Chapter 28. Well Done [FIXED]
In the morning, as agreed, Shizuka arrived at my house. Without wasting time, we headed to a secluded clearing hidden among ancient trees. We could have discussed the specifics of opening the first chakra at my house, but unnecessary risks were best avoided.
Captain of the Kyoshi Warriors, Shizuka surprised me by memorizing all the necessary information in just two hours. The rest of the time before lunch was spent discussing various tips and nuances not written in the book but gleaned from my own experience of opening the Earth Chakra.
"The most important thing to remember is to be extremely cautious when you feel close to breaking through the barrier," I said sternly, looking at the woman who had suddenly tensed up. "In my time, I ignored this, and I paid for it with what felt like a heavier test of my will. It was hard to distinguish what was real and what was just my chi playing tricks on me."
"After all your warnings, I'm not so eager to open this chakra anymore..." Shizuka muttered nervously. But regaining her composure, she continued more confidently, "No! I have to do this! Too much depends on it!"
"That's the right attitude! If anyone can do it, it's you!" I said, matching her determination, and patted her hair, just as I was used to doing with Yui and Katara. "I believe in you," I finished with a smile.
"Thank you," she replied with the most beautiful and charming smile, making me stare at her. Over the past few days, I'd grown accustomed to her constant serious expression.
From her, I also learned about the Avatar Kyoshi's Temple—a grand and imposing name for a simple wooden structure where her belongings are kept. Seeing my interest, she promised to secure permission for me to visit the temple from the other authorities. After all, allowing a stranger, even a small one, into their sacred place wouldn't be very proper.
To expedite this, I decided to do what I do best—heal people. Maybe I'd find interesting new cases, and the locals would grow accustomed to me faster. It felt like a habit now, healing people in every new village I visited.
With my understanding of bloodbending and life energy, I'd gradually moved away from simple waterbending healing. But that wasn't ideal. Everywhere, people were used to seeing healing through waterbending—glowing water near the hands was like a calling card. I shouldn't stray too far from that image.