chapter thirty-nine:
❛ taikai ❜

PLEASE DONT BE A GHOST READER!!!!! COMMENT AND VOTE PLEASE

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Clementine had spent the last week helping out at the hospital at her dad's request, and it was a grueling experience. The hours were long, and the emotional weight of the work took its toll on her. But throughout it all, she kept thinking about karate, missing the familiarity and comfort of the dojo, where she could focus her mind and release the tension that had been building up. She knew she was missing valuable practice time, and she worried about falling behind.

When she finally returned to the dojo, her nerves were high. She hadn't seen her friends in days, and there was a part of her that felt guilty for being away. But as soon as she walked in, she was hit with unexpected news: Miyagi-Do and Eagle Fang were going to compete in the Sekai Taikai, a prestigious and globally recognized karate tournament. However, before they could participate, they had to earn their place by defeating Cobra Kai.

The information was overwhelming, and it lingered in her mind as she made her way to Sam's house later that day. She had barely set foot inside when Sam and Alison appeared, rushing toward her with an urgency that made her heart skip a beat.

"Clem, we need to talk to you," Alison said, her tone serious yet filled with an undercurrent of excitement. Without another word, she and Sam grabbed Clementine by the arm and led her upstairs to Sam's room. It was clear something important was going on, and Clementine's curiosity and anxiety spiked.

Once they were inside the room, Sam shut the door behind them, and Clementine looked from Sam to Alison, trying to gauge what was so urgent. "Okay, what's going on?" she asked, her voice steady despite the unease gnawing at her.

Sam and Alison exchanged a glance, as if silently deciding who would break the news. Finally, Alison spoke up. "We want you to be the girl to go up against Cobra Kai," she said, the words hanging in the air like a challenge.

Clementine's eyes widened in shock. She had expected a conversation about the tournament, maybe some encouragement about getting back into the groove after missing practice, but this? This was on a whole different level. "What? Why?" she blurted out, her voice a mixture of disbelief and concern. "I barely know karate. I'm still learning. I would make us lose in a heartbeat."

Alison started to respond, but Sam quickly interjected, her voice calm but insistent. "Clem, you've come so far. And I've already had my chances. You almost won the All Valley. You deserve this," Sam said, her words filled with a sincerity that made Clementine pause.

"But Sam, you've been doing this longer than me," Clementine protested, her mind racing. The idea of representing Miyagi-Do and Eagle Fang against Cobra Kai felt like too much. Sam was the seasoned fighter, the one who had been through countless battles and had the scars to prove it. Clementine had only just begun to find her footing in karate.

Sam stood up, moving closer to Clementine, and took her hands in her own. The gesture was both comforting and firm, a reminder that Sam wasn't just offering this lightly—she genuinely believed in what she was saying. "Clem, you need your chance to shine. Cobra Kai took that away when they won the All Valley. You were so close. This is your time," Sam insisted, her gaze unwavering.

Clementine looked into Sam's eyes, seeing the earnestness there, and then glanced over at Alison, who was nodding in agreement. Both of them believed in her, in her potential, and in her ability to take on Cobra Kai. It was overwhelming, but in a way, it also filled her with a strange sense of pride. They saw something in her that she hadn't fully seen in herself yet.

Her heart pounded as she processed everything, the weight of the decision pressing down on her shoulders. This wasn't just about her; it was about the dojo, about everything they had been through together. It was about redemption, about proving that Miyagi-Do and Eagle Fang were stronger than Cobra Kai.

"Um, okay," Clementine finally agreed, though her voice trembled slightly with the uncertainty she still felt. But as she looked back at Sam and Alison, who were both smiling now, she felt a flicker of excitement start to burn in her chest. This was a huge responsibility, yes, but it was also an opportunity—a chance to prove that she had what it took to stand with the best.

Sam squeezed her hands, her smile widening. "You've got this, Clem. We believe in you," she said, her voice filled with confidence.

Alison stepped forward, wrapping Clementine in a supportive hug. "And we'll be with you every step of the way," she added, her voice gentle and reassuring.

Clementine nodded, feeling the warmth of their encouragement wash over her. She was still scared, but she wasn't alone. She had Sam and Alison by her side, and together, they were going to take on Cobra Kai. This was her moment to shine, and she was going to make sure she didn't let them down.

