Chapter 19: The Deserter
The episode started with Team Avatar reaching a poster board towards a village nearby.
"So there is a village close by, and they're having a festival," Izuku said explaining what was happening. "By Aang's excitement, a lot of Firebending will happen. That is used for entertainment rather than as a tool for war."
"Aang wants to see Firebending up close and personal," Kosei said. "You know, instead of the usual running for their lives, and fighting Firebenders," He said making punching gestures. Itsuka hid her giggles seeing Kosei punching the air.
"Should they go…despite Aang wanting to see Firebending up close," Kinoko asked.
However, Sokka made the decision much easier to ease the student's worries.
"A wanted poster, The Fire Nation wants to capture Aang." Vlad King said. "There would be security within the festival in case something goes wrong. Like troublemakers causing trouble within the festival, or in case the Avatar decided to party and have fun at the festival. Katara and Sokka are right. They should continue flying and find a better campsite."
The students agree with Vlad King. There would be security for the festival, not just to keep an eye on the festival for troublemakers, but to capture the Avatar for their nation. They believe it is better that Team Avatar keep traveling.
02:05 - 02:25
However, despite seeing the logic. The Avatar still wants to go, and Katara gives out and decides to go.
"Katara, Aang please, listen to Sokka he has a point. Going to the festival might sound fun, but you're putting yourselves in danger." Itsuka pleaded, but her words didn't reach the ears of Katara and Aang.
"This is going to end badly, even if they went out with disguises," Yaoyarozu said worried for Team Avatar.
"I know Aang has to eventually learn to Firebend, being a part of his Avatar journey, but I don't think watching entertainers is a way to learn. it is not like their YouTube chefs, that you can learn from them how to cook." Sato said seeing that going to the festival was a bad idea.
Many agree with Sato. Yes, they can all agree that Aang must eventually learn to Firebend, but going to the festival is not the best option. However, Katara and Aang made up their minds and still continue to go. The Hero side wishes that things wouldn't go bad for Team Avatar.
02:25 - 02:29
As Team Avatar decided to go to the village.
The camera zoomed in to one of the wanted posters, of a man.
Aizawa wonders who is this man, and what is his crime to the Fire Nation.
02:29 - 02:44
The audience awwed at Momo and Appa towards their way from hiding from sight.
02:44 - 02:59
The audience sees The Water Tribe sibling's disguises of black cloaks but questions the Avatar's disguise.
"Let me guess, Aang wasted his money for not buying a cloak, like that time he wasted it for a whistle." Vlad King said. "True, it did save their lives, but a cloak is a need rather than a want."
Midnight crossed her arms. "Aang's disguise is stupid. It's like the student using their school blazers as a cloak, it will eventually feel uncomfortable, and end up fixing it it. He should have bought a cloak."
Aizawa sighs. "This is not going to end well, and we know it."
"Come on, have a little faith at Aang."
"Shut it All Might!"
All Might felt small when his co-workers yelled at him.
02:59 - 03:04
Aizawa hits All Might's head with his karate chop. Seeing there was a cloaked figure who spotted Team Avatar.
"A Spy, that's new. I would expect security guarding the festival, but spies, that take the cake." Vlad King said.
The Hero side is worried and unsure about the spy. The Villain side is unsure what to think about the spy.
Shigaraki and All For One believe that the spy works for the Royal Family. However, the Former members of the League have other thoughts.
Now that their Ex-Members are free to do whatever they want again. The idea of capturing the Avatar for victory isn't important anymore. To the point of the mindset of, 'why even bother?'
Dabi wants Zuko to be happy and wants The Fire Lord to lose to the Avatar. Because he and the rest of the Ex-League, doesn't give a shit anymore.
They'll see what happens at the festival.
03:04 - 03:19
The scene shifted to the festival.
The event reminded the audience of Chinese New Year, like those celebrations with the Dragon Lantern Dance performance.
Hiryu Rin, from originally from China. The festival reminds him of his home before studying in Japan to be a Pro Hero. "This reminds me of home."
Sen pats his friend's back. "I know in Japan we celebrate Lunar New Year too, but I guess traditions are different in China and Japan… I assume?"
Besides seeing the Dragon Lantern Dancers running around. Team Avatar spotted that everyone was wearing a mask.
Pony raises an eyebrow "Masks, like for Mardi Gras?"
"No Pony, Masks are part of Lunar New Year," Hiryu goes on to explain. "Unlike the mask in Mardi Gras, the Mask has meaning for Lunar New Year. In China, masks are used in Nuoxi, an ancient ritual performed in temples dedicated to exorcist gods during New Year's Eve festivities. Very different from the mask from Mardi Gras in New Orleans. However this is a Fire Nation village, they probably have a different history and meaning. Compare to China."
"Masks you wonder, about dragons in this world," Neito said. "We just saw a few people wearing a dragon costume. I wonder how this world knows about dragons, like are they a mythical, fantasy based on fairy tales? Like Maleficent."
Setsuna laughs, "Maleficent, you mean your alter ego or your sex dream girl." Monoma just flips the bird at her.
Itsuka shivers at the thought of Monoma putting the moves on Maleficent. Not Angelina Jolie, but Maleficent herself.
03:19 - 03:25
"Well, that's surprisingly easy." Shoto sweat drops seeing that there is a vendor selling masks.
"The universe likes proving Sokka wrong," Natsu said surprised too.
03:25 - 03:35
After getting their Mask. The students raise some eyebrows. Seeing that Sokka is wearing a Happy face mask, while Aang is wearing a Sad Face mask.
Dabi laughed hard when Katara switched their mask.
"I would have done the same thing. The happy mask on Shoto, and the sad one on Natsu." Fuyumi laughed hard.
"Yeah,- Wait what! – Why are you giving me the sad mask? I have nothing sad about!" Natsu yelled at his sister.
"Before we came here, a girl just dumped you because you were just the rebound guy. She was only using you to get back with her ex. While Shoto has a better chance of getting a relationship. The closest person to ever touch your dick is your hand, I bet her name was Lefty." Fuyumi explained.
"Well, you talk bold, Miss-Never-Been-In-a-Date-Before-Or-Ever-Will!"
"We At least I–" Fuyumi paused, and recalled her life, and where is it going forward to. "Oh, Shit."
Dabi paled too, knowing his non-existent love life, and looked at Tomura recalling that he had more game than him, recalling that a Temptation Spirit was more attractive to Tomura than him. 'Oh fucking hell, that's just not right.'
03:35 - 03:51
Stain face palmed when Sokka ate some chips. "Flaming Fire Flakes, it's in the name."
Bakugo's stomach growls like a wild beast, hungry for those chips. He summoned some on his tray.
Eijiro summoned some and went to try it. "It's not bad." Until his entire face turned red like his hair, and fire came out from his mouth. "It's so hot, WATER!"
Bakugo watched his friend as he drank water. "Pussy." he mutters as he at more.
03:11 - 04:09
The next scene was an interesting one for the student.
Just like kids who grew up watching Pro Heroes and cheering them on for the sake of victory. The Fire Nation children do the same. However, the title of Hero is different from their views. Knowing that the war was ongoing for the last 100 years. The Children of the Fire Nation throughout the generations during the wars saw Fire Lord as their All Might. From Sozin, Azulon, and now Ozai.
