Disclaimer: I don't own Naruto or The Legend of Korra.

A/N: Remember to vote if you haven't!

And to those living in the USA, I hope you have a safe and Happy Fourth of July!

Beta: Chaos-PSD.

Book Four

Balance

Chapter II

The Coronation.

So much has changed these past three years. Mako is a bodyguard for the future Earth king, Prince Wu, while Bolin works for Kuvira, The Earth Kingdom's Interim Leader who has brought stability to a nation plagued by chaos. And Naruto has made crime all but disappear with his Task Force. Meanwhile, after wandering the world trying to heal herself, a spirit-led Korra to the swamp, where she met Toph Beifong. Will this earthbending master be the key To Korra regaining her Avatar mojo?

Republic City City Hall.

"So then the crowds gathered, all excited to see my coronation, when all of a sudden, these boulders came rolling through. And guess what pops out of 'em? Earthbender dames!"

Wu said to Mako as the two stood outside of City Hall. "These gals start banging the boulders like drums And sing the song of my royal lineage. It's the most dynamite six-hour show you've ever seen In your life."

"Shouldn't you be getting ready to… I don't know… Rule the whole nation?" Mako sighed as the prince smiled.

"Now, now, now. Don't get yourself in a tizzy. I'll have ministers for all that. No sir, Mako. When we get to Ba Sing Se, It'll just be two kooky pals livin' the life!"

"Yay..."

"Getting excited for your big day?"

They turned to see Raiko walking up to them.

"Does a platypus bear poop in-hey!" Wu yelled seeing a policeman putting bleachers up. "You can't put bleachers there! There won't be enough room for the dance of the badgermoles! Look, it's gonna go like this."

Wu started dancing as Naruto walked up in his armor with Tenzin. "You sure that's the guy you want running the Earth Kingdom?"

"Trust me. We'll be sending a delegation of experienced advisors to handle day-to-day governing."

"I see the prince is becoming accustomed to The burdens of leadership," Tenzin said before Raiko looked over.

"You know royals. They love a ceremony. Have you received any word on the Avatar's location?"

"Not yet, but I have airbenders all over the world On the lookout for her," Tenzin replied. "I hope they find her soon. I'm concerned about reports I've heard Regarding Kuvira's growing military. They say she's throwing some of her dissenters Into prison camps."

"Well, she'll be stepping down tomorrow. We can worry about correcting any of her mistakes after that."

"And you're not worried about her not handing power over to Prince Wu?" Naruto asked, looking over.

"When Kuvira started cleaning up the Earth kingdom, she knew her position wasn't permanent. She gave me her word that she'd step down."

"Still, I'd feel a lot better if Korra were here."

Swamp.

"You've gotta help me get back into Avatar fighting shape. I'm getting my butt kicked by losers all over the Earth Kingdom."

Korra said to Toph who was sitting on a boulder, hair in a large bun. "The world needs me."

"Get over yourself. The world doesn't need you one bit."

"But while I've been the Avatar, I've stopped some really bad people from doing some really bad things." Korra bit back as Toph took a sip of her drink.

"Listen, when I was Chief of Police of Republic City, I worked my butt off busting criminals. But did that make crime disappear? Nope."

"My husband pretty much has-!" Korra dodged a rock at that.

"If there's one thing I learned on the beat, It's that the names change, but the street stays the same."

"So, basically, you're saying that everything I've ever accomplished has been pointless." Korra sighed as Toph went to her teapot. "And I thought Beifong was grumpy."

"I'm the original Beifong."

"So, you're not gonna train me?" Korra asked the earthbender.

"Well, I was planning on soaking my feet in mud For a few weeks. But I can't stand you being so pathetic and getting your butt kicked all the time. Alright. I guess I can help."

Korra smiled as she went for a hug. "Thank you!"

And hit a boulder before falling as the boulder sank back into the ground. "Nah-ah-ah-ah. If you want to hug something, go hug a tree. We're here to work."

Republic City.

"Hello, Republic City!"

Bolin said as he ran into the hotel with Baatar and Kuvira. "Bolin is back!"

And saw Eska with longer hair and Desna

"And Eska's also here."

"I see you have replaced me with a new girlfriend," Eska said walking over as she saw Kuvira looking over papers. Well done. She seems very threatening."

"Oh, no, no. That's Kuvira. She's kind of my boss."

"Boss. Girlfriend. Same thing." She said before a man walked up to her.

"I'm afraid there's been a mistake, your eminence. We have you and your brother booked in the same room, With only one bed."

"It's no mistake. Desna sleeps in the tub." Eska replied before they left.

"Never thought I'd be allowed back in the Republic City Four Elements. Raiko must have turned purple When Kuvira made him pardon me of my alleged crimes." Varrick said dropping luggage with Zhu Li

"You're an upstanding citizen again, sir."

