The ship was about to set anchor and it was time for everybody to actually do some work and fulfill their duty.

As such everyone was standing ready in their best most fine clothes. Each in styles and colors that represented their own nations.

Zuko had a slightly lighter version of his fire nation regalia. Mai was wearing a long matching dress in red and black silks with some golden buttons and a golden piece in her hair.

Aang was completely enthralled by Katara in her long light blue dress with silver trimmings and the moon symbol on her chest matched by Sokkas tunic and trousers in the same style.

Even Toph was looking her best in a green dress by earth kingdom design and her hair finely arranged.

And Aang of course wore the clothes traditional for an air nomad when they attended finer gatherings. With the old wooden pendant in front which was one of the few relics he had managed to find, left behind by the air nomads.

Zhau-Li in his fine servants clothes stood respectfully behind with the other body guards, ready to be called upon at any time.

Already as they neared shore they could see the mass's of people who had gathered at the harbor to get a glimpse of the fire lord and Avatar.

There were fire nation banners hung up, flowers on display and people waving.

Zuko exhaled deeply, but then finally looked up and offered the people at the harbor a wave which just made the shouts become even louder.

"They like you Zuko." Aang grinned.

"Not necessarily." Zuko sighed deeply. "I am the one with the power so anyone would want me to look favorable upon them." he commented then shrugged. "Being a public figure is part of the job though. I shouldn't have to remind anyone to be on their best behavior should I?" he asked.

"It's us you're talking to. Of course we'll behave!" Toph stated only for Zuko to halt. Toph grinned. "I can behave when I want to."

And Zuko exhaled deeply.

"Don't worry Zuko." Mai smirked as she took his arm. "If they don't behave I'll gut them myself."

Zuko smirked amused as he chuckled. Ones again being so glad that they had decided to just become officially engaged. Now it was not only completely fine that she held his arm. But almost expected.

Then finally the ship had laid anchor and a bridge had been laid out. Not just that. But a long red carpet for the fire lord to step out on.

People were standing on both sides, with guards at the edges of the carpet to make sure no one would do something stupid and then there was quiet as everyone bowed the moment Zuko stepped out on land.

A man in rather tacky over the top clothes was bowing more than anyone, his forehead almost touching the ground.

"Honored Fire Lord." The man spoke while having his face practically in the dirt. "I am Xhen-Fu. The Mayor of this wonderful city. We welcome you! And hope our city will earn your approval and blessings."

"Rise." Zuko asked trying not to look defeated. "We thank you for your hospitality and is looking forward to our stay here."

Nervously Xhen-Fu stood up but still didn't dare to look Zuko in the eyes. Then Zuko turned to the people.

"Citizens of Fuja!" Zuko spoke loudly. "I thank you all for your warm welcome. You honor me." he put a fist in his hand and made a slow bow.

And all the others copied Zukos motion.

Then at last people seemed to ease up and then finally they started to cheer as Aang grinned and a little girl stumbled forward holding a fire lily in her hand then wide-eyed looked up at Zuko before just reaching forward the flower with shaking hands.

Zuko smiled lightly then gracefully accepted the flower. "Thank you." he said. "It's a very lovely flower."

And the girl gaped then quickly she bowed and scurried away.

Katara chuckled. They had already been informed of the tradition that a child would often be chosen to give a flower to the visiting fire lord as a sign of good will. Also it symbolized how the fire lord was a guardian for the children among the fire nation.

"Your palanquin my lord." The Mayor presented a Palanquin for them to be transported in.

"Thank you most kindly." Zuko bowed for him again. "But the idea behind our visit is that we should meet the people and allow them to see us. If it is quite all right with you. We shall walk."

"Oh… Of course my lord." The Mayor blinked. "Allow me to show you the way to our beloved university. I am sure the students is much looking forward to hearing you and the Avatar talk."

"Thank you." Zuko smiled as he bowed lightly and finally the group started to walk while people were gaping and looking wide-eyed at them.

Finally they reached the grand university which was a big and impressive building, build in dark woods and painted in warm red and golden colors.

Aang honestly started to feel a bit nervous. While him and Zuko had worked tiredlessly on their speeches and demonstrations this really was something else. Especially as they finally stood in what could best be described as a mix between a huge arena and some sort of lecture hall where every single student plus faculty member were seated.

They didn't need to be told to be quiet, no one dared raising their voice and Zuko gently nodded his head. "Thank you all for coming here today and give me your time." he began. "I know things has been rather difficult these past months. Many things has changed. And one of the key things that needed to change is what was being taught in school." he said. "For a hundred years Fire nation Citizens has been told that Fire is power and that is all there is to it. We have been taught that superiority is more important than decency. That is not even to begin on the lies we've been told. That the water tribes are savages unable to read or write. That Earth Kingdom citizens are slow and brutal and most egregious of all. That the air nomads who our ancestors desecrated were somehow brutal. All of which are lies. With me I have representatives of all four nations and each one will be teaching about their culture for the next few days. Remember. The world must be in balance. All four elements must be embraced not rejected or it will spell doom for us all." he informed.

