Chapter 23. The First Chakra [FIXED]
**91 Years After the Air Nomad Genocide**
**Northern Water Tribe**
A year has passed since the Southern Water Tribe refugees arrived in the North. By now, they've seamlessly blended into the local population, indistinguishable from the natives. Everyone has adapted to their new lives, as the differences between the two regions aren't significant.
Today, there's hardly anyone in the city or nearby tribes with serious injuries. It's safe to say the Northern Water Tribe is the healthiest nation in the world. Each month, my chi allows me to heal more people—about one additional person per month. At first, feeling drained every day was unpleasant, but I quickly grew accustomed to it.
A month ago, I began seriously treating Katara and Sokka's parents and grandmother. They adore her, and Kanna returns their affection, even extending it to Yue. Now, their parents look slightly younger than their actual age, and their age-related ailments have vanished. I don't want to interfere too much yet; it's best to hear their opinions first. Such serious decisions shouldn't be made without them.
There was a time when the training grounds were the city's focal point. The male population put on elaborate displays to attract the attention of female waterbenders, who were finally allowed to begin formal training with mentors. The young men went to great lengths—some of their antics were so embarrassing I felt secondhand shame. I think it's called vicarious embarrassment, but their clowning brought smiles even to the sternest faces.
The girls quickly proved that waterbending doesn't divide people into strong and weak genders. Even before formal training, some managed to clear icy floors better than students who had trained for years. These demonstrations showed the masters that neglecting their training would be a mistake.
As a waterbending master, I took Katara, Kanna, and Yue as my students. Now, their training no longer needs to be hidden in my father's private arena. Others wanted to be my students, but I'm content with my pupils—and not because they'd distract me from flirting with Kanna.
Over the past year, I've visited the Spirit World twice more, during the summer and winter solstices. Unlike my chaotic first visit, these trips were stable and predictable. The only disappointment was Dria's unknown whereabouts. Each time, the barrier sent me to unfamiliar places. I asked every peaceful spirit I met about the girl I described, and there were clues—she'd stayed in some settlements for up to a month. But this is Dria; her restlessness still drives her unpredictably.