Present Day

With Zira gone, the Pridelands had entered a new era of peace, a time when the Pride had finally been reunited after years of turmoil. The once-divided lands now thrived under the warmth of unity, with the sun shining brightly over the golden grasses. Simba felt a swell of pride for his daughter, Kiara, who had transformed what once seemed impossible into a vibrant reality. Her determination and compassion had woven a new tapestry of harmony, fostering bonds among the various prides that once lived in fear of one another.

Meanwhile, Kion and the Lion Guard had relocated to the distant Tree of Life, their new home where they could continue their mission of safeguarding the balance of nature. This transition was bittersweet, as Vitani, Kovu's sister, stepped into the role of leader for the new Lion Guard back in the Pridelands.

In the heart of the Pridelands, Vitani paced back and forth, a mix of excitement and nerves coursing through her as she prepared for her first day at the helm. Shabaha, Kasi, Tazama, and Imara the members of the new Lion Guard gathered around her.

"Alright, everyone, let's get moving! Patrol starts now," Vitani declared, trying to channel her nerves into a show of confidence.

As they made their way toward the border, the atmosphere crackled with anticipation. The sounds of the savanna surrounded them—the rustle of the tall grass swaying in the gentle breeze, the cheerful chirping of birds flitting about, and the distant calls of wildlife echoing across the plains. Each sound seemed to amplify the weight of the moment.

Suddenly, Tazama's ears perked up, her body going rigid as she sniffed the air. "We've got company!" she exclaimed, her eyes wide with alertness. "There's a hyena near the border!"

Kasi tilted her head, her brow furrowing in concern. "A hyena? What's it doing here?"

Vitani considered the possibility. "It could be part of Jasiri's clan. They've been known to roam around this area. Maybe we should just approach it and see what's going on."

Imara nodded, a hint of apprehension in her voice. "Approach? Are you sure that's wise? We can't be too careful. Hyenas can be unpredictable."

"True," Shabaha chimed in, her expression serious. "But if it is from Jasiri's clan, it could be friendly. We won't know unless we find out."

"Let's keep our guard up," Vitani said, her heart racing at the prospect of facing an unfamiliar threat. "We'll move in together and stay alert. Whatever happens, we'll face it as a team."

With a collective nod, the Lion Guard pressed on, their muscles tense and ready. As they neared the border, they could see the hyena lounging in the shade of a twisted acacia tree, its spotted coat blending with the dappled sunlight.

"Stay behind me," Vitani instructed, feeling a surge of protectiveness for her friends. She stepped forward, her confidence swelling despite the uncertainty that gnawed at her.

Kasi whispered, "Do you think it's dangerous?"

"Let's find out," Vitani replied, her voice steady as she moved closer to the hyena

As they moved cautiously toward the source of the commotion, the lionesses maintained a steady formation, each one alert and ready. The tall grass parted as they approached, and soon they spotted a hyena lounging under a thorny acacia tree.

"Stay sharp," Vitani whispered, her eyes narrowing.

As they got closer, the figure of a lean, the spotted hyena came into view. She stretched lazily, her ears flicking at the sounds of the approaching lionesses.

"Hey there! You lost or something?" Shenzi called out with a teasing smirk, her voice dripping with mischief.

"We're not lost," Kasi replied, taking a step forward. "Are you with Jasiri? We've heard there might be new members in her clan."

Shenzi tilted her head, a wicked grin on her face. "Jasiri? Oh, I know her. But I'm not exactly on her guest list, if you know what I mean."

Tazama's brow furrowed. "What do you mean? You're not a threat, are you?"

"Me? A threat?" Shenzi laughed, the sound echoing across the savanna. "I'm just here enjoying the scenery. But you lionesses look a bit tense for just 'patrolling.'"

Imara took a cautious step forward. "We're just making sure. If you're with Jasiri, that's good, but if not, you should know we don't take kindly to outsiders."

"Outsiders, huh?" Shenzi said, her tone playful yet laced with an edge. "And what makes you think you can run this place? Peace is a fragile thing, and I might just know how to shake things up a bit."

Vitani narrowed her eyes. "We don't need trouble here. If you're just passing through, that's fine, but we won't let you cause any."

