Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

Daniel’s POV

Everything has been going great. Silver’s behind bars, Kreese is gone, the kids are back at school and doing well. Chozen is still living with us and doing well also. The Cobra Kai dojo that Sliver ran is obsolete.

Finally. Cobra Kai is gone.

“Do you hear that?” I smiled at Amanda. “I mean do you…. That is the sweet, sweet sound of no more karate wars.” She chuckled at me and went back to attending her plant. “This is what happens when you take down Terry Sliver. When I did it back in ‘85, we got, like 30 years of peace.” She nodded. “Well, here’s to thirty more. Unless he finds a way to get the charges dropped.” I shook my head.

“Hey, hey. His reputation is ruined. No one’s gonna fight for that guy ever again. Amanda, we are in the clear.” She chuckled. “Hmm. Right. Unless you-know-who decides to jump out the shadows.” She said as she turned around. I knew she had the back of them mind worry about Kreese reappearing suddenly to screw up the peace. But let’s be honest. It’s over.

“Listen, if Kreese is dumb enough to show his face around here. There’s gonna be an army of US Marshals waiting to take him back to prison. Amanda? We won.” I smiled, she sighed. “With Sam applying to college and with Anthony starting high school, is now really the best time to be entering the kids in a world karate tournament?” She asked.

“Sliver wanted to use the Sekai Taikai to spread Cobra Kai worldwide. But now, if we win, kids around the world are wanna join Miyagi-Do.” I smiled, thinking of the vision we could have if we won the Sekai Taikai. “So karate is gonna be a rest-of-our lives kind of thing.” She asked mostly unimpressed, I chuckled at her. “Don’t worry. After this tournament, my full-time sensei days are over.”

She looked shocked at that. “Oh.” I nodded. “This tournament is my karate swan song. And what better way to go out than by sharing Mr. Miyagi’s wisdom with the world.” I smiled at her.

*********

I was in the dojo house with Chozen talking over lesson plans for the students. “Great. Why don’t you take half the students. Bring ‘em out on the sparing deck? You can-“

The dojo sliding doors opening and the sound of a chain clinking cut me off as Chozen and I stared at Johnny standing in the doorway holding construction equipment from his dojo I can assume. “You have a hose? Decent chance someone Tom a leak on this stuff.” He asked holding it up.

I continued to stare at him in confusion. What the hell was he doing? “Why are you bringing that here?” He clattered it all the floor, gesturing to it. “It’s all that’s left of demolished dojo.” I sighed, god I forgot about that.

Johnny hasn’t had the greatest run of things recently, first the dojo being demolished then he spilt up with Carmen a week or two ago, it wasn’t a bad breakup or any heated arguments, it was an amicable split. But I know Johnny and emotions, they don’t mix well and I don’t know the last time he had a break up that was with a long term partner so I was trying to tread lightly on the ice before it breaks beneath my feet and by that I mean a classic Johnny Lawrence tantrum.

“Johnny, I’m sorry.” I sighed as he walked over leaving the stuff at the door. “Anyway, got any lighter fluid? I came up with a new lesson on the drive over. I call it ‘Out of the Frying Pan, Into the Fire.’ So I’m gonna need a frying pan too.” I sighed, great, now Johnny and Chozen are gonna clash for lesson and that tantrum can come very very much sooner. Chozen shook his head at Johnny. “No. Today is my lesson.” Johnny scoffed. “What? I tonight it was my day.” I nodded. “Yes. It was. But Chozen came up with an exercise that’ll bring the new students up to speed. And I thought we could just do yours tomorrow. Maybe after you run it by me first.”

I was a little wary with Johnny being around lighter fluid and kids, Johnny and safety isn’t usually a great combination or a clever one. He scoffed at me and rolled his eyes. “Since when do I run shit by you?” He asked. I scoffed but chuckled. “Since it might burn down the house.”

The other side of the sliding doors opened and Hawk and Demetri walked in. “Uh, Sensei, Sensei, Sensei.” They greeted all three of us, I nodded at them. “We’ll start in a minute, guys.” I turned back to Johnny and Chozen as Demetri spoke up. “Actually, um, we’ve got something we wanna show you before training.” They took out us to the garden to give a little speech to us and the rest of the students before revealing a new dojo design and name for our combined dojos, they named it Miyagi-Fang Karate, albeit the name isn’t the worst but the logo, the less said the better in my opinion. It was terrible. I felt humiliated by it being honest.

I dragged Johnny and Chozen back into the dojo outhouse before closing the doors and speaking firmly. “We are not using that logo. Mr. Miyagi was the most generous and honorable man I ever knew. I’m not gonna stain his legacy by turning him into some karate vampire.” I was upset by it and Johnny and Chozen knew it. Johnny held out his hands and spoke. “Alright. Don’t give yourself a hernia. There’s gotta be some compromise. How about, uh, Eagle-Do Fang?” I rolled my eyes and sighed. “Come on, Johnny. Your compromise is just your dojo name.” He shook his head. “Nah, it’s got your ‘do’ in there.”

Chozen spoke up in Japanese and interrupted. “No. No compromise. Miyagi-do has honor, tradition. Eagle Fang has beak with teeth and no place to train. Miyagi-do is the only choice.” Chozen said to Johnny.

“Says who, Toguchi? You haven’t been here long enough to get a vote.” Chozen stood closer to Johnny, gritting his teeth. “Been here long enough to fight Sliver.” “You fought one guy while I took on five.” Johnny countered. “My one guy had a Samurai sword.” Chozen argued. “So did one of my guys but you don’t hear me bitching about it.” I stood closer to the two of them breaking them up.

“All right, come on. The two of you figuring isn’t gonna solve this.” I tried to deescalate the situation. “Fight is exactly how we solve this.” He said to me before practically spitting his words at Johnny. “You, me, on the mat. Winner will name dojo. Or have I not been here long enough to kick your ass?” I shook my head waving my hands at them. “No one is fighting. Okay? We need to focus on the kids.”

“Kids will never find out. You wanna dance with the eagle, Toguchi? Cue the music.” Johnny said and Chozen scoffed. “It will not be easy listening.” Johnny scoffed. “What will it be? Flutes and wind and shit? Monday. Dawn, sparring deck.” Chozen nodded with gritted teeth. “I be there.” Johnny just as much with gritted teeth. “I be there too.” Chozen scoffed as he walked out and Johnny did too.

I was right, that Johnny tantrum was only a matter of time before it’d explode and it looks like Chozen is in the blast radius. Great, how the hell are we supposed to coach and teach the kids to train for the Sekai Taikai if we can’t even agree on things ourselves?

************

I found Johnny at the thrift shop later on, buying an axe?! God, I hope he’s not thinking of anything severely stupid. “What the hell are you doing here?” Johnny asked me, I shrugged. “Nice to see you too. Carmen said where you went.” I looked at the axe in his hands. “Uh, whoa. Do I wanna know what that’s for?” I asked basically nervously who knows what goes through Johnny’s Lawrence’s mind?

“Training. Rocky IV style. Gonna chop down a tree, carry it through the snow.” He then paused as I stared at him. “All right, no snow, but you get the point.” I hummed. “Okay, what if instead of that, you, uh, called off the flight?” I shrugged tipping the scales and definitely cracking the ice. “No chance.” Johnny snapped, I sighed. “Look, Chozen crossed the line, but it was in the heat of the battle. He didn’t mean it.” Johnny nodded. “So we’re Eagle-Fang then?”

I sighed and rolled my eyes. “Johnny, come on. Our strength is we teach both styles equality. Let’s not jeopardize that balance, man.” He scoffed at that and rolled his eyes. “Right, ‘cause nothing says balance like two against one. When Kreese stole Cobra Kai from me, I had to build Eagle Fang from scratch. But I made it a real dojo. Took us to the All Valley, helped us earn a spot in Sekai Taikai. It’s not just a name. It’s what it represents.” The thrift shop guy then came back with a definitely more dangerous axe. “Now that’s what I’m talking about.” Johnny said.

