Lukas and Robby were sitting on the couch in the LaRusso living room, a plate of leftover pizza balanced on the coffee table in front of them. The room was filled with the soft hum of the television, which was currently playing an ad during one of the commercial breaks. They weren't paying much attention to it until a familiar face suddenly appeared on the screen.

"Inner peace, focus, balance."

Both boys turned their heads toward the TV in unison, their attention fully captured by the man speaking directly into the camera.

"These are just some of the skills that you will master when you join Miyagi-Do Karate."

It was Daniel, dressed in a crisp white gi, sitting in the middle of the Miyagi-Do dojo with a serene expression on his face. The setting was picture-perfect, with the koi pond glimmering softly in the background and the iconic bonsai trees framing the scene.

Lukas raised an eyebrow. "Is this...?"

"I'm Daniel LaRusso," the voice continued, "and before I was the number-one auto dealer in the Valley..."

"What the hell?" Robby blurted out, his confusion quickly giving way to amusement.

"...I was two-time All Valley under-18 champion," Daniel said, his voice taking on a confident, almost nostalgic tone.

A smile tugged at the corners of Robby's mouth. "This is priceless," he chuckled, leaning back on the couch as the ad continued to roll.

"Now, you can learn the secrets of Okinawan karate, true karate, by joining the Miyagi-Do team," Daniel's voice echoed with pride.

As the camera panned to a shot of the dojo's tranquil garden, complete with fluttering leaves and a peaceful breeze, Robby's laughter grew. "I can't believe he actually made this," he said, shaking his head in disbelief.

But what caught their attention next was an image that flashed onto the screen—a still photo of Lukas at the All Valley tournament, holding up the championship trophy, his face beaming with victory.

Lukas's eyes widened in surprise. "Huh, nice touch," he said, a hint of pride in his voice. Seeing himself in the ad, being associated with the legacy of Miyagi-Do, made him feel a strange mix of emotions—part pride, part embarrassment, and a dash of disbelief.

"Don't be a snake in the grass, be a champion," Daniel's voice narrated, just as the image of Lukas faded out.

The ad closed with a final shot of the Miyagi-Do logo and the dojo's location information, followed by the tagline: "Tweet us at #TeamMiyagiDo."

"And all lessons are free. That's right, free," Daniel's voice emphasized. "Because at Miyagi-Do, it's not about the money. It's about the karate."

The screen faded to black, and the regular programming resumed. Robby was still grinning from ear to ear, clearly entertained by the whole thing.

"I gotta give it to Mr. Larusso," Robby said, shaking his head in amusement. "He really knows how to sell it."

Lukas couldn't help but laugh along. "Yeah, he definitely knows how to put on a show."

🥋

The sun was shining bright over the crowded beach as Hannah, Demetri, and Hawk were in the middle of a casual game of volleyball. The sound of waves crashing against the shore mixed with the distant laughter of other beachgoers, creating a lively atmosphere. Hannah served the ball over the net, and it sailed just out of bounds.

Demetri threw up his hands in protest. "Mulligan, send it back."

Hannah rolled her eyes, a playful smile on her face. "There are no mulligans in volleyball, Demetri."

"Says you," Demetri retorted, already heading for a water break. He grabbed a bottle from the cooler and took a long sip before wrapping himself in a Cobra Kai towel.

As they regrouped, a group of girls passed by, catching sight of Demetri's towel.

"Hey, you guys won that karate tournament, right?" one of the girls asked, recognizing the logo.

Another girl chimed in, "The All Valley... The Rumble in Reseda?"

Demetri, puffing out his chest a bit, grinned awkwardly. "Yes, uh, we, uh... We certainly did."

The first girl smiled, clearly impressed. "Cool. We're gonna go for a swim, but maybe play with you later?"

Demetri's eyes lit up. "Most def. Uh, that means 'most definitely.'"

As the girls walked away, Hawk shot Demetri a look. "Look at you, player. It'd be nice if you actually earned the Cobra Kai cred you're so happy to take. When are you ever gonna sign up?"

Demetri hesitated, shifting uncomfortably. "I don't know... I'm kind of enjoying the gain without the pain."

Hawk, turning his attention to Hannah, didn't let up. "What about you, Hannah? When are you gonna sign up? You know, Sensei Kreese is no joke. He's not going to wait forever."

