The next day in Republic city Wu announced his abdication. Many of the world leaders were taken by surprise by this, none more so than Raiko. He had hope to manipulate Wu into paying reparations for the previous conflict, now he had to deal with a strong willed ruler. Chu was given the platform so he could speak. The Earth King to be was secretly nervous, what would he say? How would the other world leaders react to or think of him? Then he remembered, he was Earth King now, it didn't matter what the other nations thought of him they would just have to deal with it. With that Chu stepped up to the microphone and spoke. "I know this has come as a shock to everyone, none more so than me… But as my father once said, we must play the cards the spirits dealt us and the cards have been laid out. From both friends and foes I have heard nothing but gloom and doom about my nation, 'The Earth Kingdom is stuck in the past' 'the Monarchy is outdated and archaic'. I say this…. You call it archaic and outdated, I call it tried and tested. No matter how many challenges we have faced our nation, much like the earth around us, has emerged stronger and firmer than ever before. As King I will do my best to improve the lives of my people and to cultivate good relationships with the other nations, the journey may be long and hard but as always we will persevere." After his speech came a roar of cheers and behind him the clapping of the other world leaders. After the speech Chu was eager to get home for the coronation, he knew Raiko would try to have him crowned in Republic city. By being crowned there Chu felt it would send the wrong message to his people, that he was just a puppet for the world leaders. "Chu there you are" President Raiko came strolling up to him with a big smile on his face. "I have an idea of where to have your coronation, take a picture with me" at that moment photographers came up and took their pictures with Raiko smiling and Chu with a neutral expression on his face. Chu then lifted Raiko's hand from his shoulder. "I too have an idea where to hold the coronation Mr. President, in the home of my ancestors, Ba Sing Se" Raiko didn't look surprised but Chu could tell it's not what he wanted. "With respect your majesty I thought we would hold it here in Republic city, a gesture of reconciliation for what happened the past months." Chu looked at Raiko with his usual intense stare. "No one wants to reconcile the past more than I Mr. President, which is why I have invited all the world leaders to my coronation in the palace." Raiko's smile was gone and replaced with a more neutral expression "I am sorry to say I will be unable to attend the coronation I have important duties you know." And with that he strolled away. Chu sighed, by not attending the ceremony Raiko was in effect stating he did not accept him as ruler. Chu later saw Suyin Beifong sitting by herself so he decided to sit next to her. "Congratulations Your Majesty" Suyin said with an almost mocking voice. "So now that your king I suppose you want to absorb Zoufu into your realm." Chu looked sympathetically at her "as a matter of fact yes, you may have bought the land Su but it is still Earth Kingdom territory and technically your city still pays taxes just like everyone else. But I assure you Zoufu's autonomy will not be compromised"
"Until the king wills it." Suyin said bitterly "I like you Chu but Zoufu is my city and I still stand by my ideal that monarchy is outdated, we won't listen to any of your decrees because we are independent." Chu had had enough of this argument, his face heated in anger and finally in a rare instance exploded. "THIS IS NOT A DEBATE ANYMORE SU! I have heard it all from you how monarchy is a failed system when there is plenty evidence to the contrary! Look at the Fire Nation, they have had an absolute monarchy for quite some time and yet they are one of the most technologically advanced nations on the planet! The water tribes technically operate under a kingship and yet you only seek to criticize the Earth Kingdom! You are always going on and on about giving everyone a second chance yet you refuse to give one to monarchy!" Suyin stood up abruptly. "Maybe so but seeing one tyrant replaced with another is not how you use that chance." Chu fumed with rage. "What will you have me do Su? Abolish the monarchy and establish little independent states based off a republic? Unlike you I actually know the consequences of such a change, but I wouldn't expect someone who has had a consequence free life to understand that now would I!? You had your chance to change the Earth Kingdom, but instead you sat in your city like a petulant child and whined how nothing will change! As far as I am concerned you have no right to tell me how to run my own kingdom! Now if you excuse me I have a coronation to go to." With that Chu stomped off leaving an astonished and shocked Suyin behind him.
A week or so later the Coronation had arrived, Earth Sages followed closely behind Chu in his Ceremonial Robes, Nobles and foreigners lined both sides of the pathway, the world leaders (minus Raiko) were sitting in chairs at the foot of the stairs that led to the throne. Chu made sure to walk slowly, taking in the scenery around him. When he finally reached the throne he knelt down on both knees in front of the head Earth Sage. The old man spoke "In the Tradition of our ancestors and the blessing of the spirits, we hereby crown you Chu the Fifty-Fifth Earth King!" with that he placed the crown on Chu's head and gestured him to rise. As he did everyone bowed before him. Chu inwardly smiled, today was a new day, the dawning of a new era, an Era of Reform.