Because Zuko had just brought up sparring, Kahn's mind spun, and he thought of using this practice match to let the two of them fight it out. Perhaps their conflict would be resolved during the fight, and then they would beco a loving family.
Then he wouldn't have to worry about being caught in the crossfire.
As for whether it would succeed, he wasn't sure, but that's how it always played out in the Ember Island plays.
Sparring had evolved from the Agni Kai in the Fire Nation; the Fire Nation valued martial prowess, and formal duels were prevalent, so many people chose to resolve disputes through the flas.
Quite ruthless.
The modernized sparring practice was used as a way to safely hone fighting skills, so both sides were usually very controlled, and tempers weren't as high.
But Azula's current deanor was more like she was looking for a real Agni Kai.
"Who's first!"
Azula leaped onto the training platform, hands on her hips, looking at Kahn and Zuko, scanning them back and forth as if choosing prey:
"Perhaps you two can co at together. I don't mind."
So arrogant at such a young age?
Kahn turned to Zuko and asked, "Is she strong?"
"Very strong, I've never beaten her."
Zuko was a bit dejected because he and Azula had started learning on the sa day under the sa Sifu, but Azula's progress was so much faster than his.
His father accused him of having poor talent, completely unlike a royal of Agni's bloodline.
This was also why he didn't want Azula to get involved, because they couldn't beat Azula; they would only be lectured by her.
Moreover, after Azula recently defeated their original Firebending Sifu, she had begun to study directly under their father, Prince Ozai.
Defeated an adult elite Firebender?!
"Oh, then never mind."
Kahn imdiately put away his thought of teaching her a lesson and pretended nothing had happened.
But he still encouraged Zuko, saying:
"Isn't this a good opportunity? As long as you have a good fight with her, win or lose, your relationship might change."
"Really?"
Because Kahn's tone was serious and his expression earnest, Zuko began to be half-convinced.
Could it be that Kahn really didn't lie to ?
On the other side, Azula began to mock:
"What, Zuzu, are you scared? Do you want to run back to Mother's arms for comfort? Actually, I'm not as strong as you imagine. As long as you beg , Zuzu, I might even consider letting you use one hand. How about it?"
Highly effective!
Zuko's face turned red with anger, and he imdiately wanted to rush onto the platform, but Kahn quickly stopped him: "Wait a mont."
Rushing in like that is just asking for a beating!
Although he was also one of the instigators, he wouldn't go so far as to trick a child, so he said:
"Before we start the sparring match, let's agree on the rules."
He looked at Azula:
"No heavy blows, stop when touched. One side falling out of bounds or actively surrendering counts as a loss. If one side calls for a stop, both sides must imdiately cease fighting."
"I agree. But aren't these rules everyone knows?"
Zuko asked, puzzled, not understanding why Kahn had to state them specifically.
Azula sighed, looking at Zuko as if he were an idiot:
"Please don't ask such stupid questions again, Zuzu. I'm truly embarrassed to have such a brother."
Although what Kahn said were the universally accepted rules, if they weren't stated, she would have had an excuse to pretend there were no rules. And if there were no rules, then anything could happen.
So making them confirm the rules publicly was naturally to prevent anyone from exploiting such loopholes.
Zuko couldn't even grasp such simple logic; he really was an idiot.
Ignoring the furious Zuko beside her, Azula half-closed her eyes and glanced at Kahn, not realizing that a faint smile had appeared at the corner of her lips.
This guy was indeed sowhat different from others.
Thinking this, that feeling of irritation surged up again, but this ti it was only fleeting.
What exactly was this feeling?
She frowned slightly, then smiled easily, saying:
"Don't worry, I'm in a good mood today. I just plan to beat you two up. I agree to the above rules."
You're really arrogant, little girl!
Kahn ntally gave her a good beating, and his mood imdiately improved a lot, ignoring her taunts.
Mastering the art of ntal victories, good!
However, Kahn also had to admit that this sharp-tongued girl was incredibly intelligent.
If it was because mbers of the royal family were trained in this kind of awareness from a young age, that would be sad but at least reasonable. However, judging from the example of Zuko beside him, it clearly wasn't the case.
This only highlighted Azula's exceptional talent, though having a talent for sharp-tongued remarks made it hard to know how to evaluate her.
After the rules were set, it was ti to determine the order. There would be three two-person matches, decided by a quick ga of Rock, Paper, Fire:
First match: Kahn vs. Zuko
Second match: Zuko vs. Azula
Third match: Azula vs. Kahn
Kahn and Zuko walked onto the platform.
"How about we only use the basic forms you've learned so far to fight?" Zuko offered, considering Kahn's situation.
"Thank you, but no need."
Kahn smiled and shook his head, sighing again in his heart that Zuko was truly a good kid.
Then he reminded him:
"Don't look at like this, I actually think I'm quite formidable. Rather, you're the one who should be more careful."
I should be careful? Careful of what? A hint of curiosity flashed through Zuko's mind.
Taking off their cumberso formal Fire Nation robes to reveal their neat inner garnts, Kahn and Zuko stood facing each other. They brought a fist to an open palm, performing the traditional Fire Nation salute as a sign of respect. Then they turned, walked five paces away from each other, and began to count down.
"3, 2… 1!"
Begin!
Both turned at the sa ti, striking with their right hands and unleashing two fireballs with long, blazing tails. This was the simplest and most classic opening, the fastest and most reliable.
The two flas collided in the middle, exploding, rging, and then dissipating into nothingness.
The mont the colliding flas obscured his vision, Zuko quickly surged forward.
Before the exploded flas had even fully cleared, Zuko passed directly through them, throwing a fierce, concentrated fiery punch—
But it landed in empty space.
Before he could even search for Kahn's position, the next second he felt a scorching heat coming from below.
Not good!
He hurriedly leaned back, narrowly dodging Kahn's upward flaming kick. He then executed two backflips to create distance, almost losing his balance and falling to the training floor.
It would be rather comical to lose like that.
Kahn didn't press his advantage but stood in place, waiting for Zuko to regain his stance, and smiled, "Only this once."
Zuko's face flushed, knowing that Kahn had let him off; otherwise, he probably would have been instantly defeated.
That would have been quite embarrassing.
And the skill Kahn had just displayed also surprised him. Zuko asked curiously, "Kahn, how did you know I would attack like that?"
Kahn had acted as if he already knew exactly how Zuko would strike, easily setting up an ambush in advance.
Kahn thought for a mont and said, "Prediction, plus a bit of intuition."
In reality, in that very instant, a thought had just flashed through his mind, and his body had automatically reacted. The movents were as smooth as if they had been rehearsed a thousand tis.
This was also a talent he had discovered during his solo practice: his reaction speed was incredibly fast. And now, it seed this talent was even more formidable than he had imagined.
Is this my transmigrator's perk?
Kahn felt a surge of eagerness, wanting to see just how far he could push it:
"Let's continue!"
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