Johnny picked it up twirling it better turning to me. “If Toguchi beats me, fine. After all I put into Eagle fang, I’m not giving up without a fight. You want someone to back out, talk to him.” Johnny paid for the axe and walked out. “Always the bright spot of my day!” The thrift shop guy said before turning to me. “He a friend of yours?” He asked, I sighed and shrugged. “I guess.” He held up the cash Johnny handed him. “Well, he’s short.”

Great. Classic Johnny.

I smiled politely and nodded, pulling out my wallet from my back pocket. “Yeah. I know.”

What am I going to do with him? I suppose my next step is to talk to Chozen.

*************

I found Chozen back at Miyagi-Do, practicing hitting a long piece of wood. This is normal. “Well, that looks…..painful.” Chozen didn’t turn around to face me as he spoke. “Strengthen body. Strengthen resolve.” He hit the wood again. “Well, I’d never doubt either. I was just hoping maybe we could resolve this thing with Johnny another way.” Chozen finally looked up at me.

“Do not worry, Daniel-San. I will not lose.” I shook my head. “I’m not worried you’d lose. Chozen, I’m worried this is gonna drive a wedge in our partnership and the kids are gonna be worse off for it.” He hit the wood again more forcefully. “Look, Johnny’s always gonna be Johnny.” I told Chozen trying to get him to understand the complex thing that is Johnny but Chozen has been really wound up lately and this fight with Johnny seems like the tip of the iceberg.

“I don’t get why you’ve been so dug in lately.” I paused. “You been drinking again?” I asked him. He looked at me before looking back at the wood. “No more drink. Dull senses. Cost me fight against Sliver.” God, that’s why then. He’s punishing himself for what happened with Sliver still, he can’t be doing this. It’s not good for him, besides Sliver is gone there’s not need to dwell on the past. “Is that what this is about? Because you showed mercy and that monster room advantage? That’s nothing to be ashamed of.”

“I’m not ashamed. Showing mercy is not a weakness.” I nodded at Chozen’s words. “I agree. But still, it left you with 80 stitches in your back. Maybe you could use a break. I mean, take a trip back to Okinawa for a week.” He hit the wood again this time much much more forceful. “Nothing for me in Okinawa.” He said leaning on the wood, I furrowed my eyebrows. “What do you mean? I mean you got your dojo. Kumiko.” He looked at me and shook his head as I spoke her name. “No. No Kumiko. That night, I called Kumiko. Drunk. Leave message. Pour my heart out. No call back.”

I sighed, god that’s awful. He finally admitted that to himself and to get the courage to call her and to have no response. “Oh, Chozen, I’m sorry. There must be some explanation for that.” He nodded. “Explanation is clear. She does not feel the same.” I shook my head. “Well, I can tell you that fighting Johnny is not gonna make it any better.”

He shrugged. “No. But it will ensure legacy of Miyagi-Do. That is all I have left.” He gave one last yell and cut the wood in half with his hit this time. Clean. I sighed and left him, clearly neither him nor Johnny are going to change their minds.

I found Amanda in the kitchen back home cooking as I started to nurse a glass of wine. “Hey. How’d it go with the pistols-at-dawn duo?” She asked. I chuckled. “Oh great. Both Johnny and Chozen listened to reason and came to a mature decision.” I said taking a long sip of wine. “Oh. That bad, huh?” She asked as I sat at the kitchen table exhaling. “Maybe you’re right. We should just quit whilst we’re ahead.”

I mean, what’s the point? The kids will be divided and getting chopped and changed with training because their three senseis can’t agree with one another. The tournament was to stop Cobra Kai and Sliver but now both are gone so should we even really continue? What is there to continue for? Johnny and I’s co-sensei partnership? Our classes? Chozen and Johnny’s growing dislike for one another.

“We only entered the Sekai Taikai to stop Sliver. With him gone, what if the pressure of another tournament just makes us turn on each other?” Sam then entered the kitchen and I smiled at her. “Hey, sweetheart.” She smiled back coming over to the table. “Hey.” Amanda turned a little to talk to her. “Hey, how was Golf ‘N Stuff?” She asked. “Uh, hit-and-miss. But here’s the twist. Tory and I actually crossed a bridge I thought had been burned. I won’t bore you with the details. Let’s just say we found some common ground, and the world better watch out because now we have two bonsai badassess ready to kick the competition.”

She smiled as she walked away and Amanda chuckled. “Well, that’s a pleasant surprise.” I agreed. “Yeah, and a counterargument for dropping out of the tournament.”

“Right, well if those two can get along…” She said before walking away to leave me with my thoughts. I suppose she is right. Tory and Sam have been through a hell of a lot and done and said a hell of a lot to each other and they’re kids. So maybe if they can patch things up. So can Johnny and Chozen, we’re all co-senseis after all, we have to find a way to make it work.

*************

I walked up to the sparring deck the day of the fight and seen Chozen stretching in preparation. He sighed as he seen me approach him. “Daniel-San, if you came here to try and change my mind again—“ I shook my head. “I haven’t. I’m here to tell you I’ve changed mine.” He stood and turned to me.

“I think we have to let Johnny win this one.” He looked at me confused. “You….you want me to lose fight?” I shook my head. “No, no, no. I’m saying the fight isn’t necessary. Mr Miyagi never cared about tournaments or his legacy. He cared about teaching karate the right way. And we can honor that under any name, even Eagle-Fang.” Chozen shrugged. “But Eagle-Fang name is stupid.” I shook my head. “It doesn’t matter. This is about going to the Sekai Taikai under a unified banner without us having a fight over it.” I exhaled.

“Do you think we could live with that?” He sighed. “Hai. Can live.” I nodded with a smile as I heard Johnny approaching. “Ah, should have known, LaRusso.” I turned to Johnny as he walked up to us. “What? Are you here to ref, make sure your guy wins?” He then clapped my shoulder. “Just bursting your balls.” He looked at Chozen. “Don’t worry I’m not gonna kick your ass either.” He looked at me then between us. “I concede.”

I furrowed my eyebrows. Johnny Lawerence backing out of a fight? What era am I living in?

“You….What, you’re backing down?” He gave me a mocking smile and chuckled. “No, I’m conceding. There’s a difference. Look, I’ve thought a lot about it. At the end of the day, Eagle-Fang is just another version of Cobra Kai. Cobra Kai is John Kreese’s legacy. I don’t want anything to do with that asshole ever again. Plus, working with you guys has made me a better sensei.”

Aw, Johnny can be sentimental when he wants to. Only took however long working together to get him to show some real emotion and not just anger or frustration all the time. “It’s made my students stronger. Our students. So I don’t wanna just teach offense only anymore. I wanna do whatever it takes to help lead Miyagi-Do to victory. Let’s make sure that it’s your sensei’s legacy that lives on.” I smiled.

God, Johnny can be so complex at times, he’s hard to handle but I know deep down, he is a good man and a good sensei and we’re lucky to have him. “Miyagi-Do’s lucky to have you, Johnny.” He smiled and Chozen agreed, Johnny bowed to me and I bowed back. “All right. I’m just personally glad you guys aren’t gonna fight.” I smiled.

“What do you mean? We’re still fighting.” Johnny said.

Wait….what?!

“Wait. What? Why?” Chozen shrugged. “Why not?” I chuckled and smiled. “Why not?” I shrugged.

I got them up on the deck after they got into their gi’s and into position. “Face me. Bow. Face each other. Bow.”

There’s never a dull moment here but you know what? That’s what makes it all exciting and finally we’re all on the same page now.

Miyagi-Do has never been stronger. So what’s the rush?

Chapter Text

Johnny came by this morning to borrow our blow up mattress, apparently one of the pipes in Carmen’s apartment burst in the ceiling and the place is unliveable. But Johnny doesn’t exactly have his own space now since Carmen, Rosa and Miguel are now living with him and Robby. It wasn’t ideal to be so soon after Carmen and Johnny’s break up but he wasn’t going to leave them in there so needs musts.

