Dad, I don't think You don't think. That's the problem. Alan stood towering over his son. Fix it. Get close to her.
Learn everything you can. Josh left his father's house with a knot in his stomach. The relationship with his father had always been complicated, but this new pressure felt different, more urgent, more desperate. Meanwhile, across town, Mia sat in her bedroom watching the view count on her video climb. She hadn't expected it to spread so quickly, but once a few martial arts blogs had picked it up, it had exploded.
Her phone rang, a number she didn't recognize. Hesitantly, she answered. Is this Mia Lee? A woman's voice asked. This is Carmen Rodriguez from Black Belt Magazine.
We're doing a feature on Thelma Gardner's return to the martial arts world. I understand you're her student. Mia's eyes widened. I Yes, I train at the same dojo, but perfect. We'd love to interview you about what it's like to train with a living legend.
By morning, Golden Dragon was surrounded by reporters. Local news vans parked in the strip mall lot, and a steady stream of curious onlookers peered through the windows. Erica arrived early immediately pulling the blinds and locking the door. This is a nightmare, she muttered checking her phone. "We've had over 300 messages since last night. " Rick joined her, carrying two cups of coffee.
"Actually, I think it's an opportunity. Do you know how many dojos would kill for this kind of publicity? " "Publicity we can't control. " Erica snapped. "Our brand is about modern, accessible martial arts, not some ancient, mystical nonsense. " "Our brand," Rick repeated slowly, "should be about authentic martial arts, taught with integrity. Maybe we've lost sight of that. " Before Erica could respond, there was a knock at the back door. Rick opened it to find Kenji standing there, impeccably dressed as always.
"We have a situation. " Kenji said without preamble. "Someone else is watching the dojo. " "Of course they are. " Erica said. "Every martial arts enthusiast in the state is watching us now. " Kenji shook his head. "Not enthusiasts. Someone dangerous.
A man named Kojiro has connections in this country. His network has been tracking Thelma for years. " "Kojiro? " Rick frowned. "The fight promoter from the Tokyo underground circuit? " "The same. " Kenji confirmed. "Thelma's victory over his champion cost him millions in gambling losses. His reputation never recovered. " "That was 50 years ago. " Erica protested.
"Surely he's moved on. " "Some wounds never heal. " Kenji said gravely. "Especially those inflicted on pride and honor. " Later that afternoon, Thelma arrived for her regular class to find the dojo transformed. Students who had previously ignored or mocked her now bowed deeply as she entered. Others approached tentatively, asking for autographs or photos. In the midst of the commotion, Tyler confronted Mia by the water fountain.