Another Tigress and Musaki moment where she's still surprised that whatever challenge Musaki's been given, he takes it very well like he's a pro.

Chapter 15: Acknowledging

By the end of the third week, Musaki was sitting on the Peach Tree, just thinking about everything that had occured during those three weeks of kung-fu summer camp and how he became adapted into being a counselor and trainer and it was like the best thing that had ever happened to him and that he's extremely lucky to have this experience. Not to mention, training with Lazarus and Kenji gave him the tools to become a great master and the confidence to be his own version of a kung-fu master.

He lets out a big sigh as he feels the wind blowing through his fur and most of the cherry blossoms blew through the tree and is a little saddened that they're gonna reach the final week, but hopes that he'll make that last week count the most.

"Musaki?"

Musaki turns around and sees Tigress coming in to check on him and he asked, "What's up?"

Tigress sat down next to Musaki near the tree and she answered, "What Lazarus and Kenji did back there a few days ago...I've never seen anything like that before."

Musaki was surprised that Tigress is giving him a compliment on Kenji and Lazarus' skills and he didn't expect that coming from her and he said, "Thanks. They're like really amazing, these Huskies."

She then sighed and told her, "But it's not that. I meant how you kept not just them but the others in line. Whenever I see you handling situations and correcting them really well, it made me think how can I do something like that?"

Musaki didn't know how to respond to that and he said, "What do you mean?"

"I mean...the way you toned Nate down to correcting some of the kids' mistakes without being angry and giving them advice. It's like you have patience, encouragement and positive reinforcement with the occasional discipline usage." Tigress added.

"Oh, that...being here for 4 years helped me out with that. My guardians; Shakur and Brutus really helped me in the guidelines of kung-fu. Throughout most of my late childhood at the orphanage, whenever I'd make a mistake or something...these two would often guide me through what's expected, but always said to follow my own path and get back up when you fall down. And even when things seem gloomy and dark, always face it with a smile. They always encourage me to do whatever I set my mind to and are very patient with me so that's pretty much why I'm like that. I used to think they were the first ones to give me that type of encoruagement, but looking back before my parents died...they were always the first ones as well as my grandparents and my relatives to see me accomplish great things and that I'll always receive a victory for my family."

Tigress seemed very mesmerized by everything Musaki said and she looked away for a second because she could see in him that he has this desire to be his own master and knowing that he's gained a lot of strength, wisdom and knowledge since being adopted in the Jade Palace 4 years ago, that's the major thing that she fears most...being credited along with the masters for Musaki's growing sense of maturity and helping him adapt into the person he is today.

"I've never been able to do that." Tigress added.

Musaki looked at her and he said, "I didn't know it either, but now I can take whatever life throws at me and just go with it. In my mind, when it comes to my kung-fu skills, I always do it with a lot of heart."

"Heart?" asked Tigress, confusedly.

Musaki nods his head and he said, "That's the common strength I always use...my heart. Some might think my fighting skills are my strength, but it's not really true. It just comes from my heart and if I do become a kung-fu master, I really wanna make a huge difference in the world...not just for fame or getting China's accolades."

"And how's that?"

"By still remaining a good person, helping other people along the way, comfort those who are down on themselves and shine a light in the world. My father saw me as bringing hope, happiness, light, peace and joyfulness around everyone else."

Tigress was blown away by Musaki's optimistic way of life and didn't really know how to react to it, other than just become completely speechless about it and she said, "I never knew you would actually do that."

"How do you think my father named me Xing-Fu Musaki Ko-Kanji Bushido-Akio Meng Cheng Xi-Wang?" Musaki asked.

"What do those mean?" asked Tigress.

"It basically consists of both Chinese and Japanese meaning. 'Xing-Fu' means joyful or happiness, 'Ko'; happiness, light and peace, 'Kanji'; innocence, 'Bushido'; way of the warrior, 'Akio'; glorious hero, 'Meng'; spirit, 'Cheng'; accomplished and 'Xi-Wang'; hope, wish and desire." Musaki explained.

Those meanings are what made Tigress a little envious about how Musaki became all of those things and wishes that she would have Musaki's traits. She then lets out a huge sigh and she said, "Musaki...I believe that you'll make a great master someday...and that I'm sorry."

Musaki was surprised to hear the last part and he asked, "For what?"

"For not making you feel like you're one of us here. I've always been really jealous of you since you've gotten older that you've taken everything we taught you and even after tragedy, you're still able to smile about it and get through it all without letting it drag you down. I can tell you've gained more strength and the reason why I've been that way towards you is that I wished I could've lived your life the way you do."

Musaki stared at her for a second and he said, "You don't have to be like me to gain those things. And I've always suspected that you were trying to use my moves to gain Shifu's approval. Why are you always so worried about everything I do?"

Tigress knew that that question was coming and she lets out another big sigh and replied, "Because I want to make Shifu proud of me and I don't want him to label me as a 'disappointment' as a master. He's always proud of you and I just feel like I want him to be proud of me."

"Tigress...we have one master. But it doesn't mean that he values one over the other. He always respects us equally. And besides, I've gotten over what had happened anyway so I prefer living a good life over feeling bitterness and resentment." Musaki said.

Tigress started to understand what he said and she said, "Shifu told me to bring you over to the Hall of Heroes for a second."

Musaki graciously accepted the request and made his way over to the Hall of Heroes with Tigress and when he got there, he seeks Shifu along with the others and as he came in, Musaki asked, "What's all this?"

Shifu looks at Musaki for a second and he said, "For the past three weeks, you've definitely impressed me more than anything with your teaching and counselor skills. Even though you're new, it feels as though you've done it for years. Most teenagers don't usually have that experience as you do."

Viper slithered over to Musaki and she said, "I think you're on your way of becoming a very special kung-fu master."

Suddenly, Shifu comes over and said, "Which is why...we're very proud to have you as our rookie counselor and honorary future master."

Those titles made Musaki smile more and Tigress couldn't help but feel happy for Musaki and he said, "Thanks, guys. And you're the reason why I always do what I do with a lot of strength coming from my heart."

"And it shows. You ready for the last week of kung-fu camp?" asked Shifu.

"I'll do more than that...I'll make it worthwhile." Musaki said, smiling.

How will the final week of the kung-fu summer camp be? You'll find out soon enough!