I told Johnny he should really get a house and maybe so should Carmen but gets against the idea, prefers to living in his apartment. If Carmen wants to buy a house she can but they’re not together anymore so it’s not his place to say that. But I also told Johnny that even to pay his rent if he wishes to stay in his apartment he needs more than the dojo gig at the moment for money.

He’s now single living on his own again. He doesn’t have any of the support or money he had whilst dating Carmen. He got the mattress to Carmen and that at his place before he showed up at the dealership later today. Standing in my office right now as I sat at my desk.

“It’s time to talk turkey, LaRusso. I know I just became an official Miyagi-Do sensei. But I’m owed back pay. And not entry level. I want Chozen’s rate.” I chuckled. “Huh. Deal.” He smiled and nodded at me. “Okay, great. Should I see your girl out front to cut me a check?” I chuckled again.

“Johnny, Chozen doesn’t get paid.” He looked at me. “What? So you’re just using free immigrant labor? That’s a scumbag move, even for a car dealer.” I shook my head. “Nobody gets paid. That’s the spirit of Miyagi-Do. No salaries. No dues. I’m not saying it’s gonna be like that forever. I mean, if we win the Sekai Taikai-“

“Why can’t you just cut me? Fine, I need a better apartment, okay? Carmen has to get her pipes fixed and well, it’s a little cramp us all in the one space. Not to mention awkward. It was fine living with Carmen when we were dating but now it’s just strange.” I sighed. “That’s what it’s usually like during the aftermath of a breakup, Johnny. Yes, the situation isn’t ideal but getting money and better apartments and things in existing apartments fixed takes time.”

He sat down in chair opposite my desk and sighed. “What else can I do? I’m trying, man. I’m working the Miyagi-Do program. I’m just trying to put myself in a better place overall.” I nodded and smiled lightly. “Yeah and that’s a good thing, Johnny. It’s a great thing but Miyagi-Do isn’t a quick fix.” He nodded.

“It’s a way of life. I know. I used to say the same crap about Cobra Kai.” I sighed. “It’s not crap. It actually can help you become a more centred person. But that doesn’t mean your problems are gonna go away overnight.” He stood up and sighed. “What I am supposed to do, man? You’re the only person I know that knows this stuff. I’m lost on what to do.”

I smiled lightly again and shrugged. “Do what I do. Maybe it’s time to ditch the gig work, you know and get a real 9 to 5.” He looked unimpressed at that but I knew that he knew I was right.

************

Johnny walked into the dealership the next day and whilst I was talking to customers I excused myself to find out what the hell he was doing here. “Hey Johnny, what’s going on?” I asked. “I’ve been thinking about your offer to work here.”

What?

I didn’t offer him to work here. I told him to get a job I didn’t say I was handing one to him. God, why do I always have to be right? Johnny is a complex guy.

“I decided let’s give it a whirl.” He said. “I….I…. I….. didn’t exactly say—“ He held out a hand. “I’m all for playing the slow game. I fixed the leak at the apartment so at least Carmen and that can move back in and I can work on myself and my home again, look for a better apartment or that. Where do I park my briefcase?”

I sighed. Oh god. This was great, right Daniel, think and think fast. “Uh, j-just excuse me. One….one second.”

When I told Amanda she didn’t seem to have any much problem with it, saying he could have Robby’s old job. Just something. But he thinks I offered him my job. “He’s finally embracing Miyagi-Do. I gotta come up with something. I’m not treading on the ice.” The bell then rung that someone sold a car.

It was Johnny. And that son of a bitch is lucky the woman really liked him. God, this was a disaster. Ok, I can do this. I can save it.

Amanda smiled at the woman saying she was going to send her whole family here to do business. “Well, John here will be happy to help them all out.”

Or rather Amanda will save it.

I smiled at Johnny and held out my hand, shaking his. “Welcome to the LaRusso family.” He smiled back, a rare genuine smile on Johnny. It was nice. “Thanks, man. What are you waiting for? Get the lady her bonsai.” I chuckled.

I won’t tell him off here. That would be unprofessional. Right?

**********

Apparently Johnny was having trouble getting Sam and Tory to keep up their usual skills, calling them pussies now but I thought he’ll have to deal with the female students at least one time and I have to help Chozen move Mr. Miyagi’s stuff in the dojo house. So it’s up to Johnny to figure that one out as a Miyagi-Do sensei now.

“I wish you could see this, Mr. Miyagi. A whole dojo full of kids learning your lessons.” I said as I looked at a photo of him and I when I was with in Okinawa. Chozen was testing the bed, sighing a little. “Need new mattress. Tempur-Pedic. Very comfy.” Amanda walked in as I was sorting through the box. “Almost finished?”

I didn’t turn as I spoke. “Yeah. Still feels weird to box up Mr. Miyagi’s stuff. But if anyone’s gonna move in, I’m glad it’s Chozen.” He held up his phone and shook his head. “Ah, cellular signal not good. Uh, did Miyagi-San run fiber optic Internet?” I shrugged. “It’s a little rustic, sure, but it’s just temporary till you go back to Okinawa after the tournament, right?” I asked him.

He waved his hand at me. “Uh, not going back to Okinawa.” Amanda looked at me and I sighed. I know she wasn’t entirely happy about that, Chozen had been staying with us for a while. “Come. Help me move bed.” Chozen said to me, I nodded grabbing the other side of the bed. “Okay. Go.”

When we moved the bed, it moved over a carpet that revealed a trapdoor in the floor? “What’s that?” I bent down to see it wasn’t locked and it the lid lifted off and I moved it to the side. There was a lot of cobwebs signifying it had been here far long probably before Mr Miyagi even died. I moved the cobwebs aside to see a box? “This belonged to Miyagi-San?” Chozen asked. I nodded. “It must be his. He….he built the place.” I lifted the box out and set it on a tableside. “Mr. Miyagi kept this hidden.” I said to Amanda and Chozen though I was confused as to why and what the hell is in this box. “So opening it would be an invasion of privacy. Right?” I asked them. “Are you kidding? We have to open it.” Amanda said. “The curiosity might kill me.” She said. “Sometimes better not to have answer.” Chozen said. “Right now, anything is still possible. If we open, we face truth.” Amanda shook her head.

“Guys, this is Mr. Miyagi we’re talking about. Possibly the greatest man who ever lived. How could you not wanna open his buried treasure?” She said to us, I sighed nodding and Chozen nodded at me also and I opened it seeing a selection of items from papers to a boxing glove, scrolls. Amanda picked up the glove examining it. “Mr. Miyagi was a boxer?” Chozen picked up what seemed to be a coin but with a hole in it. “From China.” He said.

“There must be some amazing stories behind all of this stuff.” I said holding a small scroll tied by a delicate red string. “Well, May 3rd, 1947.” Amanda said reading from a paper she had picked up. “Police are searching for the culprit in a violent robbery and assault. Jim Watkins of Lodi was hospitalized after a severe beating and the theft of a valuable necklace. He identified his attacker as Keisuke Miyagi.” None of us seemed to recognize the name she said.

“Keisuke Miyagi? Miyagi-San had a brother?” I shook my head. “Not that I know of.” I picked up an identification like passport. “That’s Mr. Miyagi. But the name is wrong. And he was born in 1924, not 1918.” Amanda shrugged. “My mom says she’s 71, she’s really 73. People lie about their age all the time.” She took the passport and read from it. “691 Hill Street. If Mr. Miyagi did live there, maybe we go find some answers.” She suggested.

It was worth a shot I suppose, I’m just so confused of what is happening.

**************

As we walked down this definitely not dodgy street, Amanda spoke. “I feel like an old-time PI. Wish I had a fedora.” Chozen then agreed. “I have trench coat.” I sighed. “All we have is an address on a fake ID from, like, 70 years ago. No one around here is gonna know anything.” Amanda shrugged. “Internet said this business has been around since the 1940s. If there’s anyone alive who might be alive to explain all this. It’s worth the tank of gas.”