Later that night, the air around Miyagi-Do was filled with a quiet intensity as Clementine trained with Sensei Toguchi and Sensei LaRusso. The dojo was dimly lit, the soft glow of lanterns casting long shadows across the polished wooden floor. The only sounds were the rhythmic thuds of Clementine's kicks against the hand-held mats, her grunts of exertion, and the occasional murmur of encouragement from her Senseis.

Clementine's focus was razor-sharp as she kicked the mats with all her strength, each impact reverberating through the room. She moved with a fierce determination, her brow furrowed in concentration, her breathing heavy. Sweat glistened on her forehead, and her muscles ached, but she didn't care. She needed this—needed to prove to herself that she was ready for the challenge ahead.

"Good. Looking unbeatable," Daniel said, his tone filled with pride as he lowered the mat. He could see the fire in her eyes, the drive that had always set her apart. But he also saw the exhaustion creeping in, the signs of someone who was pushing themselves to the limit. "Let's not overdo it. That's enough for tonight."

Clementine frowned, her breath coming in ragged gasps. "Are you sure? I—I can go again," she stammered, the desperation in her voice clear. She wasn't ready to stop. Not yet.

Chozen, standing beside Daniel, nodded wisely. "Must rest. Save for tomorrow. Hm?" His voice was calm, but firm, his words carrying the weight of experience. He knew the importance of balance, of knowing when to push and when to step back.

Clementine sighed in frustration, but she knew they were right. Reluctantly, she nodded and walked off towards her bag, which was resting behind Chozen. Her expression was sad, her mind still buzzing with doubts and fears. She reached for her water bottle, her hands trembling slightly.

"Clementine," Daniel called out, drawing her attention. She looked up at him, her eyes searching his for reassurance. "You're sharper than ever, okay? The student is surpassing the teacher. You got this. Tory won't know what hit her."

Despite his encouraging words, Clementine's expression remained troubled. "Thanks, but uh... Tory's my friend now... I think she still is. I haven't really spoken to her since the tournament," she admitted, her voice tinged with uncertainty. The memory of the tournament played on a loop in her mind, a constant reminder of how close she had come to victory, only to have it slip away. "I'm not really sure how she won. She accidentally elbowed me in the eye, but considering that, she should have been disqualified and I should have won. I keep thinking it over and over again... and something just doesn't sit well with me. I just... I just want to win this fairly."

Daniel and Chozen exchanged a look, their expressions serious. There was a deeper lesson to be learned here, one that went beyond the physical aspects of karate.

"Clementine-san," Chozen began, his voice soft but full of meaning, "fight not against opponent."

Clementine's eyes widened slightly, her attention fully captured by his words. "Many years ago, Sensei LaRusso and I had a big fight. Samantha-san told story, right?"

Clementine nodded, recalling the tale Sam had shared with her about Daniel's trip to Okinawa and his intense rivalry with Chozen. "Kinda wild what happened," Clementine commented with a small chuckle, trying to imagine the two Senseis as bitter enemies.

Chozen's expression remained serious as he continued, "I wanted to prove I was better. Better fighter. Better man."

Daniel sighed, shaking his head as he remembered that time. "He was definitely one hell of a fighter. Just like you are. I've seen you fight, Clem. I've seen what you can do. You and your dad have that same fighting style. He won the All Valley before. You can do this."

Clementine absorbed their words, her mind processing the weight of their experiences and the lessons they were imparting. It wasn't just about defeating Tory or proving she was better—it was about something deeper, something that went beyond the competition. It was about understanding herself, her strengths, and the journey she was on.

A smile slowly spread across her face, a new confidence taking root. "Thanks," she said, her voice stronger now. She felt a sense of peace settle over her, the turmoil in her mind beginning to quiet.

Daniel smiled back, relieved to see the change in her demeanor. "Go on. You're missing the pizza party," he said, giving her a playful nudge.

Clementine nodded, picking up her bag and heading toward the exit of the dojo. As she stepped outside, the cool night air greeted her, a welcome contrast to the warmth of the dojo. The moon was high in the sky, its light casting a silvery glow over everything. As she walked, something on the ground caught her eye—a small object reflecting the moonlight.

Curious, she kneeled down to get a closer look and realized it was a necklace, the delicate chain intertwined with a small octopus charm. Recognition struck her immediately—Miguel had gotten this for Sam, but for some reason, had never given it to her.