Shenzi leaned in closer, her voice low and conspiratorial. "Oh, I'm not looking to cause trouble. I just enjoy watching how you all handle yourselves. It's quite entertaining."

Kasi shot a glance at Vitani, her unease evident. "What do you want, then?"

"Relax! I'm just a curious hyena, soaking in the excitement," Shenzi replied, her smirk widening. "But if you really want to know, I could be interested in what's happening around here. I've heard a lot about what's happening here ya know?"

"Just keep your distance," Tazama warned, her fur bristling. "We won't tolerate anyone trying to upset the balance here."

"Balance? How cute," Shenzi chuckled, her eyes glinting with mischief. "Just remember, sometimes balance needs a little chaos to spice things up."

Vitani's tail flicked in annoyance, her muscles tensing. 'We'll be watching you. If you're not a threat, then keep to your business, and we'll keep to ours."

Shenzi raised her paws in mock surrender. "Fine, fine! I'm out. But don't think you've seen the last of me. The Pridelands are full of surprises."

With a wave of her tail, she sauntered away, leaving the lionesses to exchange wary glances.

"Who was that?" Kasi asked, still feeling the tension.

"I'm not sure," Vitani admitted, her mind racing. "But we need to stay alert. We don't know what she's up to"

"Let's keep patrolling," Shabaha suggested, shaking off the encounter.

As the Lion Guard resumed their patrol, the encounter with the hyena lingered in their minds. They moved with heightened awareness, scanning the surroundings for any signs of trouble. The warm sun hung high in the sky, casting long shadows across the golden grass, and the peaceful sounds of the savanna began to return, though the tension of the earlier moment still clung to the air.

After what felt like hours of cautious exploration, they finally made their way back to the Pride Lands' central gathering area, where Zazu, the loyal hornbill, was perched on a low branch, his beady eyes watching them closely.

"Welcome back, Lion Guard!" Zazu chirped, his tone a mix of eagerness and authority. "What news do you bring from your patrol?"

Vitani stepped forward, eager to report. "We encountered a hyena near the border. At first, we thought she might be from Jasiri's clan, but it seems she's on her own."

Zazu's feathers ruffled slightly at the mention of a hyena. "A lone hyena? That's not good! They're known to be quite crafty and unpredictable."

"She didn't seem threatening," Tazama added quickly, glancing at Vitani for support. "But she was definitely watching us and had a pretty mischievous demeanor."

Zazu's eyes widened, a flicker of recognition crossing his face. "Mischievous, you say? Was she grinning and acting a bit too casual for a hyena in our territory?"

"Yeah," Vitani replied, recalling the hyena's playful yet unnerving attitude. "She seemed to take pleasure in testing us."

Zazu's expression shifted to alarm. "Shenzi! I should have known! She was one of Scar's hyenas, notorious for her cunning and mischief. If she's out there, we need to be cautious."

Kasi exchanged glances with the others. "You know her?"

"Oh, I do," Zazu sighed, a frown deepening on his beak. ""Shenzi is clever and resourceful, but not to be trusted. During Scar's reign, Shenzi herself was the mastermind behind many of the raids on our food supplies. She knew every corner of the Pride Lands, and her cunning nearly brought us to ruin more than once."

Vitani nodded, understanding the gravity of Zazu's words. "We will. We'll increase our patrols near the border and remain vigilant."

Zazu's eyes darted back and forth as he considered the implications of Shenzi's presence. "I have to tell Simba about this!" he declared, suddenly serious. "He needs to be aware that a known troublemaker is lurking around again. I thought we'd seen the last of her when Scar was defeated."

The hornbill's mind raced, remembering the chaos Shenzi had caused during Scar's reign. "I had hoped she was long gone, but it seems that the Pridelands are still not free of her trouble. If she's here, it could mean trouble for everyone."

Imara's tail swished in anticipation, her muscles tightening. "Let her try something. We're ready."

Kasi, meanwhile, shifted nervously. "But if she's as clever as Zazu says, we need to be extra careful."

Zazu nodded gravely. "It's hard to say, but we cannot underestimate her. I'll fly to Simba right away and let him know what's happening. The Pride must be prepared for anything."

With that, Zazu took off into the sky, his wings flapping strongly as he soared above the grasslands, leaving the Lion Guard with a renewed sense of urgency.

