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THE LOBBY BUZZED WITH TENSION AS COMPETITORS, senseis, and onlookers alike gathered under the grand chandelier's glow. Cobra Kai stood tightly huddled in one corner, their group a wall of black outfits as if dressed for their own funeral... Sensei Kim stood between y/n l/n and Tory Nichols, her presence alone enough to deter any brewing arguments. Kwon shifted uncomfortably beside the y/h/c-haired girl, stealing glances at Kreese, who had just arrived with an air of mystery about him.
"Where were you?" Kwon whispered, his brows furrowed.
Kreese gave him a sidelong glance but said nothing, his expression unreadable. "Had to take care of something," was all he muttered.
Before anyone could pry further, the chancellor's voice cut through the murmur of the room.
"My apologies for summoning you all like this," he began, his stern tone commanding immediate silence. The crowd's restless energy turned into laser-focused glares, a mixture of curiosity and irritation flashing in the eyes of both the victorious and eliminated dojos. "But under the circumstances, it was necessary."
Gunther's polished demeanor was as sharp as the suit he wore. He paced deliberately, his presence filling the room.
"The Sekai Taikai has a long and honorable tradition," he continued, his voice resonant. "We fight hard, but we fight fair."
Yoon let out a loud, derisive scoff, earning several chuckles from the nearby groups. y/n smirked, but her amusement was short-lived as Da-eun snapped at the boy, her tone harsh and biting. He quickly straightened, muttering an apology under his breath.
Gunther's expression darkened, his words cutting through the uneasy laughter. "That's why I'm saddened to announce that one of the dojos here has tarnished that tradition... by cheating!"
Gasps rippled through the crowd, and all eyes instantly darted to Miyagi-do.
Sam bristled under the accusing stares, her cheeks flushing red. Daniel stepped forward slightly, his protective instincts kicking in, while Chozen folded his arms, his jaw clenched.
From the Cobra Kai corner, y/n scoffed loudly, her glare fixed on the female captain. "The fuck is she looking at?" she muttered, crossing her arms.
Sam's eyes locked with the girl's for a fleeting moment before darting away. y/n smirked coldly, hoping for the disqualification she believed was well deserved.
But then, Gunther's next words took everyone by surprise.
"It is neither Cobra Kai nor Miyagi-do at fault," he said, his voice slicing through the tension like a blade. y/n's smirk faltered, replaced with confusion. Around her, the Cobra Kai team exchanged puzzled glances, their suspicions momentarily defused.