“Unless Miyagi-San buried secrets for a reason.” Chozen said. “Would it help if I said we could get sandwiches at Philippe’s when we’re done?” Amanda asked, Chozen rolled his eyes. “Oh, that is big help.” We walked into a gym and well quite a dingy one.

“Hey, we’re looking for the owner.” I said to someone at the front of a boxing ring. “Fuck off.” The guy said walking off. I looked at Amanda and Chozen. “Friendly place.” Chozen looked at us. “I go get answers.” I looked at some tough guy that was eyeing us. “You know, I don’t think it was such a good idea bringing him along.” I said to Amanda gesturing to Chozen. He’s been sucu a wild card since Kumiko didn’t call him back.” Amanda looked at me.

“Based on the welcoming committee, maybe it’s good that we have a wild card.” I walked up to someone else friendly as I could. “Hey, excuse me. Listen, I know I have the right address, but we figured if anyone knew anything….” I pulled out the passport of Mr. Miyagi and the dodgy tough guy that looked at us when we walked into started bolting it out the door. “Ok, Daniel-San, we have a runner. Let’s go.” I stared at him. “Wh-wh-why are we chasing? Chozen?” I shouted running after him.

“We just wanna talk!” I shouted down the street chasing after Chozen and the guy. “I will cut across Hill Street and outflank.” Chozen shouted to me. “What? We’re running plays now?” I asked him.

God, why do I get myself into these situations l? Who knows how far we’ll run or even what this guy is capable of. Chozen and I are not that young enough to do this.

The guy shouted something and when I caught up to Chozen, he had tackled the guy and was fighting him. “Police brutality, man.” The guy said. “You do not know the meaning of brutality.” Chozen said to him. I held my hands out and shook my head. “All right. Chozen, ease up. We’re not the police.” I to the guy. The guy broke away from Chozen and I tried to calm him down. “Hey, hey, hey. I don’t know what you’re up to, and we don’t care. We just have some questions.”

“Yeah, right. Officers.” The guy said. “Listen, I’m only here because my mentor might have had some connection to your gym. I know this is a long shot.” I took out the passport and the guy took it quite forcefully. “But have you ever heard any stories about or….or know the name—“ “Miyagi.” The guy said reading from the passport. Chozen and I stared at the guy as he repeated it. “Miyagi.”

We got back into the gym and the guy looked at Chozen. “You got me good there, guy. A cheap shot to my blind side.” Chozen scowled at him. “Don’t be baby.” He sighed and nodded. “I thought you were the IRS. Uh, I have a difference of opinion with Uncle Sam on the gym’s finances.” I nodded at him.

“I’m still just trying to understand why Mr. Miyagi would be a silent partner in a boxing gym.” I said to the guy still trying to make sense of the reason we were even here, we didn’t know anything about this part of Mr. Miyagi’s past. “He and my grandfather were bros. The way my pop-pop used to tell it. This gym wouldn’t have been possible without Miyagi.”

“But why use this as home address? And what’s with the different first name?” I asked, still utterly confused. “When people have fake document, it’s usually, ‘cause they’re hiding something. At least that’s what I’ve heard.” I shook my head. “Mr. Miyagi had nothing to hide.” I told him. “Then why did he flee the country?” The guy asked me.

“Your information is wrong. Miyagi-San flee Okinawa for America.” Chozen scowled at the guy again. “No. Miyagi definitely flee America. Heard something about a robbery. Beat the shit out of some mope. Needed my pop-pop to help him get lost, if you know what I mean.”

I remembered the piece of the article Amanda read out earlier about a robbery and the beating up of someone that was hospitalized.” I took it out my jacket pocket and showed it to the guy. “Whoa. This is it. I heard he stole some pricey necklace. Wow.”

I sighed. “I never knew this side of him.” The guy folded the article and handed it back to me. “Look. Your guy messed up. But don’t we all sometimes? Pop-pop said he trusted Miyagi with his life. He didn’t throw around that kinda praise. He was a tough old SOB. I wish I had more I could tell you.” The guy said.

He had told us enough, I suppose but I was still so so confused. What else lies in Mr. Miyagi’s past that I don’t know about I thought I knew everything about him. It’s a little disheartening and just overwhelming to know there is possibly this other life he led before he met me without me knowing about it at all.

************

We got back to the dojo and caught back up with Amanda as I looked at the box of stuff we had found. “I don’t know what’s worse. Finding out that he hurt someone or….never knowing the full story.” I sighed as I closed the box.

“Man at gym said Miyagi-San was good man. He was good man, Daniel-San.” I nodded. “Yeah, a good man who…..committed robbery and assault.” I sat down in the dojo and Amanda sat with me. “That’s one story out of a million.” I nodded. “It’s one that he kept from me, just like everything else in that box.” She shook her head. “We keep things from our kids, don’t we?” She asked, trying to comfort me.

“Are we ever gonna tell Sam and Anthony about Cancun?” She asked, I chuckled, smiling at her and shook my head. “Definitely not.” Chozen then spoke up. “What happened in Cancun?” He asked, Amanda shook her head. “You’re never gonna find out, Toguchi.” I chuckled at her, it wasn’t a story to tell. It was ours to know.

“Look, the best we can do is make the most of the time we have with the people we love while they’re here.” I nodded at her. “Yeah, I know. I know.” We both stood up and I smiled at Chozen lightly. “Goodnight, Chozen.” I said as we walked out.

***********

The next day, I stood in front of Mr. Miyagi’s portrait before the classes. “I know there must be more to this story.” I leaned on the unit, sighing heavily. I just wanted to know, I was so distraught by this discovery I didn’t know what to do with myself, I didn’t know what to think anymore either.

“And I know whatever you did, you had your reasons. But whey didn’t you tell me the truth?” I sighed leaving the portrait to head outside to Johnny and the students, Hawk said the announcement of where the Sekai Taikai is being held.

The year it is being held in Barcelona, Spain.

They also said they’d be testing our dojo on its quality not quantity and that we must choose six of our students to compete. One boy and one girl serving as captains as there will team event and individual events for the captains.

So six it is, that narrows it down. But now the question is, who is our six strongest fighters?

Chapter Text

Johnny’s POV

I groaned rolling myself out of bed at that damn alarm clock. I had to have “sleep schedule” apparently to have a job, whatever bullshit that was. Working for LaRusso wasn’t the greatest decision I’ve made but he said a job and so it’s a job. But it’s not been helping me internally, ever since Carmen and I broke up I’ve swore to stay off relationships and all that crap. I tried it once truly and did my best and it still wasn’t enough.

Feelings just don’t work, relationships don’t work.

Miguel told me to explore other options, whatever that means. He said to broaden my horizons if I ever want to date again, explore what? He said something about sexuality and I told him to get to school or get looking in his box or whatever for that college application. I don’t do sexuality. I’m fully for chicks, always have been, always will be. I don’t want to date a dude or touch him or any of that gay stuff. I’m not like that. I’ve thought about it maybe once or twice when I was like twenty but that doesn’t count.

Not really….maybe it’s been more than once or twice and never about anyone else than one person. One man. One guy. It’s been pushed and pushed and pushed to the back of my mind again and again and again. It’s not there, I refuse for it to be there. I’m not like that. But I think about him….a lot. A lot more ever since teaching together again before even the news of the Sekai Taikai was a thing. In all honestly I’ve thought about him since before I even opened Cobra Kai again for the first time that started all this again. That first reunion in the dealership, the first time we seen each other in 33 years. Now it’s been 36 years since that tournament.

LaRusso has been the only guy I’ve ever thought about that way. Even though I’m not like that, I still think about him. I have dreams about him occasionally. I had the hots for that stupid Jersey punk back then and I still have them now and every time they come up in my head I have to smack myself just to push those thoughts away.

I’m not like that. Not even for LaRusso……

Not for that tan sun-kissed skin, that fluffy dark hair, those beautiful chocolate eyes. Damn it!

