chapter forty-nine:
❛ the underdogs ❜

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Arizona walked into the school building with an air of calm confidence, flanked by Tory, Robby, and Miguel. The four of them moved like a team, their footsteps echoing faintly as students parted to let them pass. It was clear that their presence together carried weight, a reminder of who they were and what they'd accomplished.

Miguel adjusted the strap of his bag over his shoulder, glancing at the others. "Y'all think there's any chance we don't make it in the top seven?" he asked casually, though there was a hint of nervous curiosity beneath his tone.

Tory scoffed, her lips curling into a smirk. "Maybe when hell freezes over," she joked, her voice dripping with confidence.

Arizona giggled softly, her laughter like a gentle breeze cutting through the seriousness of the conversation. "Let's just hope there's not a tournament category for humility," she teased, raising an eyebrow playfully as she looked at Tory.

"Oh, come on," Robby chimed in, his voice steady and self-assured. "We've got two All Valley champs and two runner-ups. I think we're doing alright."

As they moved further down the hallway, Arizona's gaze flickered ahead, catching sight of someone familiar. Dylan. He was walking alone, his head down, preoccupied with something in his hands. Arizona slowed her pace, her expression shifting to one of curiosity.

"I'll see you later, okay?" she said suddenly, turning to Miguel.

Miguel blinked, caught off guard. "What?"

Arizona smiled softly, leaning in to press a quick kiss to his cheek. "I need to talk to Dylan." Without waiting for a response, she spun on her heel and started walking in Dylan's direction.

Miguel frowned slightly, watching her go. "What's that about?" he muttered under his breath, glancing at Tory and Robby, who both shrugged.

Arizona caught up to Dylan, her sneakers making little sound on the tiled floor as she fell into step beside him. "Hey, Dylan," she called gently.

Dylan turned, startled for a moment before recognition lit up his face. "Oh, hey, Zen Master," he greeted, giving her a lopsided grin.

Arizona chuckled, shaking her head at the nickname. "You're never going to stop calling me that, are you?"

"Not a chance," Dylan said with a smirk. "It fits too well."

Arizona let the teasing slide, her expression softening as she looked him over. "So," she began, her tone warm and casual. "How are you feeling? You know... after this weekend. First hangover—it's a milestone."

Dylan groaned, dragging a hand through his messy hair. "Oh, please don't remind me," he muttered, his voice dripping with regret. "I'm still recovering. And I still haven't told Sam that I was dancing on tabletops."

Arizona burst out laughing, the sound bright and unrestrained. "Tabletops? Really? That's a bold choice for someone who swore they couldn't dance to save their life."

"Yeah, well, tequila gives you confidence," Dylan said dryly, though a sheepish grin tugged at his lips.

Arizona nudged him lightly with her elbow, her voice playful yet thoughtful. "You know, Dylan, sometimes it's good to let loose. It's all about finding balance, right? Even if that balance is... on top of a table."

Dylan shook his head, his grin widening. "I don't know if I'd call that balance. More like controlled chaos."

"Controlled chaos has its place," Arizona said with a small shrug, her tone taking on a more meditative quality. "Sometimes you need to go off-center to find your way back."

Dylan smirked. "And this is why you're the Zen Master."

Arizona gave a humble smile but didn't comment, instead shifting the topic. "So, are you going to compete for a spot in the top seven for the Sekai Taikai?"

Dylan raised an eyebrow at her, his expression skeptical. "You know me better than that. I'm not into karate."

Arizona tilted her head, a curious smile playing on her lips. "You were into it enough to replace me for a while so I could spy on Cobra Kai," she reminded him.

"Yeah, but that was just a temporary thing," Dylan replied, his tone dismissive. "I'm not about throwing punches and doing katas. You know I love my robots."

As if to prove his point, he held up a small robot he'd been tinkering with, its tiny arms moving as if to wave hello.

