After Terry Silver's arrest, Kai had to rush to the airport where he just about made his flight. He reunited with his Sensei and Takeshi, filling them in on the flight back to Japan. Kai felt at ease when he was greeted by the Okinawan air, the faint scent of salt from the nearby sea comforted him.

As soon as they returned they were thrusted back into their intense routines. Sensei Yazuko was training them harder than ever as they prepared for the Sekai Taikai's judging panel to visit their dojo and see whether Tiger Claw were worthy of a spot in the prestigious tournament.

"Another round?" Takeshi asked, after a sparring session with Kai.

Kai shook his head, a smirk playing on his lips. "If I go another round, I might not make it to dinner."

As the two sat on the edge of the dojo's training mats, they exchanged curious glances. "So," Takeshi began, lowering his voice, "who else do you think is on the team?"

Kai shrugged. "No idea. We've only ever trained together, so it's weird not knowing who we'll be fighting alongside."

The two boys were confused as to who would fill up the available spaces on Tiger Claw Karate's potential Sekai Taikai team. There were a couple good fighters the two had seen around but they weren't sure what Sensei Yazuko's plans were.

Their answer came sooner than expected. The dojo doors slid open with a thud, revealing a tall figure with striking features. He had messy dark hair and a confident swagger.

"Aramis Parker." Takeshi murmured, sitting up straighter.

Kai nodded, recognizing the name. Aramis was a half-Japanese, half-American fighter who had gained a reputation in Okinawa for his raw talent and unpredictable nature. While Kai and Takeshi had seen him in passing at Tiger Claw, they'd never formally trained with him.

All they knew was that he grew up in California but after a series of expulsions, he was sent to Japan to live with his grandparents where they encouraged their grandson to learn discipline through karate.

Aramis grinned, surveying the dojo. "So, these are the guys I'm fighting with, huh?" he said, his Japanese tinged with an American accent. He looked Kai and Takeshi up and down, his grin widening. "Not bad. This should be fun."

Kai raised an eyebrow. "You've got a lot of confidence for someone who just walked in."

Aramis laughed, leaning casually against a support beam. "Confidence is kind of my thing. That, and kicking ass."

"Great." Takeshi muttered under his breath, but his tone wasn't entirely unfriendly.

Before Kai could respond, the sound of a car door slamming drew their attention. Another figure entered the dojo, Masahiko Saemonsaburo, the captain of Japan's junior national karate team, was impossible to miss. His sharp, disciplined movements contrasted sharply with Aramis's relaxed demeanour.

"Masahiko." Kai said, surprised.

Masahiko offered a polite nod. "Kai. Takeshi. It's good to see you again."

There was a moment of tension - as both parties remembered the events of the training camp - but Masahiko extended a hand toward Kai. After a brief hesitation, Kai shook it.

"I heard Tiger Claw was submitting an entry for the Sekai Taikai," Masahiko explained, "since international teams can't apply, I used my connections to reach out to your Sensei to ask if I could join." His expression softened. "I want to fight alongside the best Japan has to offer."

Takeshi smirked. "That'd be us."

Masahiko gave a small smile in return. "Let's hope you're right."

As introductions concluded, another presence entered the room. Rae.

Kai's breath hitched as he saw her walk in, her face lighting up when she spotted him. Masahiko explained that he had brought his sister along while training with Tiger Claw. Rae seemed eager to reconnect, the two had been messaging, although it had become less regular recently.

Her presence was anything but simple.

The last couple weeks had been different for him. He and Sam had been talking every day, reconnecting and trying to get back to where they left things off.

Yet, seeing Rae again stirred feelings he couldn't quite place. Their time together back in mainland Japan had been genuine, and he couldn't deny the bond they'd shared. But it was different now - complicated.

"Hey, Kai," Rae said softly as the others drifted into their own conversations, "it's good to see you."

"You too." Kai replied, his tone awkward.

"You've been busy," Rae continued, trying to bridge the gap, "Sensei Yazuko's really putting you through it, huh?"

"Yeah, he is." Kai said, keeping his responses short.

Rae frowned, her brow furrowing in confusion. "Is everything okay?"

