The day after the All Valley Tournament, Daniel, Robby, and Lukas stood in the serene backyard of Mr. Miyagi's house. The sun cast a warm glow over the classic cars parked in the garage, each a testament to Mr. Miyagi's craftsmanship and care.

Robby, wide-eyed with amazement, looked at the vintage cars. "Whoa. Mr. Miyagi gave you this?"

Daniel smiled, pride and fondness evident in his eyes. "Yep."

Lukas, equally impressed, added, "Best birthday gift ever."

Daniel nodded, glancing around the well-kept space. "Haven't had much of a chance to get down here lately to take care of her the way she deserves."

Robby chuckled, sensing the impending chores. "Something tells me there's a can of wax in my future."

Lukas grinned, "Amongst other things."

Daniel laughed, a playful glint in his eye. "Don't worry. We got plenty to do before that."

Lukas, nursing his shoulder from the tournament, joked, "I can't do much, so do I get out of this?"

Daniel shook his head, smiling. "Oh no, Lukas. We can find something for you to do."

As the day wore on, Robby got to work sanding the decks, while Lukas, one-armed, helped paint the house.

Daniel kept a watchful eye, instructing, "Make bigger circles. Yeah, bigger. And remember, breathe in, breathe out. No, no, no, wait, wait, wait. Slide yours back a little more. A little bit..."

They then carefully positioned a platform in front of the koi pond, ensuring it was perfectly balanced. Daniel emphasized, "It's gotta be perfectly balanced. See that?"

Meanwhile, across town, Hannah was doing her best to help Sam get over Miguel. They sat on Sam's bed, Hannah joking and trying to lift Sam's spirits. Seeing her friend's struggle, Hannah had an idea.

Hannah suggested with a mischievous smile, "Hey, why don't we go to the beach today? Get some fresh air, clear your mind."

Sam, hesitant but willing to try, nodded. "Yeah, that sounds good."

Hannah, excited by the prospect, added, "And maybe we can invite Robby and Lukas. Make it a fun day."

Sam brightened at the thought, a small smile tugging at her lips. "Yeah, let's do it."

With that plan set, the girls started getting ready, hopeful that a day at the beach with friends could be just what Sam needed to start moving on from the turmoil of the past few weeks.

🥋

The sun was setting over the beach, casting a golden glow over the sand as Lukas, Robby, Hannah, and Sam enjoyed their day. The group had been playing Ultimate Frisbee, and Robby had shown off with a perfect backflip catch, earning cheers and high-fives from everyone. Lukas, sidelined due to his injured shoulder, watched with a mix of frustration and admiration. Despite the setback, he was glad to see Sam looking more relaxed and genuinely enjoying herself.

After a few hours of beach fun, the group decided to head to a nearby juice bar to grab some refreshments. Lukas, Sam, and Robby headed off, leaving Hannah behind to save their spot on the volleyball court. As Hannah started playing alone, she felt a fleeting sense of contentment, enjoying the simple pleasure of the game. However, her peaceful moment was soon interrupted.

Tyler and his group of friends emerged from the boardwalk, laughing and jostling each other. Hannah's heart sank as she recognized Tyler among them. Since Lukas had left East Valley High School, Tyler had been relentless in targeting her, and it seemed he hadn't lost any of his aggressive streak.

Tyler spotted Hannah and, with a smirk, walked over. "Well, well, if it isn't the poor little target," he said, his tone dripping with malice. "Still hanging around, huh? Or should I say, still being a pathetic loser?"

Hannah tried to maintain her composure, but Tyler's presence was intimidating. "Leave me alone, Tyler. I'm not in the mood."

Tyler laughed, his friends joining in with snickers and taunts. "Oh, you're not in the mood? Well, that's too bad, because I am. We haven't had our fun in a while."

Tyler and his friends began to taunt her mercilessly, knocking the volleyball out of her hands and pushing her around. Hannah tried to defend herself, but Tyler's group was relentless. They shoved her and made cruel remarks, their voices blending into a hateful chorus.

Just as things seemed to be getting worse, Lukas, Sam, and Robby returned from the juice bar. Lukas immediately recognized the situation and felt a surge of anger.

"Hey!" Lukas shouted, his voice cutting through the chaos.

Tyler and his friends turned to face Lukas. Tyler's smirk faded for a moment before returning with a mocking edge. "Well, well, look who it is. How's the shoulder, Preston?" he taunted.

Sam stepped forward, her voice steady. "Leave her alone."