As Zazu flew swiftly over the vast expanse of the Pridelands, he felt the weight of urgency pressing on his wings. The sun began its descent, casting a warm glow across the savanna, but his mind was solely focused on the potential threat posed by Shenzi's return.

Upon reaching Pride Rock, Zazu landed on a flat rock near the summit, where Simba and Nala were discussing the day's events. They turned their attention to the hornbill as he approached, his demeanor serious.

"Simba! Nala! We need to talk," Zazu squawked, his voice carrying a tone of concern.

Simba raised an eyebrow, sensing the urgency in Zazu's tone. "What's wrong, Zazu? You look like you've seen a ghost."

"It's about the Lion Guard's patrol," Zazu began, glancing around to ensure they were alone. "They encountered a hyena near the border."

"A hyena?" Nala asked, a hint of worry in her voice.

Zazu nodded emphatically. "Not just any hyena. It's Shenzi!

Simba's expression hardened as he absorbed the information. "Shenzi? I thought we dealt with all of Scar's followers after his defeat. What is she doing here?"

Zazu shook his head, his feathers ruffled. "That's the question. The Lion Guard said she seemed to be watching them, testing their resolve. We cannot underestimate her."

At that moment, Kiara and Kovu approached, curious about the commotion. "What's going on?" Kiara asked, tilting her head. "You all look serious."

"Just a little situation with a hyena," Simba replied, keeping his tone calm for the sake of his daughter. "Zazu has some important news."

"A hyena? What hyena?" Kovu asked, his brow furrowed in confusion.

"Shenzi," Zazu said, noting the puzzled expressions on their faces. "She was one of Scar's followers!"

Kiara's eyes widened. "Why are we worried about her? Is she dangerous?"

Simba nodded. "Yes, she is. We've faced her before. Zazu thinks she might be trying to stir up trouble again."

"Then what do we do?" Kovu asked, ready to jump into action.

"We'll need to organize a search," Nala said firmly. "If Shenzi is lurking around, we can't let her get the upper hand."

Zazu nodded in agreement. "I'll fly around the area and scout for any signs of her."

The sun dipped low in the sky, casting long shadows across the savanna. Zazu circled above, scanning the area for any signs of trouble. As he descended, a sense of unease settled over the group.

"Simba, Nala, I've been noticing some unusual behavior among the hyenas," Zazu warned, his tone serious. "There have been reports of them gathering near the elephant graveyard. It's as if they're plotting something."

Simba exchanged a concerned glance with Nala. "We've dealt with them before. They know better than to challenge us," he replied, though doubt lingered in his eyes

Nala stepped closer to Simba, her expression troubled. "But what if they're regrouping? We can't underestimate them. They've caused enough chaos in the past."

Zazu nodded, his feathers ruffled with concern. "Exactly! The signs are there, and we must remain vigilant. The last thing we need is for them to catch us off guard."

As the group quickened their pace, hearts pounding in anticipation, the atmosphere grew heavy with tension. Kiara, walking alongside Kovu, sensed the unease radiating from her parents. "What if they really are back?" she asked, her voice barely above a whisper.

"We'll be ready for them," Kovu assured her, though his own unease was palpable.

They soon spotted Shenzi lounging at the edge of the elephant graveyard, a wide, mischievous grin on her face. She had no intention of hiding.

"Look who decided to pay me a visit!" Shenzi chirped, tilting her head. "I was just thinking how boring it was around here."

Simba stepped forward, narrowing his eyes. "Shenzi! What are you doing here? We thought you left."

"Aw, you wound me, Simba!" she replied, feigning hurt. "I just came to say hello. A girl has to keep in touch, don't you think?"

Nala growled softly, stepping protectively beside Simba. "You're not fooling anyone. What's your real plan?"

Shenzi chuckled, glancing around as if weighing her options. "Plans? Who needs plans? I just like to see how the other half lives," she said, her voice dripping with sarcasm. "But I wouldn't worry too much."

At that moment, the rustling of grass alerted the Pridelanders. They turned, but saw nothing beyond the wind-swayed blades. Shenzi's grin widened, sensing their unease.

"Seems you're a bit jumpy. What's got you all riled up?" she taunted, eyeing them with delight.

