Chapter 85. Northern Affairs.
*Yuki. Northern Water Tribe. 96 years after the genocide of the Air Nomads.*
In the busiest part of the city, where various shops and stalls thrived, an unremarkable resident of the Water Tribe wandered, seemingly browsing the goods. His dark skin and blue eyes marked him as a true member of his people.
"Heard the news?" a male voice called from behind him.
"You mean the conqueror rankings? And the new laws?" another male voice replied. "Of course. I doubt anyone hasn't heard about it by now."
"Seems strange to me," the first continued. "It's great, I guess, but it all happened so suddenly..." he complained.
In nearly every corner of the rapidly expanding city, similar conversations echoed. Some didn't understand, others disagreed, and a few approved, but one thing was certain—no one remained indifferent.
*"It's been a while since I changed my appearance and wandered through crowded places,"* I thought as my feet leisurely carried me to the other end of the market.
After the solstice, I'd been busy preparing my people for an unsavory future. The fruits of my efforts would hardly be noticeable to this generation, and only a trusted few knew of what was to come.
The new laws offered immense benefits to talented conquerors. Masters of their elements and distinguished students were given every opportunity to focus solely on their development. Housing, food, and other necessities were provided by the tribe.
Rankings would be determined through battles, deciding who received the most benefits. Every six months, three waterbending mastery tournaments would take place. The first would be for novice students under eighteen. The second would feature sparring between students over eighteen and those who had completed their training but hadn't yet achieved master status.
Lastly, the masters would enter the arena to compete for the title of second best, since the first place was undoubtedly mine.