Chương 62: The New Cobras

"Nice shirt."

"It's a limited edition," Demetri said, briefly thinking the sensei who was about to teach him karate might be cool. However, his smile vanished when he heard Johnny's next words.

"It's garbage."

Walking among the new students, Johnny stopped in front of a boy with crooked teeth and said, "If your teeth look like crap, don't smile like an idiot all the time."

"Just looking at you makes me feel like a virgin."

Returning to the front, Johnny shouted, "As I walk through this dojo, I don't see Cobras in the making. I see oppressed kids and geeks. I see a fat guy with a stupid duck hat."

"But in my short experience as a teacher, I've also witnessed miracles among countless disappointments. In short, I have hope that all of you can improve the little details that will make people start noticing changes in you."

Johnny's teaching style was peculiar. No one opposed it, though, because it yielded results. Once he finished his opening remarks, he barked, "First, I need to get to know you. Formation!"

"Now!"

Those with experience formed ranks, while the others stood still, unsure where to go. After a moment of hesitation, they began moving.

"Quick thinking. You'll need it here at Cobra Kai to act appropriately in dangerous situations—or avoid unnecessary ones."

"If you want to improve, you need to be in good physical condition. If you can't handle today's warm-up, don't come back to Cobra Kai."

At that moment, Miguel stepped forward and commanded, "Class, nine-cycle repetition!"

"Right punch, direct strike on my signal."

"Now!"

Some lagged behind but tried to mimic Miguel's demonstration, following the example he'd just shown.

"If you have strengths, use them to defend yourself. If you weigh over a hundred kilograms, why not use that weight against skinny idiots who mess with you?" Johnny shouted as the students continued Miguel's cycles without stopping.

"Right punch, direct strike on my signal."

"Now!"

Johnny moved among the new students, correcting their stances. Meanwhile, the veterans silently offered help to the newcomers. Johnny spotted Eli throwing slow punches into the air, his spirit clearly deflated.

Johnny's gaze locked on Eli, and he growled, "Hey, lip."

"Yeah, you, with the messed-up lip. I'm talking to you." Johnny's intense stare unnerved Eli, who avoided eye contact.

Demetri, standing next to Eli, interjected, "Excuse me, Mr. Lawrence."

"It's Sensei Lawrence!"

"Fine, whatever… You shouldn't mock people's physical appearance," Demetri argued, trying to make it clear that Johnny had no right to belittle them, even as their teacher.

Johnny, intrigued, nodded slightly and replied, "Fair point. Did I say anything about the lip?"

"Of course…"

"That's the problem with what they've taught you in school so far. Being sensitive and correct is garbage. If you expect that from the real world, you'll end up as the weak link for any idiot you encounter."

At that moment, Max entered the dojo, carrying the new uniforms for students who had been training for over a week. Johnny seized the opportunity, pointing at Max as he spoke to Demetri.

"Do you think Max cares if someone points out his eye?"

"He looks cool."

"That's what you think? You can think that because he has confidence, attitude, and a character that all of you lack. If you think you can't improve, then get out of my sight right now."

Johnny approached Eli and barked, "I like students who try even after falling. They're scared but still try. People tell them they can't, and they still try. Tell me, kid with the messed-up lip, do you think you have what it takes to try?"

Eli, embarrassed but remembering his resolve not to back down anymore, said, "I'll try."

"Do you think we'll solve everything with fights?" Demetri, still missing the point, questioned Johnny.

"What?"

"You can't treat us like this—not when we're your students. Do you think you're scary? You can't affect us beyond psychological intimidation. We pay you, so you work for us," Demetri added, raising a commotion.

Before anyone could respond, Johnny stepped forward and said, "Then leave."

"What?"

"You heard me. Get out. Do you see the place you're standing in? There's equipment here worth over a hundred thousand dollars. We make sure everything is top-notch, and you think you can come here and put me to work for you?"

Johnny turned to the other students and declared, "Here, you'll build character, gain confidence, and improve your lifestyle. We won't just teach you how to fight—we'll prepare you for the real world."

"This is Cobra Kai!"