Kahn and Zuko's match continued with sparks—literally—flying.
Zuko's Firebending was solid. Every move was technically perfect, every strike crisp and precise. You couldn't find fault with a single motion.
But that was exactly the problem. His form was too perfect—so structured that it lacked flexibility. Against someone observant like Kahn, that became a weakness.
Kahn's Firebending wasn't as strong or refined, but he had memorized every form and transition of the discipline.
He knew the stance of each move, how one flowed into the next, and what outcome each produced.
Even if his execution lacked polish, his understanding let him predict Zuko's attacks with surprising accuracy.
And with his natural combat instincts—his body's perfect synchronization with his reflexes—he was keeping up.
His movements were fluid, sharp, and almost acrobatic within his physical limits.
For someone who had only just begun Firebending, Kahn's ability to read Zuko and even gain a slight edge was unbelievable.
Meanwhile, Zuko was growing increasingly frustrated.
No matter how he attacked, Kahn either dodged, deflected, or countered at just the right moment. It was like trying to punch smoke.
This is insane!
At least Kahn wasn't pressing any heavy attacks either, which meant Zuko wasn't in real danger. If things kept up like this, it'd probably end in a draw—respectable enough.
Zuko secretly relaxed at that thought.
Unfortunately for him, Kahn had other plans.
After blocking one of Zuko's side kicks, Kahn suddenly disengaged and jumped back, putting distance between them.
His earlier exchanges hadn't been to win—they'd been to test himself.
From what he'd just seen, he was pleased. His body control and timing were exceptional.
Against someone objectively stronger, he could still stay even—and that was a huge advantage.
Still, the thought flickered in his mind: If Firebending has all these intricate forms, what about Earth, Water, or Air?
Could he study all of them… and craft his own ultimate bending style?
Maybe something like the "Dugu Nine Swords" of Bending?
The idea thrilled him—until he realized how ridiculous it was.
Yeah, maybe master Firebending first, genius.
Kahn chuckled inwardly but stored the idea away for later.
Returning his focus to Zuko, he grinned. "You'd better be careful next."
"Careful? Of what—"
Before Zuko could finish, Kahn dashed forward.
The fight resumed, seemingly the same as before—exchanges of flame and movement, neither side gaining a clear advantage. But Zuko sensed something different.
Still, he followed through with his standard form: retreat half a step, draw his arms wide, gather fire into twin arcs that curved inward toward his chest, and thrust both palms forward.
It was a classic Firebending strike—direct, explosive, impossible to block head-on.
But this time—
Kahn didn't retreat.
He advanced.
In a blur, he ducked low and surged forward just before the two flames converged. His timing was perfect—threading through the fiery arcs like he'd done it a thousand times.
Before Zuko even realized what had happened, Kahn slipped past his guard, grabbed his shoulder, and twisted his body.
"—Xie Feng!"
In one smooth motion, their positions flipped, and Zuko went flying in a low arc before crashing onto the mat.
Kahn wins.
Kahn exhaled, then hurried over and offered his hand. "You okay?"
Zuko, to his credit, had managed a decent landing—no face-plant.
"I'm fine."
He stood up, shaking his head, but his expression was gloomy. He'd honestly thought he could at least hold his own. Losing so cleanly to someone who'd barely started Firebending… that stung.
Is Father right?
Am I really talentless… a prince without worth?
The self-doubt was written all over his face.
Kahn sighed inwardly. Sensitive kid. Then he clapped Zuko's shoulder and smiled. "So? How was that? My secret technique?"
Zuko blinked, offended. Really? I just got slammed, and you're bragging?
He crossed his arms, lips twitching. "…That move was amazing. Completely unavoidable."
Kahn nodded proudly. "Indeed, I think so too."
The technique—Xie Feng—was a move from The King of Fighters, originally performed by Iori Yagami. In the game, it swapped positions and left the opponent open for a devastating combo.
Kahn's version was… a knockoff. It didn't have any special effects—just a clean grab and throw. But hey, it looked cool, and when used right, it was damn effective.
Besides, his mastery of body control made even a simple move seem impressive.
Still, he knew the real reason he'd won wasn't fancy technique—it was his precision and coordination.
Looking at Zuko again, Kahn realized he'd actually come to like the kid. After all, Zuko had defended him earlier when Azula mocked him.
Kahn smiled. "This move's called Xie Feng. You teach me Firebending, and I'll teach you this. Deal?"
"Really?!" Zuko's eyes lit up instantly, all his gloom vanishing.
Kahn nodded, amused. Just like a puppy being offered a treat.
But their cheerful exchange was cut short by a familiar, sarcastic voice.
"Ha~," Azula yawned dramatically as she stood. "Thanks to your thrilling performance, I managed to take a really good nap."
She stretched lazily and waved at Zuko. "Waking up is the perfect time for some exercise. Come on, Zuzu—come up and get beaten. Oh wait, I mean, come up for combat practice."
Whether she was a prodigy or just perfectly trained in passive aggression, Azula wielded mockery like a weapon. The half-smile, the casual tone, the deliberate slip of the tongue—it was art.
And Zuko, being Zuko, immediately took the bait.
Before Kahn could stop him, he stormed onto the stage… and was promptly demolished.
"Ah! @#$%...&*(—"
Kahn winced and covered his face, peeking through his fingers.
That scene was way too beautiful to watch directly.