12 - goodbye again?

                                    

                                          
The days with Sensei Kreese at the dojo were anything but peaceful. While he officially stayed as a guest, it was clear he was here to recruit students for *Cobra Kai* and, more importantly, for the prestigious *Sekai Taikai* tournament. His charming demeanor remained intact, but Katana could sense the ulterior motives in every word he spoke.  
Kwon and Katana bickered constantly, especially when Kreese was around.  
"That was weak, Katana," Kwon mocked after a training session. "Maybe you should let Cobra Kai teach you how to fight properly."  
"And maybe you should learn when to keep your mouth shut," she shot back, her eyes blazing with anger.  
Kwon only smirked, but Kreese, who had been watching from the sidelines, stepped in. "Interesting," he said calmly. "You two remind me of some of my best students. Strong fighters. Strong personalities. But also fighters who knew when to set their differences aside to achieve greatness."  
Katana rolled her eyes and turned away. She had no intention of letting Kreese manipulate her.  
---
**Kreese Makes His Move**  
One afternoon, as she trained alone, Kreese approached her.  
"You know you have talent, Katana," he began, his voice smooth and persuasive. "But here... here, you'll never reach your full potential. The *Sekai Taikai* isn't for ordinary fighters. It's for the best of the best."  
"I'm happy here," she replied coolly, refusing to meet his gaze.  
"Are you really?" he asked, his tone softer now, almost a whisper. "Or are you just afraid? Afraid to see how far you could really go?"  
Katana turned slowly to face him. "I'm not afraid. But I won't be part of Cobra Kai."  
"It's not about Cobra Kai," he said, his voice growing firm. "It's about your place on the world stage. Think about what you could achieve. Think about Miguel."  
The name hit her like a punch. She stared at Kreese, her expression hardening. "What do you mean?"  
"I heard about what happened to Miguel," Kreese said, wearing an almost sympathetic expression. "A fighter like him... in a coma. It's tragic. But maybe you can do this for him. For both of you. He would've wanted you to keep going."  
Katana felt the anger rising within her. "You don't know anything about Miguel!"  
"Maybe not," he admitted. "But I do know that fighters like him – like you – aren't meant to stay in their comfort zones. The world doesn't wait, Katana. If you don't take this chance, someone else will."  
---
**The Decision**  
Kreese had planted the seeds of doubt. Days later, after an intense training session, Katana sat alone on the dojo steps. The decision weighed heavily on her. She thought about Miguel, about the promise she had made to herself to grow stronger—for him, for herself.  
Her father found her there. He sat down beside her without saying a word.  
"He wants me to go with him," she finally said, her voice shaky.  
"I know," her father replied calmly.  
"I don't want to leave," she whispered. "I've barely had time with you, and now... I have to go again?"  
Her father placed a hand on her shoulder. "Katana. I've learned that we never truly lose the people we love. No matter where you go, I'm always with you. And no matter what you decide, I'm proud of you."  
His words hit her deeply. Tears filled her eyes as she hugged him tightly.  
The next morning, she was ready. Saying goodbye was harder than anything she had ever done. She promised her father she would return—stronger, better, and with everything she needed to achieve her goals.  
As she left with Kreese, she looked back one last time, burning the image of her father and the dojo into her memory. The road ahead would be tough, but deep down, she knew this was a step she had to take.