BINDING VOWS
Japan.
A nation of more than 125 million people nationwide, with deaths and disappearances numbering in the millions a year from various causes, it is completely normal for more than 10,000 deaths from unknown causes to be overlooked. However, hidden behind these deaths, the greatest danger of the entire nation was hidden. All these deaths were the product of curses, beings that were the product of negative energy accumulated in various places, common in hospitals or schools. guilty, regrets, remorse, shame, negativity becomes the source of their creation.
In response, humans have developed their own abilities to manage the same negativity. These special humans are known as sorcerers, people who wield what is known as cursed energy, the product of a person's own negative emotions. Although all humans possess a minimal amount of cursed energy, only sorcerers can manipulate it at will.
"Azula! Look here!" Gojo chanted, and with the two cans that both Azula and Gojo used to drink from, the latter pointed the palm of his hands towards them.
The first can seemed to receive the impact of a powerful force, enough to deform it into something resembling a fist. The other, however, began to twist in a spiral until it was no more than a pin.
"Tell me, what do you notice?"
Azula observed both changes. She guessed it was the first test to assess her competence. She recapped everything she had learned so far from the clues: sorcery relied on strange rituals powered by something referred to as 'cursed energy', these rituals could be used to strengthen their body, imbue them with mundane elements such as strips of paper or weapons of high deadly capacity such as Maki's weapon. These rituals, in turn, could be translated into another form of manifestation: 'cursed techniques', and despite the similarities to bending elements, seemed to broaden the possibilities of developing a deadly technique as was Inumaki's cursed speech. However, that did not preclude physical limitations and seemed to be something that was trained and skilled.
Azula quickly concluded.
"This is an exemplification of the nature of cursed energy" Azula, with conviction, pointed to the right can. "In the first can you used raw cursed energy, you just boosted it as a basic power, something Maki or Panda seems to use from what he said about using cursed energy independently and amplifying its capabilities."
"Right."
"The second can, on the other hand, you employed a cursed technique," Azula said, as she turned back to the left can that simulated the figure of a tornado. "I don't know what your capabilities are, but whatever you did must be related to your technique."
Gojo did not speak, which allowed Azula to think even more in retrospect of what happened. Here the differentiation between energy and cursed technique was made clear, one as a source and the other as a means of use. However, the application must have extended to more than just cans or made-up language.
"But it is not only that, but you also said yourself that you wished me to see for my own eyes cursed energy in action."
"In what form?"
"In my firebending" Azula concluded, it being the only way she considered it possible to get there with her current knowledge. "It felt different from the start, but I dismissed it as an uncomfortable lack of practice, now I see it wasn't that" she said, recalling the cold, energetic sensation she felt as she walked the halls before their encounter. "It was cursed energy circulating through my fire, and my lack of refinement caused my flames to be unable to fully form."
Watching her hand and producing the smallest flame she could make, Azula inspected the fire and the nature of it as a manageable current rather than a guide.
"That means that, somehow, my firebending turned into a 'cursed technique' that I must master... it was never about my skill."
Azula pondered for a second. That made sense if everything kept in line with the constant changes her body underwent upon arriving in this world. Something changed in her system, in her body, in her mind, in everything. Superficially it may not have made any changes, but on the inside, it was a disaster. Now how extensive were these changes, which was a question Azula began to worry a little.
"Wow, I didn't expect you to deduce all that" Gojo clapped his hands. "If this were a test, I'd give you 8 points out of 10."
Azula's eyes widened. When she thought her conclusions were accurate, Gojo cut off her belief with condescension, which boiled the princess's blood.
"8, only 8?!" Azula hissed.
"Yes, there are a few areas where you fail, two in specific," Gojo said, holding up two of his fingers before closing one and wagging it carelessly. "In first, you're right that physical strength can be amplified with cursed energy. You acquire greater durability, strength, speed, that sort of thing."
"So where am I wrong?" Azula questioned, eyes fixed on the blindfolded master.
"In Maki" Gojo specified, widening his smile even more if possible. "Tell me Azula, do you think Maki has cursed energy?"
It did not take Azula long to realize what Gojo's words implied. As if the idea was correct, she asked with her gaze at her master.
"Don't tell me..."
"Exactly! She doesn't possess cursed energy, not a drop" Gojo smiled. "The glasses she wears aren't because she's nearsighted, it's because she wouldn't be able to see curses otherwise! But relax, it makes sense that you didn't know that one can easily get confused."