Arizona laughed again, her eyes lighting up as she admired his creation. "Now that's balance," she said, pointing at the intricate contraption in his hand. "Creating something from nothing. It's very harmonious."

"Harmonious?" Dylan repeated, his grin widening. "Is that just your fancy way of calling me a nerd?"

Arizona's smile deepened, and she nudged him again, this time more firmly. "Not a nerd," she corrected. "An engineer of peace and progress."

Dylan laughed at that, shaking his head. "Alright, Zen Master, whatever you say."

They continued down the hallway, their conversation flowing easily as the rest of the world faded into the background. For Arizona, moments like this—lighthearted yet meaningful—were exactly what kept her grounded amidst the chaos of training for the world stage.

Arizona stood resolutely beside Miguel in the dojo, her arms crossed tightly and her jaw set in determination. The atmosphere in the room was heavy, thick with anticipation that seemed to settle over the gathered students like a storm cloud. Around her, the dojo was silent, the only sound the rhythmic pacing of Johnny and Daniel as they moved back and forth in front of the group. Every eye was locked on the senseis, each student waiting for the moment to break the silence.

Johnny stopped mid-stride, pivoting sharply to face them, his expression serious but charged with his signature intensity. "The Sekai Taikai is coming," he declared, his voice cutting through the room like a battle cry. "And it's up to us to pick our seven most badass fighters."

Daniel nodded and stepped forward to stand beside Johnny, his hands clasped in front of him as his gaze swept over the group. "And there are no easy decisions here," he said, his voice softer but no less commanding. "We know how much this means to all of you. We know you all want to go to Barcelona."

Johnny smirked, folding his arms as he took over again. "Some of you," he said, his voice rising, "are shoo-ins. You're at the top of your game. You've trained hard enough that nothing—and I mean nothing—can stop you." His words carried a weight that hung in the air, sparking a sense of both pride and pressure among the more experienced students.

Daniel's expression softened as he addressed the room, his tone steady. "And some of you feel like underdogs. Like no matter how hard you try, you're never quite good enough. Maybe you don't know if you have what it takes. Maybe you feel left out. Left behind."

Johnny jabbed a finger toward the students, his sharp tone cutting through Daniel's gentler one. "Well, let me tell you something. This dojo doesn't care where you started. It's a level playing field. And right now, anything can happen."

Daniel took another step forward, his gaze steady and encouraging. "Each and every one of you has a shot. As we evaluate you, all we're asking is that you give it everything you've got. Show us your best. Show yourselves your best."

Johnny's eyes scanned the room, his gaze lingering briefly on Arizona before flicking to Miguel. "Now is not the time to puss out," he said bluntly. As he passed Belle, he threw a quick jab toward her, testing her reflexes.

Without hesitation, Arizona's hand shot out, blocking the strike mid-air with practiced precision. The motion was fluid and instinctive, her muscles moving before her mind could even register the action. Johnny grinned, clearly pleased, and fist-bumped her as he walked past.

"Nice reflexes," he muttered under his breath. Arizona nodded slightly, her expression calm, betraying nothing but focus.

Daniel stepped back into the spotlight, his voice laced with conviction. "Even though we're competing for spots, we're still one dojo. Miyagi-Do and Eagle Fang are stronger together, and this is the time to prove it—to push each other to be the best we can be."

Johnny's voice rang out like a challenge. "So, which of you has what it takes to be in our top seven?"

The room fell silent. The weight of the competition settled heavily over the students, their expressions a mixture of determination and nerves. Arizona took a slow, deep breath, stepping forward onto the training deck with calm, measured strides. Every eye in the room shifted to her as she stood in the center, her presence commanding but serene.

She bowed respectfully toward Johnny and Daniel before taking her stance, her movements deliberate and precise. With a deep exhale, she began her kata.

