Just as Iroh had said, without his protection, Kahn's situation would grow more difficult. Kahn immediately felt the truth of those words.
On only the second day after Iroh and Zuko left, Ozai summoned him and Azula. Though he did not know why, he imagined it could not be anything good.
Before entering the Great Hall, the two exchanged a knowing glance. Not only had he received no advance notice, neither had Azula.
Seated upon the throne, Ozai looked no different than before, but steeped in power, he appeared increasingly imposing and solemn, while the silent Great Hall made one...
He slowly surveyed the two below the dais before finally fixing his gaze on Kahn, speaking in a tone that betrayed nothing:
"You went to see Iroh and Zuko off yesterday, didn't you? Do you know why they left?"
Wasn't it because you ordered their banishment, you old bastard?
Kahn grumbled inwardly, but showed no emotion on his face. After spending so much time with Azula, his acting had reached a respectable level.
"Zuko was banished for breaking the rules and offending you."
"That is correct, but not entirely. Zuko is my child. If he had merely offended me, it would hardly matter. And although he broke the rules, I gave him a chance to make amends."
At this point, Ozai even sighed, as though he truly had Zuko's interests at heart.
The next moment, his tone hardened again:
"But the most fatal flaw was that, as the future ruler of the Fire Nation, he proved far too cowardly! He did not even dare strike his opponent in a duel!"
"The Fire Nation now stands at its most critical juncture. Uniting the entire world and allowing everyone to share in our nation's peace and prosperity-this long-cherished dream will surely be