He wouldn’t even want me, I’m an asshole, sure I’m a lot better than I was in high school but I can still be a dick even unintentionally. And he’s married, he’s happily married with a great wife and great kids and a great job as a car salesman at a dealership I’m supposed to be at right now for work.

Shit!

I pulled on my work clothes fast as I could and downed a glass of rank orange juice that’s definitely past its use by date and headed to work.

***********

Of course, LaRusso had to pull me into his office immediately, couldn’t get away from him in real life or my thoughts. As if I hadn’t had him on my mind all morning enough, now I’ve got to sit and talk to him. We sat in silence in his office, I had that stupid clicky metal ball thing on his desk clicking together, the only noise in the room.

LaRusso stopped the clicky ball thing before speaking. “We’ve put this off long enough. It’s time we’ve had the talk.” Right, it doesn’t help my internal feelings situation when he says bullshit like that. The talk? About what? He doesn’t know, he would have said something before now. I haven’t done anything to let him know.

This has to be about the job. Maybe benefits, I’d like that. Maybe a raise and finally get some good tunes on in the showroom, that’d be good. Yeah, I’d like that kind of talk. “I agree. I want a 15% bump and control of the showroom music.” I told him. He looked at me and shook his head. “You just got here. You’re not getting a raise. I’m talking about the Sekai Taikai. We have to choose our top six.”

Oh, great.

He handed me a piece of paper he had written on and I read from it. “Sam, Robby, Miguel, Hawk. I’d change the order, but yeah, I agree.” I then looked at it again. He has Demetri as a fifth? Is he taking the piss? He can’t go to Barcelona, no way. He’s not that skilled enough. Maybe at Miyagi-Do but not at offense. No way. What about Tory? She’s well more in before him, she’s got power.

“Wait, your fifth is Demetri? The nerd’s got reach but no way he’s in before Tory.” LaRusso nodded. “Tory’s skills are undeniable, but is she balanced enough to commit to Miyagi-Do?” Here we go again with this, any one that’s not his original students he clearly doesn’t want on the roster. Anyone that’s not Miyagi-Do, but he has to give Tory. “The girl’s a beast. Miyagi himself would have her even above you. The guy wasn’t afraid to knock a few skulls around now and then.”

I should know, I was one of them. Halloween. Miyagi knocked me out and down that night.

“Mine included.” I added. I then saw he had written down Anthony as well. Anthony?! This ain’t a LaRusso family vacation. There is absolutely no way that kid is in there, Demetri was a push but Anthony, no. Lee has more chance, she should be in as a former Eagle. She’s tough.

“Whoa, whoa, whoa. Anthony? Come on. Trying to make the Sekai Taikai a LaRusso family vacation?” I asked him.

Stupid feelings or not, stupid thoughts or not, he’s not getting his way with this. Both his kids aren’t going. Little LaRusso is a must, she’s good but former whopper junior? No way, not in a million years.

He shrugged and sighed. “Who would your sixth be?” He asked. “Lee.” He looked at me. “Devon? You only want her because she’s pure Eagle Fang.” I rolled my eyes. “Why are you so obsessed with dojo history? I thought we were all Miyagi-Do.” He nodded. “We are. Clearly, we have our own biases. We gotta figure out some way to get this settled.” I nodded but he spoke again before I could.

“Uh, and before you say it, no, you and I are not fighting.” He shook his head. I wasn’t going to say that, I didn’t want to fight him. Not with the way I’m feeling right now. “What about the kids? Cutthroat, no-holds barred Battle Royale. The last six standing go to Barcelona.” He half chuckled half scoffed.

“Sure, that’s all we need. Everyone showing up with black eyes and broken limbs. No, we need to find a fair solution. What we would need is a karate expert who doesn’t know the kids.” I nodded. Where the hell are we gonna find that? We’re the only two karate guys ever around the kids! Toguchi can’t do it, he’d be biased too.

LaRusso then smirked that stupid lopsided albeit somewhat adorable smirk and chuckled. “I got a bad idea.” I looked at him. “What the hell have you got in mind?”

**********

Barnes?! Really?!

Well, that went great didn’t it? He was even more biased than LaRusso! He didn’t choose all the best in my opinion. Some of them yeah, I agree. Hawk, Robby, Miguel, Sam, Tory. Agreed.

Penis breath, Kenny, Nate, Chris, Demetri, Anthony?! Is he fuckin serious?! The only other good one he chose was Lee, but she was second last chosen. She should have been up there with the first ones. LaRusso clearly wanted to rub the fact that Anthony got chosen in my face but I couldn’t care less. All I had to do was to make sure that Lee gets in with Robby, Miguel, Hawk, Tory and Sam.

Lee was pissed when I spoke to her. She doesn’t think she’s tough enough. I know she is, she was the only female Eagle-Fang of course she’s tough!

I also may have done something stupid that night and fought with Barnes about Lee not being in his top sights and it didn’t make the next day any better. I didn’t tell LaRusso about it either, better for him not to know. Barnes made Hawk, Demetri, Lee and Kenny race for flags to decide the last two to go along with Robby, Miguel, Tory and Sam.

Lee did end up winning. Only because of Kenny’s unfortunate accident. Or so LaRussp puts it and Demetri won out of him and Hawk which I think isn’t a good idea. Hawk should be going to Barcelona no argument. But that’s not my choice.

LaRusso walked up to me and I really really didn’t want to think this but damn he did look kind of good today. Maybe it’s baseball jacket and the jeans and the fact he’s not in a suit for once but he looks good either way and damn him for it.

“Feeling good, Johnny?” He asked me. “Hell yeah.” I shrugged. “Even with the collateral damage?” He gestured to Hawk sitting on the bench, defeated. “You and I both know Hawk should be going. I heard about your fight with Barnes.”

Shit. How’d he know? Great. I mean it’s not like he can do anything about it. I don’t live with him he can’t put me in the doghouse or on the couch, he could only do that if he was my boyfrien- wait no. Let’s not go down that path.

He sighed. “You just had to Eagle-Fang your way to what you wanted, huh?” I shrugged. “You expect me to just sit back? Even with the Miyagi-Do path on my back, I’m gonna fight for the people I care about.” He doesn’t need to know he is in fact one of those people but this is not the time for those thoughts just now.

“Look where that’s gotten us. Do you honestly believe we have our strongest team?” I nodded. “I think they can handle anything.” He shrugged. “Let’s hope you’re right. Because we have no idea what we’re up against.” He scowled a little at the end, walking off a little pissed.

Why the hell did that piss me off that he was pissed off at me? Damn it!

Chapter Text

Daniel’s POV

In our matches to decide the male and female captains, we have Robby facing Miguel and Sam facing Tory. We also have myself refereeing the Boys’ match and Johnny the Girs’ match so it was unbiased to our own kids. Robby and Miguel’s match has just ended with Robby winning the captain position for Miyagi-Do at the Sekai Taikai. I patted Miguel on his shoulder for a job well done as he fought well and congratulated Robby. “Thanks. Mr LaRusso.” He smiled.

I stood in between them both and lifted Robby’s arm. “Your male captain. Robby Keene.” Everyone applauded and they both stepped off the deck as Johnny called up Sam and Tory for their match. I stood next to Amanda with a soft smile on her face. Tory and Sam’s match began and Tory seemed feisty as usual as did Sam and Sam won the first point and Amanda patted my shoulder. “That’s my girl.” She smiled lightly.

They got back to fighting and I couldn’t help but notice something was wrong. Tory was almost pushing herself with anger, Amanda noticed it too and looked at me with a concerned expression. Tory got a point but then kicked Sam in the ribs I think almost winding her and I knew there was something not right. “Hey, Ref.” I said to Johnny. “That’s a little overkill. That should be no point.” Johnny nodded at me holding out his palm to stop me.

“Yeah, yeah, I’m handling it.” He said to me almost too quickly as if he didn’t like I had to point something out to him. Sam shook her head and spoke. “I’m….I’m fine. I’m fine.” Johnny turned to Tory. “Listen, that’s a warning. Next one’s a deduction.” He said as the fight resumed.