Arizona's hands moved in perfect synchrony, her posture straight and powerful as she transitioned smoothly between stances. Each movement of her arms and legs was sharp and purposeful, her strikes cutting through the air with an audible snap. She moved like flowing water, each motion blending seamlessly into the next, yet behind the grace was a quiet, explosive power that radiated from her core.

Her high block was followed by a swift low strike, her feet sliding smoothly into a back stance as she shifted her weight effortlessly. She stepped forward, delivering a series of lightning-fast punches, her fists stopping just short of an invisible target. Her breathing was controlled, her exhales punctuating the force of her strikes.

As she reached the midpoint of her routine, Arizona pivoted sharply, her body coiled like a spring before releasing into a spinning high kick. The movement was flawless, her foot slicing through the air with precision before she landed softly, her balance unshaken. Her focus never wavered, her eyes locked straight ahead as if facing an unseen opponent.

The room was utterly silent, the students captivated by her performance. Arizona continued through the kata, her movements becoming more intricate as she shifted into advanced techniques. She ended with a strong front stance, one arm extended in a powerful strike while the other guarded her side. Her entire body was poised, her muscles tight with controlled energy as she held the position.

Her chest rose and fell with deep, steady breaths as she finally relaxed, lowering her hands and bowing again toward her senseis. Arizona stepped back into line, her expression calm but her confidence unmistakable.

Johnny smirked, his sharp nod of approval as good as a victory. "Not bad," he said, the faintest hint of pride in his voice.

Daniel's expression softened, his eyes betraying his pride as he gave a small smile. "That's the kind of focus we're looking for," he said, his voice quiet but firm.

Arizona returned to her place beside Miguel, who gave her a subtle nod, his own confidence bolstered by her performance. The weight of her silent promise lingered in the room—Arizona was ready for whatever challenge lay ahead.

The dojo was a hive of low murmurs and the shuffle of feet as students stretched and exchanged nervous glances. The atmosphere buzzed with anticipation, a crackling energy that was almost suffocating. The tension broke like a thunderclap when Johnny barked, "Everyone, fall in!" His voice was sharp and commanding, leaving no room for hesitation.

Arizona snapped upright, her gaze flicking briefly to Miguel beside her. He offered a reassuring nod before they both fell into line with the others. She exhaled, steadying herself as Daniel stepped forward, his usual calm demeanor tinged with a note of formality.

"Please welcome our guest for the weekend: Sensei Barnes," Daniel announced, his voice measured but firm.

The words sent a ripple through the students. Whispers broke out at the mention of the infamous name. Arizona's brow furrowed, and she leaned subtly toward Miguel. "Isn't that the guy from the Silver house fight?" she murmured, her voice barely audible.

Miguel shot her a quick warning glance, his eyes flicking toward the approaching figure. Arizona's stomach dropped as she realized her mistake, heat rising to her cheeks. Before she could recover, a voice like a cannon shot through the dojo.

"Silence!"

Arizona froze, her spine stiffening as Sensei Barnes entered the room. His voice cut through the air with an authority that demanded obedience. His steely gaze scanned the group, sharp and unforgiving, before lingering on Arizona. Her heart thudded painfully in her chest, and she fought the urge to shift under the weight of his glare.

Daniel stepped forward, attempting to break the tension. "In order to keep things unbiased," he said, his tone carefully neutral, "we've brought in Sensei Barnes to observe and help select our top seven for the Sekai Taikai."

Barnes' boots thudded against the polished floorboards as he stepped into the center of the room, his movements deliberate and commanding. His presence felt almost predatory, each step carrying the weight of his reputation. When he finally spoke, his voice was low and sharp, laced with a controlled menace.

"During my years as the Tournament Terror—" he paused, letting the moniker hang in the air like a blade, "—I wanted one thing: a shot at the Sekai Taikai. But I blew it." His piercing gaze shifted briefly to Daniel, his tone dripping with veiled accusation.

