Kai and Takeshi were on a mat, performing a Kata under the bright lights as Terry Silver stood front and centre as he addressed members of the Sekai Taikai.

"Distinguished members of the Sekai Taikai," Silver began, his voice smooth and commanding, "I thank you for gracing us with your presence."

The head delegate, a stern-looking man with a sharp suit and a sharper gaze, stepped forward. "Sensei Silver. I am Gunther Braun, and I speak for the Sekai Taikai. As you are aware, our admission process is quite rigorous. Despite your efforts, we cannot guarantee admission."

Silver's smile didn't falter. "Understood. But I assure you, Cobra Kai is worthy of entry." He gestured around the dojo with a sweep of his arm. "As you can see, our facilities are state-of-the-art, and our Senseis are second to none."

Braun nodded, casting an appraising eye over the dojo. "Very impressive. But there are many impressive dojos in the world."

Silver's eyes glinted with an unspoken promise. "It's a shame more people haven't heard of them. That's where we can help each other. Corporate sponsorships. Broadcast rights. I have the resources and the connections to make the Sekai Taikai a household name all across America. It's a huge market, one you've yet to tap - until now."

Braun raised an eyebrow, intrigued but cautious.

"Karate gave my life structure, function, and purpose," Silver continued, "it's doing the same for my students. All I want is to spread its lessons further. To give every child the chance to learn and grow through karate, just as I did."

Braun nodded thoughtfully. "Thank you for your generosity, Sensei Silver, but our review is entirely about the quality of your students."

Silver smirked, confident. "That won't be a problem. Cobra Kai is the best dojo in the Valley."

A sharp voice interrupted from the back of the room. "That's not true."

Kai's head snapped around to see Daniel LaRusso step forward, followed closely by Johnny Lawrence, Chozen Toguchi, and Amanda LaRusso. The tension in the room became palpable.

Braun frowned. "And who are you?"

"I'm Sensei Daniel LaRusso," Daniel declared, his tone steady, "two-time All Valley Champion."

"Sensei Johnny Lawrence," Johnny added, crossing his arms, "also two-time champion."

"Chozen Toguchi. Master Sensei," Chozen said, bowing slightly.

Amanda smiled awkwardly. "Amanda LaRusso. Karate adjacent."

Daniel took the lead again. "Cobra Kai isn't the only dojo in the Valley."

Braun tilted his head. "So you represent another dojo?"

"Not just any dojo," Daniel said, "we have champions from the past two All Valley tournaments. Cobra Kai led you to believe they hold all the titles, but that's not true. Honesty isn't exactly their strong suit."

Braun turned to Silver, his expression now laced with scepticism. "You misrepresented your accomplishments?"

Silver's smile wavered, but only for a moment. "My apologies for any misunderstanding," he said smoothly, "but I assure you, my students are the best."

Daniel wasn't finished. "Our dojo is unique. We've combined different styles to train our students into the best fighters I've ever seen. They deserve a shot at your tournament just as much as Cobra Kai."

The delegates exchanged intrigued glances. Braun leaned forward. "Combining styles is unorthodox, but it is...interesting."

Silver, his composure slipping, quickly recovered. "My apologies for this inappropriate interruption," he said, flashing a tight smile, "but may I remind you that you haven't traveled all this way to consider anyone but the very best."

Braun's gaze sharpened. "No, we have not. And now that we're here, we will determine that for ourselves. We will see what your dojo has to offer...and yours." He gestured to Daniel. "We expect a comprehensive exhibition of your training methods and your students' abilities. Then we will decide if either dojo is worthy of the Sekai Taikai."

Silver nodded, though his jaw tightened imperceptibly. "Thank you. You won't be disappointed."

Johnny smirked. "Well, as they say, the more the merrier. May the best dojo win."

As they began to leave, Silver turned to Sensei Kim who had been silently watching.

"I agreed to train your students," she said in a low, controlled voice, "under the condition that you would pave the way for my family's teachings to emerge from the shadows. And yet your petty rivalry is standing in the way."

Silver gave her a cold smile. "I have no rivalry with them. They're beaten. This is their last, desperate gasp of breath."

Kim's eyes darkened. "Then we must suffocate them."