The Hero side frowns to see that the children of the Fire Nation see the Fire Lord as the Hero of the story, while the Earthbender soldier is the villain.
In the puppet show, and in reality itself.
"This is the Propaganda of the Fire Nation. That hand puppet is like Uncle Sam, of the Fire Nation." Vlad King said, surprised at the puppet show.
"The kids see The Fire Lord like he was All Might, a symbol of peace." Midnight said. "We have only seen how the people of The Earth Kingdom, and the Southern Water Tribe and how see the Fire Lord, as a Tyrant."
"But the Fire Nation sees him as a Hero, a great king… From Fire Lord Sozin to his son, and now Ozai."
All For One enjoyed the puppet show. He recalls that there was a time in History, when the people of Japan, saw him in the same way as The Fire Nation sees the Fire Lord, or other nations see the Avatar.
If it wasn't for his brother, and The second user for taking what belonged to him. His kingdom wouldn't be torn apart.
He did enjoy the Puppet show, but kids today like cinematic movies. He couldn't wait for future generations to see a Cinematic movie about how he got his kingdom back.
That is a movie worth 5 starts.
04:09 - 04:17
Toga laughed at Sokka's joke.
"Yeah, I hope it is a live execution." She laughs, as team Avatar decides to watch the performance on the stage.
04:17 - 04:24
The audience watches as a Firebender uses his skills to do a magician act. Having Doves appear at the end.
Spinner taps at Mr. Compress's shoulder. "He does a better magic act, than you," he said making fun of his friend. The Magician just flips his bird at him.
Aizawa notices Aang's face of excitement. Knowing the Avatar for the past couple of Episodes. He has a bad feeling about this.
04:24 - 04:27
I gotta learn that trick
"Bitch, with what Fire! Home Boy can't Fire, Home Boy can't even Earth. If Home Boy can Fire, Then Home Boy can put a ring to this finger, M'kay." Toga said showing her ringless hand.
04:27 - 04:38
When the magician asks for a volunteer, Tenya gets an angry tick mark on his head as he speaks sternly. "Aang no, you are not volunteering to help out that magician. It is bad enough that there is a warning poster of you, and you're in a Fire Nation village, I have seen Fun Aang, which is a bad influence. You will not volunteer, are we clear!"
Tenya waited for a response, but he didn't.
"That's it, you are grounded! Go to your room!" He yelled to the Avatar.
Sero whispered into Kaminari's ear. "Did he forget that Aang lives in a different universe, and he is not the Avatar's father."
Denki replied. "I feel sorry if he ever decided to have kids. I would be scared too If Tenya asks fatherly towards us."
The rest of the teen's sweat drop towards Tenya's fatherly nature.
04:38 - 04:52
The magician found his volunteer Katara.
Tenya screams madly towards the outcome.
However, some students and heroes spotted the spy. They can confirm they are following the Avatar.
04:52 - 05:21
The audience witnessed a rare Firebending technique. They have seen it before when Zuko was meditating, but the Magician shows more of this rare technique.
"So it is possible, that Firebenders can manipulate the flames that they didn't generate. He can also mold it into a shape, like a dragon." Dabi said interested in this technique, not even the members of his family could do the same feat. In theory, a Firebender can just manipulate his blue flames against him, like they were Waterbenders. He is glad that this particular Firebender is just a performer, not a warrior.
He isn't scared of the Firebender, but the Avatar, and if he does learn to Firebend and use the teachings of the Waterbender to manipulate his flames. Well, that is a whole different issue.
Especially if he decided to have a glow show.
Izuku wrote this rare technique about Firebenders as the scene continues.
05:21 - 05:27
"Aang no! The Magician is faking the danger to create drama. Katara isn't in danger" However, Izuku's words didn't reach Aang's ears as he leaps to rescue Katara.
05:27 - 05:43
Aang ruined the act, believing the danger was real.
In truth it was just part of the performance, building off the suspense and danger was just an act, but it did fool the Avatar, and convince his friend is in danger.
Tomura laughs liking the performance. "The confetti is a nice touch, it helps with the reveal that the Avatar is in a Fire Nation village! Bravo!" Tomura clapped at the show. "Now Fire Nation soldiers, Capture the Avatar!"
Suspense did rose, but this time there is something to worry about, for the Hero side.
05:43 - 05:33
The Hero side got pale and the villain side had a wide smile towards Aang's solution after being unmasked as the Avatar.
By dancing.
"THIS ISN'T A GOOD TIME TO DANCE, AANG!" The Heroes shouted at the Avatar.
Their anger got tick when Twice start singing.
"You are the dancing Avatar, Young and sweet, Only 112! Dancing Avatar, Feel the beat from the tambourine, oh yeah–"
"CAN YOU QUIT! WE GET IT!" Bakugo shouted but Twice ignored him and finished the song.
05:33 - 06:03
Now the village guards are alerted that the Avatar is in the festival. It is time for Team Avatar to run.
However, it turns out the spy was only following them to protect them, the question is, can the Hero side trust him?
"What do you think, should they trust him?"
Hearing Midnight's question, Aizawa believes they don't have many options, and if the man does know a way out. They should take the chance and leap. "Team Avatar doesn't have much any choice but to trust him, just like they once trusted Shyu back in Cresent Moon Island."
Listening to Aizawa, he has a point, if the stranger is willing to help knowing the dangers of having the Avatar with him. The team has to take the chance and flee with him.
06:03 - 06:23
The heroes believe that the man can be trusted as he uses smoke bombs to slow down security. However, it wasn't long before another batch of guards spotted them.
Running out of Solutions, Aang has to call Appa with his whistle.
"I hope Appa can hear them!" Ochaco hoping for Appa to rescue them.
06:23 - 06: 38
With just one wrong turn they reach a dead end to see more guards, thankfully the smoke bombs are so effective against the guards.
Aizawa thought of having smoke bombs as a support item, and learning how to make them on the go, in case he needed to make more during his patrol as Eraserhead.
However, Team Avatar reaches another dead end with a fireworks display blocking their path.
"Shit, what now," Jiro asks worried for Team Avatar.
06:38 - 07:09
Appa went to rescue as the students cheered.
Izuku watch carefully confirming his theory about the Flying Bison. "So Appa can Airbend." watch Appa's Airbending blowing away the guards with the gust of wind he created. "Maybe Airbending is why he can fly, the question is why can't Airbenders like Aang cannot fly like Appa?"
As Team Avatar escapes with Appa, the man throws one more bomb to ignite the fireworks giving an epic escape.
"Now, that is a great performance," Denki said liking how they escape.
07:09 - 07:21
Now they're safe in the sky, the spy introduces himself.
"Woah hold up, he's a Fire Nation soldier?!" Mineta asked in fear.
"Former, Fire Nation soldier he said," Neito said unsure what to feel about this man. "He said his name is Chey."
The Heroes side is not sure how to feel about Chey. He gave out a different vibe from Shyu the Fire Sage whose loyalty was to serve The Avatar, not the Fire Lord. While Chey had loyalties towards the Fire Nation royal family, he strayed away from the military.
If this were any other day, The Pro Heroes wouldn't like Chey for desertion the army, his actions would be considered a crime and dishonor. However, his actions would be considered a crime to the Fire Nation.