She picked it up, the charm cool against her palm, and a smile tugged at her lips.

After leaving Miyagi-Do, Clementine headed back to Sam's house, her mind still occupied with the octopus charm necklace she had found. The house was lively with the sound of friends chatting and laughter filling the air, as the aroma of pizza wafted through the rooms. Despite the warm atmosphere, Clementine had something important to discuss with Sam.

She spotted Sam talking animatedly with Alison and a few others. Clementine took a deep breath and made her way over, gently pulling Sam aside from the group. Sam looked at her with curiosity, sensing the seriousness in Clementine's demeanor.

"Hey, Sam," Clementine began softly, "Can we talk for a minute? It's important."

Sam raised an eyebrow but nodded, stepping away from the conversation. "Sure, what's going on?"

Clementine reached into her bag and retrieved the octopus charm necklace, holding it out for Sam to see. "I found this at the dojo earlier tonight. I thought you should have it."

Sam's eyes widened as she saw the necklace. It was a delicate octopus charm, something she recognized from her time with Miguel. Her fingers hovered over it, but she didn't reach for it immediately. "This... where did you find it?"

"It was on the floor at the dojo," Clementine explained. "I remember you mentioning that you and Miguel had this thing with octopuses. I think he might have gotten this for you the day you broke up."

Sam stared at the necklace, her expression a mixture of confusion and surprise. "Are you saying Miguel gave this to me?"

"I'm not entirely sure," Clementine admitted, her voice steady. "But based on what I know, it seems likely. He probably got it to make it up to you. You mentioned before how special the octopus was for both of you. It might be his way of saying he's sorry and that he still cares."

Sam bit her lip, her mind racing. "But... how do I approach him about this? I don't even know if it's really from him or if it means what you think it does."

Clementine placed a comforting hand on Sam's shoulder. "Sometimes, you just have to go with your instincts. When you feel ready, talk to Miguel honestly. He probably wants to explain things or make things right. Just be open with him and share how you feel."

Sam nodded slowly, absorbing Clementine's words. She glanced at the necklace in Clementine's hand, feeling a pang of uncertainty mixed with hope. "Thanks for telling me. I guess I'll need to figure out what to say to him."

Before Clementine could respond further, Robby appeared, his easygoing smile lighting up his face when he saw Clementine. "Hey, Clementine," he greeted warmly, wrapping her in a gentle embrace and leaning in for a tender kiss.

Clementine's heart fluttered, and she returned the kiss with equal affection. Robby pulled back slightly, holding her hand. "Come on, everyone's waiting for you in the kitchen. We've got pizza, and you don't want to miss it."

The day of the big match had arrived, and the atmosphere at Cobra Kai was charged with a mix of anticipation and tension. The dojo was bustling with activity as students and spectators prepared for the showdown. Clementine walked in beside Alison, her heart pounding with a mix of excitement and apprehension.

As they approached the snack bar, Clementine couldn't help but voice her nervousness. "I'm scared," she admitted, her eyes darting around the room. The sight of Cobra Kai's intimidating setup and the buzz of eager spectators made her feel even more anxious.

Alison noticed Clementine's unease and placed a reassuring hand on her shoulder. "Hey, Clementine," she said with a warm, encouraging smile, "I get it. This is a big deal, and it's totally normal to be nervous. But you've trained so hard for this. Remember why you're here."

Clementine glanced at Alison, trying to draw strength from her friend's confidence. "I know, but what if I'm not good enough? What if I mess up?"

Alison shook her head, her expression firm and supportive. "Listen, you've got this. You're an amazing fighter. You've been through so much and come out stronger each time. This is just another challenge, and you've already shown that you can handle it. It's not about being perfect; it's about doing your best and showing everyone what you're capable of."

She leaned in closer, her voice softening but remaining resolute. "Think about all the hard work you've put in, the sacrifices you've made, and how far you've come. This is your moment to shine, and no matter what happens, you've already proven yourself. Just focus on the fight, stay calm, and remember that you're not alone. We're all here for you, cheering you on."

Clementine took a deep breath, letting Alison's words sink in. She could feel the anxiety beginning to ebb away, replaced by a renewed sense of determination. "Thanks, Alison. I needed that."

Alison gave her a supportive squeeze and smiled. "Anytime. Now go out there and show them what you're made of."

