"So how was your day?"

Kai sat cross-legged on the mat in his room, the sun streaming through his window. His phone was propped up against a small stack of books, Sam's smiling face on the screen.

He was trying to distract himself from the nervous energy brewing inside him.

Sam sighed, rolling her eyes with a smirk. "Oh, you know, another day of Daniel, Johnny, and Chozen bickering. You'd think they'd have figured things out by now. There was the whole thing with what name the dojo was going to use. Johnny and Chozen were going to fight."

"That would've been interesting."

Sam laughed. "They didn't in the end. Johnny backed down, saying he wanted nothing to do with Kreese's legacy. So we're going with Miyagi-Do."

Kai chuckled. "Miyagi-Do sounds like a solid choice."

There was a pause as she shifted topics. "Oh, and Miguel's on this whole 'make Sam and Tory get along' mission. It's exhausting. I'm pretty sure Robby's behind it too, which makes sense since they're, like, trying to be brothers now."

Kai's smile faltered slightly at the mention of Miguel. He tried to keep his voice casual. "So, uh... you and Miguel? You guys...?"

Sam immediately caught the tone. Her brow furrowed slightly before her expression softened. "No, Kai," she said firmly, "we're not together. It's in the past. We're fine just being friends now."

Kai exhaled quietly, a tension he didn't realise he was holding easing out of his chest. "Good. I mean, not good that it didn't work out, but...you know what I mean."

Sam gave him a knowing look. "Yeah, I know. Don't overthink it, okay?"

He nodded, feeling a bit more at ease.

Sam leaned closer to the camera, resting her chin on her hand. "What about you? How's everything going over there?"

Kai rubbed the back of his neck. "It's...intense. Today's the day of our Sekai Taikai judging process. Sensei Yazuko's been training us like crazy prepping for it. Everyone's fired up, but I'd be lying if I said I wasn't nervous."

"You're going to do great," Sam said firmly, "you've trained so hard for this, Kai. And you've got an amazing team."

Kai looked away from the camera for a moment, a flicker of doubt crossing his face. "I just...I wish you could be here. This whole thing feels huge, and it'd make me feel better knowing you were in my corner."

Sam's voice softened, full of encouragement. "Kai, I'm always in your corner. You've got this. And when it's over, you'll look back and be so proud of what you accomplished. And hey, I'll be cheering for you from here, okay?"

He smiled at her words, feeling some of the pressure ease. "Thanks, Sam. That means a lot."

"Anytime," she replied, "now go out there and show them what Tiger Claw is made of. I want to hear all about it when it's over."

Kai gave her a mock salute, his smile widening. "Yes, ma'am."

With that, they said their goodbyes, and Kai ended the call, feeling a mix of emotions. He made his way downstairs where Sensei Yazuko, Takeshi and Emiko were having breakfast.

"How are you feeling Kai-san?" Sensei Yazuko asked.

"Nervous, but excited I think" Kai responded.

When the time came, the members gathered around the dojo. Kai stood among his teammates, his heart pounding as they waited for the Sekai Taikai judges to arrive.

Sensei Yazuko had an unreadable expression as he inspected his line-up of fighters - Kai, Takeshi, Aramis, Masahiko, Emiko and Rae - all of them wearing the pristine white Tiger Claw gi.

"This is it," Yazuko said, his voice steady and firm, "the culmination of years of effort, discipline, and preparation. I know we haven't trained as a team for long, but I know each and every one of you have years of experience. When those judges enter, they will be looking not only for perfection, but also for passion. Do not give them anything less."

The team nodded, each fighter embodying their own unique energy: Takeshi stood tall and focused. Kai took a deep breath, getting himself into the zone. Aramis looked relaxed, his confidence barely concealed. Masahiko was the picture of precision, his expression a mask of calm. Emiko's hands were steady, though her eyes burned with determination. Rae, the unexpected addition, clenched her fists at her sides, her face set in fierce concentration.

The doors slid open, and the Sekai Taikai delegation stepped inside. Leading them was Gunther Braun in a sharp suit and piercing eyes. He was flanked by several other officials.

"Welcome, distinguished members," Yazuko greeted them with a deep bow, "it is an honour to present Tiger Claw to you today."

Braun nodded curtly. "Thank you, Sensei Yazuko. We are eager to see the quality of your dojo. Please begin."

The team moved into formation, and Yazuko barked. "Hajime!"

The team began with synchronized katas. Their movements were crisp and precise, each move executed with absolute control. The judges observed keenly, their eyes flicking between the fighters, noting every detail of their technique.

Next, Yazuko called for sparring demonstrations. Kai stepped forward first, paired with Takeshi. The two bowed to each other, and Yazuko's shout of "Kumite!" signalled the start.

Kai moved with grace, his strikes fluid yet powerful. Takeshi countered with precision, his blocks and counters almost mathematical in their timing. The clash was intense but controlled, a true showcase of the talent both of them possessed.

Braun exchanged murmurs with another judge, nodding slightly.

When it was Aramis' turn, he faced off against Masahiko. The contrast was striking - Aramis' unpredictable, slightly reckless style against Masahiko's textbook precision.

Aramis grinned as the match began, feinting a wild kick before darting in with a sharp elbow. Masahiko blocked effortlessly, responding with a spinning back kick that grazed Aramis' shoulder. The match was fast and fierce, and while Aramis' unpredictability impressed, Masahiko's composure left the judges visibly intrigued.

Rae faced Emiko, whose sharp technique had already earned quiet praise during the earlier drills. The match began, and Rae's movements were unrefined but purposeful. She lacked the fluidity of her teammates, but her strikes carried a raw determination that couldn't be ignored. It was evident she had karate training before, she was just slightly rusty.

