Hello all Storm here with a new chapter! Here we'll be seeing Naruto and Iroh meeting to talk about Azula, and ways to help her, along with seeing plans being made to hunt down the Avatar as well as seeing more differences between Naruto and the rest of the Fire Nation. So, without further ado.
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After Iroh was captured, the royal sloop had left the village resort. Though rather than returning to the Fire Nation with their prisoner, Naruto and Azula intended to fulfill the other part of their mission, locating and capturing the Avatar. With the High General also taking the chance to speak with Iroh once the sun began setting, wanting to speak to him about Azula.
"So, what do you think?" Naruto asked, sitting in front of Iroh's cell, wanting to know what he thought of Azula's current state.
"I see what you meant now. Azula truly believes that the only thing she's ever had are fear, Ozai's favor and being a Firebending prodigy. Now she thinks in just a few short days, she's lost all three, and I can see it's affecting her Firebending as well." Said Iroh, having seen how Azula's flames were no longer blue nor as strong when they hit him.
"I know, she can't even create lightning anymore. Though, I was able to get through to her a little the other night, talking to her about some of my own failures and about my training. I didn't tell her anything about who trained me, but I did try getting her to understand what Firebending truly is." Said Naruto, assuring Iroh he didn't say anything about the Sun Warriors nor Ran and Shaw.
"Did it work?" Questioned Iroh, knowing how ingrained it is in the Fire Nation, the belief that Firebending is fueled by rage, hatred and anger, forgetting what it originally was.
"For a moment it did, her fire even turned blue again for a brief moment. But I'm guessing it'll take longer to really get through to her, with how long she's believed Firebending is used only for destruction. I was even hoping that once she starts opening up more, she'd be able to learn it personally from them." Naruto replied, surprising Iroh that he'd actually consider taking Azula to learn from Ran and Shaw.
"That may work, but something to do when you are absolutely sure she has a chance at passing their judgement. I'm afraid as she is now, my niece would most definitely be devoured. I believe the best thing to do is to find ways to help her open up, ways that will make Azula care or at least feel something besides anger and hate." Iroh said, thinking it'd be a good start in getting Azula to open up more first.
"That's not going to be easy, it seems like Azula wants to care or feel something, but she doesn't know how. The only thing she's known are anger, fear and cruelty, that's what she believes makes her strong while actually caring about someone is a weakness." Said Naruto, something The Dragon of the West couldn't deny, aware how his brother viewed such things and would have passed those views onto Azula.
"Then perhaps the solution isn't to make Azula open up, it's to find those that genuinely care for her. Which is a rather short list, unfortunately." Iroh replied, knowing the amount of people that genuinely cared about Azula could be counted on one hand.
"Any ideas on who I'd be able to find? Possibly those that wouldn't make her suspicious." Naruto said, since he didn't want to risk Azula closing herself off if she thought she was being manipulated by suddenly bringing in people she knew.
"I believe I can think of a couple." Stated Iroh, aware of people like that, specifically two that Azula knew quite well.
*Later-With Azula*
Azula hadn't moved from her spot on the bed since returning from speaking with her uncle, not even saying anything when Naruto said he was leaving. The Fire Princess still trying to sort through her scattered emotions and thoughts. Before she looked at the door when she heard someone knocking at it, much to her annoyance as she sat up, only to see Naruto come in.
"Why do you waste time knocking? This is now your room as well." Said Azula in annoyance that he'd knock when they share a room now.
"Just making sure you were decent, since I doubt either of us would want a repeat of last time." Naruto replied, making the ravenette look away with a light blush at the reminder of her walking in on him in just a towel.
"Fine. What do you want?" Azula demanded, doubting he'd come back here unless he wanted something or wanted to try talking to her again.
"I came by to inform you that we have a meeting to attend, right now." Said Naruto, with Azula looking at him with a raised brow.
"Why exactly would you need me to attend a meeting with you? In case you forgot, you're in charge of the ship and mission now." Retorted Azula, looking away and crossing her arms.
"Because I would like it if my second-in-command was with me and would be able to offer her own suggestions, if she has any." Naruto said, the Fire Princess's head snapping towards him in shock, not expecting him to want her to be his second-in-command.
"Wh-what?" Azula said in disbelief, not sure if this was a trick or not,
"My second-in-command, I would like it if you were there with me, Azula. Along with any future meetings, since I'm sure you'll have your own ideas on how to track down the Avatar, as well as being a good way for you to gain military experience. So let's go." Replied Naruto, motioning Azula to follow him, snapping her out of her shock as she got up and exited the room.