One of Tyler's friends made a lewd comment about Sam, causing her to glare at him. Tyler stepped closer, a dark look in his eyes. "Oh, you're the LaRusso bitch. Your dad beat me up once, and I've been waiting for a chance to get even."

Sam didn't back down, taunting Tyler right back. "Well, too bad my dad isn't here to teach you another lesson."

Tyler's expression darkened further. "Well, since your dad isn't here, I guess you'll have to do."

As they advanced towards Sam, Lukas moved in front of her protectively. "Back off, man."

Tyler laughed, his friends joining in. "What are you gonna do, Preston? Fight me with one arm?"

Tyler's taunts escalated as he threatened to injure Lukas further. But before he could make a move, Robby stepped up, his eyes locked on Tyler. "He may not be able to kick your ass right now, but I know I can."

Tyler looked Robby up and down, trying to size him up. "And who the hell are you?"

"Robby," he said simply. "Now back off."

Tyler hesitated, seeing the determination in Robby's eyes and the support from Sam and Lukas. Reluctantly, he conceded, signaling his friends to leave. "Fine. But this isn't over, Preston. You and your friends are dead next time I see you."

As Tyler and his group walked away, Robby turned to Hannah, offering her a hand. "You okay?"

Hannah, her voice shaky, nodded. "I just... I want to go home."

Lukas stepped forward, concern etched on his face. "I'll walk you."

Hannah gave a small nod and began to walk away, Lukas following closely behind, his protective instincts kicking in.

As Lukas and Hannah walked away from the beach, the weight of the day's events hung heavily in the air. Lukas glanced at Hannah, who was unusually quiet, her shoulders slumped with frustration and weariness. He could see the turmoil in her eyes, and he knew she was struggling to process everything that had happened.

"Hannah, I'm really sorry about what just happened back there," Lukas said softly, hoping to ease her distress.

But Hannah, unable to hold back her frustration any longer, lashed out. "Sorry? Lukas, I'm so tired of dealing with Tyler's shit! Every day it's something new with him. Sometimes I just want to hit him, shut him up for good. And ever since you left East Valley, it's only gotten worse. Do you have any idea what that feels like?"

Lukas stopped walking, his heart aching for his friend. "Hannah, I had no idea it was this bad. I'm really sorry you've been going through this. I never wanted to leave you to deal with Tyler alone."

Hannah sighed, her voice trembling. "I know you didn't. It's not your fault, Lukas. But it still hurts. I can't keep living like this."

Lukas thought for a moment before speaking again. "Hannah, Miyagi-Do is looking for new students. You could learn how to defend yourself. It's not just about fighting back, it's about finding your inner strength. Trust me, I won the All Valley because of it."

Hannah let out a bitter laugh. "Self-defense? That self-defense crap? Lukas, I don't just want to defend myself. I want to hurt him, make him pay for everything he's done to me."

Lukas looked her in the eyes, his expression serious. "Hannah, I get it. I really do. But hurting him won't solve anything. It'll just make things worse. Miyagi-Do isn't just about fighting—it's about learning to be stronger and better. Mr. LaRusso and Miyagi-Do helped me when I needed it the most. It can help you too."

Hannah shook her head, struggling with her emotions. "I don't know, Lukas. It's just hard to believe that some karate dojo is going to fix everything."

Lukas smiled gently. "I'm not saying it'll fix everything overnight. But it's a start. You'll learn to stand up for yourself in a way that doesn't just make things worse. You deserve to feel safe, Hannah. And I know Mr. LaRusso can help you with that."

Hannah looked at Lukas, her resolve softening a bit. "Maybe you're right. I guess it's worth a try. I can't keep taking Tyler's crap forever."

Lukas nodded, relieved to see a glimmer of hope in her eyes. "That's all I'm asking. Just give it a shot. And if nothing else, you'll know you're not alone in this."

Hannah took a deep breath and nodded. "Okay, Lukas. I'll think about it. But right now, I just need to get home."

Lukas smiled warmly. "Of course. Let's get you home."

1984

The excitement in the air at the All Valley Tournament was palpable. The crowd roared as the final match began, and in the bleachers, a 17-year-old Calvin Preston leaned forward, eyes wide with anticipation. Beside him, his 21-year-old sister Jenna looked less enthused, but she couldn't help but smile at her younger brother's enthusiasm.

"Come on, Jenna, this is going to be great!" Calvin exclaimed, practically bouncing in his seat.