"Upstanding is right! And don't forget to fill the extra bag with as many of those little soaps As you can grab. Love the lavender scent." Varrick said as Zhu Li saluted.

"Bolin!"

Bolin turned to see Mako walking up. They trade some mock punches before hugging each other."Look at you! My little brother got all… Important."

"I know, right? I see myself in the mirror sometimes, And I think I'm in trouble before I realize, It's only me.

"So... What's it like working for Kuvira? From what I've heard, she's pretty harsh." Mako asked, glancing at Kuvira.

"No! I mean, she can be tough, sure, But we're turning around the Earth Kingdom Like you wouldn't believe. Do you remember how bad Grandma's neighborhood in Ba Sing Se was? All that's completely changed. I mean, we are really… Helping people. But what have you been up to? Fighting crime? Busting triads? Chasing the ladies, Mako. Style?" Bolin asked grinning.

"Well, I've been working for Wu. And, uh... Yeah."

"So have you seen Korra yet?"

"No. She was supposed to come in with Tonraq, but he says she left the South Pole months ago. No one knows where she is."

Over with Baatar, he walked up to his mother who was handed a key. "Mother."

"Hello, Baatar jr."

"It's just "Baatar" now. So, now that you've seen all the good we've done Since we left Zaofu, you must be sorry that you didn't come and help us."

"I don't if I'd call marching all over the Earth Kingdom, Forcing people to bow to Kuvira, 'Doing Good." Su bit back as her son sighed.

"You're going to have to get over your grudge with her. I'm sure you've heard that we're engaged. She's going to be an official member of our family."

"I'm just glad that she'll be stepping down after tomorrow."

"You prefer to be ruled by that royal idiot?" Baatar asked looking as Wu walked up to Kuvira

The following day, Mako and Wu wait in the hall of City Hall for the arrival of Gun and the rest of the royal cabinet. When they arrive, Wu is shocked to learn that the delegation consists of only three people, who inform him that most of his servants scattered and the royal artifacts looted from the palace after Hou-Ting's assassination; the only object they managed to safeguard is a single golden earring, which Gun dubs the "Royal Brooch" and will replace the stolen crown. The prince becomes angry upon realizing that his coronation will be much simpler than he had planned. They prompt him to try in the "brooch", but he leaves angered.

Swamp

"Okay. Bring it."

Korra tries to knock her down with airbending, but Toph evades every blast with her hands behind her back, before knocking Korra down with a single blast of mud. Korra lands in a pool of mud, all dirty, when a pool of grass is blown into her face and a frog squirrel jumps onto her shoulder and croaks, much to Korra's annoyance. "Tell me what you did wrong."

"Well... I was thinking that you were gonna…" Korra said as an animal jumped in her lap before Toph spoke up.

"Exactly. You were thinking. Go again."

Korra gets up and tries again, but Toph effortlessly evades everything Korra throws at her and finally knocks her down again by blasting her away with a stream of mud. She lands in a shallow pool and turns on her back when Toph stands beside her again. "Pathetic. Of all the Avatars I've worked with, you're by far the worst. I know that's only one other Avatar." Toph said as Korra stands up and has a massive elbow leech on her elbow. Toph pulls it off with one quick tug. "But still."

"Ah! Hey!" Korra yelped when the leech was pulled off. "It seems like you're enjoying having someone around To beat up an awful lot."

"Yeah, the swampbenders out here really can't take a punch," Toph replied sitting on a large root.

"So... What made you want to drop out And disconnect from the rest of the world?"

"I'm more connected to the world than you've ever been. The roots and vines... They run all over the world. I can see Su and Lin, Zaofu and Republic City… I see everything. You're blind compared to me."

Republic City.

In Republic City, the coronation begins with numerous dignitaries and world leaders in attendance, including Lord Zuko and his daughter, Fire Lord Izumi. Gun decorates Wu with the Royal Brooch and declares him "king of all the earth lands and Glorious Defender of Ba Sing Se". In his speech, he thanks his countrymen for having worked hard to restore him, their "beloved leader", to the throne.

To express his gratitude, he calls forth Kuvira and awards her the Kyoshi Medal of Freedom, the highest honor in the Earth Kingdom, for her service to the kingdom. She asks to speak to the crowd, and Wu gives her the floor, begrudgingly noting that they had six hours to fill now that his lavish ceremony was stripped to the bare minimum.

Kuvira starts by noting that growing up in Zaofu with Suyin Beifong taught her that the idea of a hereditary monarchy is archaic and that technology and innovation must be the core of a thriving nation. Blaming the "pathetic" rule by Earth Monarchs for the state of disarray in the Earth Kingdom, she declares that it has taken her three years to stabilize the nation and that she will not allow it to descend into chaos once again.