With Alison's pep talk boosting her confidence, Clementine felt more prepared as they moved towards the competition area. She could still feel the butterflies in her stomach, but they were now accompanied by a surge of determination. As she stepped onto the mat, ready to face her opponent, Clementine reminded herself of Alison's words and the strength she had built through her training.

The rep, Thomas, stepped forward and announced, "Time to begin. Eli Moskowitz and Kenny Payne, please take the mat." As Hawk and Kenny made their way to the center of the mat, Alison kissed Hawk's cheek for good luck, her eyes filled with a mix of pride and concern. Clementine noticed the dark look in Kenny's eyes and turned to Robby, nudging him gently. "What's up with him?" she asked.

Robby's brow furrowed as he replied, "Silver is manipulating him. I'm worried about what he's going to do." His gaze then shifted to Alison, who was beaming with excitement. "I hope nothing too crazy happens. It might make Alison reconsider her involvement in karate," he added with a sigh.

Clementine frowned, her concern evident. "I hope so too. It's not right if things go sideways like this."

As Hawk and Kenny bowed to each other and got into their fighting stances, the tension in the air was palpable. "Fight!" the referee declared.

Kenny was quick to launch an attack, kicking his foot toward Hawk. Hawk dodged, moving to the side. Kenny swung his fist, but Hawk managed to evade it. Hawk swiftly blocked Kenny's next punch, and the fight was on. Kenny managed to kick Hawk into the side, causing him to stumble. "Point! 1-0 Payne," the referee announced.

Alison clicked her tongue in frustration, her eyes wide with concern. "You got this, babe!" she cheered. Clementine glanced at Robby, noticing his clenched jaw and worried expression. "What's wrong?" she asked.

"Kenny's fighting dirty," Robby replied, his voice tinged with frustration. "This isn't how it should be."

As the match continued, Kenny and Hawk squared off again. The referee called, "Ready? Fight!"

Kenny kicked his foot, but Hawk managed to push it down and counter with a kick of his own. Kenny blocked it, then swung his fist high, which Hawk also blocked. Hawk lunged forward with a punch, but Kenny managed to land a strike to Hawk's back. Hawk staggered, but quickly regained his footing, spinning and kicking Kenny in the face. "Yes!" Alison and Clementine cheered. However, their cheers turned to disbelief as the referee announced, "Out of bounds! No point."

"What? Are you serious?" Hawk protested, stunned. "Come on, Ref! That's horseshit!" Clementine agreed vehemently.

"No point. Back on the line," the referee repeated, ignoring their protests. Clementine's gaze shifted to Silver, who was watching intently. It dawned on her that Silver was likely bribing the referee, a tactic similar to what had happened at the All Valley. Clementine quickly glanced at Tory, who seemed to recognize the injustice as well.

The fight resumed, with Kenny kicking Hawk and Hawk managing to block most of the blows. But Kenny's tactics grew more aggressive. Hawk covered his face to block Kenny's spinning kick, but Kenny continued to throw punches. Eventually, Kenny grabbed Hawk's leg and elbowed him in the back of the leg. Hawk fell to the mat, groaning in pain.

"Illegal strike! That's a warning," the referee announced, but Silver merely smirked. "Warning? He should be disqualified!" Daniel exclaimed angrily.

Hawk limped over, and Alison looked at him with worry. "It's fine. He just caught me off guard," Hawk reassured her. "No more Eli. It's time to uncage the Hawk." He smoothed his mohawk, and Alison watched him with awe. Clementine cringed at the transformation, feeling uneasy about the turn of events.

Back on the mat, Hawk faced off with Kenny once more. Kenny, now with an aggressive demeanor, launched a harsh punch to Hawk's abdomen. Alison's eyes widened as Hawk gasped for breath and fell back, panting heavily. "Point! 2-0 Payne!" the referee declared.

Clementine's frustration boiled over. "What!? That should be illegal!" she shouted, marching up to the referee. She pushed him, and he shoved her back. "Back to your side or be disqualified!" he ordered.

Clementine clenched her jaw, retreating to her side of the mat. Johnny and Daniel rushed over to Hawk. "Hawk. What's wrong?" Johnny asked urgently.

"I can't... can't breathe," Hawk muttered, struggling to sit up. Alison gasped, pulling Clementine into a comforting hug. "Can you continue?" the referee asked.

