It didn't take Max long to bring Brucks down, who was like a mobile punching bag that only knew how to take hits.
Thud! Thud! Thud!
Brucks' nose bent like a poorly used spatula, his stomach churned in pain, and just before he hit the ground, Max struck his jaw.
"I thought you'd put up more of a fight." Max pulled out a knife to intimidate the bully and added, "You better not bother anyone again, or next time, I'll break a few ribs."
"My friends will beat you up."
Brucks' squeals echoed through the alley, and Max, who was genuinely annoyed, started hitting him again until he shut up.
"Stop it, Max. You might actually end up in juvenile detention if you keep this up," Devon said, watching Max's bloodied hands that had repeatedly pounded Brucks' face.
Max, who had gotten a little carried away, paused, let go of Brucks, and turned to Devon, who seemed oddly calm despite the adrenaline-charged scene.
"You don't have to pretend." Max thought she'd be scared.
But, defying all expectations, she smiled faintly and asked, "Did you hurt yourself?"
Devon took Max's hand, which was bleeding from punching Brucks in the mouth. "That idiot's teeth are sharp."
"Let's get out of here." Devon grabbed Max by the arm and led him out of the alley.
On their way to the parking lot, Max—who had just beaten up a bully—glanced at Devon, who didn't seem to judge him at all, and asked, "What are you doing?"
"I guess I'm keeping you from ending up in jail. They say that place is horrible." Devon looked at Max and then asked, "Which one's your car?"
Max pointed at a black four-door Jeep, and she got in as soon as he unlocked the doors.
Does this girl really trust me this much?
"You're not afraid of me?"
Devon raised an eyebrow and asked, "Why would I be? Let's go to that dojo. I want to learn how to fight too."
"Alright."
Cobra Kai Dojo
Max parked his car outside the dojo, the same place where, on his first day, a blond man had beaten up students before being stopped by the police.
As he stepped out, he walked toward the entrance, where the same man stood nearby and quickly approached him. "You're the one-eyed kid, right? Miguel told me about you. Are you here to learn how to kick some ass?"
"I'd actually like to join, but I have to let you know I'm an experienced student and don't need your teachings. I've got over four years of experience and have won numerous tournaments both in and out of the country. I'll only stay here if you promise not to force me to fight." Max wanted to be there because both Devon and Miguel were interested in martial arts.
Johnny raised an eyebrow and asked, "Then why are you here?"
"To spend time with my friends, train, and maintain my skills," Max replied. He figured it wouldn't be a bad idea to train as needed to keep up his physical condition, as it wasn't directly related to fighting others.
"Fine, then you can help me train the new members." Johnny, of course, was excited. With an experienced student, things at the dojo would run more smoothly.
Devon, who was exploring the facility, asked, "Isn't the stuff here kind of old?"
"We got robbed a few days ago, but everything will be sorted out once Miguel finishes cleaning up," Johnny said, brushing off the concern.
"I understand the basics of the martial art you teach. My uncle taught me, so I won't have any trouble assisting you." Max took out his wallet, looked up, and asked, "How much is the annual fee?"
"What annual fee?" Johnny didn't understand what Max was asking, clearly noticing the kid was from a wealthy family.