"You're really Tate's son. Your features are almost identical… though you're much more handsome than that guy!"
Lidon let out a booming laugh.
The moment Lidon mentioned Tate's name, the atmosphere shifted completely.
What was initially a tense encounter suddenly felt like a family reunion. Several people gathered around, chatting with Lidon as nostalgia washed over them.
Kahn, however, felt awkward.
Regardless of the original body's memories, he, as a transmigrator, had never once met that "cheap old man."
But one thing was clear: these weren't just Iroh's former subordinates. They had deep, personal ties to Tate.
Kill the man and then emotionally crush his family afterward—seriously, Ozai? You bastard.
Kahn quietly added another mark of hatred next to Fire Lord Ozai's name in his mental ledger.
Lidon's familiarity eased the tension among the others.
Some whispered to each other while others curiously eyed Azula. After all—what kind of rescue mission sent two children?
Meanwhile, Kahn studied them.
Their prolonged escape had left everyone dirty, exhausted, and reeking of sweat and smoke. They looked more like a displaced refugee group than soldiers.
But their quality was unmistakable. Despite being jolted awake in a panic, they quickly regained discipline.
Their reactions were sharp, practiced—proof of real military training.
"That fellow Tate always bragged about his wife and son," Lidon said with a sigh.
"After that battle, we all planned to look after you two for his sake. But once Ozai took the throne, he disbanded us immediately, and… well, you can see the result."
As he spoke, especially about what happened after Tate's death, a wave of guilt and grief washed over him.
They failed to return Tate alive. They failed his family, too.
Lidon finally asked quietly.
"…How are you and your mother now?"
"…Mother chose to follow Father after hearing he died in battle."
Silence fell instantly.
"…I'm sorry," Lidon replied.
The heaviness thickened.
Kahn quickly stepped in to comfort him.
"It's alright. Later, Uncle Iroh took me in and accepted me as his disciple. He personally taught me Firebending. Honestly, I've been doing pretty well."
Even while saying this, his mind screamed:
Bro, I did NOT come all the way here to play tragic family flashback!
"It's Lord Iroh… I knew he'd never let a comrade's family down," Lidon murmured. His expression softened—only to turn stern in the next instant.
"But even so, sending you two children on such a dangerous mission—this is too much!"
Finally—back to business.
Kahn straightened, relieved to move the conversation forward.
"Actually, we weren't sent by Uncle Iroh this time. We came because Ozai ordered us to."
"What?!"
The revelation shocked the group. But thanks to their earlier conversation, their trust in Kahn was already firmly established.
He was Tate's son. He was Iroh's personal disciple. He knew the White Lotus. And despite his age, he spoke and acted with more composure than most adults.
Kahn briefly laid out the entire situation:
Iroh's departure.
Ozai's orders.
The current crisis.
And the conflict between the official mission and his true goal—saving them.
"Ozai ordered us to kill Iroh's former subordinates."
Kahn's tone grew serious.
"But my goal is to save you. And to ensure the plan succeeds, we need everyone's cooperation and complete trust."
By now, no one dared treat Kahn like a child. Facing the same danger they were, he remained calm enough to plan and negotiate. His resolve exceeded theirs.
It was then that Kahn introduced the person standing silently beside him this whole time.
"This is Princess Azula—the Fire Nation Princess, Uncle Iroh's niece, and Ozai's daughter."
A thunderous uproar erupted.
Kahn raised his voice.
"She is one of us."
"Because she opposes Ozai's tyranny, she joined the resistance at tremendous personal risk. With her help, this plan has a real chance of success."
Azula stepped forward, composed and sharp.
"You are all heroes who dedicated your lives to the Fire Nation. My father's actions are disgraceful. This is wrong—utterly wrong. And I refuse to let loyal men like you die for nothing."
Her words struck like lightning.
The speech was completely improvised, yet her righteous anger, her conviction, and her presence stunned the group into admiration. Their prejudice evaporated instantly.
After all—if Kahn brought her, she couldn't be a bad person.
Lidon clasped his fist emotionally.
"I never expected Princess Azula to have such integrity. Just like Lord Iroh! It seems the Fire Nation still has hope after all!"
Azula didn't flinch even when compared to the Iroh she hated so much.
"For the sake of this nation," she replied with composure.
The admiration only grew.
Kahn kept his eyes forward, refusing to look at her. Her acting was so perfect that he feared he'd lose control and burst out laughing.
Azula? The same Azula I know?
This acting level is beyond Oscar-winning. Those top-tier actors from my past life couldn't compare.
With the introductions complete, Lidon finally grew serious.
Though trapped and ready to die, none of them wanted to.
If there was a chance to survive, to clear their names, to restore honor—they would seize it with everything they had.
"I understand," Lidon declared. "Whatever you need us to do, we'll cooperate fully!"
Finally! That's what I've been waiting for!
All conditions were now in place.
Kahn allowed himself a small, satisfied smile.
After finalizing arrangements, Kahn and Azula slipped back into the military camp under cover of darkness.
The moment Kahn lay down on his bed, exhaustion crashed over him. He fell asleep instantly.
In his dream, he saw Iroh…
He saw Lidon…
He even saw that cheap old man Tate…
And finally—Ozai's cold, mocking smile.
He jolted awake in shock.
...
Author's Note:
The full completed version of Avatar: Rebirth of the Strongest Firebender — Part 1 Completed (ATLA) is now on Patreon!
🔗 patreon.com/Shadow_demon_007
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