Hannah, who had been idly twirling a strand of hair around her finger, looked up. "Like I said, I don't know. He wants to see me later, but I'm not sure yet."

Hawk leaned in, eyes narrowing. "Kreese is the real deal. He's tough, yeah, but he can teach you how to make those assholes who messed with you pay. You want to get stronger, right? Then this is your shot."

Hannah bit her lip, conflicted. Kreese was intimidating, no doubt, but the idea of finally standing up to Tyler and his friends was tempting. "I don't know..."

Before she could say more, Miguel walked up, his expression tense and distracted.

"Miguel." Hannah greeted him, noticing his demeanor immediately. "What's up?"

Hawk grinned at his friend. "Hey, there's the man. What's up?"

Miguel forced a smile but quickly glanced down at the sand, his mind clearly elsewhere. Hawk noticed and wasn't about to let it slide. "No. No more of this. Look, it's a beautiful day out, the beach is packed with babes. No more sulking about Sam."

Miguel shook his head. "I'm not sulking about Sam. It's about Sensei."

Hawk raised an eyebrow. "Is this about his rap sheet? My parents read it online. I think it makes him more badass."

Miguel took a deep breath, trying to find the right words. "It's about him... and Robby Keene."

Hannah's eyes widened slightly. "Robby?"

"Yeah," Hawk added, "Aren't you guys friends or something?"

Hannah hesitated. "I've hung out with him a couple of times. I can't say that we're friends. Why?"

Miguel looked at her seriously. "You might want to come and see this."

🥋

At the dojo, Hawk and Miguel huddled together in a quiet corner, their voices low but tense. The recent revelations had rattled them both, and Hawk's expression was a mix of confusion and anger.

"So, I did a deep-dive online, and you were right," Hawk said, leaning closer to Miguel. "Sensei is definitely Keene's father."

Miguel shook his head, his brow furrowed. "I just don't understand why he wouldn't tell us. I mean, it's not like we wouldn't have his back."

Hawk shrugged, though the frustration was evident in his voice. "I don't know. But it explains why he's giving us shit for kicking Keene's ass at the tournament. Show no mercy—unless it's his son. Then we gotta be pussies."

Before they could delve deeper into the conversation, Aisha walked up to them, holding her phone like she'd just seen something unbelievable.

"You guys, have you seen the commercial?" Aisha asked, her tone urgent.

Miguel and Hawk looked at her in confusion.

"Sam's dad started his own dojo, and he disses Cobra Kai," Aisha continued, glancing between them with wide eyes.

Miguel and Hawk exchanged looks, knowing this wasn't going to sit well with Johnny. Just as they were about to ask for details, they heard the sound of the commercial playing in the other room.

They all moved toward the doorway, peering into the room where Johnny stood, his eyes glued to the screen as Daniel LaRusso's voice filled the space.

"Because at Miyagi-Do, it's not about the money. It's about the karate."

Johnny's jaw tightened as the ad continued, his grip on the remote turning his knuckles white. The image on the screen showed the Miyagi-Do emblem, with Daniel standing proudly in front of it, his tone smug.

"Free karate. How am I supposed to compete with that?" Johnny muttered to himself, his voice barely concealing the fury simmering beneath the surface.

Kreese, still watching from the doorway, shook his head in disbelief. "Snake in the grass. He's talking about us. 'Miyagi-Do.'"

Kreese's face hardened as the commercial ended, his mind clearly racing with thoughts of retaliation. "I should've taken care of that old bastard when I had the chance," he muttered, his voice low and dangerous.

One of the younger students in the dojo, who had also caught the end of the commercial, spoke up, confusion evident on his face. "Wait, why are we paying for karate if this other guy's giving it away for free?"

Kreese turned to face Johnny, the anger in his eyes now fully on display. "This is an act of war," he declared, his voice firm and unwavering. "It demands an immediate response."

"I know what it needs," Johnny said, his voice resolute. "And I know exactly what I'm gonna do."

🥋

Lukas and Sam were in the middle of their training session in the backyard of the LaRusso house. The sun was starting to dip in the sky, casting a warm glow over the neatly manicured garden. Sam circled Lukas, her movements smooth and fluid as she kept her focus on him.

"Remember, keep moving in a circle," Sam reminded, her tone both instructive and teasing.

Lukas smirked, sidestepping her as he mirrored her movements. "You know, I did win the All Valley. I know what I'm doing."