Jenna rolled her eyes but kept a smile on her face. "Yeah, yeah. Let's just hope it's over soon. I've got a hot date tonight."

Calvin barely registered her words, his attention riveted to the mat where Daniel LaRusso faced off against Johnny Lawrence. The match was intense, with both fighters giving it their all. Then, in a move that would become legendary, Daniel executed the crane kick, sending Johnny to the mat.

Calvin jumped up, pumping his fist in the air. "Did you see that, Jenna? That was the greatest thing I've ever seen in my life!"

Jenna chuckled, shaking her head. "You're such a dork, Cal. But yeah, that was pretty cool."

2016

Lukas trudged home from school, his shoulders slumped and his face a mask of frustration. He opened the door to find his parents, Calvin and Julia, in the kitchen. Julia was preparing dinner while Calvin read the newspaper at the table.

"Hey, sport," Calvin greeted, looking up from his paper. "How was school?"

Lukas dropped his backpack on the floor and slumped into a chair. "Terrible. Tyler and his friends were at it again."

Julia immediately put down her knife and turned to Lukas, concern etched on her face. "What did they do this time?"

Lukas sighed. "Just the usual—pushing me around, knocking my books out of my hands, calling me names."

Julia's face hardened. "That's it. I'm calling the principal. This needs to stop."

"No, Mom, don't," Lukas protested. "It'll only make things worse. They'll just find new ways to mess with me."

Calvin folded his newspaper and leaned forward, his expression thoughtful. "Your mom's just trying to help, Lukas. But you're right. Sometimes getting adults involved only escalates things."

Julia frowned, her hands on her hips. "So what do you suggest we do, Calvin? Just let them keep bullying our son?"

Calvin shook his head. "No, of course not. Lukas, here's what you do: don't give them the time of day. Bullies thrive on getting a reaction. If you don't give them one, they'll eventually get bored and move on."

Lukas looked skeptical. "That sounds too simple."

Calvin smiled gently. "Sometimes the simplest solutions are the best. Trust me on this one, Lukas."

Despite her reservations, Julia called the principal anyway, hoping to protect her son. However, her intervention only made things worse, and Lukas faced even more taunting from Tyler and his friends.

Calvin and Julia sat together on the couch one evening, both feeling the weight of their son's struggles. "We need to be on the same page for Lukas," Calvin said, rubbing his temples. "Especially with things getting tougher in high school."

Julia nodded, tears welling in her eyes. "I just want to make things better for him. And with your job situation..."

Calvin sighed. "Yeah, the layoffs aren't making anything easier. But we'll get through this. We have to."

Later that night, Calvin sat in front of the TV, flipping through channels until a familiar face caught his eye. A LaRusso Auto Group commercial was playing, featuring none other than Daniel LaRusso himself. Calvin couldn't help but smile, remembering that iconic crane kick from years ago.

Julia walked in, drying her hands with a towel. "What's got you grinning like a kid on Christmas?"

Calvin chuckled. "Just seeing my childhood hero on TV. Daniel LaRusso—man, he was badass back in the day."

Julia laughed, shaking her head. "You and your karate heroes. You know, Lukas could use a bit of that confidence."

Calvin nodded thoughtfully. "Maybe he could. Maybe it's time we look into something like that for him."

As the commercial ended, Calvin made a silent promise to himself. They would find a way to get things on the right path for Lukas, no matter what it took.

🥋

The sun was setting over the peaceful backyard of Mr. Miyagi's house. The dojo was slowly coming together, with Daniel and Robby working diligently to restore it to its former glory. Robby was playing with a small drum, tapping it rhythmically as Daniel sorted through some old items.

Daniel looked up and noticed Robby with the drum. "Hey," he called out, a hint of seriousness in his voice. "Be careful. That drum saved my life."

Robby immediately put the drum down, looking a bit sheepish. "Sorry, I didn't mean to touch it."

Daniel walked over, his expression softening. "Nah, it's just a toy. Then again, not everything in Miyagi-Do is always as it seems."

Robby's curiosity was piqued. "What's this?" he asked, pointing to a framed medal hanging on the wall.

Daniel's eyes filled with pride. "That's the Medal of Honor. The highest honor awarded by the US Military."

Robby looked impressed. "I didn't know Mr. Miyagi was a war hero."

Daniel nodded. "Yes, he was. Mr. Miyagi went through a lot. He was a man of peace, but he knew when to fight for what was right."

