Why Did Tory Choose to Join Kreese's Team for The Sekai Taikai?
In a surprising turn of events in Cobra Kai Season 6, Tory Nichols made the shocking decision to join Kreese's team, choosing to fight for Kreese rather than remain on the Miyagi-Do Sekai Taikai team - even though it meant she was going to be pitted against former friends - a move that caught the audience by surprise. Her initial bond was to remain within Miyagi-Do with the Sekai Taikai taking a new shape, specifically focused on its team members and Sekai Taikai tournament , as well as a big decision as to who would be competing on both teams - but even so, her desire to work alongside her friends had clearly shifted after she began training under Johnny - and now finds a renewed appreciation for Kreese, as well as a strong interest in exploring Cobra Kai style of training.
It begs the question: why is she making this huge change? To find out the reason, the show has to return back into those key moments that have fueled her character's decision-making and even the motivation she had for participating in Cobra Kai, particularly with the introduction of her brother, Brandon and the challenges she has faced after the death of Tory's mother. A complicated situation with her aunt Kandace had led Tory to feel as if she needed to be responsible and was left in a place to handle family matters in a sensitive, but realistic way. While there is no definite answer as to why she chose Kreese's team, the series makes it clear that this decision was not a lighthearted one and, on a deeper level, could stem from the struggles she has experienced - including that strong desire to be a good sibling, to show that she is capable of being both compassionate and competitive - perhaps giving viewers another opportunity to gain further understanding into how this particular character journey comes to be.
Does Tory's Aunt Play a Role in Tory's Decision to Join Kreese's Team?
While we saw Tory's aunt Kandace make a fleeting appearance in Cobra Kai Season 4, she left an undeniable mark as a potential threat on the lives of Tory and Tory's brother - something that would force her to re-evaluate the path she was taking with her own life and choices as she considered her Tory character journey - it was clear her family dynamic - even those family members who had previously appeared, including those outside of the show's storyline (e.g., Tory's mother ). This gave way for the creators to present an entirely different side of Tory as an individual. She made the conscious decision to continue in the Cobra Kai arena because of the challenges she had faced at home and made it evident she wasn't merely focused on the fight itself, but her relationship with those outside of her immediate circle - as they have played an influential role.
Fans can watch for those subtle clues as to how this Tory decision comes to pass, especially as the show reveals why she is willing to leave her hometown and even go as far as to travel to South Korea - in addition to a chance to find out what kind of relationship she developed with those who reside in South Korea, as she has chosen a path to join the Sekai Taikai team - something that would have a huge impact on the dynamics of the tournament as she makes the transition from her comfort zone. The series makers have offered some additional insight - the Cobra Kai ending might show how this particular storyline impacts the show as a whole - particularly if it explores her relationships with those characters who were not in her inner circle - including those key players who often had a connection to Johnny and Daniel, specifically since there was an indication the two might make their way back to Miyagi-Do. With these types of storylines in place - audiences can look forward to seeing what direction this takes the characters, as well as their villain arcs, such as the introduction of Chozen who joined with Miyagi-Do and has offered an unconventional insight into the world of Karate Kid.
Who Else is Competing in the Sekai Taikai?
With the Sekai Taikai being a big focus in Cobra Kai Season 6 part 1, many are wondering how that team will take shape. The tournament will, of course, include those characters with the most influence including the former rival - Johnny Lawrence. With those Sekai Taikai competitors already determined, we're looking at two prominent characters on the Miyagi-Do Team, namely Daniel and Amanda.
While the other Sekai Taikai team members were determined to compete as part of Miyagi-Do, the introduction of Tory's decision to fight for Kreese was a bit surprising. Her story might explore how those decisions played out, what factors led her to join the team (in a big move that suggests that the conflict between those who represent Miyagi-Do, versus those who continue to be a key part of Cobra Kai, and to some degree to those who represent a world of karate, which could include those who are considered an "antagonist"), but for the audience it can offer another chance to examine how Tory develops as a fighter, her role as a student, and a person who wants to be successful. Audiences will, also, have to keep their eye on Kim Da-Eun as an interesting competitor to watch and Kwon is certainly one of those who viewers should look forward to seeing in those high-profile events as the season unfolds - giving viewers a deeper insight into the complexities of the karate world and all of the relationships they had with their senseis. It begs the question, who else will be a key player?
What Will The Sekai Taikai Reveal About Tory?
While many fans are anxious about how the season will end and how Tory, Sam, or even Johnny Lawrence (whose journey and arc as a character in Cobra Kai has been pivotal to understanding how this world functions, its characters have evolved), the series makers continue to highlight a key narrative in this production: how Tory finds a balance - as she moves to navigate through a conflicted world that continues to feature a variety of relationships - both positive and negative. She also faces challenges with her decisions as well as being driven by emotions - a storyline that might offer an eye-opening perspective into how Tory Nichols operates. We are now getting ready to see how the Sekai Taikai tournament takes place. What new revelations will arise and what new challenges will she face?
Tory winning would not be without its difficulties. The producers seem to be going towards that "moral dilemma" - making those moments with Tory where her decision-making becomes a pivotal aspect of her character and her story - but there will certainly be some high-impact moments from her past (specifically in those storylines revolving around her Tory's mother), a powerful, but complex, relationship and the opportunity to examine that part of her history. How she approaches those trials will also reveal much about Tory's relationships with the senseis. A challenging, but critical part of the series.
What Was Tory's Biggest Decision?
Fans of Cobra Kai will need to get ready for another wild ride, one that's going to challenge everything they thought they knew about those who represent Cobra Kai - and especially with Tory's past as a major turning point. With the upcoming season's Sekai Taikai events coming up, there are sure to be lots of challenges in the making for her - including a complex web of relationships that go into making up who she is: her relationship with her brother, as well as with Tory's aunt Kandace.
We have a lot to look forward to seeing how the Cobra Kai ending will unfold - as we delve deeper into how those decisions lead to the challenges she will face, including Tory's decision-making .
