Cobra Kai - Okinawa's Honor

Chozen stood there with his posture firm, like the sensei he was, but inside, his mind was in complete chaos. He had noticed Kim Da Eun's furious gaze as soon as he took the stage with his team. Her gaze pierced his soul with the intensity of a thousand sharp swords. He tried to maintain his composure, but his thoughts were in disarray.

"Why didn't I talk to her before this? I should have warned her... but in my head it seemed so right, so simple. Now she's angry. And when she's angry... well, the world is a dangerous place."

As he maintained his pose in front of everyone, Chozen desperately tried to find a way out.

"Okay, maybe I can blame Shisa. Yes, of course, he's the team captain and I can say it was his idea! No... wait. That won't work. She loves him more than anything. She'll believe his every word and in the end, who will take the blame? Me, of course."

He adjusted the sash of his kimono, trying to look busy, but Kim Da Eun's gaze wouldn't let him.

"What if I buy her a gift? Tulips, chocolates, diamonds, maybe? No… she knows me too well. She'll know it's a bribe. Symbolic bribes never work with her. Okay, maybe I'll suggest opening a branch of Tang Soo Do in Okinawa. That would be a grand gesture…"

But then he stopped, frowning slightly.

"No, that goes against everything I believe in. Besides, I know she'd say it's a desperate, pointless gesture. Damn it, she's still staring at me. It reminds me of the day I arrived in South Korea."

Flashback

Chozen Toguchi was broken. All but cast out of Okinawa, disowned by the man he revered, his uncle Sato, Chozen wandered the world in search of something that could fill the void he felt. He had lost his honor, his purpose. His anger and bitterness were his only companions.

When he arrived in South Korea, he did not expect to be impressed. However, Tang Soo Do was different from Miyagi-Do. The style was highly aggressive, but at the same time, it had a technique he had never experienced before. Chozen enrolled in Kim Sun Yung's dojo with the intention of learning.

Three months later, that was the time it took him to achieve that goal.

In that short period, Chozen surpassed all the other students. His channeled anger and previous experience in Miyagi-do made him a force of nature. Kim Sun Yung, impressed by his raw talent and hunger for learning, took him on as his protégé.

But there was a certain problem: Kim Da Eun.

She saw Chozen as a threat. Until her arrival, she had been her grandfather's pride and joy, even if he didn't show it. Now, he was devoting his time and attention to an Okinawan outsider, a man who seemed to appear out of nowhere and take the place she considered rightfully hers.

Whenever Chozen was at the dojo, Da Eun would watch him with narrowed, judgmental eyes.

As he practiced, she would think:

"Who does that outsider think he is? Coming here and trying to compete with me for everything I've worked so hard for? No matter how good he is, he doesn't belong here."

But Chozen was oblivious to her resentment. He was focused. For him, the dojo was a refuge, a place where he could vent his anger and learn to channel it into strength. He devoted himself to every move, every technique, every lesson from Kim Sun Yung.

Until one day, the inevitable happened. During an advanced session, Kim Sun Yung announced that Chozen and Da Eun would train together as partners.

The two of them were silent as they took their positions, but the atmosphere was thick with tension.

As the training began, it was clear that Da Eun was trying to prove a point. Her movements were faster and more aggressive, and she attacked with an intensity that left the other students around her in shock.

Chozen, however, did not back down. He blocked and counterattacked with precision, showing no signs of weakness.

After several minutes of intense combat, Kim Sun Yung interrupted:

"That's enough. Both of you weren't too bad, but you have a lot of room for improvement. But remember, the real enemy isn't here. He's inside you."

Da Eun walked off the mat without looking at Chozen, but deep down, she knew something had changed. He wasn't just an outsider. He was her rival. And perhaps something more that she wasn't ready to admit yet.

Meanwhile, Chozen watched Da Eun leave and thought,

"She struggles with anger. But she doesn't know how to control it yet. Maybe here I can learn more than just a new martial art."

South Korea, 1996

In Kim Sun Yung's dojo, the tension was palpable. Chozen and Kim Da Eun, after eight years of intense training, had become the two greatest fighters in the place. What had started as a fierce rivalry had evolved into something much deeper, though neither would admit it. Mutual respect grew along with their feelings, but neither would speak of it openly.

Now, both were kneeling before Kim Sun Yung, who watched his two pupils with a serious but satisfied gaze.

"You two are the best fighters I have ever guided during my years of teaching," he began, his voice deep and full of authority. "And when I die, I want this dojo to carry on your legacy. Kim Da Eun, by right of blood, you will inherit this place. But, Chozen… I hope that you will also be a sensei here."

