Thanks to the "benevolence" of Fire Nation Emperor Ozai, the order of banishnt was not imdiately carried out, giving Zuko a few days to recover from his injuries and prepare.
After the first day, everyone's emotions had stabilized.
What was done was done, and it was more important to plan for the future.
Once reason returned, Iroh realized that he didn't actually have to make the difficult choice between Zuko and Kahn.
He could simply bring Kahn along as well.
But Kahn still chose to stay.
Although the idea of the three of them staying together sounded good, a little analysis revealed it was not a wise choice.
It was like putting all their eggs in one basket.
While remaining in the Fire Nation was sowhat dangerous, it also provided room for maneuver.
At the sa ti, Azula still needed his help.
Not only regarding the matter of Ursa, but if he left as well, he worried Azula might fall back under Ozai's influence.
Moreover, after witnessing everything Ozai had done over the years, especially this incident, Kahn had no intention of letting it go.
On the other hand, although Zuko was banished, it did not an he was free.
He still had a mission—to find the Avatar.
Everyone knew how absurd this mission was.
The Avatar had not appeared for nearly a hundred years.
Kahn asked Iroh:
"Uncle Iroh, do you think the Avatar is still alive?"
"Perhaps."
"The Avatar's disappearance was very strange, and no one can be certain that he has truly vanished forever."
Iroh explained that a hundred years ago, the Fire Nation had used the power of the cot to eliminate the Air Nomads.
However, the Avatar was not found at that ti.
In addition, each nation had temples dedicated to the Avatar.
These temples contained statues of every generation of Avatar, along with attendants who served them.
Whenever an Avatar died or was reborn, the statues would react accordingly.
Through this, people could quickly locate the new Avatar and assist them during their growth.
But after the Air Nomads were annihilated, the statues never reacted again.
It was as if they had beco ordinary stone.
Thus, whether the Avatar had truly died or was still reincarnating, no one knew.
Even so, so people continued to hold onto hope.
From that ti onward, the Fire Nation had searched the entire world for traces of the Avatar.
Zuko was not the first to be given such a task, and perhaps would not be the last.
However, regardless of whether the Avatar was alive, Kahn did not like placing his hopes on uncertainty.
When it ca to dealing with Ozai, they had to rely on themselves.
"Since you've made up your mind, I won't say anything more."
"Whatever you do, be extra careful and prioritize your safety."
Iroh earnestly advised Kahn.
Then, he took out a Pai Sho tile engraved with a lotus flower and handed it to him.
Kahn recognized it imdiately.
It was the White Lotus tile that Iroh often used.
"This is...?"
"It will be difficult for to help you directly in the future."
"You will have to rely on yourself."
"But if you encounter difficulties, take this tile and wander through the markets."
"You may receive unexpected help."
Iroh spoke in his usual mysterious manner.
…Uncle Iroh, you really have too many secrets.
What kind of organization is this?
Kahn played with the tile in his hand, unable to resist complaining.
Iroh truly was a treasure trove, always surprising him in unexpected ways.
Kahn couldn't help but wonder how much Iroh had done behind the scenes all these years.
Iroh chuckled.
"You'll understand when the ti cos."
"For now, let keep you in suspense."
Alright, another riddle.
Kahn had grown used to it.
Iroh continued:
"I originally intended to teach you this technique slowly."
"It is sothing I developed myself."
"But now, there isn't much ti."
"I hope you can master it as quickly as possible."
"Once you do, I will feel much more at ease."
At last, Iroh intended to fulfill the promise he had made earlier.
Under different circumstances, this mont might have felt more pleasant.
Due to the urgency, Iroh began teaching imdiately.
He hoped Kahn could master the technique before he and Zuko departed.
At the training ground, Iroh said:
"You sparred with Azula recently."
"I believe you've already witnessed Lightningbending."
Kahn nodded, still feeling lingering fear.
"Yes."
"It is an extrely domineering technique, with almost unmatched power."
Originally, with the enhancent of Heatbending, his advantage against Firebenders had grown significantly.
But against Lightningbending, he was helpless.
Lightningbending was not only powerful, but also incredibly fast.
In battle, one could only dodge before it was released.
Once the lightning appeared, it was nearly impossible to resist.
Although few people could master it, the opponent he would face in the future—
Fire Nation Emperor Ozai—
Was highly skilled in this art.
This placed great pressure on him.
"Precisely because of that, you must learn this technique."
Iroh said:
"It is a technique I created after drawing inspiration from Waterbending."
"It is specifically designed to counter Lightningbending."
"I call it Lightning Redirection."
"It will compensate for your final weakness."
—
Day of Farewell
Zuko's injuries had not fully healed.
His head was still wrapped in bandages, and he moved with difficulty.
He looked extrely weak.
But compared to his physical condition, his ntal state was even worse.
His eyes were lifeless, as if he had lost all hope.
His own father had scarred him and banished him.
Not everyone could endure such a blow.
Seeing Zuko like this, Kahn felt his anger rise again.
It was not only anger toward Ozai, but also disappointnt in Zuko.
He took a deep breath and suppressed his emotions.
Then he said:
"Follow Iroh and study properly from now on."
"Not just Firebending."
"Don't forget your ambition."
Zuko had always said that he wanted to beco a good ruler who served his country and its people.
Zuko's hoarse and dispirited voice responded:
"Do you think soone like now…"
"I will help you."
"Uncle Iroh will help you too."
Kahn placed a hand on Zuko's shoulder and looked directly into his eyes.
"But if you give up on yourself, then everything is truly over."
"Are you willing to accept this outco?"
"Do you truly have no objections to Ozai's actions?"
"Think about your mother."
"Think about Mai."
"Think about what you once said…"
"Think about what you truly want, Zuko!"
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