Outcome

"What just happened there?"

"I can't believe it; a single kick from that one-eyed guy took down that massive karateka..."

"That's insane, man! I'm sure my kicks are stronger!" someone in the crowd exclaimed, unwilling to believe that one kick could incapacitate someone so completely.

Daniel LaRusso, who had watched most of his students win their preliminary matches, saw one of his students sprawled on the floor. Upon realizing his opponent was Max, Daniel was mildly surprised.

"Max, you idiot, did you break his leg?" Devon stood beside Daniel just after winning her own fight. She saw medics attending to Max's opponent and felt a mix of emotions. She couldn't deny being excited about her friend taking down such a massive opponent, but the situation was concerning.

If Max were disqualified, their dojo's chances of winning the men's championship would be cut in half. Everyone silently hoped that wouldn't be the case.

"Do you both train kicks regularly?" Daniel asked Devon, slightly intrigued since they were from the same dojo.

"He's specialized in strikes. As for me, I can't tell you what I specialize in—just in case I have to face one of your students." Devon glanced at Daniel before running toward Max's opponent, who was being carried away.

"What's the verdict?" Johnny had heard about the incident and rushed to find Devon, eager to hear what the referee would decide.

"It was a clean kick! There's no need for debate!" Devon shouted, glaring at the members of the other dojo.

"Check his foot! He must have something hidden!" yelled a girl from Topanga Karate.

"You b***h, I'll check your mouth and knock out those dumb ideas with my fists!" Devon snapped, ready to start a fight right then and there. She was held back by Johnny, who was visibly nervous.

"Anytime, Miss Lee. You're probably feeling bold after winning two matches, but I'll crush you when we fight."

"I'll knock your teeth out, you b***h," Devon muttered, glaring at the girl who was spewing nonsense.

"This is insane..." Max muttered. He knew he had aimed for a nerve area on the leg, but he didn't expect it to be as effective as Terry had described.

After consulting with other committee members, the referee called over the senseis from both dojos. Max approached Devon as if to ensure she didn't start another fight.

"Did you hit him that hard?"

"That guy was huge. I thought if I went easy on him, he'd overpower me. So, I wanted to stop him as he started throwing punches..." Max explained while anxiously watching the discussions.

After reaching a decision, the referee looked at Max and declared, "Point awarded! Since your opponent cannot continue, you win and advance!"

"Yes! Take that, you lying b***h!" Devon celebrated the technical knockout victory, walking alongside a still-dazed Max.

Terry Silver wiped sweat from his forehead as he watched his two most aggressive students—besides Ryan—dominate their matches. While their prowess was satisfying, their intensity often created problems. Devon's fiery attitude only made things worse. After pulling them aside, Terry gave clear instructions.

"A few more fights and you'll qualify for the second day. Keep your cool and land clean, powerful strikes."

"If I face those Topanga Karate b***hes, I make no promises!"

"That's my Devon!" Max laughed, enjoying her defiance.

"Max Jones and Devon Lee, be ready. Your matches start in two minutes."

Hearing their names, Max bumped fists with Devon, and they headed to their respective areas.

"That's my girl! Kick the crap out of those witches spreading lies about Max!" Johnny secretly cheered for Devon, proud of the toughness she displayed in the ring.