Strong

The Question

"I am truly sorry," Tigress apologized, releasing his forearm. "I didn't mean to-" 

"That... that's alright," Platon said, nursing his forearm. His smile left him as he stared at his forearm like a huge bug had ripped out his muscles while he gawked at the horror. 

"Is something troubling you, Councilman Platon?" 

"Hmm? Nothing, nothing. Just... surprised at your pupil's strength," Platon briefly smiled to Master Shifu. "And Master Viper. I would shake your hand, but uh."

"Hehe, I understand," She replied sweetly. The guards still stared at each other as Platon continued. 

"Well, now that we've gotten the pleasantries out of the way, I would love to see the famous Jade Palace in its entirety."

"Huh?" Po said. 

"He wants a tour," Tigress whispered to him. 

"Oh, why didn't he just say that?"

Tigress sighed, "Not everyone talks the same, Po." The group walked down the halls and chambers of the Jade Palace with their new Councilman. The guards acted like his shadows, pressing near him everywhere he went. 

"Uh... excuse me. Just need to squeezy bye," Po grunted as he tried to slip by the enormous rhinos.

"You're the Dragon Warrior, right?" Asked the guard on the right, the one he was squeezing by. Po nodded. "How strong are you?" 

"Oh uh... strong, I guess. You know after fighting Kai and stuff you get strong. Not that I like the brag or anything."

"Are you as strong as that tiger woman there?" The guard pointed to Tigress, who was in the front of the train alongside Shifu. 

"Well, maybe not that kind of strong," Po chuckled. "I mean, come on. Tigress is the Master of awesome muscle strength. She could break someone just by looking at them! I should know," The panda nervously chuckled. "Besides, I'm good at my own thing."

"Which might not be enough," muttered the guard on the left. 

"Shhhh!" Hushed the right guard. 

"Huh?" Po asked.

"What my friend here is trying to say is that it doesn't hurt to boost your strength. You always have to improve as a master, right?" 

"I... I guess. Why do you care about my strength... Mr...?"

"Mr. Three and this is my counterpart, Mr. Four." Po's head tilted to the side. "They're codenames we use to protect our identities. Criminals... or other people, might harm us and our families if we're not careful."

"But why three and four?" Po asked. 

"Because one and two died under mysterious circumstances," Mr. Four said. Po gulped. 

"Don't let my friend bother you," Mr. Three counseled, "He embodies the mother of death and grief combined. I ask about your strength because of the... criminal. He's very powerful with very  powerful enemies. It could mean the end of your life if you're not strong enough." Po's eyes widened into saucers as a heavy hoofed hand from the rhino rested on his shoulder. "But don't worry, I'm sure you'll get there with some training."

"Hehe, okay?" The panda uneasily tapped his fingers together as the guards proceed on with Platon to the Training Hall. As Master Shifu explained how the system worked, Po sat back and fixated on the floor, crossing his arms and legs. 

"Po?"

"AHHH! Oh! Ugh! Geez, Tigress stop scaring me like that."

"Are you okay? You look angry," Tigress said.