"Yeah, I'm just...tired," Kai lied.

But it wasn't just tiredness. It was guilt, confusion, and a growing awareness that he couldn't keep pretending everything was fine. He started avoiding her as much as possible, keeping his focus on training.

Over the next few days, Rae's attempts to reach out were met with polite but distant responses. It didn't take long for her to notice the shift.

"He's avoiding me." she confided to Takeshi during a break in training.

Takeshi shrugged, unsure how to navigate the situation. "Kai's...complicated. But he'll figure it out. Eventually."

Rae sighed, watching as Kai sparred with Masahiko. She couldn't shake the feeling that something was wrong, but for now, all she could do was wait.

As for Takeshi, his mind had been preoccupied with karate and Emiko since his return to Okinawa. Almost immediately, he paid a visit to her house, eager to see how she was doing.

"Emiko?" he called softly as he stepped inside.

The rhythmic sound of fists striking a heavy bag answered him. Takeshi followed the noise, his heart quickening. Turning the corner, he found her, focused and determined as she was training.

She turned at the sound of his footsteps, her eyes lighting up. "Takeshi!"

Before he could say a word, she rushed to him, throwing her arms around his neck. Takeshi hugged her tightly, marveling at how much she'd changed.

"You look...good." he said, pulling back to take a better look at her.

Emiko laughed, her cheeks flushing. "Thanks. I've been working hard. How was the States? You and Kai got into some crazy stuff?"

"That's an understatement," Takeshi replied, grinning. "but enough about that. What about you? How are you feeling?"

Emiko hesitated, her gaze flickering to the floor before meeting his again. "Better. A lot better. I've been...talking to people. Professionals. It's helped more than I thought it would."

"That's great," Takeshi said, his voice warm, "really, Emiko. I'm proud of you."

She smiled, though there was a flicker of uncertainty in her eyes. "It's been hard, though. Karate used to scare me after everything I went through. But now..." she gestured toward the heavy bag. "it's like I've reclaimed it. Every punch, every kick - it's my way of making sure I never feel helpless again."

Takeshi nodded, understanding the fire in her words. He'd seen glimpses of that fire before her disappearance, but now it burned brighter than ever.

Emiko turned to him, her expression serious. "Takeshi, I want to compete with Tiger Claw."

Takeshi blinked, surprised. "You what?"

"I know I haven't trained like you or Kai these past few years," she admitted, "but I used to be on your level. You know that. I've been pushing myself harder every day, and I think...no, I know I can do this."

Takeshi rubbed the back of his neck, unsure. "Emiko, it's not that I don't believe in you. You were always one of the best. But this is the Sekai Taikai we're talking about. The competition's going to be insane."

"And that's why I need to try," she insisted, her voice firm, "you know what I've been through. It's more than just winning for me. It's about proving to myself that I'm not broken anymore."

Her words struck a chord, and Takeshi felt a lump in his throat. He knew what she'd endured and how much strength it took to stand before him now, making this request.

"I'll talk to Otosan," he said finally, "but you know it's not just up to me. The team isn't set yet, and we'll need to see how you do in sparring."

"I understand. I'll show him what I've got."

Later that evening, Takeshi found himself sitting across from his father in their small but comfortable home. The glow of the shoji lamps cast long shadows on the walls as the two talked over tea.

"She wants to compete?" Yazuko said, raising an eyebrow.

Takeshi nodded. "She's serious about it. I know she hasn't been in proper training for years, but she's been working hard. And honestly, I think she's still got it. She just...needs a chance."

Yazuko sipped his tea, his expression thoughtful. "The Sekai Taikai is not an ordinary tournament. It demands the best of the best. Emiko-san was talented, yes, but talent alone won't be enough."

"I know," Takeshi said, "but she's fighting for something bigger than a trophy. This is personal for her. And you've always said that the strongest fighters are the ones who have something worth fighting for."

Yazuko leaned back, a small smile tugging at the corners of his mouth. "You've grown. Your understanding of people, your compassion - it's good to see."

Takeshi looked away, embarrassed. "So...does that mean you'll consider it?"