"Well then, who else will be attending this meeting?" Questioned Azula, wanting to know who else will be in attendance.
"Some of the soldiers under my command. Since you'll be my second-in-command, it'll be good for you to get familiarized with those you'll be working with and giving orders to, when I'm not around." Naruto said, with the ravenette nodding, a little intrigued at learning more about the soldiers he commands.
Only being able to guess that with who they served under, then Naruto's soldiers must be powerful ones.
With it not taking long before they arrived at the war room, with Azula seeing at least two dozen soldiers, possibly more than that. Though she frowned when she didn't seen any Imperial Firebenders present or that idiot captain. The latter she's actually thankful for, as Azula was still contemplating whether or not to incinerate him for his screw up.
"Where are the Imperial Firebenders?" Azula asked, looking at Naruto, having thought some of them would be present since they were the guards of the royal family.
"I relieved them of their duty and sent them back to the Fire Nation, since the actions of their captain has made me question their competency and capabilities. And I'd personally prefer not taking the risk of that idiot not being able to think before he speaks again." Said Naruto, refusing to let the fool for a captain say something that'd ruin their mission again.
*With The Royal Procession*
While on a ship currently heading towards the Fire Nation, the Imperial Firebenders were all glaring at their captain's back, not believing they were dismissed because of him. With most of them considering throwing him overboard on their way home. All while the captain glanced back at them nervously, hoping he'd survive the trip back to the Fire Nation.
*Royal Sloop*
"…Fair enough." Azula muttered, seeing where he's coming from and knew the Royal Procession would just be deadweight.
Before she looked back at Naruto's soldiers, narrowing her eyes when she took a closer look at all of them. Seeing that while some of them were wearing the standard black and red Fire Army uniforms with the helmets and skull masks. Others were wearing modified uniforms that looked to provide them more freedom in moving and carrying different kinds of weapons, guessing they must be non-benders. Along with seeing a few wearing uniforms that were blue and red, and those wearing green and red uniforms.
"Why aren't they all wearing the standard uniforms? And why are they wearing different colors?" Asked Azula, narrowing her eyes at the soldiers.
"I'm sure you can guess the ones with weapons are non-benders, while the ones in blue and green, they're benders just not Firebenders. Unlike the rest of the Fire Army, I don't just have Firebenders and non-benders under my command, I have Earthbenders and Waterbenders as well, though not many of the latter given the circumstances." Naruto revealed, much to Azula's shock that he actually had Earthbenders and Waterbenders under his command, before scoffing at the idea of it.
"Well at least now I know why I've heard nothing about your division. If you actually waste time recruiting cannon fodder, muscle-headed fools that play in the mud, and more cannon fodder that's useless on land." Azula said in distaste at the idea of working with Waterbenders and Earthbenders, much to the anger of those she insulted.
"Because those guards you had were real top-notch Firebenders, especially the captain that couldn't keep his mouth shut." Stated a non-bender.
"And how long has the Fire Nation been trying to take control of Ba Sing Se? A hundred years now, I guess playing in the mud all day is better training than anything the Fire Nation has." An Earthbender added with a smirk, getting a few laughs from the other soldiers.
"I'm sure Admiral Zhao would be able to teach them a thing or two. Oh wait, he's dead and at the bottom of the ocean, just like his entire fleet and everyone under his command." Said a Waterbender tauntingly, with Azula being angered at their words and insults to the Fire Nation.
"Let's see how good your little toys are when they're burned to ash and melted slag! Or perhaps you'd like to see Omashu again, after that fool for a king surrendered his own city without a fight! Maybe see what's left of the Southern Water Tribe after the Fire Nation crushed them!" Azula retorted, glaring at the soldiers, who returned the glares.
"Enough!" Naruto shouted, causing all the soldiers to immediately stand up straight, with the blonde general looking at them with narrowed eyes.
"I won't have any of you wasting time arguing over petty squabbles or grudges! That includes you, Azula!" Said Naruto, turning to his fiancée, who unconsciously stood straight and firm under his gaze.
"I've already told you all this before, but it seems you need to hear it again! I don't care what nation you hail from, I don't care if you're a bender or non-bender, I don't care if you're a nobleman or a commoner! What I care about are your actions and proving what you can do! Non-bender, Firebender, Waterbender, Earthbender, or even Airbenders if we miraculously enough find and recruit some, none of it matters on the battlefield! You train together, you rest together, you fight together, and you watch each other's backs! If you have problems with each other then you settle them during training, otherwise I expect you all to act like everyone else you fight alongside, one unit, one group of people, one nation! Am I understood!" Naruto demanded, looking over the soldiers.
