𝐅𝐈𝐕𝐄. 𝖠𝖫𝖫 𝖨𝖭

. The dojo echoed with the sounds of punches, kicks, and the occasional shout as Johnny Lawrence watched his students spar. Cobra Kai was packed with new faces, each one eager to prove themselves after their dojo’s recent victory. Miguel, now a rising star, led a group of newer students through drills, his movements sharp and precise.

"Luis, keep your guard up!" Miguel called out, watching a younger student fumble through a basic combination. "You can’t let your opponent see an opening."

Luis nodded, adjusting his stance with a determined expression.

Johnny leaned against the wall, arms crossed, his gaze distant. Despite the dojo's success, something felt off. His confrontation with Kreese lingered in his mind, and the weight of running Cobra Kai differently pressed on him.

"Sensei," Miguel approached, wiping sweat from his brow. "Everything okay?"

Johnny shook off his thoughts and gave a tight nod. "Yeah. Just thinking. You did good out there, Miguel. Keep it up."

Miguel smiled, but before he could say more, the door swung open, and Hawk strutted in with Dimitri and Aisha trailing behind. Hawk’s trademark smirk was firmly in place, and he looked ready to dominate.

"Sensei, you gotta see this," Hawk said, pulling out his phone. "Miyagi-Do posted some new video. They’re trying to recruit again."

Johnny’s eyes narrowed as he took the phone. The video showed Daniel LaRusso demonstrating a kata with a group of students. The caption read: "Balance and defense. Join Miyagi-Do and find true strength."

"Typical LaRusso," Johnny muttered, handing the phone back. "Thinks he can just steal students with some meditation and fancy footwork."

"Are we gonna do something about it?" Hawk asked, a glint of mischief in his eyes.

Johnny considered it for a moment, then shook his head. "We don’t need to. We’ve got the better dojo. Let them come to us."

The students exchanged glances, but Miguel looked uneasy. "Sensei, what if some of them leave? I mean, Daniel’s offering something different."

Johnny’s jaw tightened. "Then they don’t belong here. Cobra Kai isn’t for everyone. It’s for the strong, the disciplined."

As the students returned to their drills, the tension in the room thickened. Miguel couldn’t shake the feeling that things were about to escalate between the two dojos.

---

Meanwhile, at Miyagi-Do, Daniel stood beside Robby, watching as a new student struggled to mimic a simple block. The student, Emily, was nervous but determined.

"Remember, Emily, it’s not about force," Daniel said gently. "It’s about balance and timing. Try again."

Emily nodded, her face set with determination. Robby offered a reassuring smile. "You’ve got this. Just take it slow."

As Emily tried again, Daniel glanced at Robby. "You’re good with the new students. They look up to you."

Robby shrugged. "I just remember what you taught me. Everyone starts somewhere."

Daniel smiled, but his thoughts drifted to Cobra Kai. He knew their methods were dangerous, and he worried about the influence Kreese had on Johnny. The rivalry between the dojos wasn’t just about karate anymore—it was about the future of these kids.

"Sensei," Robby said, breaking Daniel’s thoughts. "Do you think... it’s possible to get through to Johnny? Maybe convince him to change?"

Daniel hesitated. "I don’t know. Johnny’s stubborn, and with Kreese back... it’s complicated."

Before they could continue, Sam walked in, her expression tense. "Dad, you might want to see this."

She handed him her phone, showing a video of Cobra Kai students sparring aggressively, with Hawk leading the charge. The caption read: "No mercy. No weakness. Cobra Kai forever."

Daniel’s jaw tightened. "They’re not backing down."

---

Later that evening, Johnny sat in his apartment, a beer in hand. The knock on his door pulled him from his thoughts. He opened it to find Miguel standing there, looking conflicted.

"Miguel? What’s up?"

Miguel hesitated. "Sensei... do you think Cobra Kai is really about ‘no mercy’? I mean, I get it, but sometimes it feels... too much."

Johnny sighed, stepping aside to let him in. "Come on in. We need to talk."