Simba kept his gaze fixed on her. "You're a threat, and we won't let you cause any chaos in the Pride Lands."

"Oh, darling, I'm not the one you should be worried about," Shenzi replied cryptically, a sly glint in her eye.

"Then who should we be worried about?" Kovu asked, frustration bubbling beneath his calm exterior.

Shenzi leaned forward, her tone shifting slightly. "Let's just say… sometimes the past has a funny way of catching up with you."

Just as the tension thickened, the hyenas lurking in the shadows shifted, unseen by the Pridelanders. Shenzi's expression turned from playful to calculating, and a knowing glance passed between her and the hidden figures.

Simba sensed the change in atmosphere, ready to pounce. "What do you know, Shenzi?"

She simply chuckled, her gaze flitting over the group. "Oh, you'll find out soon enough. But until then, enjoy the game!"

The tension in the air thickened as Kisasi stepped into view, flanked by Banzai and Ed. His posture was confident, and his presence commanded attention. The Pridelanders turned, eyes widening in surprise and confusion.

"Greetings," Kisasi introduced, a sly smile curling on his lips. "It's been a while, really."

Simba's eyes narrowed further, unsure of how to react. "Who are you?" he demanded, his voice steady but laced with warning.

Kisasi chuckled softly, a low sound that sent a chill through the group. "Names are just labels, aren't they?" he replied cryptically, his gaze sweeping over the Pridelanders. "What matters is what lies beneath."

Nala exchanged a quick glance with Simba, her expression a mix of concern and disbelief. "What do you want?" she asked, stepping slightly closer to Simba.

Kisasi leaned back slightly, his demeanor relaxed as if the tension did not faze him. "Want? That's an interesting question," he mused, his eyes glinting with mischief. "Perhaps I'm just here for a conversation. Or maybe I'm curious about how things have changed since my departure."

Shenzi, unable to suppress her amusement, grinned wider. "Look at him! So mysterious!" she exclaimed, enjoying the unfolding drama.

Kovu took a step forward, bracing himself. "You're not here for a chat, are you?" he challenged, trying to maintain his composure despite the unease spreading among the Pridelanders.

Kisasi's gaze met Kovu's, unflinching. "Who's to say?" he replied, his voice smooth, hinting at deeper intentions. "Maybe I'm just a shadow of the past, here to remind you of what once was. Or perhaps I'm intrigued by the new king who stepped into my old shoes."

Kovu frowned, confusion etched on his face. "What do you mean?" he asked, genuinely puzzled.

Kisasi smirked, his eyes glinting with a knowing look. "Oh, you must be Kovu. The Pride Lands seem to have found a worthy successor," he said, emphasizing the word "successor" as if it held weight beyond the surface.

Simba growled, stepping protectively in front of Nala and Kiara. "We don't have time for your games."

Kisasi tilted his head slightly, amusement dancing in his eyes. "Games? Perhaps. But let's just say I'm curious about how the new order is working out for you all. There's so much more than what meets the eye."

Ed let out a cackling laugh, clearly entertained by the exchange. "Ooh, this is gonna be fun!" Banzai added, bouncing on his feet.

As the two groups faced off, the atmosphere crackled with tension, each side poised for the inevitable clash. Shenzi watched with delight, her eyes glinting at the unfolding confrontation.

"What's it going to be, Simba?" Kisasi taunted, his voice low and playful. "Will you let the unknown intimidate you, or will you embrace it?"

Before Simba could respond, Banzai stepped forward, a challenging look on his face. "You think you can just waltz in here and mess with us? Think again!"

"Oh yeah, I heard that Zira's gone," Kisasi added casually. "Shame that I'm not the one who got to kill her."

"What do you know about Zira?" Kovu asked, his tone cautious.

"Well, let's just say she really hurt me a lot when I was a little boy," Kisasi replied with a satirical tone.

"Luckily, you're not alone in that," Kovu shot back.

"Enough with these games!" Simba spat, his patience fraying. "I'll say this again: Who are you?"

"Let's start with a name. My name is Kisasi," he greeted, a smirk on his lips.

"Wait… No, it can't be," Zazu said, disbelief evident in his voice.

"You know him?" Simba asked, his brow furrowing.