She stepped closer, her voice a razor's edge. "I will continue to train your students so they are fully prepared. And might I suggest next time, you are prepared too."

Silver turned to Sensei Yazuko. "This is why we need you. We need your expertise along with Kai and Takeshi so we can prove we are the best."

Yazuko's eyes narrowed. "That is to be decided."

Truth be told, Sensei Yazuko had other plans for the Sekai Taikai. He knew from the moment Silver mentioned it that he would not allow his students to compete for Cobra Kai. He had his own ideas, his own legacy to leave.

He quickly left Silver and rushed outside, able to catch one of the members of the Sekai Taikai selection committee. He noticed one of the members, the one who had bowed at Chozen not to far.

"Excuse me." he called out in Japanese.

The man turned around to look at him. "How can I help you?"

Yazuko began. "How can I enter my dojo to the admissions process?"

He looked confused. "You are with Cobra Kai no?"

Sensei Yazuko shook his head. "No, I come from Okinawa with my own dojo. Tiger Claw. My two top students are Kai Hilton and Takeshi Yazuko. They have trained with the national team."

The other man's eyes lit up with interest. "I have heard of your dojo. Great things. The best in Okinawa."

"Can you submit us then?"

"I will speak to Braun about it. Can we have a contact number so we can get in touch regarding the judging process."

Yazuko nodded with gratitude. "Thank you, here is a mobile number."

He entered Takeshi's number before bidding farewell to the man and the rest of the committee. He re-entered the dojo, making sure no one had seen him talk to the Sekai Taikai board. He would fulfil his debt by keeping Kai and Takeshi here for Cobra Kai's Sekai Taikai exhibition but then he would swiftly return to prepare for Tiger Claw's own presentation. He had no intentions of letting his two compete, but he did not want Silver nor Kim to find out. As long as he served his debt to Kim's father, he was free to do whatever he intended to do.

For their presentation, Silver ensured that his dojo was immaculate.

"Welcome," he said, his voice commanding, "you're about to witness what makes Cobra Kai the best dojo not just in the Valley, but the world."

The judges sat in reserved anticipation. Braun leaned forward slightly, intrigued.

Silver turned to his students. "Kai, Takeshi, Kenny, Tory, Elijah. Step forward."

The chosen fighters moved into formation with precision. Silver gestured to them, his smile sharp. "These are my top students. Each of them embodies the principles of Cobra Kai: strength, skill, and an unrelenting drive to win."

The demonstration began with a series of choreographed Katas, each one showcasing fluidity and aggression. The students moved as one, their synchronisation perfect. Sensei Kim called out commands in Korean, and the group responded with powerful strikes and kicks that echoed throughout the room.

Silver smiled, watching the judges' faces. They were impressed, but the real show was yet to come. Silver had lined up Elijah and Kenny to do a demonstrate with the boards, the two in perfect sync executed a combination of lethal kicks that destroyed each board, one by one.

The judges watched but they were sceptical. The man Sensei Yazuko had spoken to had informed the others that Tiger Claw were asking for consideration as a representative for Japan. Knowing that Kai and Takeshi were affiliated with that dojo, they made sure they could have a look at the other students scattered around the dojo performing various things to make sure Cobra Kai were not just relying on those two.

At Miyagi-Do, Daniel stood before the judges with Johnny Lawrence and Chozen Toguchi flanking him. He had earlier explained to him the legacy behind this karate and now it was time for the physical demonstration.

"Welcome to Miyagi-Do," Daniel began, his tone calm but confident. "Our dojo was founded on principles of balance, respect, and self-defense. Here, karate isn't just about winning - it's about bettering ourselves."

Johnny stepped forward. "And don't let that fool you. We still kick ass."

Chozen hid a small smirk as Daniel sighed but let it slide.

The demonstration began with Sam and Miguel performing a paired Kata. Their movements were graceful, almost like a dance, but every step was purposeful. Miguel executed a powerful high kick, while Sam followed with a perfectly timed block, showcasing their synergy.

Daniel stepped forward as the demonstration ended. "This is what Miyagi-Do represents. Discipline. Honour. Growth. Our students are not just fighters; they're champions in life."

