Zhaos eyes widen as realization hit him that the swords he is staring at were the same swords the Blue Spirit used which means Zuko's the Blue Spirit. "Have you ever heard of the Blue Spirit, General Iroh? Scourge of the Fire Nation? He asks trying to see if Iroh knew as well. "Just a few rumours, I don't think he's real." he hears the general say. Zhao smiles as an idea of how to get ride of Zuko forms and since Iroh doesn't know who the Blue Spirit is it can be framed as an accident gone wrong. "oh he's real alright, and a criminal for crimes against the nation. " he explains before remarking "But I have a feeling justice will catch up to him soon." he smirks and starts putting his plan into action.
-.-
"Zhao knows... You need to be extra cautious from here on out." Iroh informs Zuko as soon as Zhao leaves "This is what I was afraid of, now that Zhao knows he's going to try to kill you for getting in his way." he starts lecturing. Zuko rolls his eyes "I know! I know! This is only the a millionth time you said it." Zuko says annoyed. Iroh gives him a disapproving look but doesn't press on.
-.-
Zhao's back with the biggest smirk Zuko has ever seen. Zuko would love to punch him and just wipe that smug look off of his face but knows if he does he might be scolded by uncle for antagonizing someone who already wants him dead. "What do you want Zhao?" he spits out earning himself a glare from uncle "I'm taking your crew." Zhao announces and Zuko can feel himself getting enraged. He wants to challenge Zhao to another Agni Kai or just tackle him and fight but one glance from his uncle keeps those desires at bay. Zuko quietly simmers as Zhao takes his crew and leaves. He goes to leave himself to go sulk in his room but a hand on his shoulder stops him.
-.-
His uncle looks serious and the look puts Zuko on edge. "Zuko I have a few things I would like to talk about" his uncle starts off with and Zuko nods urging his uncle to finish whatever he plans to say so Zuko can go sulk and be alone. "Zuko, whenever we're off the ship I want you near me at all times, I also want you to join me if I go off the ship for a walk." Zuko groans not liking the idea of uncle dragging him for walks but agrees having a feeling that it's not up for debate "Zhao is planning something and I much rather be with you if something were to happen." uncle starts to explain but Zuko just brushes him off and heads to his room.
-.-
His uncle comes in later "I'd like us to go for a walk, some fresh air will be good for you..." Zuko doesn't respond choosing to glare at the wall. "It's a nice night out, let's go for a walk just a little one." he presses but gets no answer "Or I guess we could stay here and go another time when you feel more in the mood. Iroh resigns before leaving him alone in peace. Zuko sighs and gets up a little while later to go find his uncle feeling bad for ignoring his uncle and secretly agreeing that a walk might be just what he needs.
-.-
"I guess a walk wouldn't be such a terrible idea." he starts off and uncle gives him a wide smile. "Then let's head out before you decide to change your mind" he says in his usual jovial tone. Zuko grumbles and complaines while Iroh just hums one of the songs he sings for music night as they walk towards the town. They don't get too far before they hear a loud explosion from the port. Zuko's eyes widen when he turns around to see his ship up in flames and quickly run toward it with Iroh not that far behind him. They stand still just staring at the ship as it burns.
-.-
"Do you think Zhao planned this uncle?" Zuko asks after a long moment of silence "I have no doubt in my mind that this was an attempt to get rid of you or at least hinder you." Iroh responds. "What will we do now? How are we going to be able to chase down the avatar without a ship? Where are we going to sleep at night?" Zuko asks starting to panic. "I don't know" Iroh admits as he looks sadly towards Zuko.
-.-
Once the fire dies down they spend the next hour rummaging through the ship looking for anything they can salvage. After packing everything that was still useful to them they headed out looking for a place to stay the night. They find a nice cozy cave to stay in for the night and they both head to sleep after setting up camp. The next day Iroh gets a letter from Zhao who offers condolences for his nephew's death and requests to meet with him.