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(A/N's Note): Hello hello readers and welcome to the next chapter in the story! I hope you're all still recovering from the last chapter with that twist! Well... now we find out how that twist plays out... happy reading loves! A~ xoxo
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As Y/N and Tigress walked side by side toward the dining hall, their conversation flowed easily, as it often did when they discussed combat techniques. Tigress, ever the perfectionist, was detailing her strategies for an upcoming sparring session, her calm, precise voice cutting through the quiet evening air. Y/N listened intently, nodding occasionally, her thoughts momentarily distracted from the weight on her shoulders after Shen's unexpected appearance.
"You're improving," Tigress said, glancing over at Y/N. "Your strikes are stronger, more controlled. If you keep this up, you might even be able to outlast Po in combat. Not in strength, of course, but in stamina."
Y/N forced a small smile, though her mind was still racing with the memory of Shen standing before her, alive. "I'll need more than stamina if I want to take on the responsibilities of Gongmen," she replied, trying to refocus on the present. She leaned into the conversation, eager for anything to distract her from the looming chaos. "And I have to admit, the Ironwood Tree training has been brutal. But worth it."
Tigress chuckled lightly, though her expression remained serious. "The Ironwood tests your endurance, both mentally and physically. Once you master it, you won't just feel invincible—you will be."
As they continued to talk and eat, sharing insights on various techniques, neither of them noticed Po's absence.
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Meanwhile, Po, ever the clumsy yet determined Dragon Warrior, was tiptoeing through the Jade Palace halls, trying to be as stealthy as possible. He winced every time a floorboard squeaked beneath his weight, muttering to himself, "Why does everything have to creak in this place?"
He had searched nearly every room, but Master Shifu was nowhere to be found. With each step, Po grew more frantic, knowing he needed to get answers about the red and white feather he had found. The more he thought about it, the more convinced he became that it belonged to Shen. But how? He had struck Shen down, hadn't he?
Finally, after what felt like hours of searching, Po made his way to the meditation hall. Inside, Master Shifu was sitting cross-legged, surrounded by candles that flickered gently. His serene figure was framed by tapestries of cherry blossoms, swaying slightly in the breeze coming through the open windows.
Shifu's ears twitched as he sensed the presence behind him, and without opening his eyes, he calmly said, "Whoever is making so much noise, please calm down." His voice was soft but firm, commanding the peace of the room to be restored. He whispered, "Thank you," and returned to his meditation.
But Po, out of breath and desperate, wasn't about to slow down. He burst through the doors, panting heavily as he made his way toward Shifu, the feather still clutched in his hand.
"Master Shifu!" Po wheezed, his chest heaving. "I... I need to talk to you... It's important!"
Shifu opened his eyes slowly, his calm demeanor briefly faltering as he stood and turned to face the breathless panda. "Po," he said, relaxing when he realized who it was. "It's just you. Are you alright?"
Po shook his head rapidly, thrusting the feather into Shifu's hands. "I found this," he gasped. "It looks like Shen's... But Shen's gone, right? I mean, we... I thought I—"
