For Hawk, the best thing about Cobra Kai was that nobody would ever be able to hurt him again. He thought that was what Sensei Lawrence had promised. Yet Sensei's teachings didn't prevent Robby from mocking him, or Mr. LaRusso from targeting the dojo, or Demetri's roast. That was because, deep down, Sensei Lawrence was soft.
Sensei Kreese, though. Sensei Kreese understood that the rest of the world was hostile to him. He understood that showing mercy to his enemies was admitting failure, an invitation to be taken advantage of.
Sensei Kreese would ensure he was never a victim again.