Azula was impressed. She believed all this time that the girl wielded the cursed energy to strengthen her body, when it turns out she had brute strength great enough to decimate resistance. Still, she could not buy that idea completely. Even if Maki was a human without the ability to use sorcery, she had a superior ability, even of trained and experienced soldiers.
"Still, she's not someone normal" Azula deduced. "That strength was greater than an average girl, even if she trained all her life, it wouldn't come close to the abilities demonstrated by her."
"We already went into celestial restrictions, but that doesn't enter the topic."
The name stuck in Azula's mind, celestial restrictions. However, that did not seem to compete with the talk Gojo gave her, nor did she want to ruin the teaching status that the blindfolded one finally seemed to develop.
"What was the second thing?" asked Azula, more curious than irritated.
"You thought your firebending was your cursed technique that adapted when you arrived here, but that's wrong" Gojo explained, which gained complete interest from the princess. "Actually, if your firebending was your cursed technique, you wouldn't have so much trouble using it."
Azula thought for a second. The cursed technique was a hereditary trait that was attributed to a select group of people, otherwise at least Panda would possess one, but only Inumaki was revealed to have one. Was it something innate? It was the very beginning of her talent, it was no one's fault that she was superior in technique and mastery of firebending, she just had it in her to be superior to others. Cursed techniques must have worked along the same lines and even with an unconscious degree of cursed energy, it must have been an easier way to manage it.
"Because it would be a direct application to how cursed techniques work."
"Exactly," Gojo concurred. "Cursed techniques are innate, something that extends as if it were part of you. If your cursed technique were your flames, then you could wield it more willingly, though you'd wear yourself out given how bad you are at controlling your cursed energy."
Azula narrowed her eyes at the comment, but let it pass for this time, it was worth it considering that much of the information Gojo provided did have a beneficial contribution to her understanding of her surroundings.
"Then it's still an extension of my chi."
"I don't know what chi is, but I don't think so, it's something else" Gojo dismissed, which confused Azula a bit as she closed the doors on the two possibilities provided. "Your body adapted after coming to this world, which made your techniques, thoughts and physical qualities adapt to our world. Simply put, that fire you produced is because of a change of environment, as if you were a chameleon with a little tail and all."
Azula understood that. If in the elemental world she could develop something to what Gojo mentioned, then she would have done it years ago, but the energy she began to feel as soon as she set foot in that world. Still, that did not answer the question.
"To leave it simple, instead of adapting it as a technique, your body made it as the cursed energy itself, a curious property if you ask me."
Azula hesitated for a second. From what Gojo commented, the cursed energy was an electric current flowing over the emotions, like a chaotic force that had the means to be contained.
"Is that possible?" she asked, though it was more to herself that she began to draw conclusions than exclusively to Gojo.
"More than possible, though very strange" Gojo nodded, more than confident with his hypothesis. "I personally don't know anyone who possesses this quality, but in the past, there have been users who manipulated their cursed energy to mold it into a physical flow" With his hand on his chin, Gojo inspected in his mind an example to provide. "I'm sure one of the second-year boys shares a similar trait. You should ask him when you get the chance."
"So, I won't be able to regain control of my fire until I fully understand the workings of cursed energy."
"Exactly."
That relieved Azula quite a bit. It had consistency with what Gojo said, no one could give reproach of her performance if the basis of her techniques turned into a completely different state and nature of power than she had ever experienced... right?
Azula tried to avoid falling into bad thoughts. None of that mattered, now her focus should have taken precedence on returning to her best form, now with the use of cursed energy. That led her to focus on the second root of her problems.
"That also means that the out of control in my lightning was due to mismanagement of the cursed energy," she said.
"Hmmm..." Gojo thought about it for a second, but quickly denied with momentum. "No, that's not the reason."
"But you know the reason, what is it?"
"I have a clear idea of what might have happened, but it will be a practice we'll do another idea."
"But..."
"Relax" Gojo interrupted Azula before she could reply. "You must learn to control your fire again anyway if you ever wish to throw sparks left and right again."
Despite her annoyance, she knew Gojo was right. Lightning control was always a variant of firebending, you could not master lightning without a thorough understanding of the volatile nature of firebending, and although she understood that the rules, she had to follow were not the same ones she had developed throughout her life, her source remained the same. If Azula wished to produce lightning again, she had to regain control of her flames, she had to regain her blue fire.
"Instead, we're going to listen to you" Gojo spoke, which brought Azula out of her musings and conclusions. "Let's get started with the training! And I must confess, this is a pretty intense one, so get ready."
