Rules

Mixed Martial Arts School, Cobra Kai.

"Rest!" shouted Terry, looking at Max and Devon drenched in sweat after an intense combat simulation training session lasting over ten minutes.

This time, the core members were gathered in silence. The reason was clear: the fight they had last night with students from a particular school that no one was allowed to mention.

Standing in front of his students alongside Johnny, Terry said, "Rules exist to be followed. Sensei Lawrence and I understand that you were all provoked, but if you so easily succumb to your enemies' provocations, then we're not teaching you properly."

"That's why you are prohibited from fighting outside of legal competitions or this school for the next few months." Johnny was determined to prevent his students from fighting Daniel's students. The last thing he needed was to worsen the already tense situation with that man.

"That said, we still congratulate you. You've learned some of the principles of Cobra Kai." Terry was proud that his nephew had crushed Daniel's attempts to discredit him.

Johnny didn't have much to add. The truth was clear: in his youth, he wouldn't have backed down from a provocation like that either, even though it was unacceptable.

"Well, since everything has been said, I'll leave it to Sensei Lawrence to continue the lessons."

Johnny nodded slightly and then focused on his top students. "Things have progressed further than I anticipated. Both of you have adapted to the combat techniques you feel most comfortable with and have made remarkable progress. From now on, aside from training, there's nothing more I can teach you."

"Nothing more?" Devon was surprised by this statement.

"It's time for each of you to develop your martial arts in the way that suits you best, while also learning more about the areas you still need to master. That's something you can incorporate into your daily training."

Max, who had opened his training report to wipe his sweat, instinctively smiled. Over the past month, his combat experience had grown significantly because he and Devon had been training with different martial arts masters, all of whom were excellent fighters.

The techniques he had been using had leveled up, and he was confident they were enough to face any opponent on equal footing. Although he wasn't entirely sure he could win every match, as he didn't know his rivals, he firmly believed he wouldn't be easily matched.

With the holidays approaching, Max knew the time had come to test himself and see if he was ready to take Cobra Kai to the next level.

"Since no further instructions are needed, your task from now on is to train muscle memory movements and avoid heavy exercises to ensure you're in peak physical condition," Johnny explained.

Max, fully understanding this, asked, "Sensei Lawrence, what do you think our chances are of winning the All Valley tournament now?"

"You'll make quite an impression. Don't forget, no one knows who you are or the incredible skills you've been developing over the months," Johnny replied as he bowed slightly and left.

"See you later. Don't forget we still haven't learned weapon techniques in case they're ever needed in karate," Max said.

Devon turned her head and asked, "What the hell do you need a weapon for?"

"I told you, you'd look amazing with the black sword I gave you for your birthday. Won't we compete in an event where weapon techniques might be required? Points could be crucial in those kinds of competitions," Max said, heading to the second floor where private showers were located.

"That sword… How do you give a girl a sword as a birthday gift?" Ryan lamented Max's terrible skills at impressing girls.

"So, what should I give a girl? Stop beating around the bush—should I give her food she can enjoy or something she can use in the future?"

Proudly, Ryan replied, "Of course—makeup, a fancy bag, or clothes. Girls love that stuff."

Devon fixed her gaze on Ryan and said, "That's why you two are friends; you're perfect for each other."

As Devon left, Max turned to Ryan and asked, "Is that true?"

"When I met you, I liked you as a friend."

"I was an idiot back then."

"You still are."

Max looked at Ryan, who smirked at the comment and walked away without saying another word.