Arizona felt the weight of his words settle over her like a cold blanket. Her eyes darted toward Daniel, who maintained his composure despite the pointed remark. The unspoken history between the two senseis hung thick in the air, uncomfortably tangible.

Barnes' attention snapped back to the students, and Arizona nearly flinched as his eyes locked onto her. A smirk tugged at the corner of his mouth, but it held no warmth. "Ah, the famous Arizona Alvarez," he said, his voice dripping with calculated interest. "I hear you've trained in three different karate styles. Impressive."

Arizona's breath hitched, and she struggled to keep her expression neutral. The dojo seemed to fall utterly silent, every eye turning toward her. She nodded stiffly, unsure if words would betray her nerves. Barnes studied her for a moment longer, the weight of his scrutiny nearly unbearable, before turning back to address the group.

"As I was saying," Barnes continued, his tone sharpening, "the Sekai Taikai is not for the faint of heart. It's not some friendly sparring match where you get a pat on the back for showing up. This tournament is brutal. People have been hospitalized—some have died." His words cut through the room like a blade, sending a chill down Arizona's spine.

The students exchanged uneasy glances. Even Miguel, who was usually steady and confident, had a tightness in his jaw that betrayed his tension. Barnes paced slowly, his eyes sweeping over the group like a predator sizing up prey.

"I'm not here to hold your hand or sugarcoat the truth," Barnes declared, his voice rising. "I will push you harder than you've ever been pushed. If you think you can't handle it, there's the door." He jabbed a finger toward the exit, his tone daring anyone to move.

Daniel stepped in, his voice a gentle counterbalance to Barnes' harshness. "This is about bringing out the best in all of you," he said, his eyes sweeping the room. "We're not just looking for skill; we're looking for heart, determination, and the ability to rise under pressure."

Barnes let out a short, humorless laugh. "Heart doesn't mean a damn thing if you can't deliver," he shot back. "This isn't a motivational seminar, LaRusso. It's a war zone." He turned back to the students, his voice booming once more. "Get on the sparring deck!"

For a moment, no one moved, the sheer force of his command rooting them to the spot. Then, Barnes barked, "I said NOW!"

Arizona's body moved before her mind could catch up, her muscles reacting to the urgency in his voice. She was the first to step forward, her back straight and her eyes locked ahead. Her heart pounded, but she refused to let it show. She could feel Barnes' eyes on her as she took her place on the deck.

One by one, the other students followed, their movements hesitant but steady. Arizona glanced briefly at Miguel as he stepped into place beside her, his expression unreadable but resolute.

Barnes surveyed the group, his arms crossed over his chest, a faint smirk tugging at his lips. "Good," he said, his voice softer but no less menacing. "Let's see who's got what it takes."

The room seemed to hold its breath as Barnes' challenge hung in the air. Arizona clenched her fists at her sides, her determination hardening into steel. She didn't know what was coming next, but she was ready to face it head-on.

The dojo buzzed with anticipation as the students lined up on the sparring deck, their energy tense but focused. Sensei Barnes stood at the edge, his arms crossed, his sharp, hawk-like gaze sweeping over them. His presence alone was enough to send a ripple of unease through the group. His voice, steady and commanding, cut through the room.

"All right, let's see if you've got what it takes," Barnes said, pacing deliberately across the deck. "The Sekai Taikai doesn't care about how many boards you can break or how hard you can punch. It cares about perfection. Precision. Control. Every movement you make has to count."

Arizona swallowed hard as Barnes' words echoed in her head. This wasn't just about showing off strength; it was about proving her mastery over every technique she had learned. She glanced at Miguel, who gave her a small nod of encouragement from his spot on the sidelines.

Robby stepped forward, carrying a stack of wooden planks under his arm. But instead of pulling one out, he set the stack aside, meeting Arizona's curious gaze. "No boards this time," he said with a grin. "Think you're ready for kata?"