Zhau-Li just stood in the background with his hands behind his back in case he was needed, but as he looked across the young students he saw a lot of frowned brows and even some disgust… That many of these university students were older than Zuko which probably didn't help at all.

Zuko though didn't seem to notice, or if he did he ignored as he spoke and then Aang took over as he spoke as well.

After their speeches the students dispersed for lunch. Team avatar was being shown to a very fine restaurant right next to the university while Zhau-Li slipped away to find his way towards the university cafeteria.

It was easy to slip in as Zhau-Li was the same age as many of the students, and while the students would wear uniforms. Zhau-Lis clothes was designed to blend in and not stand that much out. People were supposed to notice the fire lord not his servant.

And so while Zhau-Li picked up a cup of tea to look casual he tried to listen around to what the different students had to say now they believed no one could hear him.

"Do you believe that guy?" One whispered. "He sounds like a wimp."

"There's no way he defeated Ozai. I don't believe it." His friend responded. "And then they talk about how the fire nation has to bow to the other nations?! How is that not treason? We are more powerful. Smarter. More evolved. And he wants us to bow? We didn't even loose the war. He just stopped it on our behalf!"

"I know." The first guy sighed. "My dad lost his position as Captain because of the cut downs. Fatefully had he protected one of the forts in the earth kingdom and then puff!" he held up his hands. "Abandon fort we have protected! And now you can either be demoted to guard in the fire nation or go on pension! How is cutting down on military helping anyone?!"

Quietly Zhau-Li moved on as he sipped his cup and tried to listen to some of the others.

"My dad says we shouldn't listen to him." A girl commented. "I mean why should we? He's younger than I am. How would he know more than my father who has worked in law for more than thirty years?!"

"I don't know. I kind of like what he's saying though." Her friend replied in a shy voice. "I mean wouldn't it be nicer if we didn't have to be at war all the time? My brother was send to serve and there was no way of knowing if he would ever make it home… I'm really glad he made it home safe. He's only home because Lord Zuko ended the war."

"He's home and out of a job." The first girl pointed out. "Or have you forgotten?

"He started to help build houses." The second girl said. "I mean it's not as flashy as being a soldier but at least he's not risking his life. And he seems pretty happy about it too. It's nicer to build house rather than burn them down. That's what he said."

The other girl sighed resigned and Zhau-Li kept moving through the crowds only to get similar messages.

The worse though weren't the students. It was the teachers.

"I've been teaching here for over fourty years and this… Kid! Just changes the entire curriculum." An old woman with her gray hair in a bun huffed. "I studied water tribe culture for even longer and he says I'm wrong? Honestly."

"I know but we need to be respectful." An older man in a long robe that was so dark red in color it almost looked black. "He still is the fire lord."

"He's a child." The woman stated. "I should know I spend most of my life trying to teach children a bit of respect."

With a stolen steamed bun in hand did Zhau-Li re-unite with the bigger group as he sighed.

"So… How did it go?" Zuko asked.

"You were right." Zhau-Li admitted. "They are not fond of you. Behind closed doors they are trying to undermine both your person and your accomplishments."

"Ah. I see." Zuko said.

"What did they say exactly?" Katara asked her wide blue eyes looked up at him.

"Honestly. I rather not repeat most of it." Zhau-Li admitted. "I respect all of you far to much."

"Well that's why we are here isn't it?" Aang asked. "To make them change their mind about us. Offer them a different perspective!" he grinned. "No one said it was going to be easy."

"It would be a bit much to ask for that a hundred years worth of racism and superiority complex would just be resolved in a couple of months." Sokka commented. "Just wait till I show them our awesome water tribe weapons! They'll change their mind yet!"

Zuko looked at Sokka… He loved the confidence but couldn't help but think it might just be a little bit misplaced.

"Well. Hopefully now that we are allowed to demonstrate a few things it will change." Zuko sighed. "A common trait among fire nation is that they value action more than words. It is just not in the blood of fire nation people to listen to long boring lectures and think that proofs anything. Fire nation people always have and still does appreciate strength."

Zhau-Li nodded. "That is true. Well hopefully you'll all get to give some demonstrations yet."

After lunch Zuko was now at the fire bending academy where many students had gathered again. All of the fire benders of course. But also it seemed like a huge number of none benders had showed up curious to see the fire lord actually fire bend.

