Thank you, guys, for reading Chapter 4 of The Story of Jinjing 3.

I'm really sorry that it took me so long to write this. Please forgive me, readers.

Announcement: I will post The Road to El Dorado FanFiction called The Heart of El Dorado sometime after the New Year, I think, I don't know when yet. Summary: What if Tulio had a sister? Join Angelina, his daring sibling, as she embarks on a thrilling adventure with her brother and his charismatic partner, Miguel. Together, they navigate the challenges of reaching El Dorado, where secrets, romance, and danger await. As Angelina pursues her dreams of exploration, she discovers that the quest for gold may lead her to uncover a deeper purpose and the true meaning of loyalty.

Will Jinjing take the offer from the Phoenix Blaze Academy to teach kung fu or will she not? Let me know.
The poll is open. Please vote.

Here's Chapter 5. Enjoy!

Chapter 5

Jinjing stood at the steps of the Jade Palace, the letter from Phoenix Blaze Academy held tightly in her paw. The words echoed in her mind: Your journey, filled with perseverance, bravery, and heart, serves as an inspiration.

She exhaled slowly, the horizon before her a mirror of the uncertainty she felt within. Why me?

The sound of steady, familiar footsteps drew her attention. Turning, she saw Shifu approach, his staff tapping softly against the stone. His sharp eyes softened as he studied her expression.

"You've been standing here for some time," he said. "Is something on your mind?"

Wordlessly, Jinjing handed him the letter. He read it carefully, his brow furrowing slightly. "An honor few receive," he remarked. "But I sense hesitation."

Jinjing crossed her arms, her gaze dropping. "It's not just the offer—it's what it means. Leaving the Jade Palace, leaving all of you... I don't know if I'm ready."

Shifu nodded, resting his paw on her shoulder. "This choice is yours alone, Jinjing. But you have never shied away from what is difficult."

"Sometimes, the hardest choices require the most reflection," came a warm voice.

Jinjing turned to see Yue approaching, her purple robes flowing gracefully. The rabbit's jade-green eyes were filled with understanding as she smiled at Jinjing.

"I heard about the letter," Yue said gently. "This is a rare opportunity, but it's not a decision to be rushed. Remember, Dongmei and Longwei would be so proud of the warrior you've become."

Jinjing swallowed the lump in her throat. "It's just... I've always been here. The Jade Palace is home."

"Home isn't always a place," Yue said, glancing briefly at Shifu. "It's the people who love you. And no matter where you go, that love will remain."

"What if I fail?" Jinjing asked, her voice barely above a whisper. "What if I'm not the teacher they think I can be?"

"Failure is only certain if you don't try," Shifu replied firmly. "Your students would be fortunate to learn from someone like you."

"And don't forget," Yue added with a knowing smile, "you've been teaching Po when he became the Dragon Warrior, then you started a kung fu class for beginners for children who wanted to learn. You've already proven yourself."

Jinjing managed a small smile. "You both make it sound so easy."

"It's not," Yue admitted, her voice soft. "But you have the strength to make the choice, whatever it may be. And if you decide to stay, no one here will think less of you." [1]

Before Jinjing could respond, the lively voices of the Furious Five echoed from the training hall. Tigress approached first, her keen eyes catching sight of the letter in Jinjing's paw.

"What's that?" Tigress asked, her tone curious but gentle.

Jinjing hesitated, glancing at Yue and Shifu before answering. "It's an offer from Phoenix Blaze Academy. They want me to teach."

The words hung in the air, and for a moment, the group was silent. Then, to Jinjing's surprise, Tigress spoke up, her voice unwavering. "If they see your potential, it's because it's there. And we see it too."

Viper stepped closer, her voice kind. "Whatever you decide, we're behind you."

As her friends' encouragement filled the air, Jinjing felt the weight of the decision still pressing on her—but now, it seemed just a little lighter.

*KFP*

Jinjing, Shifu, Yue, and the Furious Five heard a commotion coming from the Hall of Warriors, so they decided to check it out. As they entered, they saw Po pulling the red cloth away and turning his head. He stops in fright when he sees a shocked Shifu, Yue, Jinjing, and the Five staring at him.

"Oh," Po said as he drops every artifact he wore and waves. After he notices Master Rat's army's helmets on his fingers, he quickly brushes them off and tries to look innocent.

An unknown figure continues to charge—unaware of the others' presence.

"I got you. I'm gonna get you," the stranger said as he bumps Po repeatedly. "Who's got you? Who's gonna get you? Yeah, who's gonna get you?"

Po attempts to shush the unknown figure. "Shhh. Master Rhino."

"Why, what's wrong?" he paused and turned to see the others. In a panic, he tosses the metal ball behind his shoulder. The ball breaks the Urn of Whispering Warriors. The Urn of Whispering Warriors let out a groan. "Hello."

Jinjing softly groaned. "Again? We need to start labeling on what artifacts are fragile."

"I agree with you, dear," Yue softly said to the female red panda.

Shifu, Jinjing, and the Five glare at the stranger with obvious anger on their faces while Yue is still in shock.

"Guys, guys, you're never gonna guess who just showed up. Not in a million years. You can't… you just try—" Po began as the stranger lifts the helmet slightly, revealing another panda.

"Your father!" Shifu, Jinjing, Yue, and the Five said in unison, and immediately all their angry and shock expressions disappeared.

"Whoa, how did you guess that? Oh, wait a second. Yeah, of course. We look exactly the same. Say hi to my friends. Mantis, Tigress, Monkey, Crane, and Viper."

The older panda shakes Monkey's hand. "Oh, Viper, was it?"

Monkey smiles. "Monkey, sir."

"They're kind of my best friends. This is Jinjing. She's like a little sister to me. This is Yue, she's Jinjing's honorary aunt and the nicest nurse at the Valley of Peace."

"It's very nice to meet you, sir," Jinjing greeted Po's father.

"Please call me Li Shan," he says. The female red panda smiled.

Yue shakes her hand with Li. "Hello."

"And this… this is Master Shifu. Legend," Po introduces Li to Shifu.

Shifu greeted Li. "It's an honor to meet you, Master Panda. Perhaps your father would care to join us in the training hall? Your son will be teaching the class. Yue will be joining us as well."

Monkey, Viper, Mantis, and Crane cringe. Jinjing turns to them. "Guys, stop it."

"Oh ho!" an excited Li said.

"I'm sure he's tired. I'm sure you're tired. He's tired. I'm gonna show him the Chrysanthemum Suite," Po cuts in, his words tumbling out faster than usual. Shifu's face falls. Yue looked so confused. Jinjing shook her head.

"What? Tired? No, I'm fine. I would love to watch you teach."

"Trust me. It would be more fun to watch me—" Po began. The bell tower suddenly rings from a distance. "Fight!"

"What is that?" Li questioned.

"The valley is under attack!" Tigress said before she leaped out of the Hall of Warriors, with the Five, Shifu, and Jinjing close behind. The female red panda readied her broadswords.

"Let's go!" Jinjing shouted.

Li grabs Po. "Son? Un-under attack?"

"This is perfect! Now you can see what being the Dragon Warrior is all about. Follow me!" Po said with excitement.

Author's Notes:
1) I wanted to highlight the importance of Jinjing's relationships with Shifu and Yue here. Both characters serve as emotional anchors, guiding her as she navigates her doubts.

What will happen next?

Please review.