Cobra Kai: Under the Cobra Emblem

Early in the morning, a dense fog blanketed a forest near Max's home. Within the thick woods, the sound of repeated strikes echoed rhythmically.

In a clearing deep within the forest, three human-shaped wooden posts were arranged in a triangular formation. At the center of this triangle stood a deft figure, dodging swiftly, retreating, and simulating defensive maneuvers, managing to evade the wooden arms extending toward him.

Thud! Thud! Thud!

The sound of blows rang out as Max's hands collided with the wooden dummies. His feet moved with precision, and each strike carried a palpable, powerful energy.

Max, engrossed in his intense training after a long hiatus, was fully focused on the wooden figures. Visualizing a fight in his mind, he kept his guard up and occasionally countered with punches. Moments later, his expression turned serious as he bent two fingers and delivered fierce strikes to specific points on the dummies.

Thud!

When Max's calloused fingers struck the wooden target, an explosive sound reverberated. Immediately, the sturdy wooden dummy wobbled, revealing visible cracks on its surface.

Thud! Thud!

Max extended his left hand and swiftly delivered two more strikes. The other two dummies trembled from the force of his blows.

"Max's strength is truly terrifying!"

Observing Max's destructive potential, Terry, who was closely monitoring his morning training, couldn't hide his satisfaction. Since childhood, Max had shown an unyielding commitment to his training, enduring even painful bone-hardening procedures.

Max's martial arts skills had evolved enviably, rivaling even Terry, a seasoned martial artist who had never been surpassed so quickly.

Having rigorously trained Max over the past few years, Terry realized that Max's potential had reached the pinnacle of what a human could achieve. From this point on, he could only grow stronger.

Of course, Max was only fourteen, and a human's peak strength typically manifested around nineteen with proper training.

After months of grueling practice, these changes were becoming evident in Max, whose physical transformation was undeniable.

Taking a brief pause from his rigorous training, Max wiped the sweat off his forehead and sat beneath a massive tree. With a serious expression, he watched a video showcasing matches from the upcoming All Valley Tournament.

The video featured dominant students excelling in every fight, showcasing not just strength but remarkable speed.

However, what concerned Max the most was the influx of competitors drawn to the tournament by rumors of his training at a martial arts school in the San Fernando Valley.

Many of these entrants were fighters Max had defeated in the past, while others were eager to test their skills against him.

Max carried a reputation—a burden he wasn't proud of. But as his uncle had once said, "One learns to live with the mistakes of the past while striving to amend the future."

Max had a dream too: to elevate Cobra Kai to a future where it would reign supreme.

His uncle's vision now mattered deeply to him. It had become his driving force.

Miyagi-Do Karate Dojo

"You lied to me." Daniel's gaze was stern as he confronted Robby, whose face showed visible stress.

"Let me explain—"

"No, there's nothing to explain. You were using me to hurt your father, and life doesn't work that way. We don't go around trying to repay hurt with more hurt. That's not what I've taught you." Daniel had reconsidered expelling Robby from his dojo.

It wasn't about pride or punishing Johnny. Both had agreed that Robby should decide for himself whether to stay or leave.

The values Johnny had tried to impart to his son were non-existent—he hadn't been there for him in the past. Demanding anything from Robby now, even if it involved Daniel, wasn't fair.

As a mentor, all Daniel could do was give Robby space, provide him with a better environment, and encourage him toward a future that included college and a meaningful life.

"At first, that's how it was," Robby admitted. "But then I changed my mind..." He struggled to find words to defend himself, unable to articulate why he had chosen to learn from Daniel.

But Daniel didn't need an explanation. Recalling how even Terry had changed, he knew Robby could too.

"If you promise me you won't feed the hatred in your heart, then you can stay at Miyagi-Do."

"Yes, I promise." Robby's eyes lit up with surprise as he asked, "Then what about your meeting with my dad?"

"We'll figure it out. Everything will be resolved at the next All Valley Tournament."