SCARLETT boredly watched Devon's form as the girl yabbered on about the Sekai Taikai. Tory was holding the hitting pads as the girl practised her kick, wearing a similar look on her face. 

"We're gonna make a fortune," Scarlett heard as she tuned back into the conversation. 

"I don't think we're getting paid," Tory stated. 

"I mean, not directly. But... we're gonna be Insta famous," Devon responded. Scarlett sighed. She had much more to worry about than being famous on Instagram. Devon continued, "Gonna get me one of those branded partnerships. You can put yourself through college with one of those."

Tory looked stunned, "I never even thought about college."

Scarlett frowned at her. She knew the blonde's mother wasn't doing well and her aunt was a bitch that kept pressuring her into giving money, so it made sense Tory hadn't thought about it. 

"As long as we do everything we can to make sure Cobra Kai wins," Devon responded. 

Scarlett's mind flashed to the secret she was keeping. Devon'd eyes flickered between the two, "What's wrong."

"Don't worry about it," Tory shook her head. 

"Elevate your kicks. Aim higher," Scarlett corrected, changing the subject. 

Later that day the Sekai Taikai returned to evaluate Cobra Kai. They walked with Silver in front of the mat. The students stood off to the side awaiting instructions. Kenny was on the mat, with a few instructors holding breaking boards.

"At Cobra Kai, we throw our students straight into the fire. Kenny Payne. Only started training with us this year. Now look at him..." Silver motioned to the boy.

Kim told him to begin in Korean and Kenny and the instructors bowed. As they rose, the instructors held out the boards. Kenny walked down the mat breaking each board. As the last one came up, he swept the instructor's leg and broke the board as he fell. The boy bowed and Silver gave a single nod. 

They moved on to the new equipment. Kyler had on the motion capture suit and began his sparring with the standing punching bag. From there, Silver told them how the suit captures the range of motion and shows how much power was in the movement. 

"Keep your left foot planted," Silver ordered. 

"Yes, sir," Kyler responded, throwing another kick. 

The group seemed to be very impressed with what they were presenting and moved on to the floor work. Scarlett was up after Tory and Devon's demonstration and she felt nerves prick at her skin. 

The two girls finished and Scarlett stepped onto the mat, a bow staff held firmly in her hand. She radiated confidence as she prepared to demonstrate her skills to the group. 

"Scarlett LaRusso is our All Valley champion. She displayed her skills in the bow staff earlier this year and from it we gained a mass of points," Silver stated. 

With a deep breath, Scarlett assumed her stance, her feet rooted to the ground and body exuding a quiet strength. The staff, a slender yet formidable weapon, extended before her. As the first notes of a traditional Japanese flute filled the room, she began her routine. With fluidity and precision, she twirled the staff in intricate patterns, creating a mesmerizing dance of wood and air.. Her movements were a testament to years of dedicated practice, a harmonious blend of grace and power.

The staff sliced through the air in controlled strikes and sweeps, demonstrating a mastery of technique. Each movement flowed seamlessly into the next, a choreographed symphony of martial arts. Her footwork was impeccable, allowing her to pivot and dodge with grace. Her focus was unbroken, her concentration unwavering, as if she and the bow staff were one.

As the routine continued, her strikes became more dynamic, punctuated by swift thrusts and resounding impacts on an imaginary opponent. Finally, with a dramatic flourish, Scarlett brought the routine to a close. She stood tall, her chest rising and falling with controlled breaths, and the dojo erupted into applause. Silver nodded in approval.

The representative for the Sekai Taiki, Gunther, spoke, "Thank you for your presentation. Your style is quite unique. Not to mention your facilities. They are certainly one of a kind. Having reviewed both dojos it's clear that one could not be more different than the other. You are both equally impressive. So the only way to determine which dojo can gain entry to the Sekai Taiki is to see how your students fare in direct competition."

Scarlett and Tory shared a look as the man continued, "Each dojo will select two fighters. One male, one female. Each will fight tomorrow afternoon in separate three-point matches. After those fights, the organizers will decide which dojo, if any, shall make the world stage. Good luck to all. Auf Wiedersehen." They bowed to the group and took their leave. 

Silver made them line up on the mat, "This is bigger than the All Valleyy. Much bigger. So we need our best."

Tory glanced at Scarlett and the LaRusso girl pointed at her. Tory shook her head quickly. Silver stood in front of the two girls, "Which one of you will do it?"

"Scarlett will," Tory stated. 

Scarlett glared daggers at her as Silver chuckled, "Looks like you're gonna have a rematch against your sister. You ready?"

"Yes, sensei."

Silver moved on and Scarlett released a heavy breath, "Payne. Ready to take on whomever they pick as their top fighter?"

"Yes, sensei," Kenny responded firmly. 

"You better be. Because the fate of this dojo rests in your fists."