Hawk tried to push himself up but fell back with a groan. "Where's the medic!?" Johnny yelled. A medic rushed over, but the referee declared, "That's a forfeit. Winner, Payne."

Clementine shook her head in disbelief as Cobra Kai erupted in cheers, their claps and celebrations echoing around the room. Except for Tory, who silently walked away. Clementine watched her with a growing sense of unease. "I'm going to the bathroom," Clementine said to Robby and Alison, her voice trailing off as she followed Tory, determined to find out what was really going on.

Clementine hurried after Tory, who was making her way through the back exit of the dojo. The cool night air hit Clementine's face as she caught up with Tory, who was leaning against the brick wall, staring into the darkness.

"Seriously, what the hell is going on?" Clementine demanded, her voice tight with frustration. "Silver paid off the ref again, didn't he? I saw him look at the ref, and it was just like the All Valley."

Tory's shoulders slumped, her expression a mix of guilt and exhaustion. "Yeah, you're right. Silver's at it again. I'm so sorry, Clementine. I should've told you sooner. You were the actual winner of the All Valley."

Clementine's eyes widened in shock. "I knew something wasn't right. I kept replaying the match in my head, and it didn't make sense. But why didn't you come forward with this sooner?"

"I wanted to," Tory said, her voice trembling with the weight of her words. "But I was scared. I didn't want to make things worse or risk getting caught in the middle of all this mess. I didn't know how to tell you without causing more chaos."

Clementine sighed, her frustration melting into understanding. "It's okay. I get it. But Sam needs to know the truth. She deserves to hear it from us, especially since this affects her too."

Tory nodded, her gaze intense. "When do you think we should tell her?"

"We need to do it soon," Clementine said, her tone resolute. "But right now, I'm worried that since we walked off, they might replace us or try to twist the situation to their advantage. We need to be prepared for whatever comes next."

Tory's eyes softened with concern. "I need a break from all this. I'm feeling overwhelmed. You go back in, okay?"

Clementine nodded.

Clementine walked back inside the building and she went straight to the mat, her brow furrowed as she scanned the area, searching for her opponent.

"Where is she?" Sensei Kim's voice pierced through the tension, her whisper-yell drawing the attention of the Cobra Kai members, who started murmuring in confusion. None of them seemed to know where Tory had gone. Which is good.

"Clementine!" Daniel's voice was a hushed command as he beckoned her over. Clementine turned and walked toward Daniel and Chozen.

Daniel's worried gaze followed her, and his head shook slightly. "They're fighting dirty. This is dangerous. You don't have to do this," he said, his voice tinged with concern.

Clementine swallowed the lump in her throat, her eyes flicking to the referee, who was still busy organizing things. "I know," she replied quietly, her voice steady despite the nerves starting to build within her. "But I can handle it. This is for all of us."

Her words hung in the air, and for a moment, both Daniel and Chozen straightened up. They shared a silent understanding, their expressions softening with respect. Clementine smiled at them, bowing slightly, a gesture of gratitude for their support, before turning her focus back to the mat, readying herself for what was coming.

She could see Silver talking with Sensei Kim, though he looked less than pleased. Kim was grinning at him, her eyes glancing briefly at Devon, before turning back to Silver and saying something in hushed tones. Silver nodded in response, but his posture remained stiff as he walked toward the judges' table.

Clementine glanced back at her corner, where Eli and Johnny were seated. Eli looked out of it, a little pale and still trying to catch his breath as he sipped from a bottle of water. Johnny sat beside him, his hand gently rubbing Eli's back. The sight of them steadied Clementine, but it was Robby who caught her eye. He gave her a small, encouraging thumbs up.

Clementine couldn't help but smile, hearing Robby's quiet words of reassurance reach her ears. "Oh, come on. You've got this," he whispered, and she nodded in return, her confidence slightly bolstered by his presence.

The referee called for the match to begin. "Face me. Bow."

Both girls obeyed, bowing to one another. Clementine could see the slight nervousness in Devon's eyes, and she offered her a warm, reassuring smile. From the brief things Miguel and Johnny had shared about Devon, Clementine knew that the girl had a kind heart and that her decision to leave Eagle Fang wasn't one made lightly. Devon simply wanted to continue fighting.

"Ready?" the referee asked, and both girls assumed their fighting stances. Clementine felt the familiar adrenaline start to rush through her, the nerves fading as she reminded herself that she had done this before. She had almost won the All Valley this year, and the recent one had left her as a runner-up. She knew she had what it took to win.