In some way the Pro Heroes feel mixed about Chey, glad that he left the army to save the Avatar. The question is now, why did he risk his life to rescue the Avatar?
There should be a reason for why.
07: 21 - 08:27
They learn more about Chey, more importantly about a man named Jeong Jeong.
"So once upon a time ago, Jeong Jeong was a highly ranked man that fought for the Fire Nation, but sees what they doing is madness." All Might said. "He was the only one who deserted the army and kept his life. I find it interesting that Jeong Jeong sees what the army is doing to serve the royal family isn't right.
Stain too is respected by Jeong Jeong. "He saw the madness and left, seeing what they're doing isn't right or honorable, despite what the word Honor meant to the Fire Nation since the started.
Stain sees that just like his world that forgot the true meaning of a Hero, the Fire Nation forgot the true meaning of Honor. He has seen what the Fire Nation did to villages like Haru's village. It was despicable. He was glad that Jeong Jeong left the army.
Besides Jeong Jeong's magnificent story of how he left the military, there is more to the man besides his former military status. The man is also a Master Firebender who would use his bending not for destruction but rather for enlightenment.
This gave a surprise to the audience towards what it means and how this opportunity can benefit. It's one of a million chances and this could be their only chance.
"Wait, is Chey trying to say what I think he is trying to say?" Neito said with his eyes widening in surprise.
"I think it does mean towards what we're all thinking." Kosei was shocked as he was able to connect the dots.
"Jeong Jeong can teach Aang how to Firebend!" Izuku said as his eyes sparkled.
This opportunity is one of a million chances. The idea of Aang finding a Firebender Master during a war with the Fire Nation felt impossible. Doing so would be considered a crime to the mind of the Fire Nation, a crime of treason in a way.
The fact that there is a Master who is a deserter and a criminal in the eyes of the Fire Nation. Jeong Jeong would be the perfect man to teach the Avatar.
"This is amazing. Aang can finally do Firebending, If Aang starts to learn now he can make a lot more practice before Sozin' Comet." Izuku hopefully said. "They should meet up with Jeong Jeong, sooner the better."
"This is so exciting, I can kiss someone!" Kosei said, making Itsuka very excited.
However, as it is great to hear the news, there are some cons to training with Jeong Jeong. Sokka let out his opinion and some can agree.
"Sokka is right, going to Jeong Jeong might be great and all, but they just recently escaped Fire Nation village. The guards most likely sent a Messager Hawk to alert the military at this very moment." Tenya agrees and half of the students agree.
Yayaorozu is one of them. "I agree, the security of that village is probably having a search party now. Chey was just right behind Team Avatar there is a chance that Jeong Jeong's camp is not that far. Even if the Army didn't come to face Team Avatar, The men of the village would have still tried to capture The Avatar for the Fire Lord." She said. "As you recall there was a wanted poster for the Avatar, there is probably even a reward for doing so, Gold, diamond, or even a home in the capital city. They cannot take this risk."
The student heard Both points from Iida and Yayaorozu, and they do have a point. However, some can disagree. They do see the logic but they have to take this chance.
"I'm sorry, but I stand with Aang." Izuku agrees with Aang, and Yayaorozu does have a point, it is risky, and they have to take that risk. Just like back in the entrance exam, he risked his safety to use One For All for the first time to save a stranger, who ended up becoming his best friend. "I hear you Iida, Yayaorozu, and I do see the logic. This opportunity is one of a lifetime. They can't always place it safely. They have to take the risk. There is no telling how would the outcome would come out in the end. Just like the time we went out and rescued Kacchan, or When Katara pretended to be an Earthbender and ended up in prison. Yes, we could have stayed back and let the heroes do their job, or Team Avatar would have left Haru in prison, but we didn't. We rescue Kacchan, and Katara inspired hope to Haru and the other Earthbenders. Once again, they have to take the risk, because they'll never know how the outcome would truly end up."
The students heard Midoriya, and he was right. Joining to meet up with Jeong Jeong is a risk, but it's just a risk that they have to take.
Iida and Yayarozu nodded to agree. "Alright, they can see Jeong Jeong, and if things go south, they can just leave the camp with the knowledge they learned during their time with Jeong Jeong."
Izuku is happy that Iida and Yayaorozu are now on board, they're going to see Aang learn Firebending.
08:27 - 08:37
After the debate about seeing Jeong Jeong they were ambushed by men with spears.
Aizawa sighs. "Chey, friends of yours." hey said with a bored expression.
08:37 - 09:08
It turns out the men are with Jeong Jeong and friends with Chey. The Audience could connect the dots that the men were formal Fire Nation soldiers who left by deserting the army.
"I'm surprised that there are so many soldiers that flee the army, I'm a bit confused about how to feel." Vlad King said. "One side of my brain is telling me that they see what they were doing was wrong, while the other side is telling me what they did to leave the army is a crime. It's so grey."
"I agree with you, Kan." Midnight agrees with her co-workers. "Since we met Jet, we're starting to see gray rather than black and white. Jet, the Blue Spirit, truly opened my eyes. It feels like I'm seeing the world without the filter that society taught us growing up and as a grown-up… I don't know what to say."
Aizawa and All Might agree too with their co-workers. They lived a long life of seeing the world in black-and-white vision, never the gray. Poker gave them an opportunity. It might be too late for the adults, but it is not too late for the students.
Tsuyu heard her teacher. Since Jet and the Blue Spirit, she has a lot to learn not just from the lore of this universe, but from life itself.
Seeing the world in Black and White is what she was taught and what she truly believed in, be after seeing the previous episodes. She has been silent.
She is scared of what to say, but there is nothing wrong with what she said because that's what she was taught and what every kid in her Gen was taught too. But it does mean she feels shame because she is. She feels twisted inside and she needs to talk about it later to just let it out.
Talking to her boyfriend might not be the best option, perhaps a grown-up like Midnight would help her.
Especially now they reach Jeong Jeong's campsite.
09:08 - 09:21
The man mentioned that at the moment Jeong Jeong just wanted to talk to Chey before he could speak to the Avatar.
The students wonder what Jeong Jeong and Chey had to discuss, they hope it wasn't bad news. They risk their lives just to see him.
09:21 - 09:47
In the next scene, the entire segment brought back a man that the audience hadn't seen since The Blue Spirit episode.
Dabi growled seeing him feeling his anger boiling. "Admiral Zhao."
The entire Ex-League agrees that they don't like the Admiral, the man is so egotistic and too proud of himself. He has a big head and a dickish attitude like Tomura.
Spinner massages his tempos. "I guess that Yayaorozu girl was right, The villagers in a way alerted the army probably with their messager hawks."
Stain agrees. "Most likely, it would be the closest thing to email or text message. I have no clue how the military used to contact one another, but in this world, it made sense they use hawks to send messages."
The scene continues having the head of security of the village mentioning where Team Avatar is headed, up the river.
"Shit." Tamaki gasped for the rest of the student body." Jeong Jeong's campsite is by the end of a river." He said recalling the campsite of Jeong Jeong.
Mirio stood up for to students. "I know this looks bad, but Team Avatar has to risk it, even if it means their time with Jeong Jeong would be short."