As such, Kuvira denounces Wu's authority and dissolves the Earth Kingdom, appointing herself as the leader of what she now calls the "Earth Empire", intending to bring about a new era of prosperity for her people. Warning the world leaders not to stand against her, she emphasizes her threat by tearing off and crushing the medal she has been given.

As Kuvira receives a standing ovation from a cheering crowd, Wu slumps his head, muttering that it is the "worst coronation ever".

After the ceremony, Kuvira's delegation returns to the Presidential Suite. Sitting in the living area with Varrick, Bolin expresses his surprise about Kuvira's declaration, fearing it will turn the world leaders against them. Varrick brushes off the lavabender's worries, stating that there is nothing the other nations can do since the earth nation is under Kuvira's control and Republic City relies on the metal they are mining.

The conversation is cut short when Zhu Li enters the room, presenting a spirit vine to the industrialist. Varrick inspects the vegetation and, approving it, orders for it to be taken to their lab and stabilized immediately. As Varrick leaves to conduct experiments, Bolin is approached by Kuvira, who comments on his worried expression.

He admits that he has some misgivings about her ambush of the world leaders with her speech. Although he affirms his belief in the work they have done, he voices his doubts about the "empire" and Kuvira's aggressive pledge to crush every person who dares to oppose them. Kuvira assures him that her choice of words was nothing but tough rhetoric, intended to show people they are serious about their cause.

Noting that conflict is the last thing she wants, she implores Bolin to stand by her. After a moment, he reaffirms his loyalty to her cause. When Suyin enters, declaring she and Kuvira need to talk, Bolin leaves the room at Kuvira's request.

After Kuvira's declaration of usurping power in the Earth Kingdom, Suyin Beifong confronts her about it as the representative of the world leaders.

Once they are alone, Suyin announces that she is there as the representative of the world leaders. Kuvira promptly declares Suyin's interest in world affairs as overdue, reciting the Zaofu matriarch's refusal to stabilize the Earth Kingdom after Hou-Ting's assassination. As Kuvira connects that passive attitude to a desire to hide in Zaofu while others deal with the consequences, Suyin counters that she did not want to seize power for herself, as Kuvira has done, and adds that Kuvira stepping down as leader of the Earth Empire is for the greater good.

Kuvira rebuffs her statement, pointing out that she provides stability and equality in her nation. She reiterates her refusal to recognize Wu's reign, referring to him as the world leaders' "hand-picked dictator". When Suyin denounces Kuvira as "another tyrant", asserting that she knows what the latter has done to cities that refuse to surrender to her, Kuvira, unfazed, warns Suyin that the same fate will befall Zaofu if the matriarch will not follow her.

In another room, Mako and Bolin argue about who would be better suited to rule the Earth Kingdom: Kuvira or Wu.

Having retired to Wu's junior suite, Mako begins to pack his clothes, listening to Wu lament about losing his suit and throne. When the king apologizes for not being able to take Mako back to Ba Sing Se with him, believing it to have crushed Mako's spirits, the firebender urges him not to worry, earning him another compliment from the royal.

Answering a knock at the door, Mako finds Bolin on the other side and, against Wu's order to dismiss the "Kuvira associate", steps outside of the room to talk; he shuts the door, leaving Wu to hover near the door and eavesdrop on the ensuing conversation. Mako tells Bolin that he cannot keep working for Kuvira, now that she is defying the wishes of the entire world. Bolin tries to explain that Mako has a wrong view of Kuvira, stating that the metalbender is truly helping all the poor people of the empire, which is for the best.

Due to Mako's continuous skepticism, Bolin invites him to join their cause, so he could witness their operations first-hand, and see how they are doing good and making history. Mako declines the offer, musing that they achieve their goals by crushing their opponents. Bolin waves the insult off, relaying Kuvira's explanation that it is merely tough rhetoric to emphasize that the Earth's Empire is to be taken seriously.

He defends Kuvira by drawing a parallel between the metalbender and Korra: they are both hard to deal with though passionate about their beliefs. Mako, annoyed by the comparison, plainly labels Kuvira as an oppressive and controlling dictator, prompting Bolin to retaliate by asking Mako if Wu will be a better leader than Kuvira.

Although forced to agree with Bolin, Mako continues to refuse to join Kuvira, frustrating Bolin, who blames his brother for wasting his time as a "glorified butler". Irritated, Mako mock-apologizes for his unwillingness to work for a "glorious emperor in her military dictatorship". Storming off, Bolin yells that he will return to Kuvira's train to bring freedom wherever they go while Mako stays behind to "lick the king's boots".

Reentering the room, Mako expresses his shock over his confrontation with Bolin. Wu gives his condolences and offers to cheer him up by taking him to the Little Ba Sing Se Fashion Mall, where he intends to treat his bodyguard to a smoothie, an offer Mako passively accepts.

Swamp.

"That was terrible."

