Avatar: Fire Emperor

Azula was actually quite cute, but her usual behavior made it impossible for people to pay attention to her appearance. However, a stranger who didn't know her could easily be drawn in.

Ursa's thought process gradually became rather strange.

Upon closer inspection, Kahn was also a very cute child and would likely grow into a handsome young man. Azula didn't like listening to her teachings, and Ursa often felt helpless about it. But if Azula could change under Kahn's positive influence...

Thinking this, Ursa's gaze towards Kahn gradually became benevolent.

She smiled and said, "Since Zuko's friend says so, then let it be. I'm also very happy that you all can get along well."

Zuko: "?"

Kahn is so strange, and Mother is acting so strange too. In any case, the matter was settled. After they followed Ursa into the palace, Ursa simply greeted Kahn a few times without prying into his background like an interrogation. Then she left to attend to other matters, letting them play on their own.

She noticed that Kahn was a bit reserved when facing her, but this wasn't because he was shy or introverted. Instead, it was a display of respectful politeness, which was unlike a child his age. He was like a little adult.

Hmm, it's good that he's so steady. Azula is just too mischievous; they'll complement each other perfectly. Kahn also had a very good impression of Ursa; she was the model of a graceful Fire Nation noblewoman and a loving mother, even though her gaze towards him was sometimes inexplicably strange.

It must be my imagination. After Ursa left, Zuko asked Kahn:

"Kahn, Azula was clearly making things difficult for you, why did you still side with her just now?"

Hearing this question, Kahn didn't answer, but instead retorted:

"Is that always how you handle things?"

Zuko was taken aback: "What do you mean 'that'?"

"I mean, whenever you siblings have a conflict, you go and tell your parents. Is it always like that?"

"Yes, why not?"

Seeing Zuko's matter-of-fact reply, Kahn sighed and shook his head:

"No wonder your relationship is so bad."

"Why?" Zuko asked, puzzled.

"Uh, because..."

Kahn was momentarily speechless. He stammered for a long time but couldn't think of the right words to explain it, as this kind of thing can only be understood through experience.

"You'll know when you experience it. Anyway, if there's any conflict between siblings, telling on each other is the worst choice."

Zuko heard this and asked again:

"Alright, I won't tell on her anymore. But what should we do if Azula bullies us again in the future?"

"It's simple: give it right back to her."

"Give it back?"

"Yes," Kahn nodded. "If she insults you, insult her back. If she hits you, hit her back."

He used to have a pair of siblings among his friends in his past life. When they were young, they also couldn't stand each other and would start fighting at the slightest disagreement. But whenever an outsider bullied one of them, the other was always the first to step forward and help. When they grew up, their relationship became very strong.

Although siblings should love each other, how can there not be conflicts during long periods of interaction? Resolving conflicts promptly is the way to a lasting relationship. Otherwise, if grievances are forcibly suppressed, there will always be a day when they explode.

At that point, it might not be something that can be resolved with a simple argument or an Agni Kai.

"But Mother doesn't want Azula and me to argue, let alone fight. Besides, how could fighting make our relationship better?"

Because Kahn's words completely deviated from his understanding, Zuko didn't believe him at all. He looked at Kahn suspiciously:

"You haven't been lying to me this whole time, have you?"

"Absolutely not, but it's up to you whether you believe it or not."

Kahn shrugged indifferently. He was just offering advice; if Zuko didn't listen, then so be it.

Anyway, Zuko was still young, and he had enough time to experience the harsh realities of the world and comprehend these truths on his own.

Zuko didn't dwell on this question and continued to ask:

"So, what should we do next?"

"This is your home, so of course, I'll follow your lead."

Zuko readily agreed, his face lighting up: "Okay! I have little turtle-ducks in the pond in the courtyard, let's go play with them!"

"Uh..."

Kahn immediately regretted it. Sure enough, children's games were not suitable for him.

So he quickly changed the subject:

"Speaking of which, Zuko, how is your Firebending coming along?"

"Uh, it's alright..."

Zuko froze for a moment, his eyes shifting slightly away.

Kahn didn't notice Zuko's sudden awkwardness. After a brief exchange, he found that Zuko's learning progress was indeed much faster than his, so he requested:

"Actually, I've been self-studying some scrolls recently, but I just can't grasp the core forms. If you know how, could I trouble you to help me practice?"

"Okay!"

Zuko immediately agreed upon hearing this, feeling very happy that he could teach Kahn.

"Then let's go to the training courtyard. I'll teach you the Firebending forms, and then we can have a sparring practice!"

What a good kid! Facing a Zuko who granted almost every request, Kahn sighed inwardly, completely forgiving Zuko's earlier suggestion to play with turtle-ducks. He nodded and said:

"Then let's go!"

Just as the two were about to set off, a voice suddenly came from behind them:

"How about adding me?"

The two turned around. Azula had appeared behind them at some point.

"Azula, have you been eavesdropping on us!?!" Zuko demanded.

After they entered the palace earlier, Azula had left alone and gone somewhere unknown. He hadn't expected her to suddenly appear now, and he didn't know how long she had been lurking there.

"Please, don't flatter yourself, Zuzu. You're not Father or Fire Lord Azulon. Is there any secret of yours actually worth eavesdropping on?"

Azula shrugged disdainfully.

Meaning, have you eavesdropped on your Grandfather and Father's secrets? Kahn immediately looked down at his shoes, pretending he hadn't heard a thing.

"So, how about adding me?" Azula asked, revealing an innocent smile.

Kahn was slightly taken aback by her appearance. A normal-acting Azula was indeed very cute.

But Zuko, who understood his sister's true nature, didn't fall for it and decisively refused:

"No, I'm not playing with you!"

"Is that what a brother should say to his sister? Groundlessly suspecting a sister who just wants to play with her brother? Is this the royal etiquette Mother taught you?"

Azula feigned a sad expression, making Zuko's face flush red with anger, yet rendering him speechless:

"You! Anyway, I don't agree!"

Kahn, however, found it fascinating. Azula's behavior was indeed unusual. Whether it was her sharp tongue or her acting skills, she didn't seem like a little girl her age at all.

Azula then looked directly at Kahn. He couldn't avoid it, and their eyes met.

Suddenly, Azula seemed to think of something. Her gaze flickered with an inexplicable meaning as she said:

"I think, as our family's guest, shouldn't your friend get to decide?"

"What do you think, Kahn? Is that your name?"

After speaking, she even offered Kahn a 'kind' smile.

Huh? What does that have to do with me! Kahn had been happily watching the sparks fly from a safe distance, but he didn't expect the fire to suddenly turn his way, making him curse his bad luck.

And, Azula, what do those expressions and eyes mean? Are you hinting at something? Or are you threatening me? You're threatening me, right!? Looking at her seemingly ill-intentioned smile, he silently complained:

Who taught this child her expression management? It seems she learned it poorly. However, after considering for a moment, he replied:

"Sure."