Aizawa heard his students about visiting Jeong Jeong. It was risky, and it got more dangerous now that Admiral Zhao would be hunting for them. He might use his Yuyan Archers once again, knowing that they're able to hunt down the Avatar from the Herbalist. That is how skilled they are and they're not even Shirshu that require a scent to find their target.
To Aizawa, he isn't against the idea of visiting Jeong Jeong. It may sound out of character for Aizawa but as Eraserhead. He had to take risks from time to time, from taking possible leads to rescuing hostages. It's just how life is, sometimes you can't live life by being safe, and sometimes they have to take the risk and go it blindly because no one can predict the outcome.
"This is going to sound out of character of me and I do admit that, but Team Avatar has to take this risk," Aizawa said getting the Hero side to look at him differently. "As Midoriya said, the idea of finding a Firebender Master that isn't loyal to the Royal Family is a zero to one possible chance. They have to take this risk. True, Admiral Zhao is coming, they can always escape. Unlike the time when Katara and Sokka were sick. Aang isn't alone this time. They have a Master Firebender to help them including troops who are with the Master. I'm not saying to fight, but to help them escape, including the benefits of a new element to bend."
Nemuri was not surprised to hear her friend give this hopeful speech. She knows what he has to do as Eraserhead from time to time, even if she has to take the risk as Midnight. The same can be said with Vlad King and All Might.
Taking a risk isn't good or bad, it's just part of life.
That speech, however, was odd, but he needs to say it too, not just All Might.
09:47 - 10:04
The next scene showed Chey exiting Jeong Jeong's tent.
The students smile hoping that Aang would be able to learn with Jeong Jeong, even if their time together would be short, but it would help Aang to train before Sozin's Comet. However, Chey isn't here to deliver good news, he is here to bring bad news. Saying that Jeong Jeong isn't going to see Aang, saying that Chey shouldn't even bring the Avatar to camp, and that they should leave right away.
"What!" The students just shared the same disappointed tone after hearing Chey's message from Jeong Jeong.
"Chey, there must be a mistake. Aang has to learn Firebending." Fuyumi said disappointed to hear that the master doesn't want to see the Avatar.
"Aang should at least talk to him and ask why, they risk their lives just to get to the camp. They cannot just leave here empty-handed." Natsu said feeling the anxiety that most of the students were feeling.
10:04 - 10:16
The Audience listened more from Chey.
It turns out, that Jeong Jeong's reasoning is because Aang isn't ready to learn Firebending yet. Unknown to The Audience, and Team Avatar. Chey wasn't the only one spying on Team Avatar, Jeong Jeong too was there. He saw how Aang moved and reacted, he hadn't mastered both Waterbending and Earthbending.
The teachers understood why Jeong Jeong mentioned that Aang wasn't ready.
"So that is the viewpoint of a Master." Vlad King said. "Basically what Jeong Jeong is trying to say is that he can tell that Aang isn't ready to learn Firebending, and he didn't just mean simply controlling the element, but the wisdom that comes with it. "
Midnight continues for Vlad King. "Just like how Gyatso and Iroh who are masters of the elements they can bend. They also carry the wisdom that comes with it, any bender can throw a rock, or swish splash with water, but it takes a true master to carry out the wisdom and understand to know if the Avatar is ready or not."
"That is why Jeong Jeong says that Aang isn't ready, not just to ignite flames from his willpower, but to truly understand the teaching that a Master Firebender, like Jeong Jeong, has to offer." All Might said. "True, Aang earned his tattoos for mastering Airbending, but it doesn't mean it's an all-access ability to skip the other two elements to tackle the last element. In some way, He has to earn the black belt of Waterbending and Earthbending, to start a single lesson with Firebending, and that is before making a single spark."
The students understood what Jeong Jeong and the Teachers were trying to say, but Aang doesn't have the luxury of earning a black belt from hard work and sweat, especially since there is a bloody deadline in the form of a comet.
Jeong Jeong has to teach the Avatar to at least make one flame, they're not expecting him to earn a yellow belt or even a freakin black belt.
The Teachers are seeing just how Aang is not ready. Their students are impatient, and they have every right to be.
10:16 - 11:01
Instead of leaving, Aang went to confront Jeong Jeong.
"Yeah, now that's a power move, Go Aang!" Kosei cheered for his idol.
As Aang enters Jeong Jeong's tent the master immediately tells him to get out, but the Avatar tries his best to talk to the master to teach him about Firebending, and that it is his destiny. It was the word, Destiny that caught the Master's attention and the audience.
Destiny?
What would a boy know of destiny?
If a fish lives its whole life in this river, does he know the river's destiny?
No!
Only that it runs on and on out of his control! He may follow where it flows, but he cannot see the end. He cannot imagine the ocean.
The conversation about the topic of destiny caught the attention of some audience members, such as Izuku Midoriya and Tenko Shimura.
I do mean Tenko Shimura.
What do these two know about destiny?
Everyone has the willpower to shape their actions that would shape their future, but destiny, well that's a whole different thing.
Nobody truly knows that the path their on is truly their destiny, or if it leads to their destiny.
What does destiny truly mean to them, what does it mean for Izuku and Tenko?
Is being chosen by All Might or All For One, Destiny, or just a random odd?
Their lives could have been different if The Sludge Villain never got Izuku as a hostage, or if Tenko's quirk never awakened.
Is their current path that they're on their true destiny, or could their lives have been different if fate took a different turn?
Like Bakugo never throwing Izuku's notebook to the window, or Tenko Shimura never killed his family?
Suppose the butterfly effect does exist. There are probably Izuku and Tenko who never became the young men they are today. There is probably an Izuku in General Studies in a different school, or even Tenko in a foster home, and if so, what is their destiny?
In some way, Izuku and Tomura can see what Jeong Jeong meant about destiny. They're just a fish in a river never seeing the true end of their journey. Being the successors of All Might and All For One didn't mean they were destined to be the next generation of the Symbol of Peace or the Symbol of Evil, it was just sheer dumb luck they met.
Their fate isn't written in stone. They have to shape their future, with their willpower.
11:01 - 11:17
They hear Aang's plea again. Mentioning as the Avatar he has to master the discipline of the bending arts, but Jeong Jeong reads Aang like a book. Mentioning that for Aang to train with Jeong Jeong. The Avatar requires mastering discipline itself, and he can see that Aang isn't interested in discipline, but rather jumping to the finish line and wanting to learn an element that he isn't ready for yet.
'Woah, Jeong Jeong is tougher than me. He can read the potential of the Avatar just by his actions during the festival. Aang has potential of course, but he isn't ready to learn Firebending. He made it clear that Aang just wants to Firebend, but not the discipline that comes with the training.' Thought Aizawa. 'It is like seeing an applicant wanting to do hero stuff without the lessons. Most of those students are more interested in the finish line, not the journey itself…. The question is, what now? It feels like Jeong Jeong isn't going to change his mind.'
The students felt that Jeong Jeong was being unfair, he wasn't giving Aang a chance. While Aizawa sees that the students don't understand Jeong Jeong's reasoning. They're more excited to see Aang to Firebend rather than the lessons themselves. It's like the first day of school all over again.
11:17 - 11:54
On Aang's third try to convince Jeong Jeong, he got the master angry.
Jeong Jeong went on to explain why it is important for Aang to learn about Water and Earth first instead of skipping to Fire.