Azula smiled. The idea of a training to strengthen her bond with her cursed energy was appealing. Firebending had its hold on emotions, as did cursed energy, so something like meditations, katas or intense sparring might be a clever idea of what she should do next. With anticipation, she prepared herself for whatever Satoru had planned.
"I'm more than ready."
"Are you sure, this training can bring anyone to a degree of stress and suffering they've never experienced" Gojo said, which caused Azula's good mood to dissipate completely.
"I get the feeling you're not taking this seriously."
From the piece of furniture on which the television was positioned, Gojo began to pull out a series of objects that Azula could not see, not at least until she saw a flying object heading straight in her direction.
"Catch this."
Out of reflex, Azula grabbed a... stuffed bear. She had to look at the doll several times to find a purpose to it. Without warning, small sparkles glowed from the stuffed animal's palms. Although Azula detected the danger, she could not completely avoid the shock that was released throughout her body and, against her will, she had to hold the doll over her hands because of the current that blocked the sensation in her hands for a couple of seconds.
"What the hell!" Azula threw the doll away as soon as the shock ended, watching Gojo with daggers in her eyes.
"Hey, don't look at me like that, it was your fault you stopped channeling cursed energy into the doll."
"Don't you think a warning would have been ideal!"
"Nah" Gojo shook his head, focusing more on the table in the room where different boxes of discs were found piled up. "But grab the dummy, it'll be part of the training."
"This is training?"
"Of course! I told you it would be an intense one, not physical" from the table, Azula finally noticed what Gojo was looking for: boxes of old movies to be played. "Get ready for a movie marathon! And since you are a princess, it will be the best Disney classics! Aren't I such a thoughtful teacher who thinks of her students' needs?"
Azula looked at the boxes on the table. Although she studied many concepts, she knew how to draw conclusions from the small piece of information she acquired from the television. It was a device that transmitted digital information sources. Despite its technical use, it was known more as a waste of time spent on people with no convictions or nothing important to do. Had Satoru just asked her that wasting her time was the best way to learn to control her cursed energy?
"I really was an idiot to think there was anything of value in this" without thinking, Azula walked to the stairs that she thought would be the way out of there.
Satoru watched his student leave, mouth agape not knowing what to say.
It was not long before Azula found the exit door. Even though it was sealed, she did not have the patience to open it willingly. Instead, a powerful flare of fire destroyed the lock and from her hand acclimated to the intense heat she stepped out into the open, just to appreciate the orange sunset sky.
Azula did not know where she was, her only point of reference was the old hut where the basement was located, the rest was just a long stretch of trees. She did not care much; anything could have provided better feedback than a clown who did not take anything seriously.
"Hold on, little princess" Gojo soon caught up with her, sitting on one of the branches of a tree. "Are you really going to leave?"
Azula addressed the voice. She was no longer surprised by Satoru's disappearing act, despite her immense curiosity at knowing his cursed technique. However, her frustration overcame any trace of expectation.
"You have demonstrated an inability to train me properly" Azula stated. "While I understand the importance of mastering the art of sorcery, I find no value in your teachings" With some venom, Azula directed her entire body at Satoru, all to frame a point. "You merely take your position at face value, as if conveying your ideas is nothing more than an absurd pastime."
Azula decided to continue her way, tempted to throw some fire into the area if it were not the risk of causing a forest fire that could have caused more damage to her person than it could have been just continue her way and ignore everything the man had to say.
"You know, you're right, I'm not the best of teachers" Gojo spoke, and even the tone of his voice was a bit lower than his usual carefree mood, but it did not stop Azula from continuing her way. "However, that's not to say that I don't want to sabotage your progress or anything like that, quite the contrary."
Azula shook her head. That was a blatant lie, only her father cared about a consistent development of her skills and talents, the others were misfortunes she had to put up with for her own convenience. Gojo was no different, and that sorcerer school was no different either.
"In you Azula I can see a lot of potential."
"You mentioned that already, and don't think flattering me changes anything."
"That's not what I mean" in the blink of an eye, Gojo stood in front of Azula, something that surprised her a bit by the high speed at which her blink changed the forest for her tall figure. "The first moment I saw you I knew there was something about you, a power that could unbalance everything known to sorcery up to this point, and not just because you come from another dimension or something."
To say that Azula did not have some interest in Satoru's words was not true. Something in her felt that, as a rare occasion, Gojo spoke seriously, or at least more focused than his frequent taunts.