Sam earned another point when Amanda’s phone rang and she stepped away to answer. It was few moments later she came up to me and tapped my shoulder. “We need to stop the fight.” She said to me, a look of concern and sympathy in her eyes. Something has happened, oh god, I don’t have a good feeling about it by Amanda’s tone or her expression. She whispered to me. “It was the medical center, it’s Tory’s Mom.” Her look said the rest, I nodded immediately understanding and stepped up on the deck.

I caught Tory’s fist in my palm during the fight and I spoke very calmly to her. “The fight’s over.” She snatched her hand away and looked at me. “That’s not fair. That could have been a point.” Johnny then stood in front of me. “What the hell are you doing, man? I’m the ref I’ll decide when the fight’s over.” He didn’t understand, this couldn’t go on but I couldn’t say that in front of everyone, it’s not fair to Tory.

I grabbed Johnny by the side of his chest to move him to talk with me to the side. “I’ll explain. I promise.” I heard Tory speaking in the background but I had to get Johnny to understand the situation first. I had ahold of his gi still and I did pull him quite close to me to talk quietly so no one else was hearing and he was looking in between my hand and my eyes, his cheeks glowed a little rosy for a split second and his breathing hitched until it returned to normal when I spoke.

“We can’t do it in front of everybody.” I told him, Sam came up and looked confused. “Dad, I’m fine, really.” I shook my head. “No, Sam. It’s not that. It’s not that. Come on. Please, girls. Off the deck. Let’s go.” I tried to usher them off but Johnny spoke to me again his previous flushes gone. “Don’t tell them what to do. I’m their sensei too.” I sighed. “Well, then, end the fight.” I said to him. He looked at me shrugging. “Why?” He asked looking at me for answer.

“Because my mother died!” Tory shouted beside us. I sighed, looking towards Tory and stepping towards her. “Tory. I’m….I’m so sorry for your loss. But we can’t continue this fight. This is not the time.” I said calmly to her. “Yes, it is. Yes, it is.” She argued. I have to fight now.” I sighed, god her poor heart. She can’t go on like this, I wouldn’t feel right letting her fight like this, in grief.

Sam tried to step in to help too, looking sympathetic at Tory. “No. Tory. I wanna fight too, but this isn’t right.” I sighed, turning back to Johnny. “Sensei Lawrence, some help here, please.” He shook his head at me. “It’s not up to us. If Nichols wants to fight, she should.” I sighed, clenching my teeth a little at him. “Johnny.” I warned before turning back to Tory. “We’ll find another way to appoint a captain.” She shook her head, her volume rising a little. “Find a way? No. No! You do not understand. None of you understand!”

She was breaking tears as she walked to the edge of the deck to Amanda. “She would have wanted this. If I don’t fight…I have to do this. I have to do this for her. I have to fight.” Robby stepped up on the deck to try and calm her too but it was no use. Amanda stepped up and tried then. “Tory, I know what you’re feeling. I also know that you’re not in the right headspace to decide.” She shook her head breaking away from Amanda. “No, you just don’t want me to beat your daughter.”

Amanda shook her head, speaking quietly. “No.” I knew she wanted more than anything to just calm and comfort Tory but nothing anyone was doing was working. “When push comes to shove, you’re gonna choose her over me.” I spoke to Tory again trying to let her see we’re here for her. “No, it’s not that, Tory.” Amanda nodded. “Hey, we’re not taking sides.” She said softly.

“You sure about that?” Johnny asked, glaring at Amanda. What the hell? Why is he doing this? This isn’t something to disagree about nor is it the time. “Johnny.” I turned to him, warning him again. “You want this fight to be over. Fine. It’s over.” Tory said walking away. “I’m done!” She didn’t let anyone follow her or try to pull her back.

Johnny walked off the deck and I pulled him towards the dojo outhouse to talk privately as to why he was so damn aggravating during that conversation. “Great work, LaRusso. You just lost one of our best fighters.” He said as I closed the doors turning to him. “Why the hell didn’t you back me up?” I asked him stepping closer to him. “Because she wanted to fight!” He said to me, I sighed looking at him.

“Her mother just died. What’s the matter with you?” I asked as he started to rip at his hair in anger. “She was working through it!” He shouted at me, breathing shaky and I saw tears welling up in his eyes. I didn’t speak, letting him continue looking at him with less annoyance and more concern. “When my mom died, all I wanted to do was get on a mat for three rounds.”

God, I didn’t even think about how Johnny lost his mother a long time ago before even Robby was born I think. I know what it’s like to loose a parent obviously, my father died when I was eight years old but I suppose it’s different to lose someone so close as child compared to an adult. You’re aware as an adult, more prone to grief and heartache. “It would have helped me then. It would have helped her now.”

I sighed, although it was grief and anger you shouldn’t fight with that. That’s not what we teach, it doesn’t always help. “We don’t teach these kids to fight with anger. That’s….that’s not the Miyagi-Do way.” Johnny rolled his eyes and shook his head as he turned around. “Oh, please. I’m so sick of hearing that name.” He turned back around to me.

“You act so high and mighty like Miyagi was some perfect angel.” He walked towards the doors bumping my shoulder deliberately as he spoke. “But he wasn’t.” I turned around to face him again.

“I heard about his dirty little box of secrets. Mr. Miyagi was a liar and thief.” He said to me and I felt that same anger coursing through my veins. How dare he?! He doesn’t know anything about that box, what was in there, what it means and he sure as hell doesn’t know ANYTHING about Mr. Miyagi and who he was. It happened in a split second as I sucker punched Johnny in the nose in response as he stumbled back a little, rubbing at his nose.

I sighed. Fuck, why did I do that? I just proved Johnny’s point. God, I shouldn’t have done that. We’re co-senseis, we’re not enemies anymore. This is about the kids, not us. “Shit. Johnny, I…. I’m sorry.”

“Quiet!” Johnny shouted as he walked up to me, so close I could feel his breath on my face. “I’m gonna coach the tournament with you. For the kids.” He looked genuinely upset. I knew I shouldn’t have punched him. It was wrong but I also know you can’t get Johnny out of a mood like this when he decides something so I’m not going to fight whatever he says next. I’ll go with it.

“Not for you.” His breathing was getting more shaky. “Not for this dojo. For them.” He paused. “But once we win…..You and I are done…” His voice broke a little but he covered it up.

“For good.” He looked so so upset and I knew this wasn’t just about Tory or Mr. Miyagi or the Sekai Taikai. There’s something else going on with Johnny and he’s not going to tell so easily but it’s hurting him whatever it is. Especially right now.

He walked up with welled up tears in his eyes and clenched fists. I didn’t go after him, I didn’t even speak until he was gone. I sighed walking back out to our students and the sparring deck standing up on it next to Johnny as he stood stoic but there was still hints of upset on him. We decided Hawk will take Tory’s place in the Sekai Taikai and Sam will be our female captain.

When we gave the captains their headbands, I recognised it and Sam looked at me concerned. “Dad, what’s wrong?” I smiled saying nothing before heading into the dojo house and taking out Mr. Miyagi’s box, inside was an old and worn captain’s headband for the Sekai Taikai, Mr. Miyagi competed? Another secret?

*************

Spain, Barcelona.

We walked into the Sekai Taikai arena as Miyagi-Do and an American team as we stood with all other countries and dojos. Then we saw them walk in….black gis and a sliver familiar snake on the back. The name may be in a different language but it’s still the same.

Cobra Kai.

I felt my stomach drop as the sight of Kreese and that Sensei that Sliver brought in from Korea I think. They smirked at each other before the empty space beside them was filled with someone walking up.

It was Tory.

She’s gone back to Cobra Kai. Or rather back to Kreese.

This was going to be interesting for better or for worse.