As they sat down, Johnny leaned forward, his expression serious. "Cobra Kai isn’t just about fighting. It’s about survival. Life doesn’t give you second chances. You have to take control, or you get left behind."

Miguel nodded slowly. "I understand, but... what if there’s a way to be strong without hurting people?"

Johnny looked at him, a mixture of pride and frustration in his eyes. "You’re a good kid, Miguel. Maybe too good for this world. But you need to decide—do you want to be the one in control, or the one getting controlled?"

Miguel looked down, the weight of the decision pressing on him. "I just... I don’t want to lose who I am."

Johnny placed a hand on his shoulder. "You won’t. But remember, the world doesn’t wait for anyone."

Across town, at a diner, Kreese sat in a corner booth, watching as Johnny and Miguel walked by outside. His eyes narrowed as he sipped his coffee. He knew Johnny was wavering, and that made him dangerous.

"Soft," Kreese muttered to himself. "If he won’t lead them the right way... I will."

---

In the corner of the Cobra Kai dojo, Lilu leaned against the wall, watching as Hawk and Miguel drilled a new combination with the newer students. She had a lot on her mind, and the tension in the dojo wasn’t helping. Her eyes flicked toward Johnny, who stood at the front, arms crossed, his expression unreadable.

“You okay?” a familiar voice asked.

Lilu turned to see Liam standing beside her, his hands tucked into the pockets of his jacket. His sharp, observant eyes scanned the room, always calculating, always aware. They had known each other for years, back in China. He was one of the few people who knew the real her—the struggles, the pain, and the strength she carried.

“Just thinking,” Lilu replied with a small shrug. “It’s... different here. Cobra Kai feels like it’s changing.”

Liam nodded, his gaze settling on the students sparring in front of them. “It’s more aggressive than I remember. But then again, everything feels different now.”

Lilu glanced up at him, noticing the subtle tension in his shoulders. “You still thinking about the military?”

He gave a faint smile, one that didn’t reach his eyes. “It’s hard not to. Everything I did back there... it stays with you.”

Lilu understood that better than most. They both had their scars, visible and invisible. “You’re here now,” she said softly. “We’ve got each other.”

Liam’s smile widened slightly. “Yeah, we do.”

Before their conversation could go any further, Johnny’s voice cut through the room. “Alright, everyone! Pair up. Time for sparring.”

Lilu and Liam exchanged a glance before stepping forward. As they moved to the center of the dojo, Hawk raised an eyebrow. “Lilu, you sparring today, or you need a break?”

Lilu smirked. “Careful, Hawk. I might surprise you.”

Liam chuckled. “I’ll take that bet.”

Johnny called out the pairs, and soon enough, Lilu found herself facing Liam. They had sparred countless times before, but it had been a while since their last match. The rest of the dojo gathered around, curious to see how the quiet new guy would fare against one of Cobra Kai’s best.

“Don’t go easy on me,” Lilu warned, settling into her stance.

Liam grinned. “I wouldn’t dream of it.”

The match began, and immediately, the difference in their styles became clear. Lilu moved with precision and speed, her strikes calculated and sharp. Liam, on the other hand, fought with a quiet intensity, his military training evident in every movement. He was disciplined, focused, and unyielding.

Their sparring drew the attention of the entire dojo. Miguel watched closely, impressed by Liam’s skill. Even Hawk, who rarely gave anyone credit, had to admit the new guy was good.

“Damn,” Hawk muttered. “Who is this guy?”

“A friend of Lilu’s,” Miguel replied. “From China.”

As the sparring session continued, it became clear that Lilu and Liam weren’t just fighting—they were testing each other. Every strike, every block was a challenge, a reminder of their shared history and the unspoken bond between them.

Lilu launched a swift roundhouse kick, aiming for Liam’s shoulder, but he caught her leg mid-air, twisting just enough to throw her off balance. She landed gracefully, a smirk on her face.

“Still fast,” Liam said, stepping back to reset. “But not fast enough.”

“Oh, it’s on now,” Lilu shot back, diving into the next exchange.

