Of course Musaki goes for it and his Jade Palace family gives him nothing but support.
Chapter 2: Supporting Musaki
A few days later, Musaki packed up his things and got himself ready for his first kung-fu competition and he was very eager to be a part of something that is definitely an eye-opening experience. Plus, it was a great thing to have it set place in his hometown away from his hometown, Shanghai Secluded Valley. Then, he looks at his treasure chest and sees a white bandana with the Japanese flag on it and as he put it on his head, he sees himself as a Japanese warrior in China.
He lets out a big smile when he steps in the mirror and saw himself with the bandana and it was like seeing his father's reflection standing in front of him. He chuckled softly and said, "Well, dad...looks like we're both warriors today."
Just then, he sees Arizona walking in the room and he could tell that his wolf friend is giving him loads of moral support for what he's set out to do. Musaki turns around and faces Arizona and there was sort of a huge silence between the two of them, neither of them knowing what they're gonna say.
But it didn't take too long as Arizona was the first one to break the silence as he said, "I wish...nothing but the best of luck to you, Musaki."
Musaki smiled at Arizona for a second and he added, "Thanks, Zona. It'll only be for two weeks and hopefully, you'll cheer me on even when you're not there."
Arizona blinked a few times and then he told him, "It must be great to have an opportunity like this coming for you. I've never seen anyone taking those kinds of chances before because I always thought that wolves would never have any of these opportunties...but you...it just got me thinking that I hope some opportunities will come my way soon. And you're like the first inspiration for me."
"It's awesome that I inspire you, Arizona. But let's not make a big deal out of it. As I said, it's just an honor to be there and I wouldn't have it any other way. And whatever opportunity comes your way, I have your back...always. And don't be afraid to take it because there's only one shot or one opportunity that's just too good to let it slip away." Musaki said.
Those words made it feel like something that either Master Oogway or Master Shifu would say to Arizona, but having it told from Musaki made it feel like he's empowered and even though he's only young, he has the makings of a person with a lot of wisdom. The young wolf chuckled softly and asked, "How'd you get to be so wise?"
"I don't know. Maybe spending 4 years here in the Jade Palace was the reason for that...or my grandfather...or my dad before he died." Musaki answered.
Arizona lets out a deep sigh and said, "Fair enough."
Musaki picks up most of his stuff and Arizona helped him carry some more as he set foot out of the palace doors and just as he was about to make his way, he looks up and sees Po, Shifu and the Five coming in front of him with smiles and hopeful faces and even a little sketch of Musaki being in first place and reads 'Musaki is our #1!' on the bottom of the sketch.
He lets out a smile and it warmed his heart to see them bring out an outpouring of support for his endurance he'll take and he said, "Aw, you guys...thank you so much."
Monkey walked up in front of him and he said, "Always do your best at no matter what you do."
Then, Crane walks in front of him and said with a smile, "Win or lose, you're our hero."
Mantis hopped into Musaki's shoulder and said to him, "Go kick competition in the boo-tay! Kick some insane butt, kid. And I guarantee you, you'll be surrounded by the ladies...if you know what I mean."
Then, Mantis lets out a little tongue click and as soon as he got down on the ground, he received a tail swipe to the head from Viper and she went to Musaki and said, "Ignore what Mantis said about the ladies and you'll be fine. And always remember that we're proud of you and I know you'll do us proud."
Po was the next one to say some supporting words and he said, "Make these competitors bring on the thunda! I know it's my trademark, but I'll pass it onto you, my little bro. Embrace your awesomeness and stay true to who you are and don't let anyone else tell you different. Just be the best Musaki you can be."
Everyone, including Musaki himself was shocked and floored to hear something straight out of Po's mouth, giving Musaki encouraging wisdom and advice and Shifu blurted out, "For once, you finally said something that actually makes sense."
"I got it from you." Po added.
Despite the little compliment Po gave to Shifu, his focus was on Musaki as he went over to him and told him, "If your father sees you right now, I know that he'll be very proud of you just as we all are. Do your best and don't let anything deter you throughout this competition for I know you will come back victorious."
Musaki smiled at Shifu for a second and then told him, "You're like another father to me, Shifu. You may not replace my dad, but I'm just honored to be your student...as well as your adopted son. And also a great fit for the Bushido-Akio clan."
That warmed up Shifu's heart to hear that coming from Musaki because he did feel like there's a personal, emotional connection towards him since he first arrived at the Jade Palace when he was 13 and through the years, Musaki has come full circle throughout and he grew into the young person he is now. He smiled and said, "You've grown a lot over the years, Musaki. And I am very glad to see who you are right now."
And then, Tigress was the last one to say something to him. Although the talk Musaki gave him almost lifted her boost, she was still afraid to say anything to him because she's not sure how his reaction would be. She wasn't quite sure what to say and Musaki was waiting for an answer coming from her.
She lets out a huge sigh and then said, "This is very hard for me to say what I want to say to you."
Musaki could tell that she was still distancing herself away from supporting him and he said, "It's cool, Tigress."
And just like that, her fears took over her and she lets that opportunity slip out of her claws and as Musaki gathered up his stuff, he looks at all of them and he said, "Wish me luck, guys."
He bows to them and they bowed to him back as Musaki departs from the steps, Tigress felt a huge spawn of regret of not coming up with words to say to encourage Musaki for the kung-fu competition because she still feels guilt over treating Musaki horribly since he first arrived at the Jade Palace nearly 4 years ago and that she didn't deserve his kindness and respect. She lets out a big sigh and Po could tell that it was definitely bothering her immediately.
"You really wanted to wish him good luck, did you?" asked Po.
Tigress looked at Po in the eyes and replied, "Yes. But after the way I've treated him for years, I just don't want to hurt him again. I don't deserve his kindness...so I let it slip away. It's too late now."
He patted her in the shoulder and said, "You still have a chance because he's still walking down those steps. It's never too late for anything, Tigress."
Those words definitely brought out some encouragement for her and without warning, she walked towards the steps and she stills sees Musaki walking down and she quickly went in front of him and told him, "I want to say that...I wish you in all the best in everything you do. And I hope you'll make all of us proud no matter what. And also...I'm honored to call you my little brother."
It warmed up Musaki's heart to hear those come out of the one member of the Furious Five that he strongly dislikes when he was an orphan and he finally said, "It took ya that long to actually give me words of encouragement?"
"Yes." Tigress replied.
Musaki smiled at her and she said, "Well, it's a start."
Tigress then hugged him tightly and Musaki didn't know what to expect, but he accepted it anyway and hugged her as well. Then, he could see she was still holding him and said, "Tigress...you can let go now."
She broke off the hug and chuckled nervously, saying, "Sorry. That was out of my conduct."
"Hey, don't be. Just let that side of you come out more often...if you want to." Musaki added.
Tigress nodded her head and said, "I promise."
Just then, Musaki made his way out of the palace steps, while Tigress watched him from behind and just thought to herself, 'You're the redefinition of a strong warrior; kind, true and optimistic. I wish I can learn it from you.'
"Good luck...Lil' Saki." Tigress said, softly.
Suddenly, Po immediately blurted out, "Whoa-ho! Tigress finally said 'Lil' Saki!' I knew you were a sourpuss!"
Tigress immediately ran up to Po, crawled between his legs and raised her head directly towards Po's nuts, in which Po cried out in pain whilst holding his crotch, whimpering like a little baby.
Tigress chuckled softly and said, "It's not everyday I learn a fighting skill from Musaki."
"That explains so much." Po said, in a squeaky tone.
Did Tigress actually use some of Musaki's tricks? Pretty hilarious though? Musaki's adventure begins!