Chapter Text

As we arrived at the hotel to check in, Miguel and Robby helped get our luggage onto a trolley cart to be brought into the hotel. “All right. Listen, you guys go get your room keys. Get everyone else settled in. All right?” I said to the two boys. Johnny nodded. “We gotta take care of the driver. You guys go ahead.” He said to them as they walked off with the cart.

Johnny turned around to me after they walked away. “What a shit show this is, man. You know, Tory’s here ‘cause of you.” Is he serious right now? I know he’s still angry from what happened back home but I also still know there’s something he’s not telling me. “Wait a second. After what we just saw, you’re coming after me?” I asked him. “Tory’s mother just died, and you wanted her to fight.” I can’t believe this argument has carried across countries, unbelievable.

“All you did was feed into her anger. No wonder she went back to Kreese.” Johnny shrugged. “You don’t have to worry about that. Mark my words. Kreese is a dead man.” I nodded, of course the only resolution is violence. “Oh, that’s gonna solve all our problems. Look, if you pull your typical crap here, we are gonna get kicked out. Hear me?” I warned him.

This is different than back home. Our usual fighting and arguing and everything but if Johnny starts anything in this hotel, this arena, with me, with Kreese, with anyone. We will be kicked out and sent home. I couldn’t have made it any more clear to him how serious I was.

“Cobra Kai is one dojo out of 16. It’s not us against them anymore. If Kreese gets in our head, we’ve already lost.” Johnny shook his head at me, I couldn’t believe we were having this conversation outside a hotel in Barcelona. “We’re not losing. I’m taking him out of commission.” I shook my head at him warning him again. “No, you’re not. No, you’re not. You are here as a Miyagi-Do sensei, all right? We may not like it, but we’re in this together.”

I tried to soften the situation, to get Johnny back to the way he was a few weeks ago with me. Civil at least. “No. We’re here next to each other…..” he paused. “Not…together.” He said it firmly but I caught the hesitation in his voice.

His mind telling him something, what I don’t know but he’s conflicted in his own head, I know that. He’s not angry about what happened back home, he’s upset I know that. I seen it in his eyes before we left California.

***********

We checked without another words to each other, the kids got into their rooms and we got into ours. I walked into the room without saying a word to Johnny as he didn’t say anything to me. I walked to the window and looked out of the skyscraper, seeing the beautiful view of the city.

Johnny went into the bathroom and I heard the tap running, after a few moments he slowly walked out of the bathroom, he looked over to me I could see out the corner of my eye as I stared out the window.

"Are we just gonna give each other the silent treatment for the whole trip?" I heard Johnny ask like he hadn’t been the one arguing with me outside the hotel, saying everything was my fault. I shrugged. “Are you gonna still be an ass? Like you were before checking in?” Johnny raised his eyebrows and clenched his jaw, he slowly walked over to me. "You wanna call me an ass?" I rolled my eyes and clenched my own jaw as I spoke. “Johnny. I told you, you pull any of your usual crap, we’re getting kicked out now stop it. Weren’t you away to shower?”

Johnny looked a little taken aback by my tone again as he crossed his arms and nodded. "Yeah. I was." He then turned around and walked away into the bathroom, closing the door behind him loudly but not slamming it. I decided to give Amanda a quick video call to tell her we’ve arrived and checked in.

I filled her in on everything and she gave me great advice as usual before Johnny came wandering out the bathroom in just a bath robe loosely tied. “The shower’s sneezing on me, gotta call the front desk.” He said to Daniel taking a drink out the mini fridge. “Hey, put that back. they’re on sensors, they’ll charge us. It’s like 8 euros.” Johnny put the bottle down and rolled his eyes "Jesus. It’s just a little beer."

Johnny’s POV

“It’s a nine dollar beer. Johnny. No.” LaRusso said to me as he looked back at his phone. “Amanda, I’ll call you later. Bye, bye.” That caught my attention, no silly stupid pet name, no “bye love you.”

I shook my head at LaRusso as stayed doing something on his phone after hanging up. Nine dollars for a beer? What a ripoff this country is. I picked up the phone in the room and called the front desk trying to tell them their damn shower was better use as a garden fountain. But I kept looking back at LaRusso unpacking his bag and putting clothes away. I was surprised by his phone call with his wife, I wonder if things are okay between them.

I shook it off and sat down on one of the beds, still in my robe. Is it bad I kinda hope things aren’t okay with his wife? Or is it because of these stupid crush I’ve got on LaRusso? These stupid feelings? He rolled his eyes and turned back to this idiot on the phone, trying to speak Spanish. “Did you just call me a douche?” I asked this bastard. “Johnny, give me the phone. I’ll do it.” LaRusso came over taking the phone from me. I let him and shrugged.

"Yeah sure. Knock yourself out." I flopped back on the bed and folded his arms over his chest. I took one last look at LaRusso before staring up at the ceiling. Trying to ignore LaRusso presence and focus on anything else. LaRusso spoke to the guy in perfect Spanish though I didn’t understand a word he said. “Hola, me preguntaba si podrían enviar a alguien para arreglar la ducha, la presión del agua es muy mala y no podemos usarla correctamente. Gracias.”

My forehead furled. Damn. LaRusso speaking Spanish.

That was pretty attractive.

As much as I hate to admit it. I looked over to him, my eyes slowly tracing down his body. I blinked and shook my head, trying to snap out of it. “Muy bien, gracias, adiós.” LaRusso hung up the phone and turned to me. I looked back at him after zoning out for a few moments. Shifting on the bed, feeling slightly awkward under his gaze. Why was this so damn awkward? I’m used to be used to be able to banter and make fun of LaRusso without all this awkwardness.

“They’re gonna send someone to fix it when we’re out. Throw some deodorant on and get dressed. We need to get to this orientation thing.” I reluctantly got up from the bed, leaving the comforter all wrinkled now. I walked over to his suitcase and started rummaging through it looking for something, I eventually found a black t-shirt and pair of boxers and jeans and when LaRusso when into the bathroom I got dressed from being bare ass naked under that robe. I threw a red bomber jacket on top of it and Daniel went from the casual clothes he wore on the plane to his usual smart collar shirt and trousers.

I sorted the collar of my jacket and straightened it, turning to LaRusso and looked him up and down before letting out a quiet groan. Jesus, LaRusso. Does he always have to look so proper all the time? My mind slowly trailed off, wondering what other clothes LaRusso brought in his suitcase. I shook my head realizing I was starting to think about him in that stupid way again. I need to stop this crap

We walked down the street towards the arena where it’s being held and he sighed. “There gonna be food at this thing?” I looked over to him as we both walked, noticing how proper he always looked. His hair always combed back to perfection, his shirts always ironed. I glanced down to Larusso’s ass again but quickly looked away when people passed behind us, trying very hard not to let it be noticeable. Why the hell did I always have to notice his body like that?

“You just concentrate on holding it together with Kreese.” I chuckled at him after his comment. “Please. I’m not the one who punched out Sliver at a charity event.” LaRusso looked at me. “I shoved him and he flopped. It wasn’t… How do you even know about that?” He shook his head before continuing. “If you talk to any of the sponsors, just make sure—” I interrupted then because I know EXACTLY what he was going to say.

I rolled my eyes, yeah I knew. LaRusso always had to make sure I did everything right, that I didn’t cross any lines. He was like a damn babysitter. “Yeah yeah I know. Miyagi-Do Pride. Don’t be a dumb American. I got it.” We walked into the hall. There were people everywhere. It was big. And loud. And so many people. Johnny took a breath in and looked over to LaRusso.

“Well let’s get this thing started I guess.”

Daniel’s POV

I was genuinely enjoying conversing with the sponsors and trying to really raise the bar for Miyagi-Do. When I saw Johnny at the buffet table and it’d be silly of me to assume that Johnny was actually just talking with someone, no. He was arguing as usual. I walked up to him and this other gentleman and pulled at Johnny’s arm. “Hey, sorry about that. Excuse me.“ I said to the gentleman. Johnny turned and looked at me as I grabbed onto his arm. As the other gentleman walked away in annoyance. Johnny pulled his arm away from me.