They moved like a well-rehearsed dance, each anticipating the other’s next move. The dojo was silent, all eyes on them. Even Johnny watched with a keen interest, nodding slightly in approval.

Finally, after a flurry of exchanges, Johnny called time. Both Lilu and Liam were breathing heavily, but neither looked ready to back down.

“Nice work,” Johnny said, stepping forward. “Both of you.”

Lilu and Liam exchanged a glance, a silent acknowledgment of respect and friendship. As they moved to the side, Hawk approached, his usual cocky grin in place.

“Alright, new guy,” Hawk said, clapping Liam on the back. “You might actually survive here.”

Liam raised an eyebrow. “Survive? I’m not here to survive, Hawk. I’m here to win.”

Hawk chuckled. “We’ll see about that.”

Lilu shook her head, a small smile on her face. “You two are going to be trouble.”

“Trouble’s kind of our thing,” Hawk replied, winking.

As the dojo returned to its usual hum of activity, Lilu and Liam found themselves back in their corner. She glanced at him, noticing the tension had eased from his shoulders.

“Feels good to be back, doesn’t it?” she asked.

Liam nodded. “Yeah. It does.”

---
As the day rolled on, Liam settled into his place within Cobra Kai, quickly becoming a regular part of the group. His quiet confidence and military-honed discipline earned him respect faster than anyone expected.

“Liam, you joining us for lunch?” Miguel called out as the group gathered their bags after practice.

Liam shrugged, slinging his backpack over one shoulder. “Sure. I could eat.”

“Careful,” Hawk smirked. “Miguel might try to feed you some weird vegan thing his mom made.”

Miguel rolled his eyes. “It’s not vegan. And for the record, my mom’s cooking is amazing.”

Aisha, who had been scrolling through her phone, glanced up. “Liam, you haven’t tried Mrs. Diaz’s empanadas yet. Trust me, they’re worth it.”

Liam gave a rare smile. “I’ll take your word for it.”

As they walked toward the cafeteria, Lilu fell into step beside Liam. “So, how’s it feel to be back in the mix?”

He glanced at her, the corner of his mouth lifting in a half-smile. “Not bad. Feels... familiar.”

Lilu nodded, knowing exactly what he meant. After everything they had been through back in China, being part of something again—something that felt like a family—was a welcome change.

“Hey, Liam!” Hawk called from up ahead. “What was the craziest thing you did in the military?”

Liam paused for a moment, considering. “Craziest thing? Probably parachuting into a combat zone with half a plan and hoping for the best.”

Hawk’s eyes widened. “No way. You actually jumped out of a plane?”

Liam nodded. “A few times.”

“Man, you’re like a real-life action hero,” Miguel said, impressed.

“I wouldn’t go that far,” Liam replied. “Mostly, it was just doing what needed to be done.”

As they reached the cafeteria, the group found their usual table. Liam sat down between Lilu and Aisha, his eyes scanning the room out of habit—a reflex from his time in the military.

“So,” Aisha began, leaning forward. “What’s next for you? I mean, besides Cobra Kai?”

Liam shrugged. “Figuring that out. For now, just focusing on training and seeing where it takes me.”

Hawk smirked. “Well, as long as you’re not planning on switching to Miyagi-Do, you’re good with us.”

Liam raised an eyebrow. “Miyagi-Do? Isn’t that the place with the bonsai trees?”

Miguel laughed. “Yeah. And Daniel LaRusso. He’s trying to recruit anyone who will listen.”

“Good luck with that,” Liam said. “I’m not exactly the bonsai tree type.”

Lilu chuckled, nudging him with her elbow. “No, you’re definitely more ‘cobra in the shadows.’”

“Exactly,” Hawk agreed. “You belong with us.”

As they ate, the conversation shifted to the upcoming tournament. Talk of strategies, opponents, and training filled the air, but Liam remained focused. He had been in battles before, but this tournament was different. It wasn’t just about fighting—it was about proving something. To himself. To everyone.

