Chương 57: The Fight on the School Courts (2)

"For our audience, you're about to witness a fight that's been building up for a while. On one side, we have Kyler, an average bully with an Asian look, and on the other, Miguel, the kid who trained to face his abusers head-on."

As Demetri recorded the combatants, Ryan narrated like a seasoned commentator, clearly invested in the outcome of the fight. "Our boy here trained in karate under the best and most experienced karateka in the valley. Don't underestimate karatekas, or you'll end up like this idiot."

"Finish him, Miguel!"

"No mercy!"

"Aren't you afraid of getting humiliated in front of your friends, knowing they count on you?" Kyler taunted, attempting to get into Miguel's head, hoping to provoke an impulsive reaction.

Instead, Miguel remained calm, recalling the advice Max had given him earlier.

He steadied his breathing. The rapid pounding of his heart was a clear sign of his heightened awareness, and adrenaline coursed through his veins, sharpening his focus. Miguel vividly remembered his sensei's teachings, preparing to put them into practice against someone who deserved it.

"You don't deserve Sam."

"What do you know about my girlfriend?"

"You'll stay away from her starting today!" Miguel shouted, stepping forward and launching a spinning kick.

Wham!

Kyler, who raised his arms in defense, was sent stumbling backward by the sheer force of the strike.

Miguel felt his heart pounding even harder, his body electrified by the rush of adrenaline. Despite his initial doubts about fighting, the exhilaration began to change his perspective.

"I'm tired of your kicks!" Kyler yelled, charging at Miguel in anger.

Dodging the clumsy punch aimed at his face, Miguel realized Kyler was too slow and unrefined. With a calculated counter, he delivered a punch straight to Kyler's chin, so hard his knuckles stung from the impact.

Wham!

"Ohhh!"

Kyler collapsed backward, his legs refusing to respond as if his body had been completely short-circuited.

"Don't let him get up!" Ryan shouted as Miguel neutralized Kyler with precision.

Pum! Pum! Pum!

"You... coward…" Kyler sneered, blood dripping from his mouth as Miguel landed repeated blows to his face.

Boom!

"Come on, stand up!" Miguel stepped back, giving Kyler a chance to rise, though it was clear his legs were trembling.

"Finish him, Miguel!" Ryan cheered, unable to contain his excitement.

Just as Miguel prepared to deliver another kick, a figure stepped in, blocking his attack with a firm hand.

Thud!

Miguel's kick was caught mid-air by none other than Daniel LaRusso, Sam's father.

"That's enough. Go home," Daniel commanded, his stern gaze sweeping over the students dressed in Cobra Kai uniforms. Memories of his own torment resurfaced as he realized how deeply the Cobra Kai influence had infiltrated this high school.

Just as Mr. Miyagi had defended him from bullies in the past, Daniel felt it was now his turn to protect his daughter's boyfriend, even if he didn't approve of him.

"Are you sure you know what you're doing?" Ryan stepped forward, clearly ready to confront Daniel for interfering.

"Am I sure?" Daniel removed his jacket and declared, "I'm very sure. Aren't you ashamed? Ganging up on one person with ten of you—it's pathetic. If I were you, I'd leave right now."

"Well then, finish him off."

As the Cobra Kai group prepared to step forward, Max raised his voice authoritatively. "Everyone, stand down. It's over."

"Max, what are you doing?" Ryan protested, suspecting Max was worried about getting into trouble.

Max looked at the group and declared, "He's had enough. There's no need to escalate this further."

"But Max…"

"I said it's enough! I'll handle this now." Max gave Ryan a knowing look, and Ryan backed off.

Daniel turned to Max and remarked, "I really misjudged you."

"You're wrong about us entirely, Mr. LaRusso," Miguel interjected with a smirk as he stepped back. "But today isn't the day you'll learn we're not the villains in this story."

Daniel watched as the group dispersed, shouting after them, "Cobra Kai is the root of all problems—then and now. Wherever it exists, it only spreads evil!"

With everyone gone, Daniel turned his attention to Kyler, whose face was bloodied. "Don't worry. I'll get you to a hospital."

"Mr. LaRusso…"