Sam rolled her eyes playfully, a grin tugging at her lips. "That's just 'cause you didn't have to get through me. If you did, that trophy might be sitting in my room instead of yours."

Lukas chuckled, his gaze lingering on her. "Oh, really? Sounds like someone's challenging me."

"Maybe I am," Sam shot back, her eyes glinting with a mix of amusement and something else, something deeper. She liked the way Lukas kept pace with her, both in their banter and in their training. Her feelings for him had been growing steadily, and moments like this made it hard to ignore them.

"Careful what you wish for," Lukas teased, stepping closer. "I wouldn't want to embarrass you."

Sam's heart skipped a beat, but before she could respond, they were interrupted by the sound of footsteps approaching.

Robby appeared, looking somewhat out of place but determined. "Listen, I wanna thank both of you," he said, his voice sincere.

Sam paused, turning to face him with curiosity. "For what?"

Robby shrugged, a small smile forming on his lips. "Last week, I had no hot water. This week, I have a Jacuzzi in my backyard."

Sam laughed, the sound light and genuine. "Well, I wouldn't get too excited. We did find a dead possum in there."

Robby joined in the laughter, shaking his head. "Seriously, though. Thank you. It's been a little rough lately, and it's nice to have people look out for you."

Lukas nodded, stepping up beside Sam. "That's what friends do."

Robby's smile faltered slightly as he looked between the two of them. "Not all friends," he said softly, the weight of his words lingering in the air.

Before the conversation could deepen, Daniel's voice cut through the moment. "All right, guys. Enough chitchat. Let's see where you're at."

As if on cue, two boys showed up at the edge of the backyard, looking unsure but curious.

"Good afternoon," Daniel greeted them warmly, stepping forward.

"Hey, uh, we're looking for Miyagi-Do?" one of the boys asked, his voice hesitant.

"You're in the right place," Daniel confirmed with a welcoming smile.

"The commercial said lessons are free?" the other boy chimed in, still skeptical.

Lukas, picking up on their uncertainty, nodded. "Yep. You guys ready to get started?"

The boys exchanged a glance before nodding cautiously. "Yeah."

"Great," Daniel said, clapping his hands together. "Have a couple cans of paint out front. The fence back here could use a fresh coat. Lukas will show ya."

Lukas motioned for them to follow, but the boys hesitated, confusion evident on their faces. "You want us to paint your fence?" one of them asked, disbelief coloring his tone.

Daniel nodded, his expression serious. "Keep an open mind, guys. It'll all make sense later. In order to fully learn Miyagi-Do Karate, you have to unlearn your misconceptions about what constitutes training."

The first boy scoffed, clearly unimpressed. "I knew this was bullshit."

The second boy shook his head, his skepticism turning into frustration. "This was all just some scam to get kids to do your yard work, huh? Just like these guys?"

Lukas stepped in, trying to salvage the situation. "This is just the process," he explained, though he knew how it might sound to someone who wasn't familiar with Mr. Miyagi's methods.

"Yeah. 'The process.' Exactly what someone who got scammed would say," the boy retorted, glaring at Lukas. "My mom was right. With car salesmen, you always gotta read the fine print."

Daniel's expression softened, trying one last time to reach them. "I'm not trying to sell you anything. I'm trying to teach you karate."

But the boys were already backing away, shaking their heads. "Come on. Let's go check out that place with the snake," one of them muttered, and with that, they turned and left.

Daniel watched them go, a look of disappointment etched across his face. Lukas, sensing his distress, sighed. "I hate to agree, Mr. LaRusso, but telling kids to paint your fence isn't necessarily the best way to convince them to join."

Daniel nodded slowly, the reality of the situation sinking in. "You're right, Lukas. But this was how Mr. Miyagi taught me. Maybe... maybe times are different now."

"Well yeah," Robby said. "If someone you didn't know told you to paint his fence, someone would think that would be free labor."

"Not now, Robby."

🥋

At the Cobra Kai dojo, Johnny was in full promotional mode. He stood in front of a camera held by Aisha, who was trying her best to steady the shot.

"There's a lot of talk going around the Valley about free karate," Johnny began, his voice gruff and commanding. "But everyone knows that in life, you get what you pay for."

He took a step closer to the camera, his intensity growing with each word. "You wanna really kick the competition? Then you need to get your ass over to Cobra Kai. Screw that lame meditation bullshit. What you need is bone-crunching, face-smashing, good ol' American karate."