"Sir yes sir!" Said all the soldiers, making the whiskered Firebender nod before he turned back to Azula.
"And you, I also don't care what prejudice or feelings you have towards anyone else, but you will treat everyone here with respect. Every soldiers under my command, whether they originally hailed from the Fire Nation or not, whether they're Firebenders or not, they fight and protect each other. They would die for each other if it came to it, because they know it doesn't matter where you come from or who you are. They've all proven time and again they're loyal and I trust each and every one of them with my own life. So, I expect you to respect them, if you have any issues then you'll bring them to me, if you want to whine and complain about where they come from or who they are, then you'll stay quiet, because no one hear will put up with childish insults or taunts. Is that clear." Naruto said, with Azula looking at him with wide eyes, not expecting to see such a stern side from her fiancé.
Along with seeing how none of the soldiers looked upset about being talked down to, some even looked ashamed of themselves for their behavior. Being taken aback at the affect he had on those under his command, seeing he wasn't just a powerful Firebender, but also had the charisma and resolve needed to lead.
"Y-yes…yes, it's clear." Azula said, nodding in response, with Naruto nodding as well.
"Good. Now then, the reason for this meeting is that we'll be adding some new members to our forces to hunt and capture the Avatar." Said Naruto, causing Azula's mood to turn to annoyance.
"I don't see why we'd need any more help; it seems like we have all that we need to find the Avatar." Said Azula, doubting they'd need any help in capturing the Avatar given Naruto's abilities and the soldiers under his command, they'd likely be able to capture the Avatar without any problems.
"Well it doesn't hurt to be completely prepared. Especially since we're dealing with an Airbender, which no one has ever fought before in the past hundred years, that's not counting if he can access Avatar State at will. So, we'll be getting those that can track, incapacitate and capture the Avatar, while already having three recruits in mind. Two of them are noblewomen from the Fire Nation, while the third is a bounty hunter that I've worked with in the past. The first two are called Mai and Ty Lee, while the bounty hunter is named June." Naruto explained, with Azula's head snapping towards him with a shocked expression at hearing Mai's and Ty Lee's names.
"Why these three specifically, General?" Questioned a soldier, none of them being sure why these three were chosen.
"From the reports I've read on past encounters with the Avatar, he was evenly matched and taken down by the Yuyan Archers after they were employed by the late Admiral Zhao, with them even being able to incapacitate and capture him. I also plan to contact Colonel Shinu to have some of the Yuyan Archers added to our forces as well. And from what I've heard, Mai is an excellent markswoman herself, being skilled at using throwing knives and stilettos. Which will make her a valuable addition, just like the Yuyan Archers. As for Ty Lee, she's an expert in hand-to-hand combat, specifically having the ability to chi-block and preventing benders from using their bending, which is also something that I'll expect everyone to learn, myself included. And for June, she's a skilled bounty hunter and has a shirshu as a companion. For those that don't know, a shirshu's sense of smell could track anything or anyone, no matter how far away they are, along with having saliva that can paralyze anyone they hit and can be made into Shirshu-spit darts." Naruto explained, making the soldiers nod in understanding, seeing why the three were being recruited and that they would have useful skills and abilities.
"That's all for now. You're dismissed." Said Naruto, ending the meeting as he went to leave, only to be stopped by Azula.
"How do you know about Mai and Ty Lee?!" Azula demanded, looking at him suspiciously, given how her only friends just happened to be chosen by him to help hunt down the Avatar, she thought he was up to something.
"I read up on the noble families and clans in the Fire Nations after joining the Military Academy, since I wanted to know everything I could in case I ever met any of them, with Mai's and Ty Lee's families being among them. While I learned about Ty Lee and her Chi-Blocking after researching different fighting styles that I could learn, should I ever be in a situation where I can't use my Firebending, while learning about Chi-Blocking and that she's a master at it with her knowledge of the human body and acrobatics. And Mai, I learned about her after Omashu was conquered and Governor Ukano was put in charge, learning about him and his family should I ever end up in Omashu, with Mai's talent with throwing knives being something I wish to learn as well." Replied Naruto, having already come up with a convincing excuse as to how he knew about Mai and Ty Lee, as well as his decision to recruit them, with the ravenette looking at him with narrowed eyes.
"And you had no idea I knew them?" Said Azula, with the whiskered Firebender shaking his head.
"No, this is the first I'm hearing that you knew them. But hopefully that'll make it easier to recruit them, if you're there." Naruto said before taking his leave with Azula watching him go.
