chapter 9

While training with Miguel and a tall, lanky guy named Dimitri, David casually asked:

—Hey, you guys go to West Valley High, right? I was thinking about transferring there. I mainly moved here because I didn't want to bring trouble to my mom.

Miguel smiled.

—Awesome! We all go there. You'll feel right at home.

—Yeah, except for the idiots from Cobra Kai, —Dimitri added with a grunt.

—Eh, it can't be that different from a normal school, right? Just with more karate drama, —David joked as the three of them transitioned from practicing punches to practicing kicks.

As they trained, David suddenly stopped and said:

—Hey, want to learn how to use elbows and knees? Not to brag, but I could destroy a training dummy with just those.

—Oh, really? You're gonna have to prove it, —Dimitri said sarcastically. —I still don't believe your master could break rocks. Show us what you've got.

—I'm gonna call everyone else to watch this, —Miguel said excitedly, running off to gather the students and senseis.

David smiled confidently, cracking his knuckles.

—Alright, but I'll need a partner. Bring Sensei Lawrence. He'll do, —he said before heading off to change out of his gi into a pair of shorts.

A few minutes later, everyone was gathered in the courtyard. The students, including Sam, Miguel, and Dimitri, formed a circle. Daniel and Johnny stood at the edge, arms crossed, watching as David got ready.

Johnny Lawrence stepped into the center of the circle with a grin.

—Alright, kid. Let's see what you're made of. But don't expect me to take it easy on you just because you're new.

David rolled his shoulders and gave a respectful bow.

—I wouldn't expect anything less, Sensei. Let's go.

Johnny immediately adopted an aggressive karate stance, leaning slightly forward, ready to attack. David stood upright, relaxed, with his hands open in the traditional Muay Thai guard, elbows high and knees slightly bent.

Johnny started with a quick front kick aimed at David's chest. David shifted slightly, letting the kick graze his forearm. He countered with a quick and powerful low kick to Johnny's thigh, the impact echoing in the air. Johnny winced but grinned.

—Not bad. Got some power there, —Johnny said before rushing in with a series of punches.

David leaned back and dodged, using his forearms to block and deflect. Then, in one fluid motion, he threw a quick elbow that barely missed Johnny's temple, forcing him to step back.

—Whoa! —Miguel exclaimed from the crowd.

—Did you see that? He almost took his head off! —Dimitri murmured.

Johnny regained his balance and countered with a spinning kick. David ducked and closed the distance, driving a sharp knee toward Johnny's ribs. Johnny barely managed to block it with his forearm, but the force made him stumble.

—Alright, kid, —Johnny growled. —Let's turn up the intensity.

Johnny unleashed a flurry of punches and kicks, forcing David to retreat slightly. However, David stayed composed, using his Muay Thai guard to absorb most of the blows. When Johnny launched a high kick, David caught his leg mid-air, spun, and swept Johnny's supporting foot, sending him to the ground.

The crowd held their breath.

Johnny quickly rolled and got back to his feet, flashing a smile.

—Not bad. But let's see how you handle this.

He charged forward with a shoulder strike, trying to throw David off balance. But David sidestepped and countered with a devastating downward elbow, stopping inches from Johnny's back. The move was controlled but powerful enough to demonstrate his precision.

Johnny froze and raised a hand in surrender.

—Alright, alright. You win this one.

The crowd erupted into applause and cheers.

As they stepped out of the circle, Johnny patted David on the back.

—Not bad, kid. You've got some serious skills. Maybe you can teach me a thing or two.

David laughed.

—Only if you show me how you did that spinning kick. That was awesome.

Daniel walked over, smiling.

—David, I have to admit, that was impressive. You've got great control and discipline. It's clear your training focused on more than just strength.

—Thank you, Sensei. My Muay Thai master always said that strength without control is like a wild horse: powerful, but useless if you can't direct it—or at least that's how I interpreted his words, —David replied.

Miguel grinned as he joined the group.

—You're going to fit in perfectly here, man.

Dimitri nodded reluctantly.

—Alright, I'll admit it. That was incredible. Maybe you did train with someone who punches rocks.

David smirked.

—Maybe I did. Maybe I didn't. Guess you'll never know. Oh, and a quick question—are there any hot girls at West Valley? I'm getting tired of this sausage fest we've got going on here… No offense, Sam.