Zeke recounted the events of the day with a cold precision, detailing how he had systematically taken down each of his former teammates. He described every punch, every kick, every calculated move that left them writhing on the ground. John listened intently, his expression unchanging, but there was a spark of pride in his eyes.

"They thought they could humiliate me," Zeke said, his voice steady. "But I showed them no mercy. I made sure they knew they'd never mess with me again."

John nodded slowly, his gaze piercing. "Good. That's what I've been teaching you. No mercy means no hesitation, no second thoughts. You strike, and you strike hard. You don't give them a chance to get back up."

Zeke felt a rush of validation. "I didn't hold back. Not for a second."

John stepped closer, placing a firm hand on Zeke's shoulder. "You've done well, Ezekiel. This is just the beginning. Those boys, they won't forget what you did. And neither will anyone else who saw. You've established yourself as someone not to be messed with."

A slow, almost sinister smile spread across John's face. "Remember this feeling, Zeke. The power, the control. It's what makes Cobra Kai strong. It's what makes you strong."

Zeke nodded, feeling a deep sense of connection to his grandfather's words. He had always known there was something more to the way John lived his life, something raw and unapologetic. Now, he understood it on a visceral level.

"They'll think twice before coming at me again," Zeke said, his voice filled with determination.

"Damn right they will," John replied, his tone unwavering. "You've proven yourself today. But don't get complacent. There will always be someone else, some other challenge. You've got to be ready, always."

Zeke looked into his grandfather's eyes, seeing the years of experience and hardness there. He knew this was a turning point, not just in his training, but in his life. He had embraced the Cobra Kai way, and there was no turning back.

John patted him on the back, a rare gesture of affection. "Welcome to the real world, Ezekiel. No mercy."