Emiko adjusted her approach, clearly pulling back the intensity. Rae noticed and frowned, frustration fuelling her movements. She landed a solid jab that but Emiko countered, landing a hit that sent Rae stumbling back.

The judges whispered amongst themselves again, intrigued by Rae's fiery grit despite her obvious lack of experience in comparison to the other members.

As the team lined up again, Gunther Braun stepped forward. His expression was unreadable as he addressed Sensei Yazuko.

"Your students demonstrate impressive skill, Sensei Yazuko. Their discipline and determination are evident, though there is a distinct variety in experience and style among them. Tell us, what makes Tiger Claw unique?"

Yazuko replied. "Tiger Claw draws from a lineage of martial arts refined over generations. Our fighters embody not just physical prowess, but adaptability and spirit. They represent the values my family instilled: the balance of mind, body, and soul in pursuit of excellence."

Braun nodded slowly, his gaze scanning the fighters once more. "We will deliberate and inform you of our decision soon. Thank you for your presentation. You will know by the end of the day."

The delegation exited the dojo, leaving the fighters in a tense silence. Yazuko turned to the team, who all looked at him in anticipation.

"You have done well. Now, we wait."

As the judges departed, the team dispersed slightly, the tension in the air giving way to quiet conversations.

Kai approached Rae, who was still catching her breath. "You surprised everyone out there." he said with a small smile.

Rae gave a half-shrug. "I told you I wasn't half-bad."

Kai didn't respond immediately, but his expression grew thoughtful. Before he could reply, Takeshi walked up, clapping him on the shoulder.

"Well, now we just wait to hear the verdict," Takeshi said, his voice carrying a mix of nerves and confidence.

Kai nodded. "Yeah. Whatever happens, we gave it everything we had."

"How's Sam doing?" Takeshi asked, not realising that Rae was still part of the conversation.

Kai internally grimaced, he wasn't sure how much Rae knew about Sam, there was the brief mention but he never told the girl how close him and Sam had gotten.

"She's...fine." Kai said, his eyes signalling for Takeshi to shut up.

At the side Rae's eyebrows furrowed. She knew vaguely Sam but maybe there was something she was missing. Was she the reason Kai had suddenly gone cold towards her? Was she the reason why it felt like everything had changed between the two of them?

Soon the team were called inside to Sensei Yazuko's home where the table was set with an array of delicious food. The team sat cross-legged around the low wooden table, their karate attire swapped with casual clothes.

After the judging process, Sensei Yazuko insisted that the team shower and get changed before having a team meal at his home. It would be a chance for them to further get to know each other.

Sensei Yazuko, seated at the head of the table, raised a cup of tea. "Tonight, we celebrate the efforts you all put forth. Regardless of the outcome, you have represented Tiger Claw with honour. I am proud of each of you."

The team echoed their thanks, bowing slightly before they dug into the meal.

Aramis leaned back, his plate nearly empty, and smirked. "So, Rae, I have to ask - what's your secret? I mean, you walk in and hold your own without breaking a sweat."

Rae rolled her eyes but couldn't hide a small smile. "No secret. Just years of watching my brother. And practice."

Emiko, sitting beside Rae, chimed in. "You did well, Rae. But don't get too comfortable - I'm still the better fighter."

Rae raised an eyebrow. "Care to prove it?"

Masahiko interrupted with a chuckle. "Save it for the mat. We'll need every ounce of that fire in the tournament."

Just as the conversation reached its liveliest point, a knock echoed through the house. The room fell silent, all eyes turning to the door. Sensei Yazuko stood and excused himself, walking to the door.

The team exchanged curious glances as they heard murmured voices at the entrance. After a few minutes, Yazuko returned, his eyes gleaming with pride.

He stood at the head of the table, his hands behind his back. "Tiger Claw," he began, his voice filled with warmth, "I have just received word from the Sekai Taikai delegation."

The room held its breath.

"Tiger Claw has been chosen to represent Japan at the Sekai Taikai."

The team erupted into cheers, laughter, and even a few fists raised in triumph. Rae threw her arms around her brother, while Takeshi high-fived Emiko. Aramis let out a loud "Woo!" as Kai leaned back, exhaling a long breath of relief.

Yazuko raised a hand, his voice cutting through the celebration. "This is just the beginning. Tonight, celebrate. Tomorrow, we train harder than ever before."

As members of the team started leaving, Kai said his goodbyes and slipped away to his room. He pulled out his phone and immediately called Sam.

She answered, her face illuminated by the soft glow of her bedside lamp. Her hair was tousled, and her voice was groggy but warm. "Kai? It's so late."

Kai grinned. "Or early, for you. Sorry to wake you, but I couldn't wait to tell you - we made it. Tiger Claw's going to the Sekai Taikai."

Sam's tired eyes brightened instantly. "Kai, that's amazing! I knew you could do it."

He rubbed the back of his neck, the tension from the day melting away at her smile. "Thanks, Sam. I can't wait to see you in Barcelona."

Sam's smile softened. "Me too. And don't worry, Miyagi-Do will be ready. You just make sure Tiger Claw brings their A-game."

Kai chuckled. "Wouldn't have it any other way. We'll both do well. Maybe we'll have to face Miyagi-Do at some point."

Sam raised an eyebrow playfully. "You think you can handle that?"

Kai leaned closer to the camera, his grin teasing. "I think I'll manage. See you there, Sam. Goodnight."

"See you there, Kai." she replied with a smile before ending the call.

Kai set his phone down and leaned back against the wall, a small smile lingering on his face. He desperately wanted to go back and see Sam, they were so close to being back to where they were before Kai had to leave again. However he knew that he couldn't leave, not whilst they had to train for the imminent Sekai Taikai.

Kai would just have to wait till Barcelona.