
(I) Big News
Many changes occurred in the Jade Palace once the spirit warrior Kai was defeated by the Dragon Warrior. Po not only became a teacher, but now taught Kung Fu to hundreds of students who came from all over China, and as a consequence, the old facilities and training rooms were not large enough to accommodate such numbers.
Kai's fight against Master Shifu and the Furious Five caused severe damage to the Jade Palace. Not only was the statue of Oogway destroyed, as well as others that commemorated the memory of the great masters, but the Hall of Heroes was also leveled by the fury of the spiritual warrior, along with several buildings around it. As a consequence, the Jade Palace had to be restored almost in its entirety. And now, under Po's direction, new buildings and facilities would be made to accommodate the exponentially increasing number of students. However, there are events so painful that not even Oogway himself, with all his knowledge and control of Chi, could prevent it.
Master Shifu, like all living beings, had left this world and now rested with his teacher in the remaining waters of the spiritual plane, next to that peaceful golden-colored peach. His departure was sad, but no one suffered more than Tigress, who, in addition to her teacher, considered him as a father.
Shifu's death was a harsh lesson for many, especially Po, on whose shoulders now rested the responsibilities of looking after the Jade Palace, as well as the Valley of Peace. However, Po had the help of the Furious Five, but inside they all knew that this would not last forever, because sooner or later, each of them would have to find their own path. But for some, that moment came much sooner than expected.
It was a nice fall night. The cold was still low and the dark starry sky brought with it a cozy peace and tranquility. The Furious Five were in the small kitchen where they waited anxiously for their teacher Po to finish preparing those delicious dishes that he made with such ease.
Po: - Can you give me some radishes? They're on the top shelf. -
Viper: - Right away, dear. -
Viper climbed up the columns and started throwing the vegetables at Po.
Crane: - It's good to know that today we are going to eat well. Yesterday was "quite an experience." - He said with a mocking tone.
Monkey: - Hey. I'm barely learning. I thought cooking was going to be easier. At least I can try... - He concluded with a slight mockery.
Crane: - Ha. You have no idea how difficult it is to cut vegetables with one foot. My wings are useless for cooking. -
Mantis: - I understand how you feel. I thought cooking would be easier than acupuncture... but it turns out that I'm not good at it either. -
Tigress: - The times I've tried, I ended up cutting the table or burning the food... but at least it didn't occur to me to add bananas to a noodle soup. -
Monkey: - Hey. That wasn't so bad. -
Tigress: - For you. The rest of us didn't like it very much. -
Monkey: - You have a point -
Viper: - That's why my fiancé is a master of the culinary arts. - She said with some pride as she descended from the ledges. -
Po: - I don't think I am so good. Also, I think everyone can be an excellent cook with enough practice. -
As Po spoke, he began serving in wooden bowls and distributing them among the diners. Finally he served a bowl for himself and sat down with the rest.
Viper: - Mmm. Exceptional as always, honey. -
Po: - Thank you, my treasure. -
Monkey: - And speaking of lovebirds. How are your wedding plans going? - Po and Viper looked at each other with some concern.
Po: - Yes... Regarding that... -
VIper: - My father still doesn't like the idea. -
Mantis: - Why? -
Viper: - Dad can be very stubborn sometimes. - She said after a long breath.
Po: - I don't think he's stubborn. He is just worried about you. -
Viper: - He's too overprotective. -
Po: - So he's a good father. -
Po's words managed to elicit a slight smile from those present, although the atmosphere was a bit tense due to the news. However, Monkey got up from the table and climbed onto one of the ledges looking for something. They all looked curiously at what he was doing, and finally he descended with a bottle of sake and six ochokos in his hands.
Tigress: - Monkey. You know we can't drink inside the palace. - She said with a grudging tone.
Monkey: - Come on Tigress. Do not be a killjoy. We are going to celebrate between us the commitment of Víbora and Po. -
Monkey served the ochokos and gave each one one. Tigress was still hesitant, but over time she began to be a little more flexible with the rules, and seeing that everyone was willing to toast, she had no choice but to join them. The six raised their drinks and Monkey spoke.
Monkey: - For our friends. May the future await you with much joy and prosperity. And hopefully a few children. -
Viper: - Monkey! - She yelled something embarrassing, which caused a slight laugh from those present.
Monkey: - For Viper and for Po. Cheers! -
All present: - Cheers! -
As was customary, the six of them drank every last drop of sake they had in their ochokos. All except Mantis.
