𝐓𝐀𝐊𝐄 𝐀𝐋𝐋 𝐎𝐅 𝐌𝐄 / 𝐀𝐱𝐞𝐥 𝐤𝐨𝐯𝐚𝐜𝐞𝐯𝐢𝐜

2

We later on went on the bus to go to the field trip thing which we all know how that would go

The bus rolled to a stop outside the aquarium, and I couldn't help but feel a mix of excitement and unease. Cobra kai that was rival they weren't the only team here; buses from other dojos were parked along the curb, unloading groups of competitors.

Inside the bus, Zara leaned over, nudging me with her elbow. "Looks like a reunion of future bruises," she said, smirking as she gestured toward the crowd of students already gathering by the entrance.

"Yeah," I replied, watching as familiar rival faces mingled with new ones. "Sensei Wolf must've known this would be more than a 'field trip.'"

Axel leaned forward from the seat behind us, his voice low. "It's not just about the fish. This is a scouting mission."

Zara laughed. "Relax, Mr. Serious. We're here to enjoy the stingrays and maybe get some overpriced ice cream."

As we disembarked, Sensei Wolf gathered us into a quick huddle. His steely gaze swept over our group. "Remember, this isn't just about the aquarium. Other teams are watching. Don't start anything, but stay sharp. And most importantly, don't embarrass the dojo."

He glanced over at the entrance, where the other senseis had already begun heading toward a private lounge area. "I'll be joining the instructors for a meeting. You're on your own for now. Be smart."

With that, Sensei Wolf strode off, leaving us to navigate the aquarium-and our competition-on our own.

---

Inside, the aquarium's darkened corridors glowed with soft blues and greens, illuminated by the massive tanks that lined the walls. The soothing sound of bubbling water filled the air, but it did little to drown out the hum of chatter from the clusters of competitors exploring the exhibits.

Zara walked ahead, her phone already out as she snapped pictures of the glowing jellyfish tank. Axel lingered nearby, his sharp gaze flickering between the exhibits and the groups of rival students.

"Okay," Zara said, spinning around to face us, "who wants to bet someone ends up falling into one of these tanks by the end of the day?"

"Not if they're smart," Axel replied, his tone clipped. "Senseis might be playing nice right now, but you know everyone's just waiting for an excuse."

I sighed. "Can we not make this a thing? Let's just enjoy the aquarium for what it is-fish, water, no drama."

Zara smirked. "Sure, Y/N. I'm sure that's how it's going to go."

---

We made our way to the shark tunnel, where a long glass walkway surrounded by water created the illusion of standing in the middle of the ocean. Sharks and rays glided above us, their sleek forms casting shadows over the path.

"Now this is cool," Axel muttered, his usual stoic demeanor softening as he tilted his head back to watch a hammerhead swim past.

"It's kind of like us," Zara said, gesturing to the sharks. "Fast, dangerous, always moving forward. Minus the teeth, obviously."

"Speak for yourself," I quipped. "You ever seen Hawk during sparring?"

Zara burst out laughing, drawing a few glances from nearby competitors. One group, the Silver Fangs, lingered near the end of the tunnel. Their matching uniforms and cocky grins were impossible to miss.

"Great," Axel muttered under his breath. "Of course, they're here."

"Just ignore them," I said. "Sensei's orders, remember?"