Before looking back at the soldiers, noticing how some of the female soldiers were giving her a stink eye, making Azula glare at them for a moment before turning her back to them. Brushing them off as the ravenette took her leave, with the female soldiers leaving with a huff as well.
*Timeskip-One Day*
After docking the ship in the Fire Nation colonies, Naruto had sent out some soldiers to locate where June was, knowing she moved around a lot wherever there was a new bounty or money to be made. While he and Azula had gone to where they heard the Fire Nation Circus was setting up for their next show, which is where they would find Ty Lee.
Arriving at the circus just as they were finishing setting everything up for the show they'd be performing tonight. Walking through the grounds, Naruto and Azula soon found Ty Lee in the middle of practicing her acrobatics, with the whiskered Firebender also getting his first look at Ty Lee.
Seeing she's the same age as Azula with fair skin, long brown hair in a braid at the top of her head and went down to the middle of her back, as well as brown-grey eyes. With her wearing grey-pink slippers, baggy, light pink pants that stopped just below her knees, a dark pink skirt divided into multiple pieces, a light pink crop top that exposed her midsection and baggy sleeves that stopped above her elbows, a dark pink shoulder cape, and dark pink wristbands.
'She's really good.' Naruto thought, seeing how effortlessly Ty Lee was doing a handstand with just her index fingers, not looking the least bit tired or strained.
"Ty Lee, could that possibly be you?" Said Azula at seeing her old friend again, with Ty Lee looking at her in surprise before smiling brightly.
"Azula!" Ty Lee said before flipping back onto her feet, giving a twirl and bowing to the Fire Princess before running forward and hugging her.
"It is so good to see you!" Said Ty Lee, happy to see her friend again, only to lose her smile when she felt something different about Azula.
"Please, don't let me interrupt your…whatever it is you were doing." Azula said, only to see the brunette look at her in concern.
"Azula, are you alright? Your aura, it's so…dull and empty. It's not the same bright blue it always is, it's just…really blank now." Ty Lee said, along with seeing Azula's appearance was off as well, seeing her friend looked like she hasn't been sleeping.
"I'm perfectly fine! Don't worry about it!" Said Azula, snapping a little, making Ty Lee flinch slightly and frown.
"Are you sure? If something's wrong, I'd like it if I would be able to help Azula, we're friends after all. Besides, I don't like your aura like this, it looked much better before. So, is there anything I can help with?" Questioned Ty Lee, shocking Azula at her concern and how…genuine she sounded.
"I-I-I'm fine…like I said, I-I am per-perfectly fine. Y-your c-concern is appreciated, b-but unnecessary." Azula replied while stepping away from Ty Lee, making her frown deepen before taking notice of Naruto.
'Ooooh, I didn't know Azula was friends with such a cutey.' Thought Ty Lee while admiring the handsome blonde.
"Hello there! I didn't know Azula would be bringing a friend, especially such a cute one." Ty Lee said with a flirtatious smile, surprising Naruto slightly at her forwardness.
"Uh, yeah, it's nice to meet you too, Ty Lee." Said Naruto, holding out his hand which Ty Lee shook, her smile growing as she felt his aura.
"Wow, you have such an amazing aura! It's like looking at a swirling rainbow of colors! The blue also looks so much like Azula's, being such a pretty color. But it also looks dangerous like Azula's, but in a good way." Said Ty Lee.
"Yes, wonderful. Anyway, Ty Lee this is General Naruto of the Fire Army, he's also my…betrothed." Azula said, surprising Ty Lee at learning who he was, having heard of General Naruto, the up-and-coming famous High General, the youngest in Fire Nation history.
'Wow…and Azula gets to marry him…she's so lucky!' Ty Lee thought, not believing her friend was getting the chance to marry Naruto.
Before her moment of awe and initial reaction turned to wariness, given how Azula seemed upset about referring to him as her fiancé. Wondering if he had something to do with the state she's now in.
"Oh…that's…nice to hear. What do you think of Azula, Naruto? And how did you two become engaged?" Ty Lee asked, wanting to see if he was hurting her friend in anyway.
"Do you have somewhere private we can talk?" Said Azula, preferring if no one overheard what was said.
Looking between them for a few moments, Ty Lee nodded before taking them to her dressing room, where they all sat down.
"So, what happened?" Questioned Ty Lee, wanting to know what's happened to her friend to make her like this.
With Naruto and Azula telling her everything that happened, mostly Naruto whenever Azula got too upset to speak. The High General not leaving out any part, including his own hand in pushing Azula, with the ravenette also reluctantly telling Ty Lee about her deteriorating Firebending. Finishing it by telling the brunette about their intentions for finding her, to help hunt down the Avatar.