Korra said as the two walked. "Ha! Maybe for you. I had a great time! I never realized how much I missed tormenting the Avatar. I wish you were putting up more of a fight. But it was still fun."

"You were tossing me around like a rag doll all day long." Korra deadpanned as Toph sat down for a second.

"I know! And I'm an old lady. Imagine me in my prime. Ha-ha! I would have destroyed you!"

"I just don't understand why I can't get back to my former self. It's like… I'm a step slower. I'm tentative. I'm out of sync. I just can't get back in the groove."

"Probably carrying around that metal doesn't help," Toph spoke, having Korra blink.

"What metal?"

"The little bits of metal poison stuck in your body. Are you trying to tell me you can't feel metal In your own body? You are the worst Avatar ever."

"I thought Su got it all out," Korra said as they continued walking.

"No, my girls never really picked up metalbending all that well, if you ask me."

"That's been my problem this entire time! I gotta get it out. You can get it out for me, right?" Korra grabbed Toph at that.

"Who do you think you're talking to?"

Republic City.

Naruto wearing a red shirt and black pants walked with his wife in a Ba Sing Se market that was set up like the city before hearing Wu.

"Once we're done with these, we can go into the middle ring and I'll let you pick out some new suits. Then we'll hit the boutiques in the upper ring for me."

"You guys sure it's safe to be out?" Naruto asked, walking up. "Kuvira's supporters are still out, you know." Naruto looked back to see supporters selling Kuvira shirts before motioning to leave. "I'll make sure Wu doesn't do anything and see you later," Naruto said to Asami who nodded before leaving.

"See you at home."

The three went to an elevator and to the top floor where a restaurant stood that looked like the palace. "It's destiny! Look where we are, Mako… The royal palace." They went inside and saw a small throne to take pictures of where a boy was sitting. "The throne! Out of my way!"

"Hey! It's my birthday!"

"It's my coronation day! You'll have another birthday next year, but I'll never have this day back again!"

"(Sigh) This is why I never deal with royals." Naruto sighed as he and Mako walked up to Wu.

"Okay, you're losing it."

"This is the worst day of my life!"

"Why?" Mako sighed before looking up. "Do you want to be the king? I mean, Kuvira might be a power-crazed dictator, but at least she spent the last few years working hard To make the Earth Kingdom somewhat better. If you were an earth kingdom citizen, do you think you're the kind of person you want as your king? What have you ever done for your people?" He asked as Wu looked up before continuing. I'm sorry. That was out of line."

"No. You're right. No one ever talked to me like that before. I guess I'm just a joke who got what he deserved."

"Then remember this," Naruto said, getting their attention. "Others search for what they can take. A true king searches for what he can give."

Swamp.

"Okay. If you want me to bend out this metal, you need to relax."

Toph said to Korra who is lying on a bed. "I am relaxed."

"Ha! Seriously? Your body is like a twisted tree trunk."

"Just do it! I'm ready!" Korra sighed before laying back down.

Toph cracks her fingers, then her shoulders. The second she starts bending the metal in Korra's body, Korra bolts upright in pain, yelling. "It wouldn't hurt if you would just relax! Stop fighting me!"

"I'm not fighting!"

Korra throws herself back onto the bed. Toph cracks her back and starts bending again. This time, Korra gets visions of Zaheer suffocating her again. She jolts back into reality, screaming. "Alright, that's it. You're going to have to do this yourself. You want to keep the metal in there." Toph said walking away.

"What do you mean? Why would I want the poison inside me?"

"I don't know. Maybe so you have an excuse not to go back to being the Avatar. If you don't get better, you can't do your job, so you don't have to worry about getting hurt again."

"What?" Korra blinked at that. "That's ridiculous."

"Whatever. When you want it out, you can bend it out. I can't deal with all your issues for you." Toph said, sitting in a chair.

"Wait! What am I supposed to do now?"

"How should I know? Ask the spirit that brought you here. The good news is if you're looking for a place to hang where no one will bother you, you picked the best swamp in the world!"

Later, Air Temple Island.

"This is a mission of the utmost importance. Conflict is coming to the Earth Kingdom, And we need to find the Avatar."

Tenzin said to his kids before Naruto walked up. "I'll keep an eye on them… I'm not sitting out the search for my wife.

Kuvira's Train.

In a car, Zhu Li puts a part of a spirit vine, wired to electrical connections and suspended in a glass tube, into a machine of sorts as Kuvira and Varrick watch from overhead. "From now on, developing this technology is your number one priority."

"This is going to change everything." Varrick smiled at that as pulled down his yellow goggles.

To Be Continued.

A/N: Thanks for reading and let me know of any mistakes.

Beta: Chaos-PSD.

Remember to vote if you haven't!

And to those living in the USA, I hope you have a safe and Happy Fourth of July!

Nothing else to say.

Talk To You Later,

Lone Wolf Out.🐺