Growing Troubles

"Now we're in big trouble," Johnny said as he watched his son lose to Jack in a somewhat peculiar manner that left him thinking. How good of a fighter is Jack, really, to defeat Robby and Miguel so effortlessly?

Those who were aware that Miguel was the current All Valley tournament champion couldn't believe that Jack was defeating them. Nobody knew him, and only a limited number of people had heard of him.

"If only Dash could participate," Chozen lamented Dash's absence but believed that a dose of reality for both students and Senseis of each dojo is good for continued growth. Everyone thought they were the best after winning a few fights against inexperienced opponents. Still, when someone with genuine martial arts skills appears, they give a good lesson to those who believe they have reached the pinnacle.

"My daughter can still win this; we just need to focus on her being faster and winning the match with a crushing three-zero," Daniel said, watching as his daughter entered the battle arena.

Johnny couldn't help but criticize, "Yeah, didn't you tell me not to trust Miguel so much when he fought? That's exactly what you should be considering now."

"You're right, Daniel; we shouldn't put too much pressure on your daughter, who is returning to Karate." Chozen learned that Daniel's daughter had left karate for a long time, so now that she's back, it's better not to give her too many responsibilities. Daniel, who understood this, nodded, nervously looked at his daughter, and murmured, "I'm just nervous; I hope she can give her best."

In the arena, Sam looked at Kim, who maintained a calm expression, and said, "Good luck in the match."

"I never thought your school had such good fighters, but it's a shame that none have really reached the level of Devon and Dash, who have participated in good competitions." Kim didn't disdain anyone but seriously believed that very few of those who had come had the required level.

Sam became furious at being disrespected this way, so she said in a serious tone, "I hope not to surprise you in the match."

"You won't!" Kim responded while raising her guard.

The referee looked at the competitors and nodded, extending his hands straight up and saying, "Look at me, Bow."

"Look at each other, Bow!"

Sam and Kim greeted each other, and then the referee started the match.

"Fight!"

As soon as the match began, Sam went on the offensive. Although her karate was not so aggressive, she maintained a good stability of punches that kept Kim at bay.

Thud! Thud! Thud!

Dodging Kim's attack combos, Sam tried not to retreat too much. However, it was impossible not to do so due to the close kicks her opponent directed to cause damage.

"Hoo…" Sam held her breath, feeling each of Kim's attacks and recalling one of Dash's intense teachings at this moment.

"What's the way to know how and when the enemy will attack? How he will attack is effective for counterattacking, and it is necessary to know when to do it." Sam observed Kim's subtle attacks, memorized the way she attacked, and prepared for a counterattack.

Kim, on the other hand, felt that something was different but, without giving much importance to this, took a step forward and threw a straight punch.

Sam, who had been expecting this attack for the last few minutes of just defending herself, made her move. Initially dodging the punch, Sam forcefully stepped on the ground, and before Kim changed to a defensive posture, she attacked with a close kick.

Thud!

By hitting so suddenly, Sam knew perfectly well that she would be at a great disadvantage if Kim realized her attack and counterattacked. But this time, it didn't happen, and being much faster, Sam was able to land a clear blow.

"Point!" The referee, who was attentive to the fight, gave a point to Sam, who had nervously retreated.

Kim, who had risen from the blow, slightly furrowed her eyebrows. She knew that Sam's fighting style was similar to Robby's, so she was well prepared but lost concentration for a moment.

"This time will be different." Kim, who was now ready, smiled slightly.

The referee, knowing that there was no problem, started the match. "Are you ready? Fight!"

Kim took a step forward, looked angrily at Sam's posture, and threw a straight kick with her left foot. But the moment Sam stepped back to dodge that attack, Kim quickly lowered her left foot, forcefully stepped on the ground, and, having a long distance, took a step forward to kick the rear leg of Sam.

Crack!

This blow was so strong that, within seconds, Sam's calm expression turned into one of pain.

"Ahhh!" Holding the back of her right leg, Sam, who thought she had control, fell to the ground.

"Point!" The referee shouted, a bit confused, and approached to see how Sam was, who seemed to be in a lot of pain.

"Ahh!"

"Can you continue?" The referee asked initially.

Sam, feeling her entire leg screaming in pain, nodded her head, totally determined. "I can continue..."