"I-I see, a lot's…a lot's really happened the past few days." Ty Lee muttered, shocked at how much Azula's been through in just a few days.
"Yes, a lot has happened! Now will you come with us or not?!" Demanded Azula, not liking to talk about what's happened, especially with her Firebending not working right anymore.
Ty Lee looked between for a few moments before looking at Naruto, unable to actually blame him for what's happened, despite how he pushed Azula, seeing that he did feel bad and wanted to make it up to her. But for the first time in her life, Ty Lee found herself holding a grudge against someone, blaming Fire Lord Ozai for hurting Azula like this. With her getting up and going over to hug Azula, surprising the Fire Princess at the sudden action.
"Before I answer that, I just want you to know how sorry I am that I wasn't around to help, Azula. But this time, I promise I'll always be there for you, no matter what, and I don't plan on leaving you again." Said Ty Lee smiling at Azula, who looked at her in shock as she definitely wasn't expecting that.
"I…I need to go!" Azula said, before quickly getting up and leaving the tent, not knowing how she was supposed to respond to such things.
While Naruto and Ty Lee watched her leave in concern before they turned to each other.
"I'll go with you both, I guess it's time for a career change, anyway. But would both of you be able to at least stay for tonight's show, since it'll be my last show and I'd really like Azula to see it." Ty Lee said, hoping they'll be able to stay for her last show.
"I don't think there'll be a problem staying for one night." Replied Naruto with a smile, making the Chi-Blocker smile brightly that they'll stay for the show, while planning to talk to Shuzumu about making a few changes to her performance.
*Later*
"Why are we wasting our time here, still?! Ty Lee's already agreed to help us, we should just leave rather than continue wasting time on this nonsense!" Said Azula, annoyed that they were now stuck having to see the performance tonight, instead of continuing on their way to hunt down the Avatar.
"We're staying because Ty Lee wants us to see her perform, at least once. And you should take the opportunity to relax and enjoy yourself, you may even like the show." Naruto replied, with Azula crossing her arms stubbornly.
"Relaxing is for fools that aren't trying their best and I'll enjoy myself once we start hunting down the Avatar. Which we should be doing right now!" Azula retorted, making Naruto look at her with a raised brow.
"You really need to get a hobby. Have you tried flower-pressing; I hear girls like that." Naruto said with a smirk, with the Fire Princess glaring at him blankly.
"I will burn you!" Growled Azula, holding up two fingers to shoot a fireball at him.
"Unless your hobby is practicing your smirk in the mirror. That would explain why you seem to take so long in the bathroom, you want to get it just right." Naruto said teasingly, with the ravenette growl lowly.
"If you don't stop pushing me, I swear I will burn that insolent tongue from your head!" Said Azula, swearing to make him regret his teasing, only for Naruto to turn serious.
"Azula, whether we like it or not, we are going to be married. It'd be best if we try to make this work as best as we can. This could even be considered our first date." Said Naruto, regardless of whether they liked it or not, they were going to get married and it would be best to see if they could at least see if they can develop genuine feelings for each other.
"I'd sooner listen to my senile uncle ramble on about tea all day." Azula retorted in annoyance, not liking the idea, especially the "date" part.
"But…fine. Since you're so insistent, we'll stay for the stupid show, then we're leaving right after." Added Azula, relenting to watch the performance just so they can hurry up and leave once it's over.
*Later*
Naruto and Azula sat in a high box seat as the stands were filled with people eager for the show to beginning. With performers in dragon costumes soon appearing and dancing around the main ring, until the ringmaster Shuzumu arrived, while those the costumes performers shot flames out of the dragons mouths around him, getting a cheer from the crowd.
"Ladies and gentlemen, children of all ages, welcome to the show! Tonight we have a special treat for you all and we are deeply honored to have Princess Azula and General Naruto as our guests tonight! Now let the performance…begin!" Declared Shuzumu, releasing jets of fire into the air while mini fireworks went off in the air, much to the crowds enjoyment.
Azula watched the show with a bored and annoyed expression as platypus bears came out rolling around on top of balls, plate jugglers threw around plates and caught them with ease, while acrobats leapt around before jumping on top of each other in a pyramid formation.
"Come on, aren't you enjoying the show?" Naruto asked, smiling at the performance, with the ravenette giving him a side-glance.
"It's doing an amazing job of putting me to sleep." Stated Azula, making Naruto roll his eyes before turning back to the show.