The Todoroki siblings understood Jeong Jeong, including Fuyumi and Natsu even with their quirks closer to their mother, they understood. That Fire is dangerous and alive and requires feeding to keep burning. They require a master to tame it. Unlike the element of Earth, a Rock doesn't throw itself, but Fire has a will of its own without a bender to control it.
Hence why Aang is not ready.
It doesn't mean that the students are thrilled about Jeong Jeong's rejection.
They're not the only ones who are thrilled about the rejection.
11:54 - 12:05
The room went silent when the candle lit off making the tent pitch black.
When the candle ignited once again, the audience was in for a surprise to see The Avatar standing before them, because this isn't Aang.
Izuku shivers to see him again. "Avatar Roku, but how?" Unsure how the dead Avatar is talking to Jeong Jeong.
Mineta has a theory. "Oh my god, Roku came back to seek revenge from the depths of Hell!"
Reiko got angry at the little Grapist. "No you idiot, Roku said he is a part of Aang being the Avatar, so taking over his body should be normal, he did it before back in Crescent Moon Island." Reiko rubbed her tempos from the annoyance of the 1A pervert, she raised an eyebrow recalling what he said. "Why were you so sure Roku ended up in Hell?"
The students went to give judgemental eyes to Mineta, wanting an answer. While he just sweats like a sinner in church.
12:05 - 12:25
The audience watched as Avatar Roku gave out his own words, mentioning that the Avatar had mastered the elements a thousand times, and a thousand lifetimes, and now the Avatar has to learn it again in this lifetime.
From the Teacher's point of view, they understood Jeong Jeong although Sozin's Comet is coming. They were with Jeong Jeong they too see Aang wasn't ready, nor interested in the discipline that comes with the training, he was just interested in the idea of igniting a flame in his will.
As teachers, they would say no too, just like Jeong Jeong did. However, they would surrender when the Avatar from the past demanded them to teach the current Avatar, especially when he gave out a good point. Saying no to the current Avatar felt impossible.
Including the idea of expelling them or transferring them to general studies felt like an option that isn't available if the Avatar was a student of UA High, or within Aizawa's class.
As much Aizawa dislikes the idea of being ordered by the Avatar's past life or lives demanding him to teach the 'Avatar Problem Child' then he has no choice, but to train them to do stuff that heroes do.
Aizawa is just glad that he only has one life, and isn't cursed with reincarnation to train the same problem child in every future next lives.
Aizawa gulped thinking that he rather burn in Hell and reincarnate just to train the Avatar in every single next life.
All For One was in a true surprise, he hadn't been the same since he learned about the Avatar Cycle. After learning that the Avatar was being reincarnated for thousands of lifetimes, he is sure there is no version of him obtaining victory against the Avatar.
Just like how the teachers surrender to Roku. Jeong Jeong gave up and decided to train the Avatar to Firebend.
The students cheered as they were as thrilled as Aang that Jeong Jeong agreed with Avatar Roku. The Teachers sweatdrop seeing that the Students have no clue what is like to teach a student who is only interested in the finish line, not the journey.
Aizawa went to whisper to Nemuri. "Tell me again why you talked me into becoming a teacher, again." Now question if he should continue to be a teacher or not.
(Thankfully, the public library carries the MHA Vigilante manga, that is how I learned about how Aizawa became a teacher at UA High, and I wish I read more, not just volume 6, or was it 8?)
12:25 - 1251
The next scene shifted in the morning. While Sokka was fishing, and Katara practicing her Waterbending, Jeong Jeong and Aang were about to start training.
"OMG, we're going to see Aang shoot fire from his fingertips. I'm like an excited big brother. I wish I had my smartphone to capture the moment." Kosei said excited to see the actions. What's interesting is that Kosei isn't the only one excited, the rest of the student body is excited too.
However, as much as they were expecting to see some fire, Jeong Jeong put Aang in a fighting stance rather than teaching him actual fire, it got the students annoyed that Aang was learning a stance not generating fire.
"Oh Come on!" Hanta shouted frustrated not yet seeing the Avatar generate flames, let alone smoke.
However, two students understood. They have a background in Martial Arts, Itsuka Kendo, and Mashiaro Ojiro. They too went to a similar start as Aang, they had white belts before earning their black belt. Through as much they understand that Aang will not be an instant black belt because Admiral Zhao is hunting for the Avatar, and Sozin's comet will not wait for him to master the other three elements. Aang cannot waste time by learning the basics.
Aizawa understood too, and he knows that Aang is a prodigy when it comes to Airbending, hence his tattoos are proof of him mastering his Airbending. He believes that can at least generate flames. He does understand that the basics are important. If only they knew that Jeong Jeong was coming, maybe the process would be much quicker.
It is just a matter of 'If', not a matter of 'when'.
Melissa got offended when Jeong Jeong called Sokka an Oaf. "Seriously, what's with the universe hating on Sokka." She asks while Dabi laughs so hard that Sokka is insulted.
12:51 - 13:01
The audience learned a new lore about Firebending and their connection to the Sun.
"So feeling the sun's natural heat helps with this training, mentioning the sun's heat is balance, and probably the natural heat helps with Firebending as well, but how I wonder," Izuku said as he wrote it down in his notebook.
(Technically the audience will learn more about the lore of Firebending, later on in the series, including the lore about Firebenders in an environment in which it is extremely cold. Like those Prison episodes in book 3 and later with P'Li in Legend of Korra. For now, this is what they learned.)
13:01 - 13:13
"So after Aang gets some heat from the sun, does that mean he gets to shoot out fire from his fingers?" Kosei asked the Master.
Concentrate!
After being yelled at by Jeong Jeong. Kosei zipped his lips too. He however noticed his friends were hiding their laughter just like Katara and Sokka were doing to Aang.
He raised an eyebrow seeing that Kendo was laughing at him too. He noticed that Kendo was looking at him differently since she had been helping him train during the break. His cheeks started to heat up as they accidentally shared a look.
He looked away, and it seemed she did too. He hides his smile liking that small moment.
13:13 - 13:53
The next scene is the next step of their training.
As Jeong Jeong Took Aang at the top of a hill. However, the audience recalls this lore way back from the pilot episode with Iroh when Zuko was training his Firebending.
Shoto and Dabi recalled this training too. "Firebending comes from the breath, not the muscles," Shoto said recalling Iroh's teaching way back from the pilot episode. He recalls during his training that his mentor taught the basics. He thought that his mentor was messing with him, but even a Master like Jeong Jeong was teaching the Avatar the same lesson.
'I need to apologize to Master Wan. he was just teaching me the basics not wasting my time, I do wonder if the dance he was teaching me was any important?' Shoto thought about training with Wan later after the break.
The audience watches as Jeong Jeong leaves Aang to breathe on top of the hill.
13:53 - 14:56
The next scene was Aang returning to Jeong Jeong. The students got very impatient towards the master, after learning that Aang was on top of the hill, breathing for hours.
"What the Hell dude, I thought you were going to teach the Avatar Firebending. Why does it feel like you're wasting his time!" Yosetsu let out his frustration, and many of the students agreed.
However, Jeong Jeong wasn't angry at the Avatar, he was patient and told the story of his former student. Who was impatient, and only interested in the power of the destruction that comes with Firebending. The Master continues to explain that being able to Firebend is also a burden because Fire is meant to feed to continue to burn.
