A/N: So, this is kind of a short little Toph interlude. I forgot to mention it before, but this story is going to be mainly Katara-centric. But I'll definitely be following what all the other characters are up to. Oh, I have plans for them.

I already have two other chapters in the works (one about Zuko, and one continuing with Katara), but this is the one that got finished first. So this is the one I'll be posting.

Disclaimer: I don't own Avatar, but Takur and Taru are mine, plus any future original characters. So no taking without asking me.

Wisdom

"Keep those stances solid!" Toph screamed at the soldiers lined up in front of her. She walked up and down the lines, head tilted upward, analyzing each of the men as they went through their Earthbending forms. "You all look like a bunch of Airbenders," she bellowed, "with those sissy movements! I could knock you down with my little toe!" The men grit their teeth and put more energy into their movements.

After the war ended, it got around that Toph had been the one who had taught the Avatar. Suddenly, all the Earth Kingdom cities were pleading her to come train their remaining troops. So she traveled the world, visiting the many Earth cities, and teaching week-long military training courses.

Normally she would have flat-out refused, but she agreed, if for no other reason than to "beat those wussy benders into shape so they can do their damn job." And beat them she did. She pushed them hard and they (generally) came out the better for it. Not that anyone she taught would ever admit to it. Her teaching style often created many bitter feelings.

Toph wouldn't have had it any other way.

One of the men at the back started grumbling and Toph was in his face faster than any of them could blink. She stared up at him hard with her blank eyes. "You got a problem, missy?" Toph had grown considerably since that stubby little girl she had been five years ago. She was still about a hand below the average man, but the way she carried herself gave the illusion that she towered over everyone.

"N-no, Sifu Toph," he stammered.

"Good." Toph turned on her heel, making the ground under the soldier's feet rumble, landing the man squarely on his backside.

She walked calmly to the front of the lines and stood, back turned, hands clasped firmly behind her. She could feel all the men frozen still, eyes staring.

"Did I say you could stop?" she screamed. As she heard the men scramble to get back into their stances, Toph let out a tiny smirk. She was really starting to love her job.