Johnny's fists clenched as he got into it, his passion for Cobra Kai and his disdain for Miyagi-Do evident. "Enough about self-defense. Learn self-offense! Don't be a p*ssy. Join Cobra Kai, and let me teach you the way of the fist."

Aisha, who was filming, gave a small nod as Johnny finished his pitch. "And cut."

Johnny relaxed, glancing over at her. "All right, did we get it?"

Aisha checked the footage quickly. "I think so."

Johnny nodded, satisfied. "All right, great. Just make sure the Cobra Kai snake comes in at the end, all right? I want it to really pop. Make it chrome. And throw Thunderstruck under it."

Aisha hesitated for a moment. "I'm pretty sure the rights for that song will cost too much."

Johnny waved her off, as if it were no big deal. "No, I already own it. Cassette's in the car."

Aisha's eyebrows raised in mild surprise, but she didn't question it. Johnny then added, "Oh, and put one of those hash browns at the end. You know, like, 'Hash brown, Team Cobra Kai' or something."

Aisha blinked, trying to process what he meant, before it dawned on her. "You mean hashtag?"

Johnny frowned slightly, a bit confused. "Yeah, whatever. Just put it at the end."

Aisha nodded, biting back a smile as Johnny walked off to his office, clearly pleased with himself.

Later on, Johnny was in his office, staring at the old photographs on his desk when Miguel and Hawk entered, looking more serious than usual.

"Sensei, can we talk to you about something?" Miguel asked cautiously.

Johnny, expecting this to be about the commercial, shrugged. "Look, if it's about the infomercial, I know."

Hawk, however, shook his head. "It's not about the commercial."

Miguel took a deep breath, bracing himself. "It's about Robby Keene."

At the mention of his son's name, Johnny's expression hardened, his guard going up. "What about him?"

Miguel hesitated for a second but pushed on. "I saw his picture on your refrigerator. I wasn't snooping—"

Hawk cut in, "But we know he's your son. That's why you got mad at us after the tournament, right?"

Johnny's face tightened, anger simmering just beneath the surface. "Is that what you think?"

Miguel, sensing the shift in Johnny's demeanor, faltered. "Um..."

Johnny's voice was firm, almost cold as he confirmed their suspicion. "Yeah, Robby's my son, but that has nothing to do with how I run my dojo. It's also none of your damn business, do you understand?"

Both boys nodded quickly. "Yes, Sensei."

But Miguel, despite himself, tried to say more. "But, Sensei, I..."

Johnny cut him off, his voice sharp. "But nothing. You got your ass kicked by a kid with one working shoulder, and now you're trying to make excuses. I don't care what you think is going on between me and Robby. Your job is to focus on yourself, to train harder so you don't lose again."

Miguel's face flushed with embarrassment, but he nodded, unable to meet Johnny's eyes.

"Get out," Johnny ordered, his tone leaving no room for argument. "You two clean mats for the rest of the week."

Miguel and Hawk exchanged a glance, knowing better than to push their luck. As they turned to leave, Johnny called out one last time, his voice gruff but a little less harsh. "Something else, Mr. Diaz?"

Miguel stopped, shaking his head. "No, Sensei."

🥋

The Cobra Kai dojo was dimly lit, the afternoon sun casting long shadows across the floor as John Kreese entered. His presence was always a looming one, filling the room with an air of controlled menace. He found Johnny Lawrence staring at the framed photos on the wall—relics of a past both men shared but viewed through very different lenses.

"It doesn't look good," Kreese began, his voice dripping with a mixture of concern and cunning. "LaRusso training your son like his own."

Johnny didn't even turn to look at Kreese, his jaw tightening. "Thanks for your concern," he muttered, the sarcasm barely veiling the bitterness in his tone.

Kreese took a few steps closer, his gaze intense. "Not sure how you put up with that," he continued, his voice lowering as if trying to coax Johnny into a dark confession. "You should be training that boy."

Finally, Johnny turned to face Kreese, his eyes hard. "Hey, it's never gonna happen, all right?"

Kreese gave a slow, almost patronizing smile. "Never say 'never,' okay? I never thought I'd see Cobra Kai again in my life. It took my best student to remind me that anything is possible."

Johnny's expression didn't soften. He was well aware of Kreese's manipulations, and he wasn't in the mood to entertain them. But Kreese wasn't finished. He shifted gears, his tone slick with malice.