Though the Fire Princess perked up when Firebenders came and began throwing fireballs around, rolling them across their arms and shoulders as if they were balls. Juggled them around before throwing them into the air and exploded into rings that the acrobats jumped through. Even letting out a laugh when the platypus bears jumped through the fire rings, landing back on their balls, and continued rolling around.
Before the Firebenders grabbed several balls and began juggling them around, throwing them through the air towards each other. Until they threw the balls into the air and shot small flames at them, causing the balls to explode into a shower of colorful sparks, making the crowd cheer at the performance. With even Azula clapping with a smile on her face, as she began forgetting about everything else and enjoying the show.
'They're…not afraid, they're enjoying seeing Firebending being used. And it's…being used to entertain people…to make them smile and laugh.' Azula thought, looking around at seeing the entire crowd was enjoying the show, even more so when the Firebenders came out.
The ravenette also being shocked and awed at the sight, seeing Firebending being used for entertainment, having never thought it could be used in a such a way. Before she remembered Naruto's words on it, that Firebending was energy, light and warmth, that it was…beautiful. Only to shake her head at the thought.
'No! No, he was wrong, Firebending is nothing like that! It represents power, domination, and control! Even…even this is still Firebending, they're controlling these fools, making them forget what Firebending is truly capable of by making it seem harmless and playful! He was wrong!' Azula thought, refusing to believe that Naruto was right about what Firebending was.
"Yet you were able to momentarily return your flames to being blue when you listened to him and considered his words. Maybe he was telling the truth." Said a traitorous part of her mind, making Azula frown before shaking her head and violently squashing that part of her.
'No! He was wrong, Firebending is meant for destruction and control, that is what it truly is!' Said Azula mentally, but despite her best efforts she could still feel it poking at the back of her mind.
"And now for the grand finale, in her final show with our circus! I give you, the magnificent Ty Lee!" Shuzumu announced, pulling Azula from her thoughts as the ringmaster motioned to the top of the tent, where Ty Lee was balancing on a tightrope with just one hand.
Everyone watched in amazement at Ty Lee stayed perfectly balanced before switching to her other hand, only to be shocked when the brunette leaned forward and fell to the ground. With Ty Lee grabbing a trapeze bar when it swung close to her, jumping off at the height of the swing. Spinning through the air, Ty Lee hooked her legs around a second bar swinging towards her.
Grabbing the bar, Ty Lee began spinning around as it swung through the air, ending with a one-handed handstand on it, much to the crowds amazement as they cheered the performance. Though it didn't end there, as Ty Lee swung around the bar, letting go at the highest point. Flipping through the air, Ty Lee stuck her feet through two still rings, performing a perfect splits before she began spinning around. With her feet not slipping out, until she pulled one out and lifted her leg up, staying balanced in only one ring.
Smiling at the crowd, Ty Lee leaned forward to fall out of the still ring, grabbing both of them at the last second, flipping once before letting go and flying through the air. Grabbing the center support pillar of the tent, Ty Lee wrapped her legs around it, keeping her momentum going as she spun around it. Before falling back with her legs still wrapped around the pillar, grabbing it with her hand and unwrapping her legs, Ty Lee held her body out from her the pillar, being completely vertical to it. The brunette then began scaling up the pillar with her hands, much to everyone's shock and awe.
Once she was at the top, Ty Lee moved her body to begin spinning around the pillar, releasing it once she was going fast enough, flipping through the air, and going through a ring made of fabric. Grabbing the fabric as it began unraveling towards the ground, with Ty Lee remaining wrapped in it. Though just before she could touch the ground, Ty Lee tugged on the cloth causing it to go in reverse, taking her back into the air. With the Chi-Blocker jumping out of the cloth, flipping through the air before landing back on the tightrope perfectly balanced.
Giving another smile, Ty Lee bowed to the crowd while still maintaining her balance, causing them to erupt into cheers at the spectacular and magical performance. Many believing she gave an even better show since it would be her final one. But Naruto and Azula saw the look the brunette gave them as she gave her bow.
The show was for Azula.
*Later*
After the show had ended, Naruto and Azula had gone to Ty Lee's tent, finding her inside and changed back into her regular attire.
"What was that back there?" Azula, said narrowing her eyes the brunette, with Ty Lee smiling at her.
"I think it was my best performance yet, a perfect one for my final show." Replied Ty Lee, happy at how her performance turned out, especially with the changes she made to it.
"Not that! The look! You looked at me and Naruto once it was finished! What was that?!" Said Azula, wanting to know what it meant, as the brunette merely kept smiling and grabbed her hands.
