The First Step to the Round of 16

"[Please, everyone take your seats! The competition will resume shortly!]"

"If you're uncomfortable, we don't have to stay long. We just need to watch a few matches, and then we'll leave," Daniel said to the LaRusso family. They had been obliged to attend as sponsors and were eager to see Daniel's performance in the competition. They entered the venue where the tournament was being held, ready to witness the last day's matches before the round of 16.

"There they are!" An Asian man accompanied by other adults approached Daniel, clapping as he said, "The former champion himself has arrived with his family."

"It's great to see you, Daniel…"

After greeting the group, Daniel's gaze fell on a poster featuring his image as the 1984 champion. He stood silently, memories flooding his mind in mere seconds.

To the right, more posters of past male division winners adorned the walls.

"Legends are never surpassed..." an elderly man remarked, gazing at the posters. "It's a shame Cobra Kai didn't participate in the tournaments before this one. You can't imagine how popular they've become on social media in recent days. Families have been flocking here to watch that young Cobra Kai fighter's spectacular matches."

Daniel's expression hardened subtly, betraying a reserved displeasure. He replied, "Well, I'm not so sure about that."

"Yeah, me neither…" muttered Sam, who had been reluctantly dragged to the event.

For the past week, Sam had cut all communication with Miguel after a heated argument involving karate. The last thing she wanted was to be in a place where she might lock eyes with a boy who was slowly changing under the influence of martial arts.

"Come on, everyone knows about the eternal rivalry that began when you and Cobra Kai's former sensei faced off in this very tournament. It's no surprise that you're back now that Cobra Kai has returned. Though, many speculate you won't be able to replicate what your sensei achieved with you."

Daniel turned his head, clearly irritated but composed enough to say, "I haven't returned because of Cobra Kai. They're irrelevant to me. Their aggressive martial arts are nothing more than a cancer on society—something Miyagi-Do Karate has long fought against."

"That's a harsh statement..."

"Daniel, that was disrespectful," Amanda, his wife, admonished him with a warning look, urging him to be more cautious with his words.

"I'm not saying what they do is wrong, just that they need broader perspectives to grasp the essence of martial arts," Daniel quickly clarified, noting the surprised expression of the man he was speaking to.

"I see..."

While Daniel had initially thought it would be a good idea to defeat Cobra Kai in this competition, with only two students under his tutelage, the dojo's growing popularity posed a significant threat—something he found increasingly concerning.

"Let's go, Daniel. The competition is about to start!"

Shaking his head, Daniel walked toward Amanda and the rest of the group who were waiting for him.

Unlike previous competitions, attendance had surged after the incredible performances Cobra Kai's students had delivered over the past few days. The growing audience filled the venue.

When they reached the stands, the place was packed. In the center, mats had been laid out for the final individual matches before the round of 16 began.

…

"Welcome to the final qualification phase of the 50th Annual Under-18 All Valley Karate Championship!" the announcer exclaimed, brimming with excitement at hosting this increasingly popular tournament.

"How do you like the new mats? Ha, ha, ha! Alright, let's kick things off by welcoming all the local dojos competing for spots in the round of 16. From Granada, we have Shotokan Tiger!"

"From the south, we have Goju Kai!"

As numerous dojos were introduced, Daniel entered with his family, smiling as he said, "Front-row seats—your dad still has some pull in this tournament, even if he's not as famous anymore."

Amanda greeted a woman nearby, recognizing her. "Oh, hi Patricia! You've really worked hard this year!"

"My son has worked even harder to defend his title as the current champion. I have to support him as his mother."

At that moment, the announcer's voice boomed, "From Topanga, we have Topanga Karate!"

"That's it, son! Kick some butt!"

"And from Reseda, our last participants—Cobra Kai, who are still fighting for more spots in both the male and female divisions."

As the name "Cobra Kai" echoed through the arena, the crowd erupted in cheers, a sudden wave of emotion sweeping through the venue.

"Cobra Kai! Cobra Kai! Cobra Kai!"

The announcer shouted, "Now that's what I call a grand entrance—and a badass name for a dojo. Let's give it up for Cobra Kai!"

"Let's go, Hawk!"

"They've got to secure those spots in the round of 16."

The announcer stepped forward and declared, "Alright, folks, get ready. It's karate time!"

Devon Lee, standing in front of the female competitors, turned to her group and instructed, "Slow stretches, five reps!"

"Yes!"

Johnny addressed the nervous boys vying for a spot in the round of 16. "It's normal to feel nervous. Stick to your basic warm-ups and get ready for the preliminaries!"

"Yes, Sensei!"