14 - return

                                    

                                          
Katana stood in her room, surrounded by open bags and scattered belongings. Every item she packed reminded her of how difficult it was to leave her father and the dojo behind. She paused, holding an old family photo in her hands—a picture of her and her father taken before everything in their lives became so complicated.  
Her thoughts were interrupted by a voice from the hallway. "Hurry up, Katana," Kwon called out. "We don't have all day for your sentimental drama."  
Katana rolled her eyes. "Maybe you could help instead of standing there barking orders!"  
"I *am* helping—by keeping you motivated," Kwon shot back with his usual smug tone.  
Katana grabbed her bag and opened the door. "Just shut up, Kwon," she said irritably, though a small, reluctant smile tugged at the corners of her lips.  
---
**The Journey to America**  
Saying goodbye to the dojo was brief but painful. Katana hugged her father one last time, promising to keep in touch, and boarded the bus with the others heading to the airport.  
The group included Kreese, Katana, Kwon, and more other students,. everyone lost in their thoughts—except for Kwon, who seemed to have decided that annoying Katana was the best way to pass the time.  
"So, Katana," Kwon began as they sat next to each other, "do you think the big tournament fighters in America will take you seriously? Or are you planning to show off that famous high kick of yours and hope for the best?"  
She shot him an irritated look. "If you keep talking, you'll be my next target, Kwon."  
"I'd love to see you try," he said with a smirk.  
yoon  sitting in front of them, turned around with a groan. "Can you two be quiet for five minutes? Some of us are trying to sleep."  
"Ask him, not me," Katana replied, crossing her arms.  
"I'm just making this more entertaining," Kwon muttered as he leaned back in his seat.  
---
**Arrival in America**  
When they arrived in the U.S., a team of Cobra Kai trainers greeted them. The dojo Kreese had arranged for their training was massive and impressive, a modern facility equipped with everything from combat arenas to high-tech gear and a state-of-the-art gym.  
"Welcome to the home of champions," Kreese announced as he led them through the halls. "This isn't just a place to train—it's where you'll prove yourselves. And remember, Cobra Kai stands for strength. There's no room for weakness here."  
Kwon looked around, clearly impressed but trying not to show it. "Not bad," he murmured.  
Katana, on the other hand, wasn't thrilled. The dojo felt sterile and cold, so unlike the warmth and tradition she had known with her father and Kim.  
---
**The First Training Session**  
The next day, training began. The students were pushed to their limits with exercises designed to test their technique, endurance, and mental toughness.  
During one partner drill, Katana was paired with Kwon.  
"Great," she muttered under her breath.  
"Cheer up," Kwon said with a smirk. "I'm the perfect challenge for you."  
"You mean the perfect punching bag," she shot back.  
The training was grueling, and though Katana gave it her all, she quickly realized this was a completely different level of discipline than what she was used to. After hours of intense drills, she collapsed onto a mat, exhausted.  
"Tired already?" Kwon teased, sitting down beside her.  
"No, I'm just enjoying not having to see your face for a second," she quipped without looking at him.  
He chuckled. "Training's only going to get harder. If you're struggling now, how do you expect to survive the *Sekai Taikai*?"  
Katana turned to face him, her eyes flashing with determination. "Don't worry. I'll be better than you. And when that happens, you'll be the one who quits."  
"We'll see about that," Kwon replied, though this time there was a note of respect in his voice.  
---
**A New Beginning**  
The next few days were a blur of intense training and preparation. Though she struggled to adjust, Katana knew why she was there—to grow stronger, for Miguel, for her father, and most of all, for herself.  
Her relationship with Kwon remained as complicated as ever. They argued constantly, but she couldn't deny that he pushed her to work harder and to be better. Whether she liked it or not, Kwon was becoming an important part of her journey.  
And the *Sekai Taikai* was drawing closer with every passing day.