"I guess it's good you still got that Mexican," Kreese said, his voice casually dismissive.

Johnny's eyes narrowed. "Miguel's from Ecuador."

Kreese shrugged, unbothered. "Six of one. Better hope that LaRusso doesn't sink his mitts into him...or that other kid. I'm starting to think he's becoming a little LaRusso clone."

Johnny clenched his fists at the veiled jab. Kreese was clearly referring to Lukas without using his name—always poking at the wound.

Before Johnny could respond, Kreese shifted the conversation again, his voice taking on a tone that was almost fatherly, though Johnny knew better than to trust it. "You know, I've been keeping an eye on that girl. She's got potential, Johnny. Real potential."

Johnny's brow furrowed. "What about her?"

Kreese smiled, a glint of something dangerous in his eyes. "She's got a fire in her, a need to strike back at the world. And given her situation, it's the kind of fire we could use. The kind that could make her unstoppable if she's guided the right way."

Johnny knew what Kreese was getting at, and it made his stomach turn. "You mean if you guide her. Look, I know what's going on with her, and I'm not interested in raising someone else just for you to mess up."

Kreese's smile didn't waver. "You misunderstand me, Johnny. I'm not talking about messing her up. I'm talking about helping her embrace her situation—teaching her to strike when the opportunity is right. You see, the world isn't kind to people who wait around for someone else to save them. That girl... she just needs the right push."

Johnny didn't respond right away, his mind flashing back to the path Kreese had led him down all those years ago—the anger, the violence, the ruthlessness.

But Kreese leaned in closer, his voice almost a whisper now, as if sharing a secret. "You've seen what she's been through. The boys picking on her. She wants to hurt them, to make them pay. And we can give her the tools to do just that. All she needs is someone to show her the way."

Johnny stared at Kreese, his mind a storm of conflicting emotions. On one hand, he saw the potential in Hannah—the same potential he'd seen in Miguel. But on the other, he knew what Kreese's idea of guidance could do to a person. He had lived it.

Kreese straightened, sensing Johnny's hesitation but not pushing further. He knew he'd planted the seed. "Think about it, Johnny. She's already got the fire. All we need to do is show her how to use it."

🥋

Lukas walked through Valley Fest with his Aunt Jenna, the vibrant lights and sounds filling the air. Families strolled by, kids with sticky faces from cotton candy, and the smell of fried food lingered on the breeze. But for Lukas, this place held memories that weren't always so sweet.

"You know," Lukas started, glancing at a cotton candy stand nearby, "I always used to hate coming here."

Jenna, ever the curious listener, tilted her head slightly. "Why's that?"

He sighed, recalling those not-so-distant days. "Tyler," he said, voice tinged with the bitterness of old wounds, "he used to dip my head in the cotton candy machine over there. Made a real mess, and everyone would laugh. But now...I don't even see him around."

Jenna's expression softened with concern. "Well, it's good that he's not here to ruin the night. You've come a long way, Lukas. You're stronger now. And you've got good friends who have your back."

They continued to weave through the crowd, the tension from the past slowly easing. But as they moved past various stalls, Jenna couldn't help but bring up someone who'd been notably absent from Lukas's life lately.

"You know, I haven't seen Hannah around much. What's going on with her?"

Lukas sighed again, this time with a hint of frustration. "I don't know. She's been distant lately. Not talking as much, avoiding hanging out. It's been...weird."

Jenna nodded thoughtfully. "Maybe she's just going through something. But you shouldn't distance yourself now that you have other friends. Remember, she's been with you for a while. Sometimes people drift, but that doesn't mean you let them go without a fight."

Lukas looked down, kicking a small pebble off the path. "I know. It would just be nice if she got back to me like she used to. It's like...I don't even know what's going on with her anymore."

Jenna patted him on the back reassuringly. "Give her some time, Lukas. But don't stop reaching out."

As they continued walking, Lukas's attention was drawn to a scene near the food court. A girl around his age, with a determined look on her face, was trying to buy food, a small boy clinging to her side. The vendor, an older man with a scowl, was giving her a hard time, his tone dismissive and rude.

"Look, kid, I don't have all day," the vendor snapped, waving her away as if she were nothing more than an annoyance.