Robby's gaze shifted to a couple of framed scrolls on the wall. "Guess it wasn't all bonsais and kata. What are these?"

Daniel smiled, glad that Robby was interested. "I'm glad you asked. First rule of Miyagi-Do Karate, 'Karate is for defense only.' Second rule of Miyagi-Do Karate, 'First, learn rule number one.' It's really all about that first rule."

Robby absorbed the information, his expression contemplative. "I guess Mr. Miyagi would make an exception for Cobra Kai. I mean, when my dad finds out what we're up to, he is not gonna know what hit him."

Daniel watched as Robby walked away, a mix of determination and uncertainty in his step. Something about the way Robby spoke didn't sit right with Daniel. He knew that the path they were on required more than just physical training; it required a shift in mindset, a deeper understanding of what Miyagi-Do truly stood for.

🥋

The late afternoon sun cast long shadows across Mr. Miyagi's serene backyard as Lukas, Robby, and Hannah arrived at the Miyagi-Do dojo. Lukas, still nursing his injured shoulder, led the way, while Robby followed, carrying a small bag of training supplies.

"Wow, this place is beautiful," Hannah remarked, taking in the tranquil surroundings—the koi pond, the carefully tended bonsai trees, and the iconic dojo itself.

Lukas smiled, happy to see her impressed. "Yeah, it's pretty special. Come on, let's show you around."

Robby opened the door to the dojo, revealing a space filled with traditional Japanese décor, training equipment, and a strong sense of history. "Welcome to Miyagi-Do," he said, his voice carrying a note of pride."

Hannah looked around, her eyes lingering on the framed photographs and artifacts. "So, what's the deal with this place? What makes it different from, you know, other places?"

Lukas gestured for her to sit down on one of the mats. "It's all about balance and defense. Mr. Miyagi believed that karate was for defense only."

Robby nodded in agreement. "Right. We don't start fights, we finish them."

Lukas picked up a couple of sanders and handed one to Hannah. "Here, let me show you something. It's called 'sand the floor.' It's one of the first things we learn."

Hannah watched as Lukas demonstrated the motion, moving the sander in circular patterns on the mat. She hesitated for a moment but then mimicked his movements.

"Feels a bit like housework, doesn't it?" she asked with a small laugh.

Robby chuckled. "Yeah, it does. But trust me, there's more to it than just cleaning. These movements build muscle memory and teach you the fundamentals of blocking and defense."

Lukas pointed to the other side of the dojo, where a series of painted boards were set up. "That's 'paint the fence.' It's another exercise that helps with defense techniques. We also do 'wax on, wax off' and 'paint the house.' Each one teaches a different aspect of karate."

Hannah put down the sander and stood up, looking around the dojo with a skeptical expression. "I don't know, guys. This all seems a bit... unconventional. I mean, can doing chores really help me defend myself against someone like Tyler?"

Lukas walked over to her, his tone earnest. "I get it, Hannah. It seems weird at first, but it works. I won the All Valley because of this training. It's not just about the physical moves—it's about the mindset, the discipline."

Robby added, "Miyagi-Do isn't just about fighting back. It's about finding peace within yourself and learning to control your emotions. That's what gives you the strength to stand up to bullies."

Hannah sighed, still unsure. "I don't know. I'll think about it. It just seems like self-defense can only get you so far, you know?"

Lukas placed a reassuring hand on her shoulder. "That's okay, Hannah. Take your time. We're here for you, no matter what you decide."

As they left the dojo, Hannah's mind was still racing with doubts. She didn't want to disappoint Lukas, but the idea of learning karate through housework seemed almost laughable. Yet, she couldn't deny the sense of calm and purpose that the dojo seemed to instill in Lukas and Robby.

She gave Lukas a small smile as they walked back to the car. "Thanks for showing me around. I'll definitely think about it."

Lukas nodded, understanding. "No pressure. Just remember, we're here if you need us."

🥋

Daniel walked into the dojo, his eyes widening in surprise as he saw Sam training diligently. Her movements were fluid, but he noticed a slight hesitation in her drop-down back kick.

"Not bad," he remarked, stepping further into the room. "Just remember, that drop-down back kick may be powerful, but you're leaving yourself vulnerable to attack."

Sam paused and looked up, somewhat startled by his presence. "Hey, Dad."

"I didn't know you ever came in here anymore," Daniel said, genuinely surprised.

Sam shrugged, looking away. "Just working some stuff out."

