Having concluded that impressive match, everyone remained silent, deeply impressed by the extraordinary display of skills. However, there was little time for astonishment as the next bout left everyone even more thrilled.
"Devon against Tory!" Chozen shouted, acknowledging the prolonged duration of the skill changes and the numerous fighters yet to compete.
Tory stepped onto the mat, walked in front of Devon, and said with a smile, "Don't go too hard on me, champion. Remember, we're friends."
Devon laughed in response and jokingly said, "On the mat, friendships don't exist. But I can promise to be considerate."
"I'm not sure if I should be relieved about that."
Although Tory had joined Cobra Kai only recently, she possessed certain fighting skills from before, making her not a novice like some who had recently joined.
Chozen smiled a bit and said, "Alright, ladies, three points for the winner. Ready? Attention, Bow, face each other, Bow!"
After bowing to Tory, Devon closed her eyes slightly, took a deep breath, and when she opened them, there was a fierceness evident in every small movement.
Tory could see that intensity; she was very impressed by Devon's sudden change in attitude but could understand it. Devon was a champion, something not to be underestimated, considering she had won many times and faced countless opponents.
This fight would undoubtedly be a lot for Tory, but she liked challenges.
"Here I go!"
"Ready!"
Tory took the lead instantly, initiating with a punch to Devon's stomach. However, just as the punch was about to land, Devon made a move. She extended both palms downward, absorbing the impact of the punch, and instantly clapped Tory on the chest, who had only one hand to defend.
To everyone's surprise, Devon had landed a punch on Tory in a matter of seconds, showcasing her experience, combat skills, and those peculiar fist-deflecting techniques seen only in Dash and her.
"Point!"
Tory stood there in disbelief, glanced at the referee, then at Johnny, who nodded, clarifying the rules of the tournament. This meant they didn't have to deliver knockout blows but score points with effective strikes that could cause significant harm if full force were applied.
Chozen didn't make a mistake in awarding this point. After confirming that both were fine, he nodded and said, "Alright, ready? Fight!"
"Ready!"
Tory quickly advanced toward Devon with a straight kick, easily dodged. This time, Devon leaped without stopping, making it easy to evade the kicks.
To everyone's surprise, Devon effortlessly dodged this impressive kick from Tory. Instead, Tory, who had shown she was no inexperienced girl, was kicked in the leg, causing her to lose balance.
"When did you learn to do that?"
This scene left everyone astonished. If it weren't for Devon's goodwill, that kick could have ended the match if it targeted Tory's body instead of her leg.
But Devon, showing mercy, wouldn't allow herself to lose to Tory. She swiftly advanced, exchanged some blows while trying not to suppress her friend too much, who was still in the learning phase.
Thud! Thud! Thud!
With a fierce expression on her face, Devon, who was about to throw a punch, surprised Tory, who stepped back to dodge. However, in that moment, Devon turned and threw a kick that landed in Tory's stomach.
Thud!
"Point!"
After witnessing this, many Cobra Kai students, expecting something more impressive from Tory after her face-off with Miguel, were disappointed. However, she was facing the current All Valley champion in the women's division.
"That kick was impressive."
Tory got up from the floor, looked at Devon, but didn't say anything. Her expression conveyed a sense of helplessness. Facing someone so experienced for the first time in a tournament setting was not ideal.
"Ready? Fight!"
This time, Devon stayed still, raised her hands, and after Tory advanced, she made a quick forward movement.
Thud! Thud! Thud!
Dodging and deflecting several attacks, Devon leaned her body to avoid Tory's remaining blows, sheltering her head so that nothing could harm her. In an instant, she attacked the lower part of Tory's chest.
"Point, Devon wins!"
Tory, touching the area of the hit, looked at Devon with a smile. It was a thrilling fight, and although she lost, she knew it was a learning experience. She said, "That was a lot of adrenaline. Even though you didn't hit hard, it still hurts."
Devon smiled and replied, "Believe me, it will hurt even more later."
Observing the outcome of the match, Dash smiled proudly and muttered, "That's my Devon."