"Fight!"

The moment the word left the referee's lips, Clementine wasted no time. She lunged forward, her foot connecting with Devon's stomach in a sharp, controlled kick.

"Point. 1-0, Katz!" the referee announced, and Alessia heard her team cheer.

But then, as she followed up with a second kick aimed at Devon's arm, the referee suddenly waved his hands, his voice cutting through the moment. "No point. That's shoulder. No point."

Clementine's face fell in confusion. She stared at him, baffled. "What?" she asked, but the referee didn't even acknowledge her, instead simply ordering, "Keep fighting."

Shocked and irritated, Clementine quickly got back into her stance, trying to shake off the odd call. Devon, still visibly recovering, made the first move. She aimed a punch at the Katz girl stomach, but Clementine blocked it cleanly. To her dismay, the referee raised his hand and called out, "Point. 1-1, Lee!"

Clementine blinked in disbelief, her heart hammering in her chest. "But I blocked you," she whispered, her voice tight with frustration. Devon met her gaze, her eyes filled with understanding, but she didn't say anything aloud. Neither of them wanted to risk losing the point.

Unable to hold back, Clementine made a "T" with her hands, signaling a timeout. The referee nodded, signaling for them to go to their respective senseis.

She ran to her corner, where Johnny and Hawk had joined Daniel and Chozen. The words tumbled out of her, barely controlled. "I blocked that! And I got her below the shoulder earlier."

Daniel extended his hands to calm her down, his voice soft but firm. "All right, look. Not every point is gonna go our way," he said, trying to reassure her, but Clementine shook her head, her hands trembling slightly. "Those calls put me down a point. I should be up one! If I lose because of it—"

"Clem," Robby interrupted, his voice cutting through her spiraling thoughts.

She looked up at him, taking a deep breath. Robby smiled at her, a quiet but reassuring smile, his eyes holding steady and calm. "You're the better fighter. Everyone knows it. The ref might not be doing you any favors, but you've got us in your corner. All of us."

Clementine heartbeat slowed as she took in his words, feeling the calm settle over her like a blanket. Robby gave her a quick, encouraging peck on the lips. She turned to find Chozen standing beside her, his expression faintly amused.

"Referee is moron. Must not leave room for error, Clementine-san," Chozen said with a light chuckle.

Clementije laughed, the tension draining out of her at his words. Daniel joined in the laughter, his nod confirming the sentiment. "He's right. Clem, make every point undeniable."

Clementine smiled, her nerves now completely gone. "Do your best, Cinnamon Girl," Johnny said, punching her lightly on the shoulder. She gave him a confident nod, now fully focused on the fight ahead.

She turned back to the mat, bowing once again to her senseis before walking toward the center. The referee asked once more, "Ready?" as the girls got into position.

This time, Clem noticed something strange. She could have sworn she saw the referee glance past Devon to Silver, who was sitting at the edge of the mat, his eyes hard.

"Fight!" the referee yelled, and Clem wasted no time. She charged at Devon, throwing punch after punch with precision, keeping her pressure on the other girl. Devon, struggling to keep up with the rapid strikes, focused on guarding her upper body.

With a well-timed move, Clem swept Devon's legs out from under her. As Devon hit the ground with a loud thud, Clem quickly moved in, her fist connecting with Devon's stomach.

"Point, Katz. 2-1."

Clem smirked as her team erupted in cheers. Devon, now clearly rattled, scrambled to her feet and took a defensive stance. Cleme blew the hair out of her face and got back into position.

"Fight!"

Devon let out a battle cry as she rushed forward, swinging her fist towards Clems gut. But Clem was ready. She grabbed Devon's fist just in time, stopping it from hitting her. Without hesitation, Clem kicked Devon square in the chest, sending her stumbling back.

"Yes!" Chozen shouted in triumph.

The referee walked toward Clem, his expression unreadable. He stood beside her, raised her hand, and announced, "Point. Winner, Katz."

Clem's smile stretched from ear to ear as she heard her teammates cheering loudly. She ran toward her team, her excitement growing. Johnny was waiting for her at the edge of the mat, his arms wide open. As she leaped into his embrace, the warmth and pride she felt were overwhelming.