Crane: - Hey, buddy. You must drink to the last drop. -
Mantis: - Is this a joke? Monkey served me the same as you. Look at me! All this sake is heavier than me. -
The six present began to laugh at such a funny situation. Happy and grateful for everything they had achieved and for being with his friends. But when they felt the footsteps of someone approaching, they got a little nervous. Monkey hurriedly hid the bottle while each one hid the ochokos in any place they could think. Finally, the old Zheng peeked in the door.
The goose, now of advanced age, had served the palace for many years, and over time, became very close to Po and the Furious Five. Sometimes, he even gave them tips of everyday things in life, something that Kung Fu masters usually forgot. Zheng peeked into the kitchen and saw the teachers sitting quietly at the table, silent, but he knew they were hiding something.
Zheng: - Did they drink again? -
Crane: - Ha. He rediscovered us. -
Zheng: - Despite being the greatest Kung Fu masters in all of China, sometimes you behave like children. -
Monkey: - Relax buddy. Do you want a little? -
Zheng: - I dont drink in service. -
Po: - What brings you here? -
Zheng: - I have a message. For master Tigress. - The goose pulled out a roll from a bag that hung from one of his sides and gave it to the teacher.
Tigress: - Thank you, Zheng. -
Viper: - How is your son, Jian? -
Zheng: - The boy is happy. Since he started Kung Fu training, he hasn't taken a day off. -
Po: - It's good to know. -
Zheng: - Well. Ill now retire. And don't drink in the palace. -
Monkey: - Sir, yes sir. - He said with a mocking tone making everyone present laugh out loud.
Zheng left the kitchen, leaving the teachers in great curiosity about the message that had reached Tigress. It was quite a fine scroll and had various decorations. Without a doubt, it was something very important.
Tigress: - It belongs to Master Crocodile. -
Po: - Master Crocodile? From the Gongmen Masters Council? -
Tigress opened the scroll and began to read inside while the rest waited curiously. So, Tigress finished reading, but she showed some concern on her face.
Viper: - Tigress. Did something bad happen? -
Tigress: - What? - She said something distracted. - Oh. No, is not that. - She paused slightly. - They want me to join the Gongmen Masters Council. -
Everyone except Tigress: - What? -
Tigress: - Yes,I know. It's crazy right? -
Mantis: - What are you talking about? -
Viper: - It's an incredible opportunity. -
Tigress: - What? I can't belong to the Council of Masters. I have no qualities to be there. -
Monkey: - What do you say? You always tell us what to do. -
Monkey's taunt brought out some laughs disguised, but they were quickly appeased when Viper caught their attention. Tigress looked worried, she thought she didn't have what was necessary for such an honor. It was then that Po intervened after a long sigh trying to distract himself from Monkey's comment.
Po: - Tigress. When we went to Gongmen to stop Shen... I have to admit I was a bit scared... well... pretty scared. But even after facing those mighty cannons you kept calm. Even though I refused to admit it. The decision for Crane and I to stay in the prison with the teachers was the best option. If I had listened to you, everything would have been different. -
Viper: - Not to mention that you almost died when Shen shot you. -
Po: - And that too... The point is... that of everyone at this table you have proven to be the most capable and the one that has made the best decisions... Except for when you went to face Tai Lung on your own. - Everyone laughed a little. - And I'm sure master Crocodile saw something in you. Something you are not yet able to see. Even so, both I and all of us know that you are capable of achieving it... and much more. -
Tigress: - Are you sure? -
Tigress asked doubtfully, but seeing how her friends nodded their heads while looking at her with great joy on their faces, the teacher was filled with confidence and accepted such an honor.
Monkey: - Ok. This needs to be celebrated. -
Monkey mischievously took out the sake bottle again and the six masters continued to have fun, happy at the very great news.
On the morning of the second day. Tigress was ready to start her journey towards the great city of Gongmen, carrying a modest backpack with some food and items for her trip. Tigress was on the outskirts of the Jade Palace, where she said goodbye with joy and sadness to her friends.
Tigress wanted to say goodbye martially, something very characteristic of her, but Po interrupted her with a strong hug that included the five teachers.
Tigress: - Very well, Po. I think that was enough. -
Po: - There are things that never change. - Po released the teachers from his embrace.
Monkey: - We're going to miss you. -
Crane: - Incredible. So many years have passed. -
Mantis: - Don't forget to write. -
Viper: - We will always be here to support you. -
Po: - Good luck. Old friend. -
Tigress: - Thank you very much. Master. -
Tigress bowed to Po one last time, and both he and the rest of the teachers responded in kind. And so, after a modest farewell, Tigress set out on her own path to the great city of Gongmen.
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