Mastering Firebending isn't as simple as just learning the movements.
The real challenge lies in understanding the force application points, the timing of transitions, and the intensity of power behind each motion.
If you can't grasp these, then even if you learn the basic forms, you'll never truly control the flames.
In other words, once you understand Firebending deeply enough—recognizing how each movement changes depending on force and timing—you can combine these variations to create infinite effects with the same move.
Of course, different effects come with their own drawbacks, which must be considered during battle.
At this moment, Kahn recalled something: whether it was Azula or Iroh demonstrating earlier, their Firebending forms subtly differed from the standard movements.
"This child is teachable," Seeing Kahn quickly comprehend the core idea, Iroh stroked his beard in satisfaction.
Teachable my foot. Kahn cursed silently. So even this old man likes speaking in riddles!
"Wouldn't it be better to just say that directly? Not everyone's as smart as me. What if someone can't figure it out?" Kahn asked bluntly.
"How immodest," Iroh chuckled. "If one cannot comprehend such a principle on their own, it only means they've yet to master it—and must continue learning."
Then, after a pause, he added with a smile, "I thought you'd take longer to understand, but your grasp of Firebending is quite impressive."
That… actually made sense.
Alright, fine. I take back my earlier insult, even though you can't hear it.
"But," Kahn continued, "can anyone really reach that level? To completely master every detail of Firebending, every possible combination—it sounds impossible."
"Precisely," Iroh replied with calm wisdom. "That's why the path to strength never ends. Only someone like the Avatar might achieve such mastery."
"Avatar…" Kahn repeated the name thoughtfully.
He remembered the information he'd read before—and had to admit it was true.
The Avatar could command all four elements—Fire, Water, Earth, and Air—and upon reincarnation, retained the collective wisdom of every past life.
When entering the Avatar State, all those memories and powers converge, creating the strongest being alive.
Theoretically, with each reincarnation, the Avatar only becomes stronger.
If anyone could truly understand the essence of Bending, it would be them.
What a broken protagonist template.
Still, he now understood why Azula's flames burned hotter and bluer than others'.
She had probably discovered that deeper method of power application by instinct.
She hadn't even mastered the basics yet but was already applying advanced combat principles. That alone made her a terrifying genius.
And that azure flame—it made Kahn feel like her setup was even better than his.
Damn it… I'm jealous.
After chatting a while longer, Iroh eventually prepared to leave.
Kahn escorted the old man to the door and watched him disappear down the street before returning to the courtyard, mentally replaying everything he'd just learned.
But before he could enter the house, a familiar voice called down from above.
"That smelly old man—so long-winded!"
Before Kahn could even look up, a nimble figure dropped down from the rooftop, landing lightly in front of him.
As soon as she turned toward him, her annoyed scowl melted into a bright, mischievous grin.
"Wow! What a surprise to see you here! I bet you were about to say that, so I said it for you. You're welcome!"
I wasn't going to say that, I didn't need you to say it, and I'm definitely not thanking you.
Agile movements, beautiful face, smug attitude, unpredictable personality—
There was no doubt.
It was Azula.
Kahn sighed. "Why are you here?"
"Uncle Iroh brought me," she said matter-of-factly. "Though he doesn't know that yet. But don't worry—it's harmless."
Kahn blinked. "You're stalking him, aren't you?"
"You could say that," Azula shrugged, "but that sounds so… negative."
She brushed past him like she owned the place. "Aren't you going to invite me in?"
Oh, you're unbelievable.
"You're so proactive, do you even need me to invite you?" Kahn shot back.
"Thanks for the compliment."
"No need to thank me—I wasn't complimenting you." Kahn groaned, following her into the house.
Once inside, Azula flopped dramatically onto his sofa, looked around, and wrinkled her nose.
"Ugh. So dirty. Do people actually live here?"
Then get out! Kahn's veins twitched. If he could actually beat her, her grave would already be three feet deep.
He took a deep breath and ignored her jab. "Isn't the palace heavily guarded? How did you even get out?"
Azula smirked. "Do you really think palace walls can stop me?"
...Good heavens.
Kahn was speechless. I've only ever climbed school walls—this girl's out here scaling the royal palace. I can't afford to mess with her.
"By the way," she said, reclining lazily, "what did Uncle Iroh talk to you about?"
"Uh, nothing," Kahn said after a beat. "He just told me he's retired and that I'll be learning Firebending from him. I asked some questions about technique."
He purposely avoided mentioning anything about the palace—or Azula. Who knew how she'd react?
"Oh, I see." She gave a nonchalant shrug, then smirked, "I thought he might've told you how he lost his position."
Her tone sharpened, eyes glittering with mischief, "By the way, do you want to know how my father became Fire Lord?"
Kahn froze. Wait—what?
That sudden shift sent a chill down his spine. Something told him he didn't want to hear this.
Azula clasped her hands behind her back and began pacing slowly, her voice soft and almost playful.
"Even Uncle Iroh doesn't know this, but I do. I saw it with my own eyes."
No, no, no—don't say it!
But before Kahn could stop her, she leaned close and whispered in his ear.
"Father stabbed Grandfather to death with one strike."
Kahn went pale. Oh no. I'm dead.
His eyes went blank, all life drained from them like a salted fish floating in the sea.
He was absolutely, without a doubt—going to be silenced.