"Kisasi… is the son of Scar," Zazu replied, the weight of the revelation hanging heavily in the air.

"We thought he was gone after Scar was defeated. We never found him," Nala added, concern creeping into her voice.

"You also know about him?!" Simba exclaimed, surprised.

"I was… planning to tell you earlier," Nala admitted, glancing nervously at Simba.

"Good to meet you, cousin," Kisasi joked, his demeanor playful.

The atmosphere shifted, as Simba processed Kisasi's revelation. Kovu exchanged glances with Nala and Kiara, confusion and concern etched on their faces.

"What do you want, Kisasi?" Simba demanded, his voice firm, ready to protect his family.

Kisasi shrugged, his expression nonchalant. "I'm not here to cause trouble—at least, not today. I'm simply curious about the new Pride Lands. You've taken on quite a responsibility since my father fell."

"Your father had it coming!" Simba snapped, his voice sharp with anger. "If you think you can just come back and restore his legacy, then you're making a mistake!"

Kisasi's eyes widened momentarily, then he chuckled—a low, mirthless sound. "Restore his legacy?" he echoed, shaking his head. "Well, that's the funny part, Simba. I don't really care about his legacy!" He smirked, stepping closer, his gaze unwavering as he locked eyes with Simba. "I'm not here to be another Scar. I'm here for my own reasons."

Simba's muscles tensed, and he exchanged a wary glance with Nala. "Then what is it you want?" he asked, the suspicion in his voice palpable. "Why come back now?"

Kisasi's smile faded, replaced by a more serious expression. "Maybe I just want to see what's changed. Or maybe I'm just curious how the Pride Lands are being run now that the so-called 'rightful heir' is here." He glanced at Kovu, his gaze scrutinizing. "And let's not forget the newest addition to your little family."

Kovu's brow furrowed, confusion etched on his face. "What are you talking about?" he asked, genuinely perplexed. "I don't understand what any of this has to do with me."

Kisasi's eyes glinted with something unreadable as he stepped closer to Kovu, his voice dropping to a low, almost conspiratorial tone. "You're really clueless, aren't you? I almost feel sorry for you. You think you're just another member of the pride, but to me, you're more than that. You're living the life that could have been mine."

Kovu frowned, frustration bubbling beneath the surface. "I'm not here to take anyone's place," he replied firmly. "I fought for this, and I'm going to protect it, no matter who you are."

"Is that so?" Kisasi mused, his gaze assessing Kovu. "I'm sure you believe that. But here's the thing, Kovu—my father once thought you could be his successor. His perfect heir, handpicked to carry out his twisted ambitions."

Kovu's eyes widened, taken aback by the revelation. "I never wanted that!" he protested, his voice tight with denial.

Simba's growl rumbled in his throat, cutting through the tension. "Enough!" he roared, stepping between Kisasi and Kovu. "Whatever Scar planned for Kovu, he's chosen a different path. We won't let you poison him with your words."

Kisasi's smile turned mocking. "Poison? Oh, Simba, I think you're forgetting something. Scar may have had his plans, but you're the one who decided Kovu's fate by bringing him into the kingdom. You made that choice."

Nala stepped forward, her gaze hardening. "And we stand by it. Kovu is part of this family, and nothing you say will change that."

"Family?" Kisasi repeated, his tone dripping with sarcasm. "It's almost cute how you cling to that word. But tell me, Nala, does family include those you've abandoned? Or those you've erased from memory?"

Nala's jaw tightened, but she kept her gaze steady. "We haven't erased anyone. You chose to stay hidden, Kisasi. You can't blame us for your choices."

Kisasi's smile faded, his expression darkening. "Maybe. But the past has a way of catching up, doesn't it?" He turned his attention back to Kovu, his eyes narrowing. "I wonder… do you ever think about what it means to be 'handpicked'? Do you ever wonder why you were chosen?"

Kovu shook his head, bewildered and frustrated. "What are you talking about?"

Kisasi's smile returned, but it was cold and distant. "You were the one he thought worthy. You were supposed to be his perfect heir—the one to finish what he started. But then, suddenly, it all changed. And me? I was just the forgotten son, cast aside."

