It hadn't taken much to get the Eastern Earth Kingdom and its armies to Chu's side. They were loyal to him, trusted him, and as far as they were concerned, he represented every positive aspect of the Earth Kingdom, a symbol. The rest of the land did not share that sentiment. "What is the strategy General Chu?" An officer asked. Chu thought his options, already Kuvira had the upper hand with the fall of Zoufu as well as the subduing of the Avatar. Chu's own army was made up mostly of Earth-Benders with only a few Metal-Benders, Kuvira was currently on her way to Republic city with her entire force but if he struck now she would wheel back around and attack him. Thinking it over he looked at the map and spoke. "Our first priority is to garner loyalty from the territories closest to our borders. Once we have their loyalty we start small, we take villages, small towns, local provinces. Once we've done that we must show them we are better than Kuvira and treat them well as well as listen to their grievances, no looting period." One of the younger officers spoke up. "Sir not to question your strategy but what is your plan when Kuvira comes back from Republic city?" Chu bit his lip, he had to think of a plan for her, if it came to a battle the mechanized tanks would be the end of his force, how do you counter spirit energy from a machine you can't bend? Chu was about to answer when a messenger ran into the tent. "General! General! I have heard news big news!"
"What is it? Is it Kuvira? Has she taken Republic city?" Chu asked worriedly. "No sir better" the messenger caught his breathe. "It's the Avatar sir… she's back!" a wave of relief swept over Chu's face, he wouldn't have to worry about facing Kuvira's counterattack after all, she would be too busy fighting the Avatar. "Fortune smiles on us once again gentlemen" Chu said proudly. "Our strategy has not changed though, this time though we will split the army in three, one goes south, Hung you have that command, one will go to the center to get the desert tribes, Fu that's your division, I will lead the rest northward to Ba Sing Se and the west where Kuvira's support is the strongest. You all shouldn't expect much resistance since all of Kuvira's troops are with her in Republic city but if you do encounter resistance defeat them but do not massacre, no looting, no mass executions, no sacking, and pay for any supplies your given. This is our time men we will fight and win for the Earth Kingdom." With that the meeting was over and everyone got ready for tomorrow.
The next day Chu got up early, did his morning exercises, put on his armor and marched with his troops northward, wishing his other generals good luck. The journey was long and hard, pouring rain one day, attacked by bandits the next, but Chu kept up spirits by singing old Earth Kingdom folk songs and telling funny jokes. Whenever they came upon a village or town they were always respectful and treated everyone well. When they went through one town a woman came up to Chu and grabbed his garb. "Please general, please help me!" the woman cried. Chu stopped and asked her to explain. "My son and husband spoke out against Kuvira and now she has locked them in one of her reeducation camps. Please sir I just want my family back." Chu looked on in Sympathy and turned his Ostrich-Horse around. "Commander we will camp here for the night I will go with this women and be back soon." The women teared with joy and after muttering her thanks she led him through the woods for about an hour before showing him the Camp in a clearing. "They have fourteen guards, I know because I have been spying on them for months." But when she turned around Chu wasn't there. Had he fled? Had he gone to scout? She received and answer when a defining crash came from the camp. She looked in awe. Chu had immediately ran for the compound and before the guards could even realize it they were either smashed against a wall or in the ground. Just then one of the guards recovered and let loose a metal band that took Chu out from under his legs. Chu silently cursed himself for not paying attention to Suyin's metal-bending tips. Just as the guard was about to finish him off one of the prisoners knocked him out with a rock and freed the general. Soon they all walked with Chu back to the village. "Thank You general" the woman said, she hugged her son and kissed her husband. Another man came up to Chu. "Thank you sir for saving us" said the man. Chu in turn bowed to him "I believe it is I who has you to thank sir if not for you I would not be here." The man smiled and bowed back. "Thank you sir… Sir may I ask a favor?"
"Anything."
"Take us with you, me and my brothers I mean." Chu looked in shock. "May I ask why?" the man said gravely "Kuvira locked us up like animals, we want to pay her back, please general. After some thought Chu consented. Soon others wanted to join, though most were turned away due to them having families. Once again on the march Chu foresaw being in Ba Sing Se by mid-morning tomorrow and hopefully that would be that.