"Do you know why I am a teacher?" asked Satoru. "Aren't you curious?"
Azula would be lying if she said no. If his position as 'strongest sorcerer' were true, it would not hurt to think that he would be one of the pillars of the world's functioning. If he could perform an equivalent, he would be like the Avatar, an unbalancing factor that changed the rules of the game, at least in theory. That he is dedicated to teaching and has no talent for it at all is all the less jarring.
Though a certain part of her also thought it was a question he wanted her to ask just to satisfy his idea of conversation she wished she had.
"Why?"
"Because I detest the higher-ups," he replied, almost satisfied by her question. "Their ideas, their stubbornness, their lack of vision in everything. Killing them would be a piece of cake, but what would be the point? Other new ones will come along and all I'll get is a loss of credibility."
Azula's eyes widened slightly. The idiot was not as much of an idiot as he seemed. A long-term game in which he would climb not only in physical power, but hierarchically for a dominance of his entire world. His strategy was not invalidated, in fact it was used by the fire nation itself to push the correct values of their culture.
"So, you're trying to brainwash young sorcerers to take their place and make your worldview a reality."
"Bingo... wait, I wouldn't put it in those words."
Despite her acknowledgement, which did not cause Azula to empathize with Gojo. If his line of thinking led her to conclude her new master's final idea (and she was not wrong at all), that also signified her role in the whole thing.
"I recognize that it seems counterproductive everything I've done so far, but I can promise you that you're a personal project, I assure you" Gojo pressed his palms together in a praying position, like a poorly crafted plea. "Am I convincing you?"
"Not one bit" Azula replied. "I will not be another of your sheeple who will follow you without thinking for themselves...I've had enough of that."
Although Azula awakened a new nuance in her construction of who Satoru Gojo was, that did not change the matter: she would not learn anything good from him.
Regardless of whether he continued to insist or not, Azula continued her course. Now she did not have the right position to make any moves, but it was only a matter of acquiring more information and time for her to engineer something convincing.
With a small glance at the clouds, Azula decided to quicken her pace as she saw the sky getting darker and darker due to the early darkening of the skies. Gojo did not move, though his disappointment was palpable even if he only showed half a face in the open air.
"Binding vows," Satoru declared. "I guess you don't know what they are."
Azula did not stop her pace, but she did not quicken it either, something Satoru noticed without much effort.
"It's one of the fundamentals of sorcery" Gojo continued as he saw the slight interest caught by Azula. "They are contracts created from cursed energy that anyone can make, either for themselves or for others. Simply put, they are agreements that can be made between sorcerers."
Although the concept sounded interesting, Azula was in no mood to form an agreement, much less with the man in front of her.
"Let's make a binding vow," Gojo proposed. "I can promise that nothing I do will be to harm your growth. If power is what you desire, power I can give you."
Azula stopped her pacing. If the business deal Satoru suggested went through, then she would not have much trouble estimating the terms. Still, it was also a good opportunity to find out how deep his estimations of her and the world around her went.
"How powerful?"
"As strong as a special grade sorcerer."
"How strong is that?" Gojo, immediately, smiled upon hearing the question.
"Girl, if you feel like it you could conquer countries without much effort."
Azula could not help but widen her eyes upon hearing the statement. Conquering a nation was not something a single individual could accomplish. Even the Avatar would have trouble decimating entire armies of elite trained soldiers (she would accomplish it, of course, but it was no simple task). Even she at her best could not imagine a similar scenario. Her conquest of Ba Sing Se was a product of an understanding of the fearful and selfish nature of the Dai Li and a trusting faith in her brother, plus a great deal of naivety on the part of the Avatar and the earth king.
"You're kidding."
"Not at all, you're even seeing one in front of you," Satoru said as he pointed a finger at himself. "I already told you, I'm the strongest."
Azula had to rewire her mind again to capture the idea. Her, dominate entire countries with her own power, without the need for outside agents like the Sozin comet or armies of traitorous soldiers? The idea was too sweet, more than she estimated was possible with shaman magic alone.
"Entire countries?"
"Here's the deal: in the next three years you will leave the sorcerer's academy as a special grade sorceress."
Azula mulled it over carefully. However, if she learned anything over the past few years, it was that nothing was as simple as it seemed. Cautious, she decided to follow her instinct once again and keep her irrational side aside.
"That's no insurance" Azula denied. "There's no guarantee you'll keep that word."
