Azula slept comfortably until late morning. When she finally woke and stepped out of the tent, she immediately spotted Wolf still standing guard outside.
Remembering her conversation with Kahn yesterday, she got straight to the point and asked whether he was willing to pledge his loyalty to her.
The sudden question stunned Wolf for a moment.
But after regaining his composure, he nodded without hesitation.
Though on the surface it seemed like he had no choice, this didn't mean he was being forced. In truth, he had been waiting far too long for this moment.
Just as Kahn predicted, being pressured by Azula on one side and terrified of Ozai discovering his "black marks" on the other, Wolf had spent years living under two layers of torment.
Now that he had formally sided with Azula, the crushing pressure from her disappeared instantly.
Those very "blackmail materials" that once held him at knife-point had now become leverage proving his loyalty.
His suffering flipped into political capital. It was almost… joyful.
And because he had served in the Royal Palace for years, he understood Azula's situation far better than most.
He also knew how much Ozai favored her. That was why Azula had such an absolute grip on him.
Both of them had made mistakes, but if exposed, Azula would at worst be punished lightly—locked up for a few days.
Wolf, on the other hand, would face imprisonment… or worse.
How the hell was he supposed to win in that game?
But now, that worry was gone.
As long as Azula didn't make a major mistake, Wolf's future was guaranteed. The thought of rising alongside her washed away all his years of misery.
When Wolf learned that Azula tried to recruit him because of Kahn's suggestion, he was surprised—his opinion of Kahn shifted slightly.
After all, Kahn was Iroh's disciple, had "betrayed" his master, and was now assisting Azula while operating under Ozai's orders.
Even if no one dared to say it aloud, many in the camp inwardly despised him.
Wolf himself had thought that way too—until now.
Watching the two interact these past days, Wolf could clearly see that Kahn and Azula shared a relationship far beyond a typical subordinate dynamic.
Though he didn't know the reason, now that he had pledged his loyalty to Azula, he and Kahn were effectively colleagues. His mindset had to shift.
So he asked cautiously.
"Your Highness… how should I treat Kahn?"
Azula thought for a moment.
"If anything happens while I'm not around, follow his orders. Otherwise, just act normally."
She paused, then added with a slightly strange tone.
"If he behaves unusually… forget it. Just ignore it. That's all."
Then she leaned in slightly, lowering her voice meaningfully:
"And if Kahn ever learns about this conversation…"
"Yes, Your Highness! This subordinate understands!"
Wolf answered quickly, though inwardly he grew more confused.
Kahn didn't seem like a mere subordinate at all. The authority Azula gave him was essentially that of a second-in-command.
Recalling how easily the two teased and bantered with each other, Wolf found his thoughts drifting.
Kahn was close in age to Azula… and he was handsome…
…Could it be…?
!!!
He instantly shut down the thought. But the way he viewed Kahn definitely shifted.
Azula didn't care about Wolf's internal drama. After securing his allegiance, she stretched, stepped out, and prepared to look for Kahn.
Almost forgetting something, she turned back.
"Inform the Royal Guards to assemble. We're moving out."
She glanced around the barren landscape with visible irritation.
"This desolate wilderness is boring. Let's finish the mission early so we can return."
"Your Highness, you're going to personally lead the search?" Wolf's voice trembled.
Hearing this, Benson—who had just approached—felt a spike of panic.
Yesterday everything was going so smoothly. Why did Azula suddenly want to be proactive today?!
While being proactive wasn't bad, Azula being proactive always meant extra trouble.
He carefully tried to advise her:
"Your Highness's bravery is admirable, but the enemy is vicious. If something were to—"
"Do you think I'm asking for your opinion?"
Azula cut him off coldly, glaring.
"I'm giving you an order. Your only task is to relay it. If that's too hard, find someone competent to do it."
"…Yes, Princess. This subordinate obeys."
Benson suppressed his humiliation and began arranging a support squad.
No matter what, Azula was royalty. If anything happened to her, ten of his lives wouldn't be enough.
After leaving the camp, Kahn finally spoke up, unable to resist teasing:
"They say even a mighty dragon doesn't bully locals. If you keep offending people every time you step outside, aren't you worried someone will trip you up someday?"
Azula shrugged without concern.
"If they stand against me, they should be the ones worried. Besides, I doubt those fools could trouble me."
"So that's also what you were thinking during our first match?"
"Shut up!" Azula snapped, cheeks heating slightly.
That match—where Kahn, clearly weaker at the time, flipped the tables—remained one of her most embarrassing memories.
Of course… not the only reason she remembered it so clearly.
Behind them, Wolf silently watched the two laugh and argue. Before, he had simply thought they got along well. Now it seemed… different.
After some time, they reached their target area. The Royal Guards had already spotted traces of enemy movement.
Wolf couldn't help thinking—how did Azula know this exact location?
Azula didn't give him time to ponder.
"Prepare for battle," she ordered sharply. "And listen carefully—capture everyone alive. I don't want to see a single corpse."
"But Ozai—"
Wolf almost reminded her of Ozai's orders, but caught himself mid-sentence. His loyalty had changed; his mouth had to keep up.
"…Yes, Princess. I obey."
The Royal Guards exchanged looks but didn't hesitate.
As the elite of the Fire Nation, they were confident in their ability to take down enemies alive.
Azula raised her hand.
"All units—attack!"
And with that command, the operation officially began.
...
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
Thank you for your support! 💙