Lukas felt his blood simmer as he watched the scene unfold. He recognized that look in the girl's eyes—a mix of frustration and desperation. Before he could even consider stepping in, the girl clenched her fist and, without hesitation, swung at the vendor, her knuckles making contact with his jaw. The vendor stumbled back, shocked more than hurt, as the girl grabbed the little boy's hand and stormed off.

Jenna raised an eyebrow, a mix of surprise and admiration in her voice. "Well, that's one way of handling that."

Lukas watched the girl disappear into the crowd, her back stiff with anger. He wanted to follow, to ask if she was okay, but something held him back. Maybe it was the way she carried herself, like someone who didn't need help, or maybe it was the memory of another person who used to lash out when the world seemed too much. Either way, he stayed put, thinking of the people in his life who were struggling in their own ways.

Meanwhile, not too far away, Robby and Sam were practicing kata near the LaRusso Auto tent, their movements fluid and synchronized. They were focused, in sync, but the moment wasn't just about the kata—it was about the connection they were building through every move, every breath.

Daniel approached them, a proud smile on his face. "Hey, guys. Thanks for doing this. Where's Lukas?"

Robby paused mid-movement, glancing at Daniel. "He's out with his Aunt. Should be coming by soon."

Daniel nodded, his attention shifting to Sam. "Right, so how are you feeling about tonight?"

Sam wiped a bit of sweat from her brow, smiling confidently. "It's a little short notice, but I think we got it."

"Good, good," Daniel replied, clearly pleased.

Sam, always one to push herself, had an idea. "I was thinking, for the finale, I could do some kind of flip kick. End with a bang."

Daniel smiled, shaking his head. "Nah, don't worry about the finale. I got it covered."

Curious, Robby gestured towards a small wooden structure that had been set up nearby. "What's that for?"

Daniel's smile widened as he pulled out a block of ice from a cooler. The two exchanged puzzled looks.

"You'll see," Daniel said mysteriously, clearly excited for what he had planned.

🥋

The excitement at Valley Fest reached its peak as a large crowd gathered around the stage where Lukas, Sam, Robby, and Daniel stood in their gi's, ready to showcase Miyagi-Do Karate. The anticipation in the air was palpable, with people craning their necks to get a better view.

"All right, all right, all right!" The announcer's voice boomed through the speakers, drawing everyone's attention. "Coming up next, do I have a treat for you! Please direct your attention to the LaRusso Auto Group for a presentation from Miyagi-Do Karate!"

The crowd buzzed with curiosity and excitement as the announcer continued hyping up the event.

Moon, standing near the front, leaned toward Demetri. "Is there gonna be any fighting?"

Demetri nodded with enthusiasm. "I think so."

On stage, Lukas, Sam, and Robby moved into position, their focus sharp, their expressions serious. Daniel joined them, and together they began to perform a series of intricate kata. Their movements were precise and synchronized, a perfect demonstration of the discipline and control that Miyagi-Do emphasized. The crowd watched in awe, captivated by the fluidity and grace of their performance.

As the kata concluded, Daniel picked up a bo staff, twirling it expertly before launching into an impressive sequence of attacks directed at his students. Robby, Sam, and Lukas responded with perfectly timed blocks, each movement calculated and powerful. Lukas, in particular, stood out with his speed and agility, drawing murmurs of admiration from the audience.

"And now," Daniel announced, a slight smile on his face, "time for the grand finale."

The crowd watched in anticipation as Daniel wheeled out a wooden structure with a block of ice positioned in the center. He prepared to demonstrate one of Miyagi-Do's most iconic techniques. But just as he was about to begin, the music abruptly cut off, leaving the crowd in confusion.

Jenna, watching from the sidelines, furrowed her brow. "What the—?"

Before anyone could react, a chant began to rise from the back of the crowd, growing louder and more intense by the second.

"Cobra Kai! Cobra Kai! Cobra Kai!"

Miguel led the charge, his voice ringing out as the Cobra Kai students jogged out onto the stage. They moved with purpose, their confidence radiating as they chanted their dojo's name. The disruption instantly shifted the atmosphere, causing a wave of unease to ripple through the audience.

Lukas felt a surge of anger as he saw Miguel and the others storm the stage. This wasn't just a simple interruption; it was a direct challenge.

The Cobra Kai students, now on stage, began their own performance. They launched into an aggressive display of their skills, sparring with each other, breaking blocks and boards with loud, forceful strikes. Some of the wood was even lit on fire, and the students smashed through it without hesitation. Johnny Lawrence, their sensei, joined in, punching through flaming blocks with ease.

