As they all prepared for the Agni kai Zhao pulled Rose to the side. "You will say by Iroh should he try anything take him down" Zhao ordered rudely. " sir with all due respect Iroh has horner I doubt he will intervene" Rose said timidly only to be grabbed and harshly tugged forward by the collar of her uniform. "Are you questioning me?" Zhao growled through gritted teeth "maybe once I'm done with the disgraced prince you can go next." Zhao stated with a cruel smile. At this Roses face turned to that of horror and fear "No! I would never doubt you commander!" Rose pleaded before being thrown back by Zhao "good." and with that Zhao was of to finish preparing. Unbeknownst to Zhao and Rose Iroh was watching from across the yard.
The Agni Kai was going to start any minute and everyone was in their place. After giving Zuko some tips Iroh walked over to his viewing area where Rose was quick to follow. not uttering a single word as she stared forward. Iroh looked at her for a moment before talking. "So you are here to make Shure I don't interfere?" Iroh asked only to be met with silence as Rose continued to look forward. So Iroh continued "I appreciate you saying I have honor" Iroh stated with a smile. at that Rose turned to face him ever so slightly "I saw how Zhao treated you, does he always act like that?" Iroh questiond this time instead of silence he was met wit a look of confusion "Why would you care?" Rose asked with the same bewildered expression. "Whether someone is a king or a commander they should treat their people with respect, not treat you like dirt, Zhao treats you with no honor" Iroh said matter of factly. "Do you and the prince treat your soldiers with respect?" Rose asked quietly "Well of course I'm no hypocrite and my nephew while rough around the edges is in fact a great leader who cares for his people." Iroh said with a kind smile.
Before Rose Could say Anything More the sound of a gong rung through the yard.The Agni Kai Had begun, Zuko and Zhao sat on opposite sides of the Yard, as the sound of the gong pierced the air they rose and the fight began. immediately Zuko shot his fist through the air creating a massive fireball that rocketed towards commander Zhao who in turn dodged out of the way avoiding the barrage of attacks by Zuko with Zhao even being able to counter one of zuko's attacks. This infuriated Zuko as he used a kick to create a giant wave of fire that Zhao just barely held off. As Zuko continued his onslaught of attacks Zhao either countered or dodged until eventually Zuko ran out of steam. And Zhao took the opportunity to strike. "Basics Zuko break his root!" Iroh yelled with determination causing Rose to look at him with both surprise and admiration. Zhao let out his own barrage of attacks firing fireball after fireball at Zuko slowly whittling him down until Zuko went flying to the ground with smoke cascading off his body and waves. As he looked up he saw Zhao leap up towards him as he attempted to land the final blow. Though just before he could Zuko was able to write himself and spin allowing himself to land a blow directly to Commander Zhao's leg causing him to take a dive. With Zhao now on his ass and Zuko in a firm stance he now had the advantage over Zhao and just as Zhao got up Zuko began sending waves of fire at his feet keeping him off balance. As he pushed Zhao further and further back he through a final strong ball of fire directly at Zhao taking him down completely.
Zuko stood over the commander ready to deal the finishing blow as commanders out looked up at him with anger. Zuko stood there hesitant to kill the Commander "Do It!" Zhao growled staring at Zuko. and so Zuko fired a single shot piercing the air is everyone stood in silence and shock. Zuko had in fact not killed Zhao instead the blast it was only inches from commander Zhao's head."That's it?!" Zhao questiond through gritted teeth. "your father raised the coward"Zhao exclaimed only to have Zuko turn to him "next time you get my way I promise I won't hold back." Zuko stated as he walked away. Rose was in shock she had never seen a show of firebending this great before not to mention a show of mercy so generous. Iroh had spoken the truth they truly had more honor than Zhao.
speaking of Zhao, as Rose looked on with admiration she noticed movement behind Zuko and looked to find Zhao getting up and preparing to attack Zuko from behind. at this Rose made a split second decision she popped the cork to her pouch and with a swift motion she sent the water flying right past Zuko's face and at Commander Zhao. just before the commander could kick his leg up to land the blow the water came rushing at him. As Rose swung her hand up the water came with it and created a massive Spike of ice that forced Zhao's leg up causing his attack to miss as the ice and inveloped his leg freezing him in place. everyone looked in shock with Zuko looking at Zhao now stuck in ice and then to Rose who still stood in her water bending stance. Zhao however was much less quiet "What are you doing you useless wretch!" Zhao screamed at the top of his lungs"What am I doing? The Agni Kai is over Zuko won and you attempted to strike him in the back? have you no honor?" Rose asked with an indignant expression "Honor? HONER! What do you know of honor you are nothing but a soldier, a soldier that follows my commands!" Zhao yelled.
At that Rose turned to Iroh and paused before making one of the biggest gambles of her life."I have served over 3 years under Commander Zhao and as fire Nation law states if I wish I may ask to be reinstated to a new division under someone else's command and as such I humbly ask that you allow me to join your division general Iroh." Rose concluded with a bow. Zhao was now the one in shock as Iroh put his hand to his chin seemingly thinking it over as he turned to Zuko "nephew as commander of the ship it's your call."Iroh stated as Rose looked at him.