YES tea equals saving a life!
I found the first part with the shadow men a bit confusing at first, but now I think I get the gist of what evil plots they are up to. And I am now pretty certain that the men are Palmer and his father. BTW, was that comment about family ties and the Commander-in-thief a reference to old Dubya? The boot certainly fits.
I found the second part nothing exceptional (by broken saints standards) but it is these small parts that keep the story moving. I am very sad at how wasted poor Shandala looks, she looks almost as old as Kamimura. I found it rather sweet to see the four saints finally together, talking together over cups of tea (to which I am quite addicted.) And I am not worried by what Kamimura put in it, although calling it poison was a mistake in terminology. I can't wait to see the consequences, and if they are still mad at him after.
Tea makes everything better!
gets my fours