Dash looked at his father and said, "I don't remember if I mentioned it, but I recently found out about a Kung Fu tournament happening in China, and I would like to participate since the friend I told Mom about is taking part. But before that, I'd like to know what you think."
Frederick set aside what he was doing, and after contemplating his son's words for a while, he said, "I don't think you're ready, am I wrong?"
Wasting people's time is something Frederick despises, and Dash was aware of this. Still, he tried to sound somewhat understanding about what he had been thinking lately before making this request.
For him, going to China and participating in the tournament where Dre would fight seemed crazy, as his parents might not approve. He didn't know how to face it, but recently, he had learned from Devon that there was an annual Karate tournament in the Valley. So, after finding out that this tournament was much earlier than the one in China, he wanted to try something.
"I admit I have no idea about the skill level of the guys in China; they might be much better. But I won't know unless I participate in that tournament."
After relaxing a bit, Dash looked his father in the eyes and said, "But I have a more convincing proposal..."
"Do you want me to believe you'll win the tournament if I take you?" Frederick asked, trying to figure out what his son would say to convince him to go.
"It's not that," Dash smiled a bit and said, "Devon told me about a Karate tournament in the Valley held once a year. I researched the dates of both tournaments, and the one held here is before the one in China. I wanted to propose that if I win that tournament, you'll consider taking me abroad."
In fact, Dash had planned to start with this point, but talking to his father was a bit more complicated than he always thought because he needed to be careful about his behavior. The education he had received was clear, so if he broke some of the behaviors he should always have when they were around, he would be punished.
"What's it called?" Frederick asked, thinking that this proposal was more convenient than the previous one.
"It's a Karate tournament for the entire Valley, where they gather Dojos, and they crown a male champion. I don't want to sound arrogant, but if I perform well, I'd like you to consider taking me to China."
The only way to shine was to take risky bets, and for this proposal, Dash wanted to risk everything and know that he had his father's support. If he didn't win a Karate tournament or didn't perform well, he knew he would make a fool of himself in China. For that, Dash would prefer to stay home and train until he reached the right level to win the Karate tournament.
"That sounds much better, but if you want us to go to China, you'll have to win the tournament, and only then will we consider it. You know I like victories; I don't show up in places where I know I wouldn't stand out. Life is like that, and you have to be prepared for it."
"Then, if I win, I'd like to participate in China. But there's a small problem, and that's the divisions that don't exist in the karate tournament... As you know, Devon and I have trained together, so it wouldn't be fair for her to participate in a male tournament. It would be preferable if a female division were opened."
To be honest, Dash and Devon found no information about whether women were admitted to the karate tournament. Maybe no woman who joined had won a single tournament, but if it's an annual competition, it's not much of a problem to open a female division.
"Besides, if she participates in the same division, it wouldn't be fair to have only one winner. In that sense, I want you to talk to a committee member organizing the tournament to see if it's not too much to ask to open a female division."
"Are you blackmailing me?" Frederick asked, raising an eyebrow.
"I'm just asking for help from my father. I'm afraid that if I fight against Devon, I may not be able to exert my strength over her, not because she's weak, but because she's someone important to me."
At this point, Dash had only this easy option, which was to ask his father for help. If he refused, then he would dig deeper to talk to someone from the committee and find out if they were interested in opening a female competition. If not, Devon would have to participate in a division where she would be at a disadvantage for obvious reasons. It was already difficult for her to face larger girls than her, so it wouldn't be fair for them to be men as well.
"Fine, I'll handle it." Frederick nodded, and after nodding, he said, "If you win this tournament, I'll take you to China. Just train well and focus."
Dash remained silent after hearing these words and wondered, is this his father? Not that he had doubts about it since he knew him, but things like this, he thought his father wouldn't pay attention to.
"Oh, thanks, Dad. I'll go then..." Dash said as he bid farewell to his father.
When Dash left, Frederick pressed a button and said after a call connected, "Cancel all current appointments; I'll be out for some time."
In fact, he had heard about this tournament because Mr. Kim had overheard Dash and Devon talking about it, so he did some research. After finding out what bothered his son, he would try to resolve it.
"Do you need me to accompany you, sir?" A worker asked, looking at Frederick as he left the office.
"I won't be long; you can wait here..."