“Hey,” Lilu said softly, drawing his attention. “You ready for this?”

Liam met her gaze, his eyes steady. “I’ve been ready for a long time.”

Lilu smiled. “Good. Because this time, we’re not fighting alone.”

---

It started with a simple outing.

Miguel, Hawk, Lilu, Liam, and Aisha were hanging out at the local mall, grabbing food and checking out new gear. It was supposed to be a break—a rare moment where they could let loose and enjoy themselves outside the dojo. But peace never lasted long in the Valley.

“Look who it is,” Hawk muttered, spotting a group of Miyagi-Do students across the food court. Robby, Sam, and a few others stood near the smoothie bar, laughing and chatting like they owned the place.

Miguel clenched his jaw. “Let’s just ignore them. We’re here to chill.”

“Yeah,” Aisha agreed. “We don’t need any drama today.”

But Hawk was already on edge. “They’ve been getting cocky lately. Maybe they need a reminder of who runs this town.”

Lilu shot him a warning glance. “Don’t start something, Hawk. It’s not worth it.”

Liam, who had been silently observing, finally spoke. “If you’re looking for a fight, it’s usually the one you don’t expect that gets you.”

Hawk smirked. “Relax, soldier. We can handle them.”

As they moved to another part of the mall, it seemed like the tension might pass. But fate had other plans.

---

It started in the arcade.

Miguel and Lilu were playing a shooting game, Aisha and Liam were watching, and Hawk was trying to beat his high score at a racing simulator. That’s when Chris and Demetri walked in, followed closely by Robby and Sam.

“Oh great,” Lilu muttered. “Here we go.”

Miguel tensed as Robby locked eyes with him. “You sure you want to do this here?”

Robby smirked. “What? Just hanging out. Or are you guys too scared to share the mall?”

Hawk, already irritable, stepped forward. “Nobody’s scared of you, LaRusso’s lapdog.”

“Back off, Hawk,” Demetri said nervously, trying to diffuse the situation. “We don’t need to turn this into some Karate Kid sequel.”

“Too late,” Hawk snapped.

Liam, sensing the inevitable, stepped beside Miguel. His eyes scanned the area, noting exits, obstacles, and potential threats—an instinct from his military days. “We should leave.”

But it was too late.

Chris nudged Robby. “You think they’ll run?”

Robby shrugged. “Let’s see.”

Miguel, tired of the posturing, stepped forward. “We’re not running.”

Lilu sighed. “Miguel—”

“Lilu, they want a fight,” he said quietly. “Let’s give them one.”

---

The fight erupted near the escalators.

Miguel squared off with Robby, their rivalry reigniting in a flurry of punches and kicks. Hawk took on Chris, their movements fast and aggressive. Aisha held her own against a Miyagi-Do girl, while Lilu faced Sam with fire in her eyes.

But it was Liam who drew the most attention.

Two Miyagi-Do students approached him, thinking they could take him down together. They were wrong.

Liam moved with precision, blocking their attacks with ease. His military training kicked in, every strike calculated, every movement efficient. He dodged a punch, countered with an elbow, and sent one opponent sprawling to the ground.

“Who the hell is this guy?” one of the Miyagi-Do students gasped, struggling to stand.

“The guy you shouldn’t have messed with,” Liam replied coldly, delivering a swift kick that ended the fight.

Nearby, Lilu and Sam’s fight intensified. Sam aimed a high kick, but Lilu ducked and retaliated with a sweeping leg kick that knocked Sam off balance. “Not so easy without your dad’s dojo, huh?” Lilu taunted.

Sam scowled. “This isn’t over.”

“Bring it,” Lilu shot back.

Miguel and Robby’s fight raged on, their skills evenly matched. But Miguel’s determination burned brighter. He landed a hard punch to Robby’s ribs, followed by a spin kick that sent Robby stumbling.

“Cobra Kai doesn’t quit,” Miguel said, standing tall.

Robby wiped blood from his lip, glaring. “Neither does Miyagi-Do.”

