In Republic City, the groups decided to leave Hope up to ZS and Simon as they went about the city where they saw some sort of event being set up in the plaza.
"What is this? Some kind of festival?" Asta asked.
"No...the coronation is supposed to be happening soon." Ling said. "Wu's Coronation to be exact."
"Apologies if I say this but isn't Wu a little…" Al trailed off.
"You don't even need to say it. Everyone knows. That's why the president and some of the other leaders will appoint ministers to handle the government tasks." Ling said.
"I guess a lot of people are excited for this all the same. With Wu in charge, people will be relieved that Kuvira isn't in power." Gemini said.
"There is a downside to it. Wu won't be able to inherit anything after the people raided the Earth Queen's palace after Zaheer announced her death." Spade said.
"Relax. These royals are rich. They got like solid gold undies or something." Vector said. "Or so the story goes."
"But how can we even be sure Kuvira will even step down?" Jexi asked.
"She will. She gave the president her word. She knew her position wasn't permanent." Ling said.
"I hope you're right. Something about her doesn't feel right." Ace muttered.
"Ah relax." Eddy said. "If she tries anything, me and the boys can take her. Right Lumpy, Sockhead?"
"Kuvira is no slouch. She's a skilled Metalbender, and is very cunning." Nekomaru said. "I wouldn't be surprised if she has a plan to remain in power."
"Knowing her, probably." Himeno said.
"We can scope out the situation. She'll be staying in the same hotel as the prince." Ling said.
"Sounds good. We can scope out her and her higher ups." Odd said.
"Like spy movies!?" Ed said, his eyes lighting up.
"No, not again!" Double D replied. "Not after last time!"
"Too late. We're doing it." Natsu said with his scarf wrapped around his head like a ninja.
"Bad idea." Al said.
At the hotel, they saw a number of royals gathering inside.
"Wow...looks like every royal or elite leader is coming to this thing. Wait...I see Kuvira." Jexi said as she stepped in.
"Hello Republic City! I am back!" Bolin said coming in behind her.
"Bolin!" Rainbow said.
"Rainbow, hey! Great to see you...gah!" Bolin shrieked as he saw Eska staring right at him. "And… Eska's also here..."
"Oh boy, my drama alert is buzzing." Emo said.
"Not helping." Bolin said.
"Seriously, you need to drop that 24/7 sarcasm." Stoj said.
"It's in his name." Rainbow said.
"Now now...that is quite enough." a voice said.
"No way...he's here?" Gemini said in surprise as they saw a familiar mage. "Invel Yura."
"What are you doing here?" David demanded.
"I work for mistress Kuvira for the moment since I was let out of prison...unexpectedly." Invel said.
"And yet here you are, don't think I've forgot about the Ultron Sigma incident." Zero said.
"And don't think I've forgotten that you people were involved with my former Emperor's death." Invel said.
"Invel." Kuvira said coming up. "We're not here to chastise. You were released to have a second chance."
"You better make good use of it, or you'll be dealing with me. Capiche?" David asked.
"Grr." Invel growled as he walked off with Kuvira.
"This is why you trained in the Simulator, David. In case if he decided to try something." Ace said.
"I know. But I can't go at him if I'm worried about tournament competitors gunning for me at the same time." David said.
"Well, you and the others focus on that while the rest of us take care of any problems." Ace assured putting a hand on David's shoulder.
"In that case, you better get those coins fast so you won't have to worry about losing your spot." Omnimon said. "Maybe one of the competitors will show up at the coronation to make a scene."
"That would be too much of a coincidence." David said.
"Yeah, which means there's a high chance of that happening." Mark replied.
"What's the connection between them anyway? They sounded really bitter towards each other." Dynasmon said.
"I can tell just from the looks in their eyes. To David, Invel is his nemesis." Leopardmon said.
"But….is he really? I know both use ice but...I can't really think of anything else." Asta said.
"It all started in Glenwood. I'm sure Gray, Juvia, Sectonia and the Tapu Guardians remember what happened all too well." David said.
"He was an enemy, and we defeated him. That's all." Gray said still angry.
"Uh...let's just keep this down deep. Until the coronation of course." Shanoa said.
"Sounds like an excellent plan." Double D said.
It was later that the coronation soon began.
"Now rise Wu of the Wu Ting Dynasty, king of all the earth lands and ruler of Ba Sing Se." a minister said.
"Thank you for that...incredibly brief but moving ceremony. I am moved by the love of my beloved countrymen to restore their beloved leader to the throne. Kuvira, rise!" Wu said as Kuvira stood up. "For your work across the Earth Kingdom, I present you with the Kyoshi Medal of Freedom...our nation's highest honor." he said putting a medal around her neck. "Which was somehow not stolen unlike the pinky rings."
"Thank you...and I would like to say a few words." Kuvira said.
"Why not. We have six hours to fill." Wu said.
