Episode 2 of Cobra Kai's sixth season opens with a haunting flashback, showcasing Johnny and Terry wandering through the dense woods. They encounter Kim Da-eun, a young woman under the rigorous tutelage of a Korean sensei renowned for his harsh training methods. Witnessing her grandfather mercilessly punishing her for the slightest disobedience, Johnny Lawrence steps in, challenging the sensei's brutality. Yet, he soon finds himself overpowered and subdued. Master Kim, seeing an opportunity, decides to impart upon Johnny a lesson he'll never forget, dubbing it 'No Mercy.'
Amidst the struggle, Da-eun intervenes, surprises striking her grandfather with a blow that both and impresses him. It is this moment that marks the beginning of her training.
In the present, Da-eun stands alongside Kreese, her new mentor in Cobra Kai. The tension is palpable, knowing Johnny's personal connection to this young woman. Kreese vows to uphold Kim's wish, bringing his style of karate to America through Da-eun. He reminds her of the coveted spot in the Sekai Taikai, believing that their dojo stands a chance at victory. However, Da-eun seeks her grandfather's counsel, who, surprisingly still alive, rejects her aspirations, labeling her incompetent. Undeterred, she argues that this success could be their gateway to eternal glory.
Master Kim turns his gaze to Kreese, realizing he must prove himself worthy. His quest: to retrieve an ancient knife from a remote cave. But this quest is fraught with danger, as a white cobra, a fearsome guardian, awaits within the depths of the cave.
Meanwhile, financial woes plague the Diaz family. As the roof caves in due to a burst sewage pipe, Carmen's anxiety grows over their dwindling funds. Miguel, eavesdropping on their conversation, realizes the struggle they face in balancing household expenses with his tuition.
Amidst his elaborate aspirations for an esteemed institution, Miguel unwittingly eavesdrops on a pitch for a college situated closer to home, a beacon of financial relief. Dubbed a "safety school," it offers a respite from financial pressures. Intrigued, Miguel joins a group of prospective students for a campus tour, where he encounters Kyler, already enrolled as a student. However, Kyler's position is tenuous; he's a pledge under the larger fraternity members, enduring their taunts and hazing. Despite this, Kyler remains steadfast in his conviction, convinced that he'll join their ranks next year. He endures the humiliation with gritted teeth.
That night, Miguel overheads a distressing revelation—the fraternity leader has no intention of接纳 Kyler into their ranks. The news shatters Kyler's resolve, igniting a heated confrontation that unexpectedly turns out to be a boon for his prospects. Freed from the shackles of Omega House, he impresses his peers with his unwavering spirit.
Alone, Kyler confides in Miguel, advising him that while the safety school may always be an option, it's crucial to pursue one's own aspirations and ambitions, rather than succumbing to mediocrity.
Johnny's apartment hunt, accompanied by the irrepressible Chozen, quickly descends into comical chaos. Johnny's social ineptitude costs them the first potential abode, much to Chozen's dismay. He believes Johnny lacks the true essence of Miyagi-Do. At the next property, with the same realtor, Johnny manages to salvage the situation with his charming yet implausible narrative, capitalized by his local celebrity status. Nevertheless, stability in income remains a prerequisite for securing a lease.
Desperate, Johnny visits Daniel at the dealership, hoping for a financial cushion. Amidst humorous anecdotes involving Chozen, Daniel offers sage advice—to seek gainful employment and stand on his own feet.
Amidst the turmoil, Kreese's mind was besieged with haunting visions, depicting Johnny as his Achilles' heel in the depths of the cave. Having confronted his inner demons, he emerged prepared for a second confrontation, despite the initial bite. As the episode drew to a close, Johnny appeared at the car dealership, joining LaRusso in a successful sale of a vehicle, swift and sure. Meanwhile, Kreese returned from his perilous quest, battered and bruised, yet triumphant with the ancient knife in hand, fulfilling the request. Additionally, he bore the severed head of the snake, a feat that greatly impressed Master Kim.
