𝑆 𝑇 𝑈 𝐶 𝐾

𝑒 𝑣 𝑒 𝑟 𝑦 𝑡 ℎ 𝑖 𝑛 𝑔

SILAS WALKS INTO the school building, his arm draped casually around Robby's shoulders. They trail behind Miguel, Sam, and Tory, their laughter echoing through the halls. The five of them moved as a tight-knit group, the camaraderie between them palpable.

Miguel glances back, his grin wide and infectious. "Y'all think there's any chance we don't make it in the top six?"

Silas scoffs, reaching over to give Miguel a playful shove on the shoulder with his free hand. His eyes sparkled with mischief as he smirked. "I know I'm in the top six, but you, Diaz? I don't know. You might have to beat me for it."

Miguel laughs, hitting Silas back just as playfully. "Name the time and place."

The others let out laughs, watching the friendly banter turn into a mock play fight. Tory and Robby step in, gently pulling them apart. Tory's eyes twinkle as she spoke, tilting her head. "The only way we all don't make it is if hell freezes over."

Sam hums in agreement, her expression serious yet hopeful. "Let's hope there's not a tournament category for humility."

"We have two All Valley champs and three runner-ups." Robby states, rolling his eyes as his arm tightens around Silas's waist in a protective gesture.

Silas grins, leaning in to peck Robby's lips as they continue their walk through the bustling hallways. "We've got this one in the bag, guys. But remember, they're not going to make this easy. We can't underestimate who they might pick. My protégés have a chance."

"You're right. It's all fair game."

The group fell into a comfortable silence, each of them lost in their own thoughts about the upcoming tournament.

They knew the road ahead wouldn't be easy, but they felt ready to take on whatever challenges lay ahead.

✸ ✷ ✶ ✵ ✸ ✷ ✶ ✵ ✸ ✷ ✶ ✵ ✸ ✷ ✶ ✵ ✸

The Kreese boy could feel his phone buzzing in the pocket of his Gi. He didn't need to look to know who it was.

It was Kreese, yet again.

Each buzz was a reminder of the man who had once been a mentor, a father figure. Silas's heart ached with the longing to answer, to hear Kreese's gravelly voice.

But the pain of abandonment was still fresh. Kreese had vanished without a trace, leaving Silas to pick up the pieces.

Now, his sudden calls felt like manipulation, as if Kreese wanted something from him. Silas clenched his jaw, resisting the urge to answer, knowing that reopening old wounds would only hurt more.

Everyone in the dojo stood lined up in four precise rows, their eyes trained on Daniel and Johnny at the front. The air was electric with anticipation. Alongside them was a new Sensei, one Silas knew all too well: Mike Barnes.

The tension in the air was palpable as it became clear that Daniel and Johnny were struggling to decide who would represent them in Barcelona. They had brought in backup, and that meant Silas had to be at his absolute best.

This was his chance to prove himself, to make a triumphant comeback. He needed to go to Barcelona. He needed to fight. It was more than just a competition; it was a chance to show everyone what he was truly capable of.

This would give him a second chance.

"Please welcome our guest for the weekend, Sensei Barnes." Daniel began, his voice stead, but carrying an edge of nervousness.