The two nodded, accepting the future their master had laid out for them.

Kim Sun Yung then gave a small, enigmatic smile. "And sooner or later, Chozen will officially join the Kim family of South Korea."

Chozen and Da Eun looked at each other, surprised, unsure of what to say.

"I didn't expect you to truly believe that I am foolish enough not to notice. I am old, but I am not stupid. I know the relationship that you tried to hide from me. You can fool others, but not me."

Chozen tried to maintain his composure, but his face betrayed his initial confusion. Da Eun, always proud, straightened her shoulders, as if trying to hide any emotion.

Kim Sun Yung continued pointing at Chozen. "You came here as a broken man, radiating anger, guilt and shame. I saw how your destiny brought you to this place, and how you transformed all your pain and accumulated hatred into strength. Today, I, as the patriarch of the Kim family, accept you as a future member of this family. But—"

"I hope you don't count on that, Kim Sun Yung."

The voice made Chozen freeze. He hadn't heard that voice in years, but he would recognize it anywhere.

He turned slowly, and there he was: Sato Toguchi.

The old Okinawan master, with his imposing presence, entered the dojo with firm steps. He looked as stern as Chozen remembered, but there was something else: a look that mixed disdain and hatred as he took in the place he was in.

"Look who's come to my territory," Kim Sun Yung said with a tight smile. "You're a bit far from home, Sato Toguchi."

Chozen didn't know how to react. His mind was a whirlwind of emotions: surprise, confusion, and even a hint of fear.

Sato looked straight at Chozen, ignoring Kim Sun Yung for a moment. "I've come to get my family."

Kim Da Eun, fists clenched, took a step forward. "If you've come to cause trouble, you should think again. You're at a disadvantage here."

Sato stared at her for a moment, as if analyzing every detail. Then, he turned his gaze to Kim Sun Yung. "I didn't come to cause trouble. But if you think I'm going to allow my nephew, a Toguchi, to carry on your family name, you're mistaken."

The dojo fell silent, each word reverberating off the walls. Kim Sun Yung smiled slightly and crossed his arms.

"Is that it? You disowned him, but now you want to dictate how he should live? His anger, his pain, all of it was your doing, Sato Toguchi. And now you want to interfere again?"

Chozen, still dazed, finally found his voice. "Uncle… why are you here? After so many years…"

Sato looked at him firmly. "I'm here because, despite all your mistakes, you're still a Toguchi. And we haven't abandoned ours. It's time for you to come home, Chozen."

But the young fighter shook his head in confusion. "Okinawa is no longer my home."

Kim Da Eun stepped forward, standing next to Chozen. "He has a new home now. And if you want to take him, you'll have to deal with me."

Sato raised an eyebrow, surprised by the young woman's boldness. "You're brave, girl. I like that, but this isn't about you."

Kim Sun Yung, sensing the heat of the situation, stepped forward. "Sato, you may have control over Okinawa, but here, you're just an uninvited guest. If you want to talk about Chozen's future, you'll have to do it directly with me."

The atmosphere was charged. Every person in the room knew something bigger was at stake than just words.

"Then let's talk," Sato said, crossing his arms. "But know this: I'm not leaving here without an answer."

Flashback End

Returning to the tournament

"Welcome, competitors, senseis, sponsors and esteemed guests to Barcelona, ​​this year's host of the largest karate tournament in the world: the Sekai Taikai!"

The crowd erupted in applause as the competitors maintained their serious and disciplined postures.

Gunther continued: "The Sekai Taikai is proud of its rich history, and if you are here, it is because you embody everything this tournament represents: leadership, respect, sportsmanship…"

Chozen, standing next to Mike Barnes, watched intently. Despite all the tension of the past few days, he felt a twinge of pride at seeing his team representing Okinawa on the world stage.

"Captains, tie your headbands!"

At the command, the captains stepped forward. Shisa and Sabrina, both with impeccable posture, held up the white headband bearing the Sekai Taikai symbol. They placed it on their heads with precision, demonstrating calm and confidence.

>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>

Johnny, however, muttered something to the Author.

"Oh, come on! This headband thing? This is starting to sound like the end of Karate Kid 1. Are you seriously going to recycle this crap?"

the Author responded with a humorous tone.

"Well, Johnny, the headband is symbolic. It represents leadership, focus, responsibility as a captain."

Johnny shook his head, still in disbelief.