Yazuko nodded slowly. "We will need a female captain, someone who can lead the others by example. If she proves herself worthy, I will give her that opportunity."

Takeshi grinned. "Thanks, Otosan. She won't let you down."

Piece by piece, the Tiger Claw team were coming together. They had started training together, starting to understand each other and begin to work as a team. They each had their unique skillset and their strengths and Sensei Yazuko stressed the importance of a cohesive team.

The training continued as the dojo was filled with the sound of strikes and grunts. Aramis was running a sparring drill with Kai whilst Masahiko and Takeshi were working with Emiko.

In the corner, Rae sat quietly observing, her eyes wandering and often looking at Kai.

It was Aramis who broke the flow first.

"Hey, Sensei," he called, pausing mid-strike to face Yazuko, "not to rain on our parade or anything, but we only have five fighters. Isn't the Sekai Taikai team supposed to have six?"

The others stopped, Kai wiping sweat off his face. "He's right. We're one short."

Sensei Yazuko nodded calmly, his gaze sweeping over the team. "I've been reaching out to potential candidates. If none emerge, we may have to adjust our approach."

Before he could finish, a voice rang out from the corner.

"I'll do it."

All heads turned toward Rae, who stood with an unexpected fire in her eyes.

"What?" Masahiko's voice was the loudest, his tone sharp with disbelief. "Rae, no."

But Rae didn't waver. She stepped forward, her expression fierce. "I said, I'll do it. I want to compete."

The room was silent for a moment, everyone digesting her words. Rae had always been the quiet one, supportive yet firmly in the background. To hear her volunteering to join the team was nothing short of shocking.

Masahiko crossed his arms, his jaw tight. "You've never competed before. You don't even like karate."

"That's not true," Rae shot back, her voice rising, "I know karate. Just because I don't fight doesn't mean I can't."

"You've barely trained," her brother argued, "you think you can just step into a tournament like the Sekai Taikai?"

Rae's hands clenched into fists at her sides. "Maybe I'd be on a national team too if I wasn't always following you around! You've never let me have my own path, Masa."

Masahiko flinched, clearly caught off guard by her words. He started to retort, but Sensei Yazuko held up a hand, silencing him.

"Enough," Yazuko said, his voice steady. He turned to Rae, studying her intently, "is this what you truly want?"

"Yes," Rae said firmly, meeting his gaze, "I know I haven't trained like the rest of them, but I can work hard. I want to do this."

Yazuko shifted his attention to Masahiko. "Tell me, what is her experience?"

Masahiko hesitated, still looking deeply uncomfortable. "She knows karate. She's good, but she doesn't practice often. She's against violence."

Yazuko nodded slowly, then focused back on Rae. "Is that true? You are against violence?"

Rae took a deep breath before replying. "Yes. I don't like it. But I understand now that karate isn't just about fighting. It's about discipline, growth, and finding strength. If I want to reconnect with-" she stopped herself, her gaze briefly flickering toward Kai. Then she continued. "-if I want to reconnect with who I am, I need to do this."

The room felt heavy with tension, all eyes on Yazuko as he deliberated. Finally, he spoke.

"If you wish to compete, you must accept that violence is a part of this. You cannot shy away from it." His voice softened, but his gaze remained firm. "Karate teaches us control and respect, but in competition, you will face opponents who won't hold back. Are you prepared for that?"

Rae nodded. "I am."

Masahiko stepped forward, his expression torn. "Sensei, I don't think this is a good idea-"

"This is not your decision," Yazuko interrupted. He turned back to Rae, "you will need to prove yourself, just like the others. I will give you this chance. But know that this is a path you cannot walk halfway. Understood?"

Rae's determination didn't waver. "Understood, Sensei."

The tension in the room eased slightly, though Masahiko still looked unconvinced. Rae, however, stood taller than before.

Kai stepped forward, his expression unreadable. "Welcome to the team." he said finally, his tone neutral.

Rae glanced at him, smiling. "Thanks." she replied, her voice steady.

And just like that, they had their team. They were ready for to show the Sekai Taikai judges that they were worthy of that spot.

Tiger Claw Karate were going to show them what they were made of.