Azula was undeniably cute, but her behavior often made people overlook her appearance.
Anyone who didn't know her well might easily be drawn to her charm—until she opened her mouth.
Ursa's thoughts grew increasingly odd as she glanced between Azula and Kahn.
Kahn, too, was quite adorable—polite, calm, and mature beyond his years. He would surely grow into a handsome young man.
Ursa couldn't help but think, If Azula won't listen to me, maybe she'll change under Kahn's influence…
The thought made her lips curve into a faint smile, her gaze toward Kahn softening.
"Well then," she said gently, "since Zuko's friend says so, let it be. I'm happy to see you all getting along."
Zuko blinked in confusion.
"Huh? Mother and Kahn are both acting strange…"
Still, the issue was settled. Ursa led them inside, where she chatted with Kahn briefly before leaving them to play freely.
She didn't pry into his family background or origins like most adults would—something Kahn appreciated.
Ursa had noticed his calm demeanor. He wasn't shy, just polite and composed—remarkably mature for a boy his age.
Good, she thought. He's steady. Azula is too mischievous—they'll balance each other perfectly.
Meanwhile, Kahn found Ursa to be a true embodiment of grace and warmth—a loving mother through and through.
The only strange thing was how she occasionally looked at him, as if imagining something he couldn't quite place.
It must've been his imagination.
After Ursa left, Zuko turned to him curiously. "Kahn, Azula was clearly picking on you earlier. Why did you still defend her?"
Kahn didn't answer directly. Instead, he asked, "Is that how you usually handle things?"
Zuko frowned. "What do you mean?"
"I mean, when you and your sister fight, do you always go tell your parents?"
Zuko nodded without hesitation. "Of course! Why not?"
Kahn sighed and shook his head. "No wonder your relationship is so bad."
Zuko blinked. "Why?"
"Uh…" Kahn hesitated. "It's hard to explain. You'll understand one day. But trust me—when siblings fight, tattling is the worst thing you can do."
Zuko frowned. "So I shouldn't tell on her anymore? What if she bullies me again?"
"That's simple," Kahn said. "Fight back."
"Fight back?"
"Yeah," Kahn nodded. "If she yells at you, yell back. If she hits you, hit her back."
He'd seen it before—siblings who fought constantly as kids but always stood together against outsiders. Over time, those little clashes built understanding and loyalty.
Love between siblings didn't mean there'd be no conflict. It meant they learned to clash and forgive. Bottling everything up only led to explosions later.
Zuko still looked doubtful. "But Mother says Azula and I shouldn't fight. How can fighting make us closer?"
Kahn shrugged. "You'll understand someday. Just trust me."
Zuko squinted suspiciously. "You're not lying to me, right?"
"Absolutely not," Kahn said casually. "But it's up to you whether you believe me."
He wasn't trying to convince him—just offering advice. Experience would do the rest.
Zuko sighed, giving up on the topic. "Fine, fine. So… what should we do now?"
"This is your home," Kahn said, smiling. "You decide."
Zuko brightened instantly. "Let's go play with the turtles in the courtyard pond!"
"Uh…" Kahn instantly regretted letting him choose. "Turtles… how exciting," he said dryly.
Before Zuko could drag him off, Kahn quickly changed the subject. "Actually, how's your Firebending coming along?"
Zuko froze, his eyes darting aside. "Uh… it's fine, I guess…"
Kahn didn't notice his hesitation. After a bit of back-and-forth, he realized Zuko's progress was impressive.
"I've been self-studying some techniques lately," Kahn admitted. "But I can't quite grasp the fundamentals. Could you teach me?"
"Of course!" Zuko said eagerly, thrilled to finally be the teacher. "Let's go to the training grounds! I'll show you, and we can even spar!"
What a good kid, Kahn thought, smiling.
He completely forgot about the turtles and nodded. "Alright, let's go."
But just as they turned to leave, a voice called from behind—smooth, teasing, unmistakable.
"How about adding me?"
They both spun around.
Azula stood a few steps away, arms folded, a smirk on her lips.
"Azula!" Zuko snapped. "Were you eavesdropping on us?!"
"Please," she said with a roll of her eyes. "Don't flatter yourself, Zuzu. You and your little friend aren't Father and Grandfather. What secret could possibly be worth my time?"
Kahn immediately looked down at the floor, pretending he hadn't heard that dangerously bold remark.
"So," Azula continued, her tone turning sweetly sharp, "how about it? Add me?"
Her smile was innocent—too innocent.
Kahn couldn't help but think she looked genuinely cute when she wasn't threatening to maim someone.
But Zuko wasn't fooled. "No! I'm not playing with you!"
Azula feigned a hurt look. "Is that what a brother should say to his sister? Accusing me when all I want is to play? Is that the kind of etiquette Mother taught you?"
Zuko turned red with frustration. "You—! Forget it! I still don't agree!"
Kahn found himself oddly entertained. Azula was different from any girl he'd ever met. Sharp, calculating, yet weirdly charming in her madness.
Then Azula turned her gaze on him.
Their eyes met.
For a moment, Kahn thought he saw mischief—and something else—flicker in her golden eyes.
"I think," Azula said sweetly, "since you're our guest, Kahn, you should decide. What do you say?"
Her expression softened into what almost looked like kindness. Almost.
Kahn froze.
What does this have to do with me?!
He'd been happily watching the drama from the sidelines, and now the flames had jumped straight onto him.
And that look in her eyes—was that a hint? A challenge? Or a threat?
Definitely a threat.
Who the hell taught this kid how to use her expressions? Whoever it was, she learned it too well.
After a brief pause, Kahn sighed in surrender.
"Sure."