"Yes, there is" Satoru challenged her objections. "A binding vow is not a paper deal; it has its repercussions. There are no shortcuts, or small words, or misinterpretations. No one in the sorcery world can break these contracts."
"What happens if you break it?"
"Very, very bad things" Satoru, as a strange occurrence to see, made an unpleasant grimace. "Maybe a simple cold, or maybe a serious illness, you might get lucky and no longer be able to manipulate cursed energy... or even death. No one can escape the agreements made between sorcerers."
"Not even you."
"Not even me," Gojo asserted. "Though of course, you must agree, and the same rules apply to you. Don't think you can go all flower."
With the new context, Azula re-evaluated her options. If it was a two-way contract with no possibility of breaking it, then the certainty that she would reach a level that would rival the Avatar himself would be without question. Even if Satoru was nothing more than an idiot, nothing he told her so far seemed to be a falsehood, and though some doubt arose as they both found themselves in an awkward position.
"I must assume you have your own terms."
"Of course, it wouldn't be a fair deal otherwise" Gojo nodded his head. "Here are my terms: you will have to attend the academy and give your all, even if you sacrifice your soul to advance. You will not be able to manipulate, nor plan anything against me or your classmates. And of course, you must be open to everything I tell you."
A small chuckle exhaled from Azula's lips. She was not surprised by the terms, at least this time they were straight to what they sought with her. Honesty was a value she held dear in the past, but now it struck her as an invaluable factor in a negotiation of equals. Did that mean she agreed? Not at all.
"Now I'm not a sheep, you want me as your dog."
"Consider it; it would only be three years and then you'll have complete freedom" Gojo argued. "You can go roam the world, or find a way back to your own, any unpaid bills out there? There will be nothing and no one to stop you."
Azula knew how the game continued. It was never that time, there was always an extension that would be put off until one was no longer useful to the other's goals. Still, her insistence was not demeritory of giving some validity to her intentions. Satoru raised his hand to be shaken, which was the way to formalize the commitment.
"You really wish me to stay."
"Am I lying? I have already said, I will need allies in the future I wish, and I believe you could be one of the most valuable."
The terms could not have been worse. Stay out of everything for three years and you can do whatever you want. All that contract screamed was nothing more than being a faithful dog to the orders of the man in front of him, and if what was stated of the nature of it was accurate, then he would have no room for rejoinder or restructuring of the agreement after it was established. Simply put, he would keep her tied up without the possibility of resistance. That, in no way, was a good deal.
But the flame that ran through her entire being would not allow that deal to pass. The flame burned Azula with an indescribable rage to the point that she did not know if she let it out and, frankly, she did not much care. Her mother, her brother, her father, all around a black haze that plagued her senses.
Satoru's smile was as bright and warm as hell itself, and Azula knew that shaking hands would be nothing more than a fun path to her own undoing. Her whole mind called out to her, advised her, and argued with her not to take the terms, not to let herself be trampled on like that, but could she trust his judgment completely? Perhaps not.
Azula's shoulders dropped a little, some of the fury inside her seemed to die down, like an icy water that all it left behind was hot steam. The notion of time began to blur and the prospects less clear. For this occasion, it was best just to be straightforward about the matter. At least she knew what she would be getting involved in.
"I will not become a slave to you" Azula spoke, a voice lower than she imagined. "If you wish me to shake that hand, I will have full disposal of my actions. I will not leave the school, but I will not be used for your own purposes without discrimination."
"I promise that you will be free to move and act on your own as long as you do not betray me or your classmates and listen to me when I require it. Don't worry, I'm not a slaver, it's not like we're in the 15th century."
That did not change much, but Azula already assumed that would be the outcome. The attempt was more to evaluate a viable alternative that benefited both. That was not the case, and that did not change the decision. If her life was the toll, she had to take to meet her goals, then there would be no valid alternative but to accept. Besides, he might not be the worst demon one could sell one's soul to, or so she hoped.
"Should I just shake your hand?"
"And channel some cursed energy into it" Gojo stated. "Don't worry, I'll do the rest, you'll just feel a little tingling."
Azula took the hand firmly, already thought what she had to think. Soon, a snaking sensation ran down her arm, tying her hand for brief moments to Satoru's hand. It was a most intriguing experience, it was the first time he felt with such vividness not only the cursed energy, but specifically his own that fluttered back to a state of calm. Without a word, they both knew that the pact had been made.
Azula had to commit herself to the study of sorcery, with no thought of resigning or betraying either Satoru Gojo or the companions she has or will have in the future, in exchange for becoming one of the most powerful sorcerers in the world.