Arizona squared her shoulders, her heart pounding in her chest. "I'm always ready," she replied, a hint of a smirk tugging at her lips.

She stepped forward into the center of the sparring deck, the murmurs of her fellow students fading into the background as she closed her eyes for a moment, centering herself. Then, with an exhale, she launched into a kata she had been perfecting for weeks.

Her movements were sharp, deliberate, and fluid, like a river that could turn into a storm at any moment. She transitioned from low stances to high blocks with precision, each strike purposeful and controlled. Her fists snapped through the air with audible force, while her kicks were swift and calculated. Arizona imagined her invisible opponent, countering each imaginary strike with a perfect response.

The room was silent except for the shuffle of her feet and the controlled exhalations accompanying each strike. As she neared the final sequence, her heart raced, but she forced herself to maintain focus. She finished with a powerful forward stance, her fists tightly clenched and her breathing steady.

The silence hung in the air for a moment before Barnes walked toward her, his boots heavy on the deck. His expression was unreadable as he stopped a few feet in front of her, arms crossed.

"Your form is good," Barnes said, his voice low but carrying authority. "Better than I expected." He circled her slowly, scrutinizing her stance. "But you rely too much on raw aggression in your transitions. You're rushing. That's going to cost you in a real fight. The Sekai Taikai isn't just about beating your opponent. It's about showing them you're ten steps ahead before they even throw the first punch."

Arizona nodded, her cheeks flushing slightly. She straightened her back, determined not to let his critique rattle her. "Yes, Sensei," she said, her voice steady.

Barnes tilted his head, his sharp eyes narrowing slightly. "You've got talent, Alvarez. I'll give you that. But talent won't carry you across the finish line. Discipline will."

Arizona's chest tightened, but she met his gaze and gave a respectful bow. "I'll work on it," she promised.

Barnes stepped back, turning to address the rest of the group. "You should all be watching closely," he barked, his tone sharp. "This is what I mean by potential. But potential without refinement is useless."

Robby caught Arizona's eye as she returned to her spot, offering her a subtle thumbs-up. "That was badass," he whispered with a grin.

Arizona couldn't help but smile, though her focus remained sharp. Her eyes flicked over to Miguel, who was standing with his arms crossed, his face lit with quiet pride. She gave him a quick nod before shifting her attention back to the deck.

One by one, the other students stepped forward to demonstrate their own katas or sparring techniques. Arizona watched intently, absorbing every move and critique. Barnes didn't hold back on anyone, his words cutting through the air like a blade. Yet with each critique, she felt her resolve solidify.

She wasn't just here to participate; she was here to prove she belonged. And as Barnes continued to test and push the group, Arizona knew one thing for sure: she wouldn't let this opportunity slip through her fingers. This was her chance to rise, and she was ready for whatever came next.

The dojo buzzed with a mix of excitement and tension, the air thick with the weight of expectation as the students gathered around the sparring deck. Whispers and nervous shuffles echoed off the walls, but all movement ceased as Sensei Barnes stepped forward, clipboard in hand. His piercing gaze swept over the group, silencing even the faintest murmur.

"Congratulations," Barnes said, his voice laced with dry sarcasm. "You didn't die." A few students chuckled hesitantly, the humor not enough to mask the edge in his tone. His expression remained hard as stone. "But don't pat yourselves on the back just yet. Half of you wouldn't last a single match at the Sekai Taikai."

The stark truth in his words hit like a gut punch, and a heavy silence fell over the room. Barnes tilted his head slightly, his tone sharpening. "To the thirteen of you who might stand a chance—join me on the deck when I call your name."

Arizona felt her heart pounding, her breath catching in her throat. She clasped her hands together tightly, stealing a glance at Miguel, whose reassuring nod did little to calm her nerves.

Barnes scanned the list, pausing for dramatic effect. "Arizona."