The students had seen the dark side of Firebending since the very start when they came to the Temptation Casino. they realize that Jeong Jeong isn't wasting Aang's time, he is training him, not just to ignite a flame, but also to understand restraint. Something that his former student didn't understand.
The students felt ashamed, they noticed that they had been impatient since coming to Jeong Jeong's campsite. They were so excited to see Aang Firebending, that they had forgotten what is important in this training, it wasn't to create fire but to learn discipline and restraint.
Something that Jeong Jeong has been telling them since they arrived at his camp. Especially that the Avatar hasn't mastered Water and Earth. Aang's training is much tougher than Jeong Jeong had in mind. If the Avatar came to him after mastering Water and Earth. Their training might be much easier.
In a way, Jeong Jeong is installing the teaching disciplines of all three, Water, Earth, and Fire in this entire training, and that's before he could ignite a single spark.
"We're so sorry, Master Jeong Jeong." Kendo bowed down to apologize, and the rest of the students bowed down.
They understand that Jeong Jeong is training to teach Aang, and in a way the Students of UA too.
However, Aang exiting the tent wasn't the end of the scene, because it continued to play. Showing that Admiral Zhao is getting closer to the campsite. Even Jeong Jeong's men tried to stop him with their spears, but the Admiral was too strong for them.
"Shit, they have to leave." Jeong Jeong's men tried to stop them, but couldn't" Neito said worried for Team Avatar as Admiral Zhao was getting closer, and closer.
14:56 - 15:05
The next scene Jeong Jeong exited his tent. To end up seeing Aang apologize to him.
"We're sorry Master Jeong Jeong. Your method does have meaning. You taught us too. Thank you for reminding us about mastering discipline and patience. It will always be a practice. There would never be a black belt for mindfulness." Izuku said, showing some humility.
15:05 - 15:15
"Oh yeah!" Kosei jumped for joy just like Aang when he learned that Jeong Jeong was about to teach him to work with Firebending, but he was embarrassed when Jeong Jeong gave them the look, "I mean, let us begin."
Kosei's cheek heated up as Kendo giggled.
15:15 - 15:32
The audience listens to Jeong Jeong's instructions that Aang has to control the flame on the small leaf he was given. Many audiences understood this method of training.
"Oh, I see this method is like how the magician from earlier was Firebending. By manipulating the fire from another source rather than Aang igniting his own." Izuku explained this method. "However, Aang has to control the cinder to make sure the leaf doesn't fully ignite, just only in the center."
Shoto agrees with him. "You're right, this requires a lot of concentration to do it properly. He has to use everything that Jeong Jeong had taught him throughout their time together. He cannot pass this in a rush, he has to be patient."
'He fails if that leaf burns entirely, and has to do it all over again.' thought Dabi, not wanting to let out his thoughts out loud for his brother, and friend to hear.
However, Jeong Jeong is needed elsewhere as one of his men calls for him.
"Oh no, Admiral Zhao, he is close," Ochaco said worried for Team Avatar.
15:32 - 15:46
As Jeong Jeong leaves, Aang goes to complain about his training with Jeong Jeong, but Katara tries to turn the situation into a positive.
"I agree with Katara, I know that Jeong Jeong's methods are difficult, to say the least. However, his methods have reasons, just be thankful that Jeong Jeong is a better mentor." Natsu's tone turns to more of a tone of anger. "Unlike someone I know, who doesn't even give a crap to even give attention to his other children."
Natsu and the rest of the Todoroki siblings can see Natsu's anger. In a way, Jeong Jeong is a better teacher than their father. Unlike Enji, Jeong Jeong is patient and sees fire not as raw power, but as enlightenment. Something they believe Enji will never see, only seeing his mighty quirk as a power gun.
The same can be said with Iroh, the siblings request Jeong Jeong and Iroh more than their father.
Shoto placed a hand on his older brother's shoulder as he just gave him a shy smile of empathy. "Katara and my big brother are right Aang. Jeong Jeong might be difficult, but he is a better master than Endeavor."
Fuyumi too placed a hand on Natsu's shoulder, "I couldn't agree more, and I would say the same thing about Iroh, in both categories, as a master and a father figure."
Dabi smiled after hearing his siblings talking shit about Enji, and he agrees, that Iroh and Jeong Jeong are better men than him.
15:46 - 15:58
They watch as Aang takes some breathing exercises that Jeong Jeong taught him, and as the students fear that the leaf will turn into ashes, Aang turns the small cinder into a magnificent flame.
The Audience's eyes were in awe to see that the Avatar is Firebending for the first time. Something that the Audience thought it would be impossible to find a teacher, let alone learn to bend this element. Yet, here he is, Firebending.
"This is so amazing, I thought that Aang would never learn to Firebend, and yet, here he is Firebending," Ochaco said happy to see Aang controlling the fire.
"I know what you mean Uraraka. I thought Aang would never learn how to Firebend. We know the enemy is the Fire Nation and most of the members of the army are Firebenders. I thought that there would never be a mentor for the Avatar due to the fear of being arrested for treason against the Fire Nation." Shoto said gave out a small smile. "Thankfully, one doesn't have to worry, because Master Jeong Jeong is already a wanted criminal in the eyes of the Fire Nation army for desertion. To us, he isn't a criminal, he is a great master, who can be difficult."
Ahsido giggles. "Yeah, more difficult than Aizawa sensei."
"What's that Ashido."
Mina shivered as Aizawa stared at her with his eyes glowing red and his hair defying gravity. Shoto just chuckles happy to see that Aang is Firebending.
15:58 - 16:16
Smiles turn to frown when Aang starts to play with fire like it is a toy.
"Aang, I know you're happy to finally Firebend, but fire isn't a toy," Fuyumi said, scolding the Avatar like he was one of her students.
The teachers are frowning seeing that Aang is threatening the ball of fire, not seeing the dangers he could do even with a single flame. Even a small cinder can cause a forest fire.
All the sense of joy was gone right after Aang said a single sentence.
I wonder how the juggler did it.
16:16 - 16:25
Things went wrong in a matter of seconds. The audience's eyes widened and some covered their mouths with their hands. From a moment of fun, became a moment of terror.
Aang accidentally burned Katara!
"Oh dear god, Katara!" Kota cried for the Waterbender.
16:25 - 16:57
You burned my sister!
The student went to panic as Sokka tackled Aang for burning his sister.
Kosei sat back down caressing his hair back from what happened to Katara. He couldn't believe that Aang just burned Katara. It was just an accident, but it doesn't change the fact that he burned her.
While Kosei's thoughts were running. He isn't the only one disappointed. Many other students and adults are disappointed too.
Aizawa was one of them. "Jeong Jeong did warn us that Aang isn't ready. The Avatar isn't even interested in learning the discipline and the restraint that comes with his teachings. I did disagree that Aang isn't weak, he is capable of Firebend, but I do agree that Aang isn't ready." he said. "Aang might be a prodigy when it comes to Airbending, and his tattoos are proof that he is a master of Airbending. It doesn't say the same with the other elements, like Fire. He might make Waterbending look easy, but it doesn't mean it is smooth sailing to the rest of the other elements, and it shows, he burned Katara, accident or not he still burned her."