As soon as the pact was finalized, Azula withdrew her hand from Gojo as if it was red hot. The teacher did not seem too bothered by her pupil's action, in a rare display of maturity (not so much) that she had to show in the face of rebellious attitudes.
"Well, yes it's all said and done" Gojo stretched out his arms a little, and like a magic trick, his hands filled with film covers to be played. "Shall we go back to the marathon?"
"Excuse me?"
"You're excused"
Azula tried to retort, but immediately her hand felt an unpleasant chill, as if it were a terrible idea just thinking about it. Is that how the binding vote worked, if so, Gojo's definition was not far off the mark to say the least, not to say accurate.
"I told you the training would be intense" Gojo lowered his shoulders as a show of removing any responsibility from the matter. "That it's not what you imagined is not my fault."
Azula required a good amount of internal, paused breathing to keep from returning the taunt. While being 'nice' was not an integral thing in the vow, and technically Gojo also being tied to it to make her strong, she hoped that some conservation of her thoughts would cue faster progress than the full three years. For the time being, she just hoped to see results, and she was never a patient person as a starting point.
"I hope it will be a fruitful investment of time."
"Of course," Gojo stated, as she escorted Azula back to the movie theater. "Besides, you can learn more about the film culture of this world, don't you think it's a golden opportunity?"
Put into those words, Azula could not dismiss that point. However, she estimated that it would be no different from enjoying the plays on Ember Island. With resignation, she just moved forward and let any attempt at teasing that Gojo tried along the way pass her by.
"Oh, I forgot" Gojo, stopping the princess for a second, pulled one out. "I think this is a good movie to start with."
Azula looked at the contents of the box before a vein pronounced itself from her forehead. If the above was not a bad joke, this was not something anyone could pass up.
Tired, Azula decided to release some fire at Gojo's feet. That was no treacherous intent being a response, and if the man presumed his own strength a small burn would mean nothing to him.
Gojo, however, let it all pass with indifference. While the amount of fire was hardly significant enough to cause any damage, it was still just the right amount for an ordinary person to at least get out of the way. Not only did he move out of the way, but the small flame disappeared as soon as it reached his foot, one that was completely unharmed.
"Did something happen?" Satoru asked, as if aware of the trick he performed to avoid the fire.
Azula did not respond. Instead, she was shocked by the outcome of what happened, and several questions came to her mind. Although she wished to let the incident pass as something more than a silly prank on his part, part of her made it clear to her that it was important to analyze it.
Still, Azula dismissed it. Not because she thought the little event was not an interesting clue to Satoru's abilities, but because she would have plenty of time to think about it instead of focusing on plays put on a tiny screen of dubious quality.
Speak of the devil, the princess looked at the cover of the first movie she would see. With a logo of a figure with big ears that was marked 'Disney' and the contents of a little girl who radiated pinker than anything she had ever seen in her life (and it was stiff competition considering a certain acrobat).
'Sleeping Beauty'.
XXX
Sorry for the delay in the release of the English version. I was trying to see if I could get someone to help me with corrections before releasing it. I will most likely be editing it as well as the other chapters over the days, but until then it will stay like this.
I hope it's understandable and that you enjoyed it. Also, if anyone finds the story promising and wants to help me by being a beta reader and correct some grammar mistakes, write me. I would appreciate it from the bottom of my heart. Any help is more than welcome.
I hope you liked it. If you are interested in the story don't forget to favorite and follow it.
I also invite you to comment, it helps more than you think.
In that line of ideas, we answer messages we have so far.
Potato23: Well, you already have an answer. Her cursed technique will be presented later, I think it's one I liked to design for her.
kurama skip 89: I can't mention anything to the Jujutsu techniques and skills that Azula will master, but something may be cooking behind the scenes. who knows?
artem-abramov-2004: Thanks for the support. I guess when you mean sequel it means next chapters. Don't worry, I have a few ideas to get this fic going, we're just at the beginning.
Redpo12: I know, I'm well aware of my shortcomings. If you have any suggestions or recommendations that can help me improve I will gladly receive it.
Dragonwolf123: I hope you're still reading it so far and you're interested in it.
truthful one: I've been looking, I assure you, although I haven't had much success on that side yet. I'm glad you liked the fight, it was harder to write than I had intended, but I think it came out well.
2007: It's not in my plans to drug it at the moment, so you can rest easy. What I am a bit inconsistent with release days, haha.
Anyway, I hope you continue to support it. See you, till next time.