"Having reviewed both dojos," Braun began, "it is clear that one could not be more different than the other. Yet both are equally impressive. So the only way to determine which dojo can gain entry into the Sekai Taikai is to see how your students fare in direct competition. Each dojo will select two fighters. One male, one female. Each will fight tomorrow afternoon in separate three-point matches. After those fights, the organisers will decide which dojo, if any, shall make the world stage. Good luck to all."

The next afternoon, the other dojo arrived at Cobra Kai and their eyes widened at the facilities Silver had created. The tournament mat was set up in the middle and each dojo was on their respective sides.

Terry Silver stood tall, addressing the judges. "For the male competitor, Cobra Kai selects Kai Hilton."

Kai stepped forward, but one of the judges raised a hand. "We cannot allow him to compete."

Silver's confident façade cracked for a split second. "And why is that?"

The judge offered no explanation. "Please choose another student."

Silver's mind raced. He turned to Takeshi. "You're up."

But again, the judges shook their heads. "We require another selection."

Silver's jaw tightened, but he kept his composure. Something was going on. But what was it?

"Very well." He scanned the room and locked eyes with Elijah St John. "Elijah, it's your turn to show them what Cobra Kai is all about."

Elijah smirked, stepping forward with a swagger that made everyone uneasy.

On the other side, Johnny clapped Hawk on the back. "You've got this, man. Time to unleash the Hawk."

Hawk nodded, his confidence high as he stepped onto the mat.

The match began, and Elijah's aggression was evident from the first clash. His strikes were fast and brutal, forcing Hawk onto the defensive. Within moments, Elijah landed a punishing strike to Hawk's ribs.

"Point!" the referee called. "1-0, St John."

The Cobra Kai side erupted in cheers. Elijah looked at Hawk, cold and emotionless as he returned to his side.

As the match resumed, Elijah's movements grew more calculated. Hawk tried to counter, but Elijah was relentless. He suddenly executed the infamous Silver Bullet technique, Hawk gasped, falling to his knees.

"Point! 2-0, St John."

The referee checked Hawk, who was struggling to breathe. Unable to continue, the match was called.

"Winner, Elijah St John!"

Walking over to Hawk on the ground, Elijah towered over and looked down menacingly, as if he was disappointed that he only harmed the boy. Kai and Takeshi watched in near horror, it wasn't karate, it was assault.

Next came the girls' match. Sam LaRusso stepped onto the mat, her expression focused and calm. Devon Lee followed, brimming with determination.

The fight was far more balanced than the boys' match. Devon's aggression was countered by Sam's precision, each point hard-fought. Sam managed to land a clean strike, taking the first point.

"1-0, Lee!"

"What!" Sam complained. "Those calls put me down a point! I should be up by one!"

After encouragement from her Senseis, Sam rallied back to score a point of her own.

"1-1!"

As the fight went on, Sam scored another point leaving Devon frustrated. In the final round, Sam employed a combination of Miyagi-Do's defensive techniques and Eagle Fang's offensive strikes, landing a decisive kick to Devon's chest.

"Winner, Samantha LaRusso!"

As the judges deliberated, Kai watched Sam from the afar, unsure whether he should follow his head or his heart. Gathering his courage, he approached her tentatively.

"You fought well." he said quietly.

Sam turned to him, surprised but not unkind. "Thanks. So did you...I mean, if you'd fought."

They shared a brief silence, both grappling with unspoken emotions.

"I'm not your enemy Sam." Kai breathed out, knowing what everyone in Miyagi-Do was saying behind your back.

Sam sighed. "I know...it's just Cobra Kai is the enemy."

Silence from Kai. He opened his mouth to say something but was interrupted by the judges.

Gunther Braun stood before the assembled dojos once again, his expression neutral.

"After reviewing the results of the matches and the demonstrations," he began, "we have come to a decision."

The room held its collective breath.

"As expected, we were impressed with the skills, precision and discipline of the new Sekai Taikai qualifier...Cobra Kai."

The Cobra Kai side cheered as Silver let out a small smile, looking at a dejected Daniel.

Braun continued. "As for our other dojo, we admired your unusual mix of styles and underdog spirit and we think you could be a unique addition to the competition. Therefore, we've decided that your dojo has also qualified."

It was official. Both of them had qualified.

But the real question was, would Tiger Claw be there too?