her face lighting up at the sight of him. "Kai!" She handed her room key to Devon and took a step closer, engulfing him in a hug.

Kai relaxed and hugged her back, a smile forming on his face. He had missed this truly. Little did he know that Rae watched from the distance, piecing it all together and realising that Sam was most likely the reason her and Kai had drifted.

As they parted from their hug, Kai looked at Devon and smiled. Trailing behind her was Milo, still refusing to meet Kai's eyes.

Kai tried to make conversation, make the younger boy know that he wasn't an enemy. "Milo. Surprised to see you here. What brings you to Barcelona?"

Milo met Kai's gaze for the first time, he was quiet and nervous. "I'm here with Devon. And...for my brother."

Kai's brow furrowed slightly, but he didn't press further. "That makes sense."

Just then, the energy shifted, the air grew heavier as three figures strode into the lobby, their presence commanding attention. Elijah, Kwon, and Yoon from Cobra Kai made their entrance, their confident smirks along with their intent to make an impression.

Elijah's eyes scanned the room and landed on Kai and Sam. He nudged Kwon and muttered something under his breath, prompting a chuckle from his teammate.

Kwon stepped forward, his voice loud enough to catch everyone's attention. "Whoa. So you're the famous Miyagi-Do." He tilted his head, feigning curiosity. "We've heard about you, but I don't know why. You don't look like much."

As he spoke, other members from Miyagi Do gathered.

Hawk shot back. "Yeah? You'll see better when you step on the mat."

Kai raised a hand, a silent signal for them to stand down. He locked eyes with Kwon, his voice calm but firm. "Come on, guys. It's not worth it."

"And you, you must be the famous Tiger Claw. I have heard your stories." Kwon spat. "An American fighting for a Japanese team. A disgrace."

The tension between Kai and Kwon was palpable, the air crackling as Kai refrained from doing anything stupid. But it was Elijah who took a step closer, his piercing gaze fixed on Kai.

"Just you wait till we're on the mat. You're a dead man." he said quietly, only for Kai to hear.

Kai met Elijah's stare. "Bring it on."

Takeshi nudged Kai. "Come on, let's go."

Kai looked at Takeshi and nodded before giving Sam a quick bye before leaving. Kwon spoke loudly as Kai walked away.

"You've got a reputation, but let's see if you can live up to it."

As the Cobra Kai fighters began to walk away, Robby called out for Tory and followed her as Elijah looked at his younger brother. His expression softened ever so slightly as he gave a nod to his brother. "You settling in?"

"Yeah." Milo replied quietly. It was the first he had seen of his brother since he had left and yet again, he lived up to his reputation of being the emotionless, murderous freak.

"Stay out of trouble." Elijah said, looking at the people surrounding him and noticing that his brother was now with the so-called enemy.

Milo gave a quick nod, and Elijah returned his attention to his teammates.

"Let's go," Elijah said to Kwon and Yoon, and the three fighters strode away.

After Kai had settled into his room that he was sharing with Takeshi, they met up with their other teammates and headed down to the meeting point for the competitors' excursion. They gathered at an aquarium where they were met by the official Sekai Taikai photographer who directed all the captains to a photo.

Kai stood tall, Emiko next to him. Next to him was a tall boy who was serious and seemed to have the inability to smile. Across the way, Sam stood by Robby. Their eyes met briefly before the flash of the camera caught the moment.

After the photo, Kai saw his chance. He approached Sam, weaving through the crowd.

"Sam," he said, his voice warm. "how are you? I've missed you."

"I've missed you too, we haven't had a chance to properly talk." Sam replied with a smile.

Before the conversation could deepen, Rae appeared, a tint of jealousy in her voice. "Kai, aren't you going to introduce me to your...friend?"

Kai sighed inwardly, forcing a polite smile. "Sam, this is Rae. She's one of our fighters. Rae, this is Sam."

Sam extended her hand graciously. "I've heard about you. Nice to meet you, Rae."

Rae half-heartedly shook her hand, her eyes flicking to Kai. "He's told me so much about you."

Kai's discomfort was evident, and he shuffled his feet awkwardly, waiting for the exchange to end. Finally, Rae walked off, and Kai exhaled in relief.