"Symbolic? It seems like another excuse to remind everyone of me in Karate Kid 1. Everyone's looking and thinking, 'Oh, look at those captains! They're copying Lawrence from '84.'"

The voice sighed.

"Johnny, it's an international tournament and very traditional. It doesn't all revolve around you and Daniel."

Johnny spread his hands.

"Not all, but tell me no one here is thinking about that? I bet even Kreese is laughing in the background."

The broadcast camera cut to Kreese, who was watching everything with a slight sarcastic smile on the corner of his lips, as if corroborating Johnny's theory.

"See? I even got that right!" Johnny pointed to the screen.

"I'm telling you, it could be something more modern. Like... I don't know, the captains should carry a technological bracelet. A drone with the dojo flag. Now that would be cool."

"Johnny, sometimes the classic has more impact."

>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>

Gunther continued:

"Captains, you will have the honor and privilege of competing in our televised tournament of champions. But that will only happen if your dojos do well enough in our skills and team competitions to reach the finals. At the end of the tournament, we will tally up the points from all the dojos. The dojo with the most points will be crowned the winner of the Sekai Taikai!"

The weight of the words fell upon the competitors. Everyone understood that the challenge would not only be physical, but strategic.

Gunther then changed his tone, more relaxed:

"But today is a day to enjoy our host city and make new friends... or enemies."

The sarcastic smile on the host's face drew discreet chuckles from the audience and even from some senseis.

"We already have a tour scheduled for our competitors, while for the senseis, there will be an exclusive cocktail party with our illustrious sponsors, representing one of the biggest martial arts brands in the world."

Mike Barnes, clearly uncomfortable, turned to Chozen. "Cocktail party with sponsors? That's your thing. I'd rather train the boys."

Chozen, trying to remain calm, replied with a slight smile. "You want to impress. Show that you've changed, Mike-san."

Barnes rolled his eyes. "Change doesn't pay the bills."

Gunther concluded enthusiastically:

"This is a great day to make a good impression, and I suggest you take advantage of it… because tomorrow your lives will change forever. Good luck and welcome to SEKAIIIIII TAIKAI!"

The gym erupted in applause.

After leaving the gym, the team returned to the hotel to organize themselves. From a distance, Shisa saw her mother talking to the team that she was sensei.

Shisa was deep in thought when Sabrina, attentive, pulled him by the sleeve of his jacket.

"Are you going to stare at your mother all day or do you want to settle this now?"

He laughed, placing a hand on the back of his neck.

"That won't be necessary. I'm sure there will be a 'family meeting' later about this. Unless you want to meet your mother-in-law now, then I can introduce you."

Sabrina raised an eyebrow, feigning surprise.

"Shut up!" She lightly slapped his arm before laughing.

Shisa just continued to leave, but she knew things wouldn't be that simple.

At the Hotel

With everyone settled in, the team decided to do something more strategic: observe their rivals. From one of the upper floors, they could see the interaction between Miyagi-Do USA and Cobra Kai Korea. A heated discussion seemed to be taking place, with angry expressions on both sides.

Shisa turned to Kenny, who was serious.

"You know these guys, Kenny. What can you tell me about them?"

Kenny crossed his arms before answering.

"The best fighter in Miyagi-Do USA is between Miguel and Robby. Even though Robby is the captain, he won't be focused. He's emotionally unstable after Tory's escape. He'll be easy prey if someone knows how to exploit that."

Shisa nodded, processing the information, while Jack leaned in slightly to hear better.

"Samantha is technically the better fighter, but that's only because Devon has had much less training time and Tory is out. Hawk used to be a formidable opponent, but Miyagi-Do has weakened his style. He used to be extremely aggressive. When we fought in the dojo, he couldn't stop me because I used a move Silver taught me. They stole Hawk's ferocity when they brought him to Miyagi-Do."

Jack let out a small laugh.

"Looks like he lost his claws."

Shisa arched an eyebrow.

"Interesting. What about the others?"

"Dimitri is the weakest. He has good defense, but his offense is almost nonexistent. And the most dangerous opponent…" Kenny paused for emphasis, "is Miguel. He's focused and uninjured, he's a machine. If you let him pick up the pace, he'll dominate anyone."

Shisa gave a calculated smile. Beside him, Jack started laughing, as if he was already planning something.

"This is going to be fun," Jack said, crossing his arms.

Shisa smiled at the assessment.

"Interesting," he commented, exchanging a look with Jack.

Jack crossed his arms and said,

"Looks like we have a good challenge ahead of us."

Shisa just smiled, but there was a fire in his eyes.

"I'll make sure to test the machine."