Then, Robby pulled her into a second hug, his arms wrapping around her tightly, and for a brief moment, everything felt perfect.

But right after this, she ran out to help Tory.

The tension in the room was palpable as the Sekai Taikai organizers deliberated on the decision. The group of teenagers, their senseis, and the various dojo members waited with bated breath, the air thick with anticipation. Alessia, holding Eli and Robby's hands tightly, squeezed them in silent solidarity, knowing that whatever the outcome, they had given their all.

Finally, the main organizer, the one whose name Alessia had forgotten in the midst of the high-stakes atmosphere, stepped forward. His smile was warm but his eyes betrayed the weight of the decision they had just made.

"As expected, we were impressed with the skills, precision, and discipline of the new Sekai Taikai qualifier..." His voice echoed in the room, making Alessia's heart race.

Her grip on Eli's and Robby's hands tightened as her nerves set in. She couldn't breathe, couldn't think, could only stare at the man as he prepared to announce the victor.

"Cobra Kai," he said.

The words hit Alessia like a blow. Her heart dropped to her stomach, her mind screaming in disbelief. She felt the room around her blur, the cheers of the other students from Cobra Kai drowning out the sound of her own heartbeat. Her body froze, her shoulders slumping in defeat. She couldn't bring herself to turn and face their celebration, knowing the bitter taste of their victory was too much to bear. She couldn't look at them, not now.

Robby's hand was still clasped in hers, and she could feel the reassuring pressure of his fingers as he squeezed. She glanced up at Eli, who looked down at her, his face filled with concern. He rubbed her shoulder gently, his comforting touch offering some reprieve from the heaviness weighing on her chest.

"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," the man continued, his words sending confusion through the group. Alessia's eyes shifted to Daniel, Chozen, and Johnny. They were all watching intently, brows furrowed in disbelief.

The organizer's smile broadened, his voice now holding an air of excitement as he spoke.

"Therefore, we've decided that your dojo has also qualified."

Alessia's breath caught in her throat. The words had barely settled in when the realization struck: they qualified too. A burst of joy exploded inside her, and before she knew it, she was screaming in pure excitement. Her laughter bubbled up, turning into wild cheers as she squeezed Eli and Robby's hands harder.

"Holy shit!" Alessia exclaimed, her voice breaking through the noise. "We did it! We really did it!"

The cheers filled the room, everyone in a state of euphoria as they processed what had just happened. The group of students, Daniel, Chozen, and Johnny, all shared the moment of victory together, their faces lit up with pride and joy. The main organizer stepped forward again, his voice cutting through the excitement.

"Congratulations, everyone, and welcome to the Sekai Taikai."

The room erupted into cheers, and Alessia felt herself pulled into Robby's arms. The two of them locked eyes, both of them overcome with the joy of the announcement. Without thinking, they ran toward each other, crashing together in an exuberant hug. Alessia could feel the joy pouring out of her as she laughed, her heart racing with adrenaline.

When she pulled away from Robby, she felt another set of arms wrap around her waist. Eli spun her around, lifting her off the ground slightly as he laughed with her. "You did it!" he exclaimed, his smile wide and genuine.

Alessia couldn't help but smile as she looked at her friends, her teammates, her family. "We've all earned this," she said, her voice full of gratitude. She pulled away from Eli and turned toward Daniel, Chozen, and Johnny, who were standing proudly with smiles of their own.

Daniel stepped forward, his voice steady and proud. "Each and every one of you brought your A-game."

Chozen nodded in agreement, his deep voice rumbling. "Could not be more proud."

Alessia's heart swelled with pride. These people, her senseis, her friends, they had been through so much together, and now, they were going to Sekai Taikai. The realization still felt surreal, but it was real. It was happening.

Daniel clapped his hands, breaking the silence. "With this tournament in our future, we've got a lot of work to do. But tonight..." He paused for effect, a grin tugging at his lips. "Tonight, go celebrate!"

The room erupted in cheers once more, and Alessia turned around, her eyes searching for Miguel and Robby. Her laughter was infectious as she spotted them, and without thinking, she rushed toward them, pulling Miguel into a hug. The weight of everything melted away in that moment, the excitement and joy enveloping her like a warm blanket.

Tonight, they had earned their place in the Sekai Taikai, and nothing could take that away from them.

ASH SPEAKS!

we're getting closer... 2 more chapters until season 6 part 1!!

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