Chapter 11. Development
That same week, during a tribal assembly, my name was inscribed in the Book of Waterbending Masters, a record kept since the founding of the Northern Water Tribe's capital. As a master, I now have a voice in such conferences, where the tribe's future steps and life are discussed. Being the Chief's son already gave me certain advantages, and while I wasn't entitled to another vote, I held some influence even without my mastery.
But sitting through these meetings is so dull. Nothing serious ever seems to happen in the capital. There are people responsible for supplies, catches, and inspecting structures—they're the ones who report during these gatherings.
I had to pretend to be interested and fight off sleep. My efforts didn't go unnoticed, though honestly, some people were actually snoring. Most attendees are of a respectable age, which speaks to peaceful times. During wars, only the young attended such meetings, as the elders were the first to rush into battle to protect the younger generation.
I tried to test the waters about allowing both genders to pursue the types of bending they themselves want. I've often seen young men whose personalities simply didn't suit the intense combat aspect of waterbending; they usually became excellent healers. Sometimes, at night, I'd find girls secretly practicing waterbending from scrolls. If they received proper training, we'd gain worthy replacements for the current masters. These people are highly motivated—all they need is guidance, and they'll reach the top on their own. But the system, devised long ago, prevents such individuals from flourishing.
Not everything is as bad as it seems. The Chief, the head of the Healing Huts, my father's loyal supporters, and a small group of masters generally agree with my ideas. However, even this number isn't enough to change rules established by our ancestors. After all, our ancestors are deeply respected here, and their decisions are viewed through rose-tinted glasses, as if they unquestionably knew best.
There's a neutral faction that will simply observe how my efforts play out for now. The real headache is the die-hard traditionalists led by... Pakku! Alright, so your fiancée, whom you deeply loved, left you—fine, she did it right before the wedding. Sure, she didn't just leave; she ran to the other end of the world. It happens. But now, because Kanna, Sokka and Katara's grandmother, ran away, Pakku has become obsessed with traditions. He's a sound man, always caring for the Water Tribe, and I've often seen him playing with children using waterbending. Even with my antics, he'd look at me with a fatherly gaze, not too offended by my words.
I need to somehow influence either the neutrals or the radicals. Then, with more than 75% of the votes on my side, I can continue changing certain prohibitions.
For instance, some marriages are arranged without the bride's consent. Brides aren't supposed to go against their parents' decisions about marriage. The first example is Kanna, and the second is Yui, who could have avoided marrying the man her father imposed on her. As we saw in the series, she was kind and compassionate, putting the Water Tribe above her own interests. If anyone tries to force their hands on Yui, I'll immediately pull their eyes out. This issue also needs to be addressed gradually.
After my victory, I spent most of my time with the waterbending masters. That's when I felt the difference between the battles I had with my mom and the masters who focus on developing their bending. Still, it's worth noting that June, without a teacher and systematic practice, could easily defeat weaker masters.