"Sorry about that." he muttered, scratching the back of his neck.

Sam shrugged it off with a laugh. "She's...intense."

"Yeah, that's one word for it." Kai replied, he had yet to tell Sam about what they had shared during his time at camp. It didn't feel necessary, nothing really happened.

The two wandered away from everyone else and into the serene setting of the city aquarium. The dimly lit corridors were lined with glass tanks, their glow illuminating schools of fish and other aquatic creatures.

As they walked, their conversation flowed easily, reminiscing about old memories and sharing thoughts on their respective trainings.

"You've been working hard." Sam said.

"So have you," Kai replied, smiling, "I can tell."

They stopped in front of a massive tank where a stingray floated lazily. The moment hung in the air, the hum of the aquarium filtering out the world.

"I really did miss you Sam," Kai breathed quietly, "we were in a really good place before I went back..."

"Yeah..." Sam replied, her voice trailing off.

Kai leaned in slightly. Sam did too. Their faces were inches apart when-

"USA! USA! USA!"

The chants echoed through the halls, breaking the moment. They pulled back, exchanging an awkward glance before moving toward the noise.

They emerged into a room where Kwon was stirring up the crowd, his Cobra Kai teammates jeering and laughing.

"Are you really the best your dojo has to offer?" Kwon taunted, pointing at Hawk.

Hawk bristled. "I'm tough enough to kick your punk ass."

Kwon smirked. "Please. You're not even captain. Where is he?"

Robby stepped forward, his voice steady. "I'm right here. Come on, guys, we're leaving."

But Kwon wasn't done. "You always walk away from challenge? Or is it because girlfriend is on our team?"

The Cobra Kai fighters roared with laughter, and Robby's jaw tightened.

Hawk placed a hand on Robby's shoulder. "Hey. You got this. Show 'em what's up."

Robby squared up, his voice firm. "What's the challenge?"

Kwon gestured to a marked line on the wall. "You kick above that line. Then I kick."

Robby shrugged.

"What too easy for you?" Kwon taunted. "Let's make bet then."

Robby raised an eyebrow. "What's the bet?"

Kwon's grin widened. "You win, you get my room. I win, I get your room."

Miguel groaned. "Dude, you're gambling our rooms away?"

"I'm not gambling," Robby shot back, "I'm winning us an extra room."

He stepped up and launched a precise kick, his foot soaring well above the line. The crowd cheered, and Kwon's smirk faltered - but only slightly.

Kwon readjusted, his grin returning as he executed an even higher kick, his heel grazing a new mark on the wall. The crowd gasped.

"Don't worry," Kwon said with a mocking laugh, "I'll leave your bags in the hall."

"Cobra Kai!" the team chanted, with everyone else joining in.

The chant died down as Kai stepped forward, his expression neutral. The Tiger Claw team had gathered now, Takeshi standing just behind him.

Kwon crossed his arms. "Oh, the famous Tiger Claw captain. What's on the line, Kai? Another room?"

Kai shook his head. "I don't want your room. I don't want anything." His voice was steady, cutting through the jeers. "Just honour and respect."

The Cobra Kai students erupted into laughter. Kai had no reaction to their jeers.

Kwon rolled his eyes. "Fine. Show us what you've got, 'Captain.'"

Kai approached the line slowly. He measured the wall and took a deep breath.

With a sudden burst of energy, Kai leaped and executed a flawless kick, his foot soaring well above Kwon's mark. The crowd fell silent for a moment before gasping in unison.

Even Kwon was stunned. Elijah shoved past him and started preparing to beat Kai.

He hastily applied the chalk to his heel before stepping up, but his kick was disappointingly short of Kai's and nowhere near.

"You tried." Kai said, a smirk on his face as he looked at a seething Elijah.

He made his way towards Kai, his eyes burning with anger, but was held back by the rest of the team. "Come on, let's get out of here." Yoon advised, the team dragging Elijah back and out of the room.

As they left, the room buzzed with noise as Kai walked back to where Sam and the Tiger Claw team were, his presence undeniable.

The respect he sought had been earned.