"For a very long time." Zuko started his lecture. "Only one school of fire bending has been taught. Not only is this a mistake because it has limited the uses of fire bending. But also the most destructive fire bending is what you have been taught. The kind which will not only burn your enemies but also yourself. There is more to fire bending than just power! Our symbol is the sun!" he gestured up. "The thing which offers this world both light, warmth and life! Without the sun, which grants us our power. There would be no life in this world! It is so much more than just destruction!"

At that peoples eyes widened as they blinked, clearly no one had ever heard that idea before and Zuko shrugged off his long coat allowing a servant to take it. Then also took off his tunic showcasing his scar filled body making many blink even more.

"Everyone has an inner flame. Not just fire benders." Zuko started as he formed fire in his hands and then started to move. "Inner flame is our passion. Our purpose! Our will to succeed! It heats our bodies when the weather is cold! And burns out sickness when we are sick." he said as he swirled around and released fire above him. With specks of different colors making the students gape. Then Zuko held out a hand showing a small mini typhon of fire with the color specks. "The things which comes from inside… Frustration and happiness. Sadness and content. Without an inner fire." he closed his hand killing his flame. "We might as well be dead."

There was silence… Absolute silence.

"Now." Zuko stood up. "I have a challenge for you. Zhau-Li." he asked.

Zhau-Li stepped forward and then produced a pouch which he opened up to showcase a bundle of golden coins.

"In here. There are forty gold coins." Zuko informed making everyone gasp. "Forty gold coins can go a long way. Who-ever can beat me in an honest fight wins this purse with all the gold." he stated. "Any takers?"

Zhau-Li couldn't help but smirk down in the gold purse… He had been on the receiving end of Zukos practice sparring so many times. Where he would take down several people several years older than himself.

Yeah if any of these guys could actually beat Zuko they would have earned this purse for sure.

Then finally a young man stood up. "I'll take you on!" he proclaimed.

Zhau-Li looked at the man. The young man was tall, broad shouldered, had very good muscle.

As the guy stepped down and finally stood in front of Zuko… The guy was a head taller than the young fire lord and twice as broad. Also he was in his early twenties.

Zuko had gone through a grow spurt lately and would soon be as tall as his father, but this guy was a giant standing in contrast to Zukos still slender build.

Zhau-Li took a step back as he grinned to himself… This was going to get good.

And yup. Two fire blasts lately and none from Zuko who swiftly came behind the guy and tripped him. He was down.

Zuko frowned. "Your stance is weak." he informed. "If your stance is not strong. No amount of muscle of fancy techniques will help you." he offered the guy a hand and the guy blinked but allowed the fire lord to pull him up. "Spread your legs a bit more." Zuko instructed. "Feel your connection to the earth like an earth bender! They wont be toppled over like you just were."

The guy nodded now intimidated but did as he was told.

"See." Zuko smiled. "Let's try again now."

It took another thirty seconds and the guy was down…. Well it was a lot better than last time.

Now others got courage to try, three guys and a girl… All lost really quick and Zuko looked up.

"New rule!" Zuko exclaimed. "The first one who manages to force me into using fire bending will win the purse!"

And that's the second where everybody realized…. Zuko hadn't used fire bending at all when taking down his opponents. They were all gawking with their eyes nearly popping out of their skull.

And then a great shout sounded as students reached their hands up into the air… Of course by the end of it no one there could do it.

Zuko though managed to score a few extra points by giving the first big guy a couple of gold coins anyway telling him to buy the others drinks so no one would feel cheated and there was a happy cheer.

Zhau-Li couldn't wait to sneak back into the groups and hear what people were saying now and indeed.

"It was incredible! He was so fast!"

"Did you see his fire? It was so pretty. I never seen anything like it before."

"His control was just… I don't even know."

"That's a real fire bending master! Holy Agni!"

And that promptly set other people in their place too ones they heard.

It was with a big grin on his face Zhau-Li returned to the others at the hotel where they were staying.

"So Zuko made an impression huh?" Sokka concluded.

"Absolutely!" Zhau-Li grinned. "They sure changed their tone quick! Even the instructors." he chuckled into his hand.

"That's good." Aang smiled. "I guess having a strong fire lord is still really important to these guys."

Zuko nodded. "Ozai was many things. Cruel, paranoid and manipulative. But he was also very strong and was a symbol of strength." he said. "I'm afraid the only way to proof to some that I am a worthy successor would be to proof that I am equally strong."

"Pff." Sokka snorted. "You are way stronger than he ever was."

"Indeed." Mai agreed. "Zuko doesn't have a fragile ego like Ozai. But they don't know that." she sighed deeply. "Well… I suppose that's what they are being taught now." she smirked.

Zuko smirked. "So what's for dinner?" he asked. "I'm starving."

"Me too!" Aang grinned as he jumped. "Let's eat!"