Just as Iroh said, without his protection, his situation would beco even more difficult, and Kahn imdiately felt the truth of those words.
Just one day after Iroh and Zuko left, Ozai summoned him and Azula.
Although he didn't know the reason, he knew it wouldn't be anything good.
The two arrived before the main hall and exchanged knowing glances.
Not only him, but even Azula had not been notified beforehand.
Ozai, seated on the throne, looked the sa as ever, but the weight of power made him appear increasingly majestic and solemn, and the silent hall made one's breath catch.
He slowly scanned the two of them below, finally fixing his gaze on Kahn, and spoke in a tone devoid of emotion:
"You saw Iroh and Zuko off yesterday, didn't you?"
"Do you know why they left?"
Isn't it because you, you old tyrant, issued the exile order?
Kahn grumbled inwardly, but his expression remained unreadable on the surface.
Having spent so much ti with Azula, his acting skills had reached a respectable level.
"Zuko was exiled because he violated regulations and offended you."
"That's correct, but not entirely."
"Zuko is my son."
"If he had rely offended , it wouldn't have mattered much."
"And although he violated regulations, I did give him a chance to make ands."
At this point, Ozai even sighed, as if he were truly thinking of Zuko.
The next second, his tone hardened again:
"But the most fatal flaw is that, as the future Fire Lord of the Fire Nation, he acted too cowardly!"
"He didn't even dare to strike his opponent in an Agni Kai!"
"The Fire Nation is currently at its most crucial mont."
"Unifying the entire world and allowing everyone to share in our nation's peace and prosperity—this long-cherished wish will surely be realized in my hands!"
"But Zuko's performance is so disappointing."
"How can I be at ease?"
"How can the people of the Fire Nation be at ease?"
"Compared to Zuko, it is my daughter Azula whose performance has been consistently satisfactory."
"Perhaps she is the successor the people of the Fire Nation truly expect."
Hearing Ozai's words, even Azula couldn't help but show a surprised expression.
However, she quickly composed herself and responded calmly:
"Thank you for the praise, Father."
"I will continue to work hard."
Clearly, Azula had not expected Ozai to suddenly say sothing like that.
What did he an?
Did he intend for Azula to inherit his throne?
At first, Kahn found it sowhat unbelievable, but upon closer thought, it seed there was nothing strange about it.
Perhaps it was because the gap between Benders and ordinary people was far more significant than the difference between n and won.
Additionally, the Avatar, who held an extraordinary status in this world, did not reincarnate with a fixed gender; there had been both male and female Avatars.
Based on these reasons, the status of n and won in this world was relatively equal.
In the histories he had read, there had also been quite a few female rulers.
Although everything here resembled ancient tis from his holand, it was clearly only a superficial similarity.
In reality, the two were not the sa.
At this mont, Kahn's perspective broadened.
But no matter what, his current identity was that of Azula's subordinate, soone she had personally taken under her wing.
So he naturally should support such a decision.
Kahn imdiately stated:
"Your Majesty is wise."
"I will fully support Princess Azula!"
"Very good."
"In fact, I happen to have a suitable task right now, and I want the two of you to handle it."
"This should be an excellent opportunity for training."
After speaking at length, Ozai finally revealed his true intention and got to the point.
"A small group of troops has betrayed our nation and deserted the army."
"Your mission is simple—"
"Find them and eliminate them."
"Make them understand the cost of betrayal!"
"And if you can complete this mission excellently, I believe the army will resound with praise for you."
"Azula, my dear daughter, do not disappoint ."
"Yes, Father."
"I will make them deeply understand its aning."
Azula agreed without hesitation, a look of eager anticipation appearing on her face.
Eliminate rebels?
Kahn couldn't help but frown slightly, as if he could already sll the scent of blood behind this mission.
The key issue was that he felt this mission was not as simple as it sounded.
After assigning the task, Ozai dismissed them.
On the way back, Kahn kept pondering the true purpose of this mission.
The main reason was that the target—rebels from the Fire Nation army—already sounded sowhat suspicious.
"Hey, what do you think?"
Azula interrupted Kahn's thoughts.
Facing her question, he asked in confusion:
"What do you an?"
" becoming the Fire Lord of the Fire Nation."
"What do you think?"
"Although I hadn't considered it before, I think the idea is quite good."
Azula said, stroking her chin.
She had to admit that Ozai's summons today had truly surprised her.
"He never told you about this before?"
"No."
"Perhaps he saw Zuko leave and decided to use this to tempt ."
"But this proposal truly suits my taste."
"He really lives up to being my 'dear father'."
Although Azula saw through Ozai's sche, she was genuinely interested.
"So, what do you think?"
"Or do you support my foolish brother instead?"
"?"
Kahn thought for a mont and smiled:
"I actually don't care."
"Whether the future Fire Lord is you, Zuko, or Uncle Iroh, it makes little difference to ."
After saying that, he chuckled even more.
After all, the future Fire Lord could only be Azula, Zuko, or Iroh, and all three had close ties with him.
No matter who beca Fire Lord, he could rely on them.
It was simply a win-win situation.
Thinking of this, Kahn's determination to oppose Ozai grew even stronger.
Who becos Fire Lord is not important.
But preventing Ozai from remaining Fire Lord is very important to him.
"Hmph, you'll have it good when I beco Fire Lord!"
In response to Kahn's shaless attitude, Azula elbowed him and spoke with slight irritation.
Kahn rubbed the spot where he was hit, shook his head, and teased:
"Well, I don't know if I'll have it good."
"But the people of the Fire Nation might not."
"Huh?"
"What do you an by that?!"
Another round of playful banter followed.
—
Before they officially began their mission, Kahn managed to gather information about their target.
This was not difficult.
Most of his classmates were children of high-ranking officials, nobles, and wealthy rchants, so they were well-inford.
He wasn't afraid of Ozai discovering his investigation, because he could simply claim he was preparing in advance for the mission.
Then, he received a rather terrible piece of news and finally understood Ozai's sinister intention—
Most of the rebels they were tasked to eliminate had once been Iroh's subordinates.
"...As expected of you, Ozai."
"You're truly despicable."
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