"Cobras, light it up!" Johnny commanded, his voice filled with pride.

The crowd, caught up in the spectacle, cheered wildly as the Cobra Kai students continued to demonstrate their prowess. The aggressive, flashy display contrasted sharply with the discipline and restraint that Daniel had emphasized in his demonstration.

"Cobra Kai! Cobra Kai! Cobra Kai!" The chant continued, louder and more fervent than before.

Daniel stood off to the side, his face a mask of frustration and disappointment. This was not what he had planned. He had hoped to show the Valley the true meaning of karate, but instead, Cobra Kai had hijacked the event, turning it into a spectacle of brute strength.

Shaking his head in resignation, Daniel turned to leave, Amanda by his side. "Let's go," he muttered, clearly upset. Robby, Sam, and Lukas exchanged glances before following him off the stage, their excitement from earlier now overshadowed by the Cobra Kai ambush.

As they walked away, Lukas cast one last glance over his shoulder. Out of the corner of his eye, he saw Miguel smirking in his direction, a look of smug satisfaction on his face. That smirk, that knowing expression, made Lukas's blood boil. Cobra Kai had turned what was supposed to be a respectful demonstration into a war of showmanship.

But despite this, he remembered to keep his cool. As much as it stung to see the smugness on Miguel's face.

🥋

After the spectacle at Valley Fest, the night had set in, leaving the Cobra Kai dojo bathed in shadows. Hannah stood outside, nervously shifting her weight from one foot to the other. The buzzing energy from the day's events lingered in the air, but now, as she faced the decision she'd been wrestling with for days, all she felt was uncertainty.

Taking a deep breath, she pushed open the heavy door to the dojo and stepped inside. The familiar scent of sweat and liniment greeted her, but the atmosphere felt different—tenser, more foreboding. The dojo was mostly empty, save for a few students silently cleaning up after the day's training.

Across the room, Kreese stood by a punching bag, his hands behind his back, his posture rigid. The dim lighting made the shadows on his face more pronounced, giving him a look of quiet menace. As soon as Hannah entered, he looked up, his sharp gaze locking onto her.

"Miss Blakely," Kreese said with a slow, deliberate smile. "I've been expecting you."

Hannah swallowed, her throat suddenly dry. She hesitated in the doorway, scanning the room for Johnny Lawrence, but he was nowhere to be seen. "Uh, where's Sensei Lawrence?" she asked, trying to keep her voice steady.

Kreese's smile didn't waver, but there was something unsettling about it. "Johnny had some business to attend to," he replied smoothly, stepping closer to her. "But you're in good hands with me. I understand you're here to talk about... joining Cobra Kai?"

Hannah shifted uncomfortably, her fingers fidgeting at her sides. "Yeah, I've been thinking about it, but..." She trailed off, glancing around the dojo as if looking for an escape.

Kreese tilted his head slightly, studying her. "But you're not sure, are you? Maybe you're wondering if you've got what it takes, or if this is really the right place for you."

Hannah bit her lip, torn between the simmering anger she'd been feeling for weeks and the lingering doubts that now crept up. "I... I don't know. It's just... I'm tired, you know? I'm tired of the bullying, the name-calling, the way people push me around like I don't matter. I'm sick of it."

Kreese nodded, his expression serious. "And you should be. The world is full of people who will try to walk all over you if you let them. What you need to decide is whether you're going to be the one who gets walked on, or the one who fights back."

Hannah felt a surge of anger at his words, the memory of Tyler and his lackeys flashing in her mind. "Lukas took care of Tyler for me once," she said quietly. "But it wasn't enough. I don't want to just defend myself. I want to hit them where it hurts. I want to make them pay."

Kreese's smile returned, colder this time. "I see. Self-defense is all well and good, but it's not always enough, is it? Sometimes, you need to strike first, to show your enemies that you're not someone to be messed with. That's what Cobra Kai teaches—how to take control, how to turn your anger into power."

Hannah looked down, her hands trembling slightly. "But... Sensei Lawrence, he's always talked about... something different."

Kreese's expression darkened, though he kept his tone even. "Johnny's a good man, but he's too soft at times. He doesn't always see what's necessary to survive in this world. Balance is important, sure, but so is strength. If you let your enemies walk all over you, there's no balance in that. There's only defeat."

She glanced back up at him, her resolve hardening. "And you think you can help me? Help me make them pay?"

