Dedicated to AbbyWatson4

"Pow!" was the noise that sounded across the dojo's training room as Kenny's fist collided aggressively against a hanging punching bag stationed near the back corner of the room.

"Harder," commanded Mike, sliding his foot roughly into Kenny's to adjust his stance.

He once again slammed his fist forcefully against the punching bag. It rocked backwards for a moment before returning to its starting position.

"I said harder!" shouted Mike as he paced behind Kenny menacingly.

In the corner of the room, Terry Silver stood with his hands tucked behind his back, observing his students judgingly.

This is my chance to show my Senseis what I've learned.

Without hesitation, Kenny pulled his fist back as far as he could, anger fueling his every movement, and then he released a powerful punch directly into the bag's chest. This time, it flew backwards with such a strong thud that Kenny had to duck as it rebounded harshly.

"Now that is the sign of a strong cobra!" Terry announced to the crowd of clapping students that were watching Kenny's performance.

"Thank you, Sensei," bowed Kenny respectfully to Terry.

He's a much better teacher than Sensei Kreese.

"Class dismissed. Aside from you, Mr. Payne," stated Mike as he tightened the belt around his black gi firmly.

The other students nodded before slowly starting to file out of the dojo, making sure to give Kenny congratulations on their way out. His mind started to wander adsently as he stood patiently waiting while his senseis discussed the day's work.

I can't believe my date with Lia is just two days away and I still haven't found Robby yet. Maybe I'll just talk to Shawn about it instead.

He was honestly starting to get annoyed with Robby's absence from Cobra Kai, or more so, his absence from Kenny's life. He might have been a tough teacher, but there was no doubt in his mind that Robby was the best fighter in any of the dojos. He showed him that he could be just as tough as his brother as long as he appealed to his own strengths instead of comparing himself to Shawn. He was practically a second brother to him.

Was he really if he was just using me to win the tournament though?

"Ready for your next lesson?" confirmed Mike as Terry walked back into his office with an air of eagerness.

"Yes, Sensei," answered Kenny, clearly.

Mike nodded before guiding him into a back storage room. The walls were painted a slick black color. Shiny new mounted monitors lined every corner surrounding a metallic silver cobra.

Sensei Silver must have decorated this place.

Despite how flashy the interior may have appeared, the room was rather dull in contrast. It was completely empty in fact, except for three practice dummies that were lined up in the middle of the room.

"But I thought that we already finished training, today?" questioned Kenny, trying to hide his disappointment.

"If that's really what you think we're doing then, you're not as bright as Sensei Silver cracked you up to be," scoffed Mike as he started wrapping his own hands in athletic tape.

Wait, didn't Piper mention that he was a boxer earlier?

"Are you teaching me how to box?"

"Now you're catching on, kid," smiled Mike before gesturing for Kenny to give him his hands.

Kenny gladly obliged to his Sensei's request.

If I do learn how to box, then there'll be no way I won't win the next tournament.

The tape felt foreign against his bare knuckles as it was slowly wrapped up until the middle of his fingers.

"I could teach you all about the years of karate I've learned, but it won't matter because everyone who's out there to get you, or if we're being honest, to kill you, will know something stronger," stated Mike firmly as he flexed Kenny's fingers in his own hand.

Kenny didn't dare ask who was going to kill him, but remained completely still.

"That's why you need to know how to hurt your enemies first," continued Mike.

But I thought I already learned how to strike first?

He forcefully released Kenny's hand and gestured towards the second of the three training dummies. Mike cracked his neck, shook his arms loosely and then unleashed a flurry of punches into the dummy. Kenny could have sworn he saw Mike's fist collide with almost every part of the dummy's body in a matter of seconds.

Where did he learn how to do that!

"Can you teach me?" asked Kenny, eagerly.

"Why else would I be here?" questioned Mike sarcastically before placing his hand on Kenny's shoulder.

"The key is to let your anger consume you. Take all of that rage towards the ones who've hurt you and use it to fuel your every punch," instructed Mike.

As soon as he turned his attention back to the dummy, Mike slammed his foot directly into its face so hard that the foam bent inward for several seconds.

"Woah," muttered Kenny to himself as he looked in awe at his Sensei.

"Your turn," said Mike, stepping to the left in order to let his student pass.

Kenny closed his eyes and stepped forward, taking a deep breath.

This is you, Anthony LaRusso.

"What are you doing?" demanded Mike, pushing into Kenny's shoulder.

"I'm preparing myself for the fight like Robby taught me," Kenny quickly explained.

He wasn't sure why, but just the mention of Robby's name seemed to irritate Mike.

Do they know each other or something?

"Were you not listening to anything I just said! You can't rely on karate to fight your battles for you! You have to use your instincts!" yelled Mike, angrily.

His voice was so loud, it echoed across the room. Kenny took a few steps back, his heart beating quickly.

"Am I clear?" commanded Mike, his scroll growing wider with each word.

"Yes, Sensei!" responded Kenny, his voice slightly shaking.

"Good, now do it again."

Kenny charged forward and punched the dummy in the arm with all his might.

"Better, but you gotta aim for your enemy's weak points," said Mike as he slammed his fist into the dummy's neck.

Kenny didn't know if he should really be doing this.

Is this what Robby would want?

And then, he suddenly felt anger start to flare inside his chest.

But Robby's not here, he's never here, is he? So why should I care about what he wants?!

He clenched his fists tightly, only hatred rushing through his mind. To Mike's astonishment, Kenny threw punch after punch into the dummy's face using both hands. Every hit was more aggressive than the last until Kenny stepped back, panting.

"And our champion finally arrives," stated Mike as he smiled back at Kenny proudly.