"Simple, I wanted to put on the best show I could for you Azula. You're my best friend and I wanted to do something that could help you, even if it was just to take your mind off of everything that's happened. So, I did what I do best and gave you the greatest show I could do. What…what did you think of it?" Ty Lee asked, looking at Azula, wanting to know what she thought of the show.
With the Fire Princess being shocked at this, that Ty Lee gave such a performance…for her? Just to help her take her mind off of everything that's happened, to do something for her.
"It…it was amazing, you've…y-yo-you've certainly improve a lot since the last time I saw you…n-n-no-not that it was that impressive! I mean if you can do it, then I'm sure anyone with actual talent and skill would be able to do it easily!" Azula replied before hastily adding the latter part, though Ty Lee smiled brightly and hugged Azula.
"Ooooh, I'm so happy you liked it! I wanted it to be my greatest performance, I'm really glad with how it turned out and that you liked it!" Said Ty Lee before pulling back to look at the ravenette.
"And I was serious before, from here on out, I'm going to be there for you, no matter what." Ty Lee added with a sincere smile, shocking Azula again that she was serious would always be there for her, before she smiled slightly.
"Thank you, Ty Lee. That…really means a lot." Said Azula, with Naruto and Ty Lee now being shocked that she actually thanked her.
"You…you thanked me? You really thanked me!" Ty Lee squealed as she hugged Azula tightly, causing the ravenette's eyes to widen at realizing what she just said.
"This is so amazing! Ooooh, I can feel my aura is so much brighter and pinker than ever! And I can see yours is brighter too, Azula!" Said Ty Lee, happy at being able to help her friend.
"And you wanted to just leave. Do I get a thank you for convincing you to watch the show?" Naruto asked, with Azula quickly pushing Ty Lee away.
"N-n-n-no-no-no-no! Absolutely not! I did not thank you for anything, let alone for that stupid performance! And I didn't mean any of that nonsense, I just don't want to deal with you crying at how terrible it really was! And I still believe it was nothing, but a waste of time!" Azula said, shaking her head, refusing to let them think she was weak.
"Aaaah, it's alright Azula, next time it can be a private show for just us! That way you don't have to worry about letting anyone see you excited." Said Ty Lee, smiling at her friend, who rapidly shook her head.
"No! I would never waste my time on such things ever again! I only stayed because he insisted, otherwise I would have returned to the ship alone!" Retorted Azula, glaring at them both.
"Don't worry Azula, I'll make sure the second date is even better than this." Naruto said with a smirking, as the Fire Princess glared at him murderously before storming out of the tent.
The sight making Naruto and Ty Lee laugh, glad that they were able to help her relax and enjoy herself a little.
*Later*
Once Ty Lee had packed her belongings, the trio had returned to the royal sloop, where they were greeted by some of Naruto's soldiers.
"General, we managed to locate June, she's on the ship now." Said a soldier, making Naruto nod in thanks before he, Azula and Ty Lee walked up the gangplank, where they found June on deck.
June had fair skin, long dark black hair that fell past her shoulders and covered the right side of her face, along with some being held in a topknot with a skull motif band, and grey-green eyes, along with two red tattoos on her shoulders depicting snakes curling around themselves. With her attire consisting of black boots that went up to her knees and three small belts with gold buckles, two around her ankles and a third at the top of the boots, form-fitting black pants, a black qipao dress with a red interior and split down the sides with the back being longer than the front, two black belts with gold buckles wrapped around her midsection, and fingerless black gloves that went up past her elbows. With her also having dark maroon lipstick and blue eyeshadow around her eyes. And with her was her shirshu Nyla.
"June." Naruto said, making the bounty hunter look at him with a smirk.
"About time you showed up handsome, I was starting to get bored. You got another job for me or finally ready to take me up on my offer?" June asked as her smirk turned suggestive, making Azula narrow her eyes at the bounty hunter.
"You were brought here for a job, nothing more!" Said Azula, with June turning to look at her, never once losing her smirk.
"Huh, you know it's funny, you remind me of this angry little boy I ran into, you've both got that same nasty little scowl going for you." Said June, seeing a resemblance between her and Zuko.
"What? Wait…you don't mean Zuzu, do you?" Azula asked, realizing she meant Zuko, causing June to laugh at the nickname.
"Zuzu?! AHAHAHAHAHAHAHA! Oh that's rich, I'll have to remember that if I ever run into Angry Boy and Uncle Lazy again! Unless it's those two you want me to help track." June said after calming down, with Naruto shaking his head.
"No, we already have one of them captured and Zuko can wait. We want your help to track and capture the Avatar, as well paying for your extended services." Replied Naruto, making the woman's smirk widen.