Daniel could sense the weight she was carrying. "Listen, I've been so busy building this dojo. I know you and I haven't had a chance to really talk about you and Miguel."

Sam's expression tightened. "I don't wanna talk about it, Dad."

Daniel sighed and took a seat on one of the mats. "Did I ever tell you about my first girlfriend?" he asked, hoping to ease into the conversation.

Sam looked at him, curiosity piqued. "No. What happened?"

"I was about your age," Daniel began. "She was in another league. Beautiful eyes, amazing smile. And I thought it would last forever. I did."

Sam sat down across from him, clearly interested. "What happened?"

"Grandma moved us out of New Jersey," Daniel continued. "Came to California, I met a new girl, Ali. This time, I was sure she was the one. I mean, Judy was great, but this, this was true love."

"So what happened with Ali?" Sam asked, leaning in.

Daniel smiled wistfully. "That's a story for another time. And then there's a story after that one. And that one."

Sam's eyes widened in realization. "So, what's your point?"

"My point is, Sam, you think the world revolves around one person, but then, you meet someone new," Daniel explained gently. "I know it's hard. It hurts, but everyone goes through this."

Sam began to reflect on her own experiences. Her relationship with Kyler had turned out to be a disaster. Then there was Miguel, who had been a sweet boy until Cobra Kai changed him. And now, there was Lukas. She wouldn't admit it, but she had begun to develop feelings for him. His kind demeanor, his resilience despite his injury, his ability to make her laugh—all these things had drawn her to him. But she wasn't sure if she wanted to open that door yet.

"Yeah, but not everyone has an insane karate cult that's brainwashing half the school," Sam said, her voice tinged with frustration.

Daniel sighed. "Well, that's why I'm opening up Miyagi-Do. So we can fight back, take down Cobra Kai."

Sam shook her head, the conflict clear in her eyes. "I don't wanna fight them. They're not my enemies, they're my friends. At least they used to be."

Daniel reached out to comfort her, but she stood up, her resolve hardening. "Thanks for trying to help, Dad."

With that, she walked out of the dojo, leaving Daniel behind. He watched her go, understanding that she needed time to process everything.

🥋

Hannah sat across from her parents in a cozy, dimly lit restaurant. The atmosphere was meant to be comforting, but the conversation was anything but light. Her parents, aware of the recent bullying incident involving Tyler, were trying their best to offer reassurance, though their words seemed to fall short.

"I know it feels like nothing will ever change," her mother said softly. "But you're not alone. We're here for you."

Hannah's frustration was palpable. "It's just so exhausting. I feel like I'll be putting up with his shit forever, and nothing seems to help."

Her father nodded sympathetically. "You know, Lukas seems to be doing well. He's handling his own challenges pretty bravely."

Hannah sighed. "I guess. But it doesn't change anything for me."

As they spoke, Miguel, who had been hanging out with Hawk at a nearby table, overheard their conversation. He had been simmering with anger over Lukas's recent victory at the All Valley and the fact that Lukas had apparently "taken Sam away" from him. Miguel's mind started to churn with a potential opportunity for revenge.

Seeing Hannah's distress, Miguel decided to approach their table. He walked over with a friendly, albeit calculated, smile.

"Hey, Hannah," he said. "I couldn't help but overhear a bit. Mind if I join you for a moment?"

Hannah looked up, a bit surprised but wary. "Uh, sure. What's up?"

Miguel took a seat at their table, nodding to her parents in a polite but distracted manner. "I heard about what happened with Tyler. It sounds really tough. I wanted to let you know that I get it. I've been through some rough stuff myself."

Hannah glanced at him, her expression skeptical. "Yeah? You were an asshole to my friend."

Miguel raised an eyebrow, maintaining his friendly facade. "I was competitive, that's all. There's nothing wrong with that. Lukas was trying to move in on something that wasn't his."

Hannah frowned, unimpressed. "So, what's your point?"

Miguel leaned in slightly, lowering his voice to make it seem more confidential. "Well, I know it's hard dealing with Tyler. And if you're looking for a way to get back at him. Maybe I can help with that."

Hannah's curiosity was piqued despite her reservations. "Like what?"

Miguel leaned back, his expression thoughtful. "If you want, I can introduce you to some people who can help with that."

Hannah hesitated, her thoughts conflicted. "And why should I trust you?"

Miguel's gaze was steady. "You don't have to trust me. Just think about it.."

With that, Miguel stood up and gave Hannah a reassuring nod. "If you're interested, you know where to find me."