Her name rang through the silence like a bell. Relief and pride surged through her as a grin spread across her face. She turned to Miguel, exchanging a quick fist bump before stepping forward. Her steps were measured but purposeful as she climbed onto the sparring deck, holding her head high. She'd earned this, and she intended to prove she belonged here.

"Hawk," Barnes called next. Eli strode forward with his usual swagger, flashing Arizona a quick grin as he reached her and pulled her into a brief hug. His confidence seemed to energize the group.

"Robby. Miguel. Sam. Tory," Barnes continued, his tone steady and deliberate. With each name, the excitement in the room grew. The called students exchanged nods, their presence solidifying a formidable lineup.

Then Barnes hesitated, glancing down at his clipboard with a raised brow. The pause stretched, the anticipation almost unbearable.

"Muscles," he finally said, smirking.

Confusion rippled through the group. Arizona turned to Sam and Tory, both of whom were looking equally puzzled. "Muscles?" they whispered in unison.

Barnes gestured impatiently toward Mitch, whose jaw dropped in a mixture of shock and delight. "Yeah, you," Barnes said flatly.

Mitch's face lit up as if Christmas had come early. "I have a nickname now!" he exclaimed, practically bouncing as he jogged up to the deck. Arizona shook her head, stifling a laugh, and offered him a fist bump when he joined the group.

"Kenny. Chris. Demetri," Barnes called next. The named students stepped forward, their expressions a mix of determination and relief.

Barnes scanned the remaining names, muttering something under his breath before speaking again. "Devon."

Devon let out a breath she didn't realize she'd been holding, her face a picture of focus as she made her way to the deck. She squared her shoulders as she joined the growing lineup.

Barnes straightened, his eyes narrowing as he prepared to announce the final name. The tension was almost tangible, every student on edge. "And the last name..." He paused, drawing the moment out. "Anthony."

Anthony's face lit up in shock and joy, his mouth forming a surprised "Oh!" before breaking into a wide grin. Cheers erupted from the group as he made his way to the deck. Arizona stepped forward to high-five him as he joined her side. "You earned it, Anthony," she said warmly, her smile infectious.

Barnes folded his arms, his gaze sweeping over the thirteen students standing before him. "Congratulations, top thirteen," he said, his voice carrying a grudging respect. "You've made it through round one. But don't get comfortable. The real work starts tomorrow. Be here at 6 a.m. sharp for round two."

His tone shifted, colder now as his attention turned to the students who hadn't been called. "As for the rest of you..." His eyes were unforgiving as they landed on the disappointed faces in the crowd. "You're out. Better luck next time."

The air grew heavy with the weight of mixed emotions. Those who hadn't made the cut lingered for a moment, their faces a blend of frustration, disappointment, and quiet resolve. Slowly, they began to disperse, leaving the thirteen chosen fighters alone on the deck.

Arizona looked around at her fellow competitors, pride swelling in her chest. But the exhilaration of being chosen was tempered by the knowledge of the challenges ahead. This was only the beginning. Each of them would have to fight harder, train smarter, and prove themselves again—and again.

Miguel caught her eye from across the deck, his smile subtle but filled with encouragement. She returned it, feeling her confidence steady. This wasn't just about being chosen—it was about what came next.

Arizona took a deep breath, stealing one last glance at the emptying dojo. Her place in the top thirteen wasn't a finish line. It was a starting point. She was ready to face whatever came next—and to fight for everything she believed in.

ASH SPEAKS!!!

splitting this episode into 2 because i have some ideas brewing🤭 and i need to think about it before i go ahead and do it...

PLEASE DONT BE A GHOST READER!!!
COMMENT AND VOTE! IT HELPS US WRITERS STAY MOTIVATED:) PLEASE JUST STOP BEING A GHOST READER!! ITS ANNOYING!! PLEASE COMMENT AND VOTE. ITS NOT THAT HARD!!! PLEASE!

im so sorry for all the notifications but please stop being a ghost reader!!!! us writers work hard on these chapters