"The Avatar? Short kid, carries a stick, covered in tattoos, kind of annoying. I've already dealt with him when Zuzu wanted me to track his girlfriend, little brat messed up Nyla's nose." Said June, petting Nyla, who growled and shook his head at the reminder of all the perfume scents.
"You want me to help catch him, it's not going to be cheap." June stated, looking at them, knowing the Avatar isn't a cheap target to hunt down.
"We'll pay three times your usual price for tracking and locating him." Naruto offered.
"You'll also be paid every other week you're here and assist us in anything, outside of our mission." Added Azula, knowing money wouldn't be an issue, with June thinking it over.
"Make it I'm paid every week and I get to decide the price depending on the task I help you with. And striking the price for tracking the Avatar, I get a new whip, my own ship, and I get a room next to my pet Foxy there." Said June with a wink at Naruto, who gulped at the last request, while Azula scowled.
"Th-that's d-do-doable, but…why the room?" Naruto asked, with June walking up to him, dragging a finger along his chest.
"Well I'd ask to sleep in your room with you, but you know how I prefer the chase and I always get my prize. Besides, it'd be so much more fun if you came to me, Foxy~." June said slyly and lick her lips slightly, making the High General blush at her actions, much to Azula's annoyance and slight jealousy.
"You can have your whip and whatever ship you want! But you will not have a room anywhere near him!" Said Azula, pulling Naruto back, making the bounty smirk at her.
"And who are you, Angry Girl? His girlfriend?" Questioned June, causing the Fire Princess to blush in embarrassment before quickly shaking her head.
"N-no-no-no! NO! I would never be this fools girlfriend! But I am his fiancée, though only because it was arranged!" Azula said, making June's smirk widen before she grabbed Naruto's arm and pulled towards her.
"If that's the case, I'm sure you wouldn't mind if we had a little affair. I made sure Foxy knew I'm ready whenever he is." June said, giving Naruto a sly look before Azula pulled him back.
"I would in fact mind! Even if I have no choice in the engagement, we are to be married! And I refuse to have my image sullied because my fiancé was tempted by anyone, let alone a lowly bounty hunter!" Azula retorted while glaring at June, who merely looked at her in amusement.
"M-maybe we should c-c-continue the discussions in the morning." Suggested Naruto, feeling they'd have clearer heads then.
"Fine with me Foxy, and when you're ready to have some fun, make sure your girlfriend doesn't know. I don't like being interrupted." June said, giving him one last wink before she and Nyla went into the ship, with Azula growling at her.
"Ty Lee! You can have the room next to ours!" Said Azula to her friend before dragging the blonde Firebender back to their quarters, refusing to let June in a room anywhere near hers and Naruto's.
Though mentally, Azula was wondering why seeing June act that way with Naruto annoyed her so much. Before simply shaking her head, pushing it to the back her mind and instead continued heading back to their quarters, making a mental not to make sure Naruto and June were never alone together.
So, what did you think, good. Yep we see Naruto and Iroh discussing Azula and how they can help her, before deciding to find those that are close to her, including a certain acrobat and markswoman, then we see Naruto and Azula attending a meeting where we see Naruto doesn't just have Firebenders and non-benders under his command, but Waterbenders and Earthbenders as well, leading to some arguing due to Azula's views and prejudice, only for Naruto to put an end to it while showing his more charismatic and stern side, surprising Azula. Before we see Naruto revealing his plans to recruit Ty Lee, Mai, June, and some Yuyan Archers to track, hunt, and capture the Avatar, while having a convincing excuse to give Azula on how he knows about Mai and Ty Lee. Then we see Naruto and Azula going to meet Ty Lee, who feels something wrong with Azula before learning about their engagement and everything that's happened, causing Ty Lee to actually hold a grudge against Ozai for what he's done to Azula, while also promising to be there for her friend from now on, along with asking them to stay and watch the show, which Naruto agrees to and convinces a reluctant Azula. Leading to them watching the show, with Azula soon starting to enjoy herself before Ty Lee gives her performance, putting on a special show meant for Azula to help cheer her up, something Azula is thankful for but tries covering it up and lying, only for Naruto and Ty Lee to see through it. Finally we see them returning to the ship where they meet June, leading to Naruto and Azula discussing her payment along with some flirting towards Naruto, much to Azula's annoyance and jealousy, but tries covering it up by only caring about her image not being ruined by her fiancé sleeping with someone else. So, for those that like the story, thanks for your support. For those that don't or at least don't like the direction taken, you're more than welcomed to drop the story. But thanks for giving the story a chance anyway.
Storm out