"I have decommissioned the Pohuai Stronghold today."
His father stares at him through the cell bars, but Ozai's attention does not frighten Zuko anymore.
"You continue being a disappointment. Everything our great nation achieved in a century, and you just surrender it all. Have the Earth Kingdom savages already reclaimed it?"
The former Firelord looks emaciated. Zuko knows Ozai is offered enough food, but ever since Ursa visited down here, the man refuses to eat.
"The Earth Kingdom isn't getting the land back," Zuko answers. "Part of the old colonies will form a new nation. We are building something there, together with the whole world."
"We? Does that mean the tiny Avatar told you to jump and you asked how high?"
Zuko decides not to indulge his father. There is no need for the man to know the issues surrounding the colonies almost restarted the war, with Aang and him on different sides.
"You are lucky you're getting food here, father. So eat. If I wanted you dead, I'd have you publicly executed, not starved in a cell. We don't treat prisoners like that anymore."
One thing about Ozai that people forget is that beneath his cruel and warmongering surface, the man is smart.
"So, son of mine, I was right," Ozai almost sounds happy, "you always were a traitor."
It's not for the first time Zuko thinks of his actions as the blue spirit in that light. But now, here, with Ozai of all people pointing it out, Zuko finally finds peace with it.
"It seems part of me always knew the way our nation was doing things was wrong.
"Now eat, father. Or I will have you fed."
Zuko leaves. He tells himself this was the last time he visited. But he knows he is lying to himself.