Midnight agrees with Aizawa. "The damage has already been done, Aang has to take responsibility." She turns to the students in a kind tone. "I know, none of you wanted this to happen, but it did. There is nothing we can do but accept this."
The students heard their teachers. There isn't something they can do. They cannot prevent something that has already been done.
Aang was wreckless, he treated that fireball like it was a toy. Then again, they too were guilty. They wanted to see Aang Firebend, and he did. Just like Aang they just wanted to see fire, not the lesson itself. This is a lesson to them, even though there is a deadline is marching. They need to enjoy the journey rather than focus on the finish line.
The question is, what now?
16:57 - 17:13
Jeong Jeong arrived warning Team Avatar.
"Admiral Zhao is coming. They have to leave." All Might said.
The students hear Aang's cries of apologies. They do feel sorry for him, but Katara is the one who got hurt.
17:13 - 17:24
The scene shifted with Katara suffering from the pain of the fire on her hands.
The teachers saw her burned hands. "This isn't good. Katara's hands would most likely gain some scars. Her hands will never look the same ever again." Midnight said, feeling sorry for Katara.
Shoto feels sorry too, He knows what is like to have a scar. "It will be okay Katara." He said.
17:24 - 17:44
However, they thought Katara would have a scar on her hands. Her hands glow when she dipped her hands on the water, it is only when her hands rise to the surface her hands are cured of scarring.
"What the hell?" said all the Todoroki siblings surprised at this miraculous moment. Even the rest of the audience was surprised too. Thankfully, Jeong Jeong saw it too and went to explain what he knows about this rare Waterbending technique, which isn't a fancy splash as Sokka would call it.
Izuku understood what Jeong Jeong said, leaving him surprised as much as everyone else. Seeing a feat not even any record Water quirk can do. This feat makes Waterbending superior to any water-based quirks that were ever recorded. "So Waterbenders can heal, what we just saw is a rare Waterbending technique. I think the other elements cannot do a similar act as their Waterbenders."
Monoma adds his thoughts. "Not just that Midoriya. Even water base quirks cannot do a similar feat, not even Todoroki's half-cold quirk or Kota's Water quirk cannot heal people." He said. "Also Katara just healed a second-degree burn, which normally would take days to heal. She did it quickly."
"Monoma is right." Vlad King said supporting his student. "I'm afraid the Waterbenders and their technique to heal people is superior to Recovery Girl's quirk. They probably know knowledge that only Waterbenders know, that our world's medical studies don't know. In a way, we're not just learning more lore, but the practice of their way of healing. There is more about Waterbending that we don't know about, and it isn't just learning about Fancy Splashes."
The rest of the audience agrees with the three of them. There's a lot more lore that they don't know about Waterbending as a lore. Techniques that are rare to this world, that not even a water-based quirk can replicate.
Izuku wrote this lore about Waterbending in his notebook.
17:44 - 18:11
As Jeong Jeong sat down next to the girl, The audience listened to Jeong Jeong. He was saying that he wished to be free as a Firebender, describing his bending as a curse.
"What?" Dabi was surprised to hear those words from Jeong Jeong. Katara was surprised too, and Dabi agreed with her, that Jeong Jeong was a great master, a better wielder of fire than Dabi could ever be.
After learning about Jeong Jeong from Chey, Dabi was intrigued by this Master Firebender, that he doesn't seek power with his flames, but rather found enlightenment during his time as a former high-rank member of the army.
Unlike Dabi, Jeong Jeong found inner peace. He believed that a broken man like Jeong Jeong could find inner peace. Maybe he can too, and his life doesn't have to end with Him and Enji being killed together.
Would it be so bad for Dabi to find inner peace, does he have to die just to find peace?
What makes him any different from Jeong Jeong?
Before he was a master, he was a soldier and had a very high rank. There is no telling what he did during his time in the army, and how many he killed since he was assigned to fight for the Fire Nation. He was somehow seen as a villain to the Earth Kingdom and the Water Tribes. Just like Dabi is considered a villain.
Dabi doesn't have the answer, maybe he can find inner peace, just like Jeong Jeong did.
However, that can wait because a Firebenders attack the campsite and the Audience knows who it is.
Dabi too knows who it is, as his blood boils from Anger, not liking this Admiral. "Zhao, that motherfucker."
18:11 - 18:24
The next scene shows Jeong Jeong warning Katara that she and the rest of Team Avatar have to flee, as Admiral Zhao's ships are coming.
"Master Jeong Jeong is right, just like their time in Kyoshi. The Troops will leave the area and follow Team Avatar to try to capture him." All Might said he sighed knowing the events won't be the same as their time back in Kyoshi. "However, the problem is Jeong Jeong and his men are charged with the crime of desertion."
Aizawa agrees with him. "All Might has a point, and maybe fighting the army would make his case much worse, but what options do he and his men have besides fleeing? Let's just hope things turn out good for Jeong Jeong and his men. Unlike Shyu and the rest of the Fire Sages.
The villains couldn't believe what they heard from All Might and Eraserhead. They were defending War Criminals from the Fire Nation army. The episode with Jet truly opened their eyes, seeing not all Fire Nation is villains, like the village that Sokka saved, and now Jeong Jeong.
They believe if they had never seen the Jet episode, maybe their beliefs would have stayed the same.
18:24 - 18:39
As Admiral Zhao is marching closely, The audience had their jaws drop when Jeong Jeong does a very impressive feat of Firebending, which not even the Todoroki family can do.
A wall of Fire.
Hole
Lee
Shit
Was the combined reaction of the entire audience when Jeong Jeong did his technique.
Even the Todoroki siblings reacted the same with their jaws dropping. They're seeing a true master of Firebending not even Enji can be called a master of fire.
"No, that is something not even Endeavor can do," Natsu said surprised to see this feat of Firebending.
(I have this theory that maybe Jeong Jeong learned from the dragons from The Sun Warriors. Hence his wisdom and his finding enlightenment. Also, what are the chances he and Iroh met during their time in the army?
I want to say thanks to my friend Just a Reader 56 for letting me know that Jeong Jeong didn't learn from the dragons.)
18:39 - 18:57
However, It turns out the huge flame wall that Jeong Jeong created was more of a warning rather than an attack. More importantly, the audience found out who was Jeong Jeong's former student. The impatient one was only interested in the power and destruction of fire, not the wisdom that Jeong Jeong planned to teach.
"No, way, so Zhao was Jeong Jeong's student… I'm going to be sick." Toga said disgusted to learn the truth.
The rest of the audience is surprised as well, but Dabi is pissed to learn this information due to his dislike towards Zhao.
'I respect Jeong Jeong, you Zhao you're nothing but shit.' He thought gripping his armrest very tightly.
18:24 - 19:20
The next scene shifted back to Katara as she went to find Aang after warning Sokka that they had to leave. When Katara met Aang at Jeong Jeong's tent. The audience saw the Avatar looking defeated, and ashamed towards burning Katara. They even heard a sentence that the audience never thought to hear from the Avatar.
Jeong Jeong tried to tell me that I wasn't ready. I wouldn't listen. I'm never going to Firebend again.
No, Never again.
