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CHAPTER TWO, The Princess and The Captain ❝ These teams? They've been coddled. Told they're untouchable. And look where it's gotten them—nowhere. Their belief in their invincibility is their downfall. ❞
"WE CALL IT THE CAPTAINS WAR." Solana narrowed her eyes at the name, a spark of intrigue flickering within her as she wondered what the first fight would entail. "We told you how important your captains will be so, let's see how well you can protect them."
Irene and Solana exchanged a meaningful glance, an unspoken agreement passing between the sisters. Irene's lips curved into a faint smile, but Solana's grin was eager, determined. This time, the younger sibling would be the one standing guard. This time, she would protect Irene.
Their team was placed in Group B, pitted against the lone Brazilian squad and two formidable Spanish contingents.
As the action began, the room's focus was riveted on Group A. All eyes followed the teams' every move, dissecting strategies, anticipating mistakes. Solana leaned forward, her interest piqued when the female captain of Cobra Kai launched a bold, unannounced strike against Miyagi-Do's team. The sheer audacity of it made her lips part slightly, her eyes glinting with admiration.
The fight unfolded before them, and while Cobra Kai's captain commanded most of Solana's attention, she couldn't ignore Miyagi-Do's lackluster performance.
"That's the best the U.S. can offer?" she muttered, side-eyeing Irene.
Her older sister's response came swiftly, sharp with disdain. "If they keep this up, they'll be the first ones sent packing."
Solana noted the edge in Irene's tone—this wasn't just casual commentary. For Irene, karate wasn't a pastime. It was discipline. Purpose.
Their observation turned grim as Miyagi-Do's male captain fell hard to Cobra Kai's unrelenting leader. Irene scoffed, a mix of frustration and disbelief. Solana exhaled under her breath, murmuring, "Damn." On the mats, the defeated captain's teammates looked shattered, their disappointment palpable.
"You both caught that?" Their sensei's voice cut through the tension, drawing the team's attention like a whip crack. Solana glanced at Irene and Roman, their team's male captain, before locking eyes with their sensei.
"That," the sensei continued, nodding toward Miyagi-Do's scattered remains, "is exactly what we cannot afford. These teams? They've been coddled. Told they're untouchable. And look where it's gotten them—nowhere. Their belief in their invincibility is their downfall."
The words were blunt, scalding in their honesty, yet they struck a chord in Solana. She stood a little straighter, a strange but steady confidence rising in her.
