Episode 4 of Cobra Kai's sixth season bursts into life with Miyagi-Do's stirring pep talk, as the pressure mounts to select their six finest warriors. Johnny, Chozen, and Daniel stand at the helm, tasked with identifying the cream of the crop. With every contender starting on an equal footing, the anticipation is palpable. Among them, Miguel, Robby, Sam, and Tory exude confidence, sure of their spots. Demetri, however, resigns to his fate, choosing instead to pursue admission to MIT, with Eli offering him a heartfelt boost of encouragement.
Elsewhere, the air is thick with tension as Daniel and Johnny clash over who deserves to represent them in the tournament. Their biases cloud their judgment, demanding a neutral observer. At this juncture, Sensei Mike Barnes enters the fray.
Barnes's role is clear: observe and select the elite six. He vows to push each contender to their breaking point, deciding to do so through a series of elimination rounds. The top 12 are chosen, familiar faces among them. But Devon, her anger simmering beneath the surface, is dissatisfied with being overshadowed despite her victory in the endurance test.
The following day, the competition heats up in a thrilling Capture The Flag Battle Royale, where each contestant must gather as many flags as possible to secure their spot. By the end, it's evident that Tory, Robby, Sam, and Miguel have secured their tickets to Barcelona. However, the bottom four are locked in a tight score tie, while Anthony, his nose bruised after a bruising encounter with Kenny, is left disillusioned and defeated. Realizing karate is not his calling, he decides to return home, bitter disappointment weighing heavily on his heart.
That night, Johnny appears at Barnes's doorstep, offering an apology but also inquiring about Devon's fate. It's a blow to Johnny's pride when he learns she's languishing at the bottom of Barnes's list. Frustrated and enraged, Johnny confronts Barnes, who taunts him mercilessly, ultimately labeling him a mere hired gun.
Unsurprisingly, the tension between the two erupted into a confrontation, sparked by their diametrically opposed teaching ideologies. Johnny emerged victorious, yet Barnes confessed his longing for a showdown ever since karate resurfaced in his life. Johnny acknowledged this and urged him to ensure a just duel with Devon, "one troubled youth to another."
The following dawn, Barnes rallied the troops and declared that the final four contenders would have an equal footing. The outcome was so unpredictable that a second chance was granted. Two flags lay hidden in the dense forest, and only two could triumphantly return with them. Victory was paramount.
Meanwhile, Demetri was disheartened to learn that Hawk had neglected to apply for MIT. His emotions were tumultuous, with the stakes so high.
As the adolescents scrambled through the woods, it transpired that Devon had slyly laced Kenny's drink with laxatives. Devon emerged triumphantly with the flag, while Hawk and Demetri engaged in a furious battle over the remaining prize.
Demetri made a sudden turn and dashed back with the flag in hand. He and Devon were destined for Barcelona. Miguel, Sam, Tory, Robby, Devon, and Demetri emerged as the final sextet. However, Kenny was enraged, falsely accusing Anthony of poisoning him. In truth, it was Devon who slyly discarded the laxatives into the bin.
With the outcome hanging in the balance, Daniel was displeased with Hawk's decision to sit on the sidelines, warning that they had no comprehension of the formidable opposition they faced. The game was now truly on!
