Head Karate Sensei

"If I find out from others that you've started a fight, abused martial arts, or tarnished this school's name, I'll have no choice but to expel you."

These words lingered in the minds of all who had joined Cobra Kai and were now practicing basic movements.

Some weren't sure they would return tomorrow, but others were completely certain they would.

The facilities here were top-notch. Not only that, but the attention given to students was exceptionally appealing.

Just being a part of this dojo was worth mentioning, not to mention the high possibility of becoming better men in the process.

When Max finished his speech, he moved around helping everyone, correcting their stances, and encouraging them to build confidence.

…

A few hours later, Max stood by the entrance, bidding farewell to students as they headed home.

Johnny watched the departing students—potential future martial artists—and asked, "How many do you think will come back tomorrow?"

"Half. The tuition is expensive, but that's not a problem for most of them. I can assure you they're from wealthy families. The real issue is the training. Right now, Miguel's only teaching them the basics, and I can already see many who don't want to continue."

"Will we have issues with the place?" Johnny looked at Max, the one who had invested a fortune to turn Cobra Kai into a place more impressive than most businesses.

Max smirked at the question and replied, "None. I bought the whole mall."

"Right… yeah, that was a good call." Johnny fell silent, momentarily taken aback by the tough kid beside him. Thanks to Max's ideas, Johnny had gone from working odd jobs to being a sensei earning better than most lawyers.

He didn't fully understand Max's plans or know much about Max's uncle, who had trained at Cobra Kai before. But it didn't matter. Now, Johnny could look Daniel in the eye and proudly say he'd made something of himself.

"Nervous?" Max asked, knowing tomorrow would be Johnny's first official class teaching Karate.

"Nah, nerves are for wimps. I'm not nervous."

"Good. Just remember not to repeat the mistakes your sensei made. According to my uncle, Cobra Kai's methods, while great for competition, can cause big problems in everyday life." Max was well aware of the "no mercy" approach. His old school, where he trained with Cheng, had followed the same philosophy—and one day, that school vanished.

The aggressive mindset was the problem, which was why Max wanted to focus Cobra Kai on competitive tournaments.

"We're not just competing to be the best in the valley. We need to improve with the goal of becoming the best in the country, so we don't get destroyed at the Sekai Taikai." Max had participated in that tournament before, knew the level of the competitors, and understood how much Cobra Kai needed to grow to stand a chance.

But now they had the talent. All they needed was discipline, and they could go far.

"I know," Johnny replied. He didn't say much to Max, but his words carried approval for what the younger man was saying.

Johnny was aware of the tournaments and how far they could take Cobra Kai. This wasn't just about dominating the Valley anymore—it was about becoming something much bigger as a martial arts school.

When Max finished his conversation with Johnny, he headed to the men's showers. By the time he came out, it was already dark.

"Chinese or Peruvian food?" Max, dressed in an all-black outfit, turned to Devon, who was beside him in white.

Devon checked the time and said, "I forgot to tell you, but my dad invited us to dinner."

"Devon, I…"

"We have a meeting. Let's go."

With no room to refuse, Max couldn't help but grimace. The expression on his face said it all—he was remembering exactly how his first meeting with Devon's father had gone.