"Growing up in Zaofu with Suyin Beifong, I've realized that the idea of a royal family passing a title from one generation to the next is archaic. And that technology and innovation is what should drive a nation forward. It was the pathetic rule of kings and queens that forced the Earth Kingdom into chaos and disarray. It's taken me 3 years to get it all back and there is no way I will allow it to slip back into the dark ages. I'd like to make an announcement to the world. The Earth Kingdom is no more. And this man has no authority." she said pointing to Wu.
"Wait, what?" Wu said.
"This doesn't sound good…" Aqua said.
"I have created a new Earth Empire and I will continue to lead it into the future myself, bringing a new era of prosperity for it myself. And let me assure my fellow leaders of one thing." Kuvira said removing her medal. "Anyone who dares crosses our borders or stands in our way...will be crushed." she said scrunching up the medal.
"Well, I've heard enough." Eddy said as he rolled up his sleeves.
"No, we can't! Do you wanna get arrested?!" Kazuichi asked.
"It's far too late for that." Invel said as he instantly froze the two. "You two are arrested as war criminals." he said as soldiers took the frozen two away.
"Eddy!" Ed and Double D cried out.
"My fellow Earth Empire citizens...we are no longer in an age of heroes or kings. Long live the great uniter!" Invel said.
"Long live the great uniter!" the citizens chanted.
"We need to fall back…" Ace said.
"Ace...I don't think that will help. Just do nothing." Jexi said.
"Nothing?!" Mark whispered. "We need to save Eddy!"
"And we will, but for now…" David started.
"We just need to hang back. Besides, Bolin is going to be on the same train. If anyone can save them, it's him." Jexi said.
"Right. So what do we do now?" Ace asked.
"We go back to Air Temple Island… and see about finding where Korra is with Hope, Zombie Skater and Simon." Cyrille said.
"That's gonna be impossible. Their comms went off the grid when they entered Earth Kingdom...or rather Earth Empire territory." Tails said.
"Then we'll have to find them the old fashioned way!" CP declared. "We must organize a search party!"
"Wait...isn't that...Varrick?" Riku asked. "Where's he going with those spirit vines?"
"Spirit Vines?" Jude asked.
"Those vines from the wilds. The place where spiritual energy is the strongest." Riku said.
"Hmm. Jude, Usopp, Miu, Franky….you four might need to do some undercover work." Jexi said.
"What do you mean by that?" Usopp asked.
"You four for the time being...are joining the Earth Empire." Jexi said. "David...I realize how much you want to fight in the tournament. I'm not going to stop you. Just...qualify for the finals as fast as you can."
"Alright. I'll finish up as soon as I can." David said.
"Before you go, I want you to elaborate on something." Leopardmon said. "What exactly happened back in Glenwood?"
"I fought against Invel the first time. At that point, I was still a budding warrior, and none of my attacks could hit at all. It broke me for a bit. It was an awful feeling…" David said.
"..." Leopardmon said. "I can tell. For us strategists, the worst kind of pain is when you try so hard to execute a plan, yet nothing seems to work."
"We can all tell you're feeling a bit uneasy with Invel in Kuvira's ranks. But we also know you were excited as all of us for this tournament, and we don't want to have those thoughts conflict. We all want to have fun, but Kuvira's in the way. That's why we want you to qualify, so we can catch up with you when we're finished." Flamberge explained.
"Berge is right. We know this is a lot to take in, but you've never let that stop you before. No reason for that to happen now." Francisca said. "If worse comes to worse, I'll fight him in your stead."
"So go have a good time...and leave this to us." Zan added.
"Alright. I'll be counting on you. All of you." David said.
"We won't let you down David." Flamberge nodded. "But do us a favor though. You see that bully Sharkfang… have Froslass give her a Shoryuken."
"My pleasure." David said.
"According to the news, looks like she already left. In fact a lot of competitors are starting to flee the Earth Empire. This may be good. You can take advantage of their confusion and fear." Tails said.
"Not exactly his style, but at least he'll be safe from Kuvira's wrath." Leopardmon said.
"Well then, good luck David." Mark said. "I'll pray for you, my friend."
"I just have one request… Don't any of you die on me!" David said.
"We won't!" Flamberge called as David and Froslass departed.
"Let's make sure he doesn't have to worry about that. David enjoys a good tournament...so we'll keep the danger focused on us so he won't worry." Jexi said.
"Definitely." Ace said.
"As for Hope...we don't need to worry about him or the others. I've known that fool for a while now. He always comes back." Jexi said.
"Very well." CP said.
"That's right, Lunala, Simon and ZS are with him too, so they'll be fine like Jexi said." Ace said.
"Then the question is... what do we do about the "Great Uniter"?" Scarlet asked, air quoting the title.
"If we do anything to oppress Kuvira now, we'll just end up like Eddy and Soda." Mahiru said. "All we can do is wait here in Republic City until Hope, Zombie Skater and Simon come back with Korra."
"And have our undercover soldiers figure out what the hell Kuvira is having Varrick do with those Spirit Vines…." Riku said.
"As of now...everything is in the hands of the others now." Jexi said.