---

Mall security arrived moments later, breaking up the fight and threatening to call the police. Both groups retreated, adrenaline still pumping.

Outside, the Cobra Kai students regrouped.

“Damn,” Hawk said, nursing a bruise. “That was intense.”

“Too intense,” Aisha muttered. “We can’t keep doing this.”

Lilu glanced at Liam, who remained calm despite the chaos. “You okay?”

Liam nodded. “Fine. They underestimated us.”

Miguel exhaled, looking at his friends. “We won today. But this is just the beginning.”

Lilu, standing beside Liam, added, “Let them come. We’ll be ready.”

---

The Cobra Kai crew left the mall, adrenaline still coursing through their veins. The cool night air did little to calm the storm brewing inside each of them. They walked in silence for a while, until Hawk, always the one to break tension, let out a triumphant laugh.

"Did you see Robby’s face when Miguel landed that kick? Priceless!" Hawk grinned, still hyped from the fight.

Aisha shot him a look. "We barely got out of there before security called the cops. Maybe don’t celebrate just yet."

Miguel, walking beside Lilu, adjusted his backpack. His knuckles were bruised, a reminder of the fight. "She’s right. This can’t keep happening. Daniel’s not going to let it slide. Especially now that Liam’s in the mix."

Liam, who had been silent, finally spoke. "They were sloppy. Unfocused. If it had been a real fight…" He paused, his gaze distant, haunted by memories of battles far more dangerous than a mall scuffle. "They wouldn’t have stood a chance."

Lilu glanced at him, concern flickering in her eyes. "You okay, Liam?"

He gave a short nod. "I’m fine. Just… remembering."

She knew better than to press. Liam’s past was a shadow he didn’t talk about much, but it hung over him like a storm cloud. Instead, she changed the subject. "We should get back to the dojo. Sensei’s going to want to know what happened."

Miguel sighed. "Yeah. And I’m pretty sure he’s not going to be happy about it."

---

The Cobra Kai dojo was quiet when they arrived, the lights dimmed. Johnny Lawrence was waiting for them, arms crossed, his expression unreadable.

"You’re late," Johnny said, his voice low and tense. "And from the looks of it, you’ve been in a fight."

Miguel stepped forward, ready to explain. "Sensei, we didn’t start it—"

"I don’t care who started it," Johnny interrupted, his eyes scanning the group. "What matters is, did you finish it?"

Hawk smirked. "Oh, we finished it, alright."

Johnny’s gaze settled on Liam. "And you. New kid. How’d you handle yourself?"

Liam met Johnny’s eyes without flinching. "I handled it."

Johnny nodded slowly. "Good. But let me make one thing clear. Cobra Kai doesn’t pick fights. We end them. And we don’t get caught."

Aisha spoke up. "Security was everywhere. We barely got out."

Johnny frowned. "Then next time, be smarter. Faster. Invisible if you have to be."

Lilu, standing beside Miguel, couldn’t help but ask, "Sensei, what about Miyagi-Do? They’re not going to stop coming after us."

Johnny’s eyes hardened. "Let them come. Miyagi-Do thinks they have honor. They think they’re better than us. But they’re not ready for what we are."

"And what are we?" Miguel asked, his voice steady.

Johnny stepped closer, his voice like steel. "We’re fighters. Survivors. And we don’t show mercy."

The room fell silent, each student absorbing the weight of Johnny’s words.

Liam, standing slightly apart from the group, spoke quietly. "No mercy. Got it."

Johnny nodded. "Good. Now, get cleaned up. Tomorrow, we train harder. Faster. We don’t just beat Miyagi-Do. We crush them."

As the students dispersed, Lilu lingered near Liam. "You really okay?" she asked softly.

He glanced at her, his expression unreadable. "Yeah. Just… figuring out where I fit in all this."

"You fit," Lilu said firmly. "You’ve always fit."

Liam gave her a small smile. "Thanks, Lilu."

And as they left the dojo together, both knew that the fight was far from over. The battle lines had been drawn, and the war between Cobra Kai and Miyagi-Do was just beginning.