“What happened to literally everything we talked about? The guys probably a sponsor.” I said, not understanding how trouble must follow Johnny Lawrence everywhere. Johnny rolled his eyes. “The guy’s a steal stealer.” I sighed and shook my head. “So let him steal the steak. This is our moment, Johnny. Let’s not blow it over nothing.” I diffused an annoyed Johnny.

“Alright, Alright.” Johnny agreed. I can hopefully leave Johnny to his own devices now again and just pray he doesn’t have any more trouble.

********
“My company is always looking for new partnerships. We handle international licensing for dojo-specific gear while also proving official Sekai Taikai apparel.” I nodded at the woman from the sponsorship and pulled out the Sekai Taikai captain headband I found in Mr. Miyagi’s box and showed it to the woman. “That reminds me of something. Do you have….any idea how olds this is?” She came up to it as I held it and nodded.

“Based on the design, it appears to be 1950s era. Maybe even 1940s.” I nodded. “Wow.” The host then asked where I got it from. “I got it from my sensei.” He nodded. “Must be quite a story.” I nodded. “I’m sure it is.” I just have to find it how somehow.

“So this really is a mystery, then. He never talked to you about it?” The host asked me. I shook my head. “No, never.” I told them, the woman took the end of the headband and held it. “Is this blood?” She asked. “The tournaments were even more brutal back then. There’s one man who might know something about this. Master Serrano.” The host told me.

“Who.. who’s that?” I asked. “Serrano. Legendary Champion.” Came a female voice. Cobra Kai’s sensei other than Kreese, she really did need to have two cents on everything. “Everybody knows this.” I ignored her and tried to focus. It wasn’t much information but it was something at least. Something I could use to lead me to the truth.

I stepped away from the host and sponsors to back up Johnny in a confrontation with Kreese, he could back off. Nothing’s happening here, not now. I will not allow Kreese to make a fool of me and Johnny or Miyagi-Do. A crashing sound from across the room shattered that thought as Chozen has come here drunk.

Great. Just what we need. Something to get us thrown out.

Johnny heard a sudden crash as well. He turned his head around, seeing Chozen at the other end of the hall. He was already making a scene. Drunk off his face, trying to start a fight….with flowers over having gone to Okinawa to see Kumiko and it didn’t end exactly well.

“You have got to be kidding me.” Johnny said. I looked at Johnny. “Help get a hold of him, we need to get him out of here.” Johnny groaned at the thought of trying to drag Chozen’s ass out of there. He pushed himself through the crowd of people, trying to make his way over to Chozen, Daniel following behind him.

We’d get Chozen a room tomorrow for now, for tonight, he’s sleeping on Johnny and Daniel’s floor, next to Johnny’s bed next to the bathroom. Daniel got himself settled in bed and put his phone on charge and his eye mask on to sleep. Pulling the duvet over himself and cuddle into his pillow practically. It was like 1 AM we had to sleep.

Johnny’s POV

I laid in bed silently, my head resting against the pillow. My back was facing LaRusso’s bed as I pretended to be asleep. I couldn’t sleep. I couldn’t stop thinking. The sound of Daniel’s breathing filled my mind….and Chozen’s damn snoring. Maybe I shouldn’t face this way. I rolled over, looking back at LaRusso’s way. He looked so peaceful and calm in his sleep, like an angel in a way. I almost felt jealous of him. I shook his head, getting rid of the stupid thought. Why the hell was I still thinking about him like this?

I rolled over again, on my back this time facing the ceiling. I tried to close my eyes and sleep, but it was too damn hard. I kept focusing on LaRusso’s damn breathing, my mind filling up with stupid thoughts about him. I can’t stand it, I keep thinking about every move he’s making. I can feel him shifting in bed and the sheets rustling against his clothes.

Damn it.

I groaned and placed my palms over my eyes, I’m trying to think of anything damn else other than LaRusso. The tournament, yeah, tomorrow….the opening ceremony, the Sekai Taikai. I have to focus on that. I have to get my head in the game.

***********
The next day, the first events didn’t go EXACTLY well. We got beat down. But the worst thing wasn’t that it was by Cobra Kai we got beat. It was that there was a dojo seemingly worse than Cobra Kai which I don’t know it’s even damn possible but those bastards are lethal. The Iron Dragons was the dojo name and that damn fucking thief from the buffet was their sensei!

A lot this was bullshit. Those fuckers were just insane. The lot of them were. LaRusso tried to encourage everyone and make it all sound better but it didn’t look like it was getting any better to me. No one of ours is fighting like they’re meant to. Or hard enough. Not to mention LaRusso was like a damn babysitter to Chozen for now as he hungover as shit. LaRusso still has this thing that we could win with focus and balance and crap.

We need points. We need to not get eliminated. Point blank. He said we couldn’t keep arguing but he’s the one that’s starting this bullshit all the time just because he can’t take the damn truth. He made a big deal out of the Iron Dragons’ sensei, I was scared of that pussy. I don’t care if he’s not scared of us either, he’s a piece of shit.

He got some paper that could tell him about some crap Miyagi was involved, I cant deal with him like this anymore. Not when he’s being irrational and stupid and certainly not with these stupid fucking feelings.

*************

I hate that fucking bastard. Piece of shit pussy, man. Little bitch. He better watch out on the mat. Him and his damn dragons. Where the fuck is LaRusso? Why isn’t he here yet?

Little LaRusso came up to me late during the next events saying she was looking for her Dad. She was 15 minutes late. “He stepped out. Guess he got caught up or something. It’s probably for the best.”

Come on, LaRusso. Where the damn hell are you? This is the finals points round for today. Looks like I’m doing this shit alone with the kids for now.

“Listen up.” I spoked to them gathered. “Looks like I’m taking charge, so we’re doing things differently. No more waiting around like scared little bitches waiting for them to come to you. All right? You go at them. Aggressive. Knock ‘em off first.” Little LaRusso then spoke up.

“Those platforms are pretty narrow. My dad would want balance.” Well, Princess, your dad ain’t fucking showing up, is he? I’m gonna kill him for this. What is so damn important that he isn’t here and hasn’t been here since the damn this morning?!

“Yeah, well, your dad’s not here. All right? It’s time for us to start scoring some points.”

*************

God damn, that was fucking shitshow. Jesus! We’re so damn deep in shit and LaRusso still hasn’t fucking showed up. None of the kids will listen to me, not even Robby. I can’t do this on my own. There’s a reason LaRusso is meant to be here, I know I said we’re not here together but I could damn appreciate him being here right about now. I said some shit I shouldn’t have before he left earlier and I didn’t mean it, I really didn’t. It wasnjust out of anger and well, myself trying to keep these stupid feelings away out the equation just now.

I really can’t do this shit on my own. I’m not for it doing it alone. That’s not why we’re here. Lee’s having doubts and regrets, Kreese is stirring shit, my head feels like it’s fucking spinning off the rails.

Enough is enough. I need to call LaRusso, find out where the fuck he is. I pulled my phone out, pressing his contact and calling his cell. “Sorry, I’m unavailable. Please leave a message.” His voicemail rang out before it beeped. I sighed into the phone, sat on this bench and not really knowing what to do.

“Hey, LaRusso, look, uh…. It’s me. It’s Johnny. Listen, uhh…. I know I said some things to you, like how you shouldn’t come back or whatever. But I didn’t actually mean that. You and I, we have our moments, but the one thing we share is we’re there for the kids…. and they need you right now.”

I paused. There’s so much I just want to say. So much I just want to get out and have it out in the open, known. But I can’t just now, I want to but I also want that to be a face to face conversation. Now isn’t that time but I can say something I suppose. Just to take the edge of these stupid damn feelings in my chest, they practically burn sometimes when I think about them too much.

“I can’t believe I’m saying this, but I guess…I need you…too. So…. Just get your ass back here. Ok? Don’t be doing any stupid shit that’s gonna get you hurt.”

I hung up then before I incriminated myself by saying something like mentioning my feelings.