Hearing those words from Aang felt like history repeating itself to the eyes of Shoto Todoroki. He recalls after getting his scar from Rei that he made a vow to himself to surpass Endeavor by not using his Half-Hot quirk. He made that vow wanting to do nothing with Endeavor. However, Aang, his reasons are much different from his own. He and some others see that Aang got traumatized by burning Katara, a girl that he loves in the sense of romantic love.
They know that Aang has to eventually master Firebending, but what would happen if he refused to?
Unlike hiding the letter from Hakoda in the last episode, this brought a bigger impact on Aang.
There were no vocal comments, just silent understanding. However, Aang cannot afford to to shame himself right now. Because Zhao is coming and Jeong Jeong is in danger.
19:20 - 19:27
Katara mention she healed herself.
"We're not 100% sure how Katara did it, but yeah she healed her wounds," Itsuka said. "However, right now that isn't important. Zhao and his men had arrived and they had Jeong Jeong cornered. You have to help him despite Jeong Jeong telling you to leave."
Knowing how much shame that Aang felt right now, didn't matter his master needed help. The students smile when push his feelings aside and went to help Jeong Jeong.
"Save him, Avatar Aang!" Shoto cheered, hoping that Aang save Jeong Jeong.
19:27 - 20:06
The next scene shifted back to Jeong Jeong and Zhao.
Dabi couldn't help but let out a chuckle seeing their interaction. Shows that all that Zhao's accomplishments from a recruit to his newest rank of Admiral mean nothing to his former teacher. Even making him feel small saying that the Avatar is far stronger than him.
Dabi laughed. "Your accomplishments are nothing but moot, Zhao. It doesn't matter what rank you are, Admiral or Commander, you cannot defeat the Avatar as much as you cannot defeat the Banish Prince at an Agni Kai." He continues. "You know, what I found funny. Two masters see you as moot. Jeong Jeong called you a Savage, and Iroh called you disgraceful. If I didn't know better. If rankings like Admiral or Commander don't suit you, you're better off being called, The Disgraceful Savage Zhao! Hahahaha! It suits you much better."
The villain side knows that Dabi dislike Zhao since the Storm, but he is flexing his hatred out in the open for everyone to see.
20:06 - 20:21
The audience sees Aang running as fast as he can. However, Jeong Jeong doesn't need help to fight Zhao's men. Because this Master knows when to fight, and when to run. Jeong Jeong did use his Firebending, but used it as a way to escape by covering himself with his flames.
"Clever, just like the magician from earlier. The key is misdirection. The troop was so focused on his Firebending, that they didn't notice Jeong Jeong escaping. He is a master of Firebending after all." Aizawa said impressed at Jeong Jeong.
(I have a theory, that what Jeong Jeong did, is also what Azula did during the episode The Chase. Her escape plan after being attacked by the 4 elements.)
20:21 - 20:36
After Aang finds out that Zhao is Jeong Jeong's former student, a fight begins. As Zhao shot out two Fireballs at the Avatar. Thankfully, Aang was able to evade his attacks.
The audience realizes this is the first fight between The Admiral against the Avatar.
"Last time they met, Aang didn't fight Zhao, he had his Yuyan Archers… Which surprisingly they didn't return." Vlad King said surprise not to see any archers.
"They probably went back to bodyguard the fortress, after last time, that or The Fire Lord had other plans with them?" Midnight gave out her thoughts.
Tomura gets excited wanting Zhao to capture the Avatar, while Dabi for once is rooting for the Avatar to kick Zhao's stupid ass.
20:36 - 20:59
They see Zhao's attacks, and Aang notices his attacks as well, even though Aang's time with Jeong Jeong is less than a day. The Avatar did learn restraint and control, unlike his former student.
Dabi smiles, seeing that Aang has a plan to humiliate Zhao. "Oh, this is going to be good."
20:59 - 21:14
The fight continues and the Avatar decides to taunt Zhao rather than fight him.
Oh, were we fighting? I thought you were just getting warmed up!
Is that all you got? Man, they'll make anyone an admiral these days!
"Shut up, Get him Zhao!" Tomura yelled at the Admiral. While Dabi is enjoying every insult that the Avatar has to give to Zhao.
21:14 - 21:28
The students laughed as Aang continues to make fun of Admiral Zhao by mocking him by waving his ass to the admiral.
Ahoy!
I'm Admiral Zhao!
Toga laughed hard too. "OMFG that was hilarious, I should that too and mock Tomura." she got a light bulb idea. "Why wait, I can do it now!" She got up to her seat and wave her as to Tomura's direction.
"Slay! Bitch! Slay!" Twice cheered for Toga as Tomura just growled at him.
"Ahoy! I'm Tomura Shigaraki!" Toga mocks Tomura by waving her ass. "Poker is my manly man!" She laughed seeing her former leader blush like a tomato.
21:28 - 21:37
I don't know why, but I thought you'd be better than Zuko.
Denki laughed his ass off. "Right, for an Admiral and an adult. You would expect him to be better than Zuko, I guess it is true, they'll make anyone into an Admiral these days. They should make Momo into an Admiral next."
Yayaorozu felt good being complimented by her classmate. "Not you Yayaorozu, I meant Momo the Lemur." Denki's words hurt Yayorozu a lot. She should have known he meant the lemur, not her.
'Why do we have to share the same name!' Yayaorozu mentally cried.
21:37 - 22:30
As Aang continues to evade Zhao. They reach the end of the fight, making Aang the winner.
"How the fuck do you think you won brat, you didn't even fight, you just evade like a coward!" Tomura shouted at the Avatar.
It was the Avatar who explained to Tomura and Zhao why he won, even without giving a single blow. This is because he and Team Avatar can now escape and Zhao just burns down his transportation to reach his ship. He can still walk of course, but the result would be just moot.
The Ex-League and the Hero side laughed, seeing that Aang outsmarted Zhao, and in a way, he did take Jeong Jeong's lessons seriously even though he wasn't interested in them at first.
The only thing that Team Avatar can do now is escape. While Zhao cries like a bitch.
22:30 - 22:51
As Team Avatar escapes with Appa. They wondered what happened to Jeong Jeong, and Sokka gave out the answer.
"So Jeong Jeong left with his men. Good for them." Dabi said glad that the man he looked up to escaped.
Some covered their chuckles to see that Chey was left behind. They wonder where was he during the invasion of Admiral Zhao.
22:51 - 23:24
As Team Avatar is flying away, Katara goes to heal Aang's burned wound. It was healed in a matter of seconds, and the burned wound felt like it was never there.
"Katara has a lot to learn about Waterbending, including us. There are 3 other elements we don't know of, including Lavabending that we saw with Avatar Roku." Midnight said.
"Including a possible connection with lightning towards what Iroh demonstrated back during the storm. For now. I guess there is nothing much to talk about." Vlad King said as they looked forward to learning more lore about bending.
23:24 - 23:44 (Last scene of the chapter.)
"Wait, two fish hooks on one thumb?" Natsu asked how did Sokka got two fish hooked and stuck at the same thumb.
The audience learned a lot from this chapter. Including an important lesson about enjoying the journey not focusing on the finish line. True, Aang's case is different, but the lesson also applies to the student. That they should enjoy their time in UA High. They're not going to be students forever. They will eventually reach the finish line, they should stop hurrying life to go quicker.
They also learned how important discipline and restraint is, something that Zhao refused to learn. Who knew a boring lesson cause his defeat.