Kreese leaned in slightly, his eyes gleaming with something dangerous. "I know I can. I've seen potential in you, Hannah. You have a fire inside, and with the right training, you can unleash it. No more running, no more hiding. You'll be the one they fear."

Hannah's heart pounded in her chest. She knew what Kreese was offering her—a path to power, to control, to vengeance. And while a part of her was still hesitant, still unsure, the anger inside her was louder. The memory of every cruel word, every shove, every moment of humiliation spurred her on.

"Okay," she said, her voice firmer now. "I'm in. But this better work."

Kreese grinned, a glint of satisfaction in his eyes. "Oh, it will, Hannah. It will. We start tomorrow, and by the time we're through, Tyler and his friends won't know what hit them."

As she left the dojo, a knot of fear twisted in her stomach, but it was overwhelmed by a sense of purpose she hadn't felt in a long time. This was her chance to take control, to stop being the victim. And with Kreese's help, she'd make sure no one ever dared to mess with her again.

🥋

The next day, the Cobra Kai dojo buzzed with the usual pre-class energy—students stretching, chatting, and preparing for another intense session. Johnny stood near the front, silently observing as they filed in, his thoughts still lingering on the spectacle of the previous night at Valley Fest.

His attention snapped back as the door to the dojo swung open. Hannah walked in, clad in a crisp, white Cobra Kai gi, her expression determined but tinged with nervousness. The sight caught Johnny off guard, and for a moment, he simply stared, trying to process why she was there and why she was dressed like that.

Before he could say anything, Kreese strode forward with a pleased smile, clapping his hands together to draw the attention of the class. "Class, we have a visitor today," Kreese announced, his voice carrying an almost triumphant note. "Miss Blakely here has decided to join us."

There was an instant reaction from the students. Miguel and Hawk exchanged a look of excitement, wide grins spreading across their faces. Hawk was the first to speak up, his voice carrying a mix of approval and surprise. "Hannah, about time you got in here!"

Miguel nodded enthusiastically. "Yeah, this is awesome. You're gonna love it here."

But as the students welcomed her, Johnny's expression remained guarded. His initial confusion gave way to concern. Kreese was clearly the one who had persuaded her to join, but Johnny knew all too well how persuasive Kreese could be—and how dangerous his methods were, especially with someone like Hannah, who was still figuring things out. He made a mental note to keep a close eye on her, and on Kreese. He couldn't let the man twist another mind, especially not one as vulnerable as hers.

The class commenced, and for the next hour, Johnny kept one eye on Hannah, subtly guiding her through the moves without drawing too much attention to her. But Kreese remained ever-present, his gaze fixed on Hannah with a calculating interest that made Johnny uneasy.

After the session, as the students filtered out, Miguel approached Hannah with a grin. "So, you finally joined. How does it feel to be a Cobra?"

Hannah managed a small smile, though it was clear her thoughts were elsewhere. "It feels... good, I guess. Different."

Miguel nodded, sensing her uncertainty but choosing to focus on the positive. "We should celebrate. A bunch of us are going out later—grab some food, hang out. You should come."

Hannah hesitated, the excitement of joining the dojo now clouded by something else. She looked around the room, making sure they weren't overheard, then leaned in slightly. "Miguel, I need you to promise me something."

He raised an eyebrow, curious. "Sure. What is it?"

"Don't tell Lukas about this. Don't let him know I've joined Cobra Kai." Her voice was firm, almost pleading, as if the request was more than just a simple favor.

Miguel's brow furrowed in confusion. "Why wouldn't you want Lukas to know? It's your choice to make, not his. Why should he care?"

Hannah sighed, her gaze dropping to the floor. "Lukas is... he's my best friend. And I know he wouldn't get it. He'd try to talk me out of it or... I don't know. I just don't want him to know right now. Please, Miguel."

There was a moment of silence as Miguel considered her request. Then, a small, knowing smirk tugged at the corner of his mouth. He might not fully understand her reasons, but he was more than willing to keep her secret. "Okay, Hannah. I promise. Lukas will never find out."

She looked up at him, relief washing over her face. "Thank you, Miguel."

He gave her a reassuring nod. "You're one of us now. We've got your back."

But as she walked away, Miguel's smirk remained. He knew how the game worked. Besides, the look on Lukas's face when he found out? That was something Miguel didn't plan on missing.