Kovu's eyes widened as the weight of Kisasi's words sank in. "I… I didn't know," he whispered, shaken by the intensity of Kisasi's resentment.

"Of course you didn't," Kisasi said softly, almost pityingly. "That's the cruel irony, isn't it? You never knew what role you were meant to play, yet here you are, living the life that could have been mine."

Simba growled, his patience at its limit. "Enough of this! We're not here to relive old grudges. Whatever Scar planned is dead and buried."

Kisasi's gaze snapped back to Simba, a dangerous glint in his eyes. "Is it, though?" he asked, his voice low and threatening. "Because from where I stand, it looks like his influence is still very much alive. After all, you're still dealing with the consequences of his reign, aren't you, 'King' Simba?"

Simba bristled at the mocking emphasis on his title. "This isn't about Scar anymore. It's about you and the choices you're making now."

Kisasi's lips curled into a smirk. "Choices, huh? We'll see how those play out. But for now, consider this a friendly visit. A little reminder that not all shadows disappear with the sunrise. I'm not here to cause trouble... Yet, but trust me I wouldn't leave empty handed"

With that, Kisasi turned away, his green eyes flashing with something unreadable. The hyenas followed suit, their laughter echoing in the air as they retreated into the distance.

As the dust settled, Simba, Nala, Kovu, and Kiara stood in tense silence, the weight of Kisasi's words hanging heavy in the air. Simba's jaw clenched, his body trembling slightly as the gravity of what had just unfolded sank in.

Nala shifted uncomfortably beside him, her gaze dropping to the ground. But before she could speak, Simba rounded on her, eyes blazing with barely contained fury.

"You knew, didn't you?" Simba's voice was low, the anger simmering beneath the surface threatening to break through. "All this time, you knew about him, and you didn't think I deserved to know?"

Nala met his gaze, her expression a mix of guilt and disbelief. "Simba, I thought he was dead! I didn't know he was alive until now."

"Thought he was dead?" Simba roared, disbelief etched across his face. "You mean to tell me that you thought the son of Scar was gone forever, and you didn't feel the need to tell me? Nala, that's reckless!"

"I was trying to protect you, Simba!" Nala shot back, her voice rising in frustration. "When I heard rumors about him, I never imagined they were true. I thought it was just another tale from the past. When Scar fell, it was believed that Kisasi perished with him!"

"Protect me?" Simba's voice echoed with incredulity. "By keeping me in the dark about a potential threat to our kingdom? How could you think that was a good idea?"

"I didn't know he was a threat!" Nala replied, her own anger flaring. "You're acting as if I knew this all along and decided to hide it. I just didn't believe it until now!"

Simba shook his head, the disappointment clear in his eyes. "And now look where we are! He's here, with a vendetta against us with hyenas behind his back, and you thought he was dead all this time? How could you leave me out of that?"

"I never meant to!" Nala exclaimed, her voice trembling with emotion. "I thought I was protecting our family, and I thought he was lost forever. I never imagined he'd show up like this!"

As their argument escalated, Kiara, who had been listening in silence, stepped forward, her youthful voice cutting through the tension. "Mom, Dad, please! Can't we just focus on Kisasi and what he wants? Arguing isn't going to help us."

Simba turned to Kiara, frustration evident in his expression. "We're trying to deal with a very real threat, Kiara. This is serious!"

"I know, but fighting among ourselves won't solve anything!" Kiara insisted, her voice steady. "Kisasi came here for a reason. We need to understand that before it's too late."

Nala shot Simba a pointed look, her voice dripping with tension. "Kiara's right. We need to stick together and have trust between us, especially now."

Kiara continued, her voice rising. "Kisasi might not be the enemy you're imagining. He's a lion who has been abandoned, just like you were. Maybe he needs help, not a fight"

Simba took a deep breath, struggling to contain his rising frustration. "Help? Kiara, you heard him! He's filled with resentment. He blames us for his father's choices. He might come after us with a vengeance, and you want to extend a paw of friendship?"

Kiara's expression softened momentarily, but she held her ground. "I'm not saying we should trust him blindly. I'm saying we need to understand him before we react. What if he isn't the threat we think he is?"

Simba shook his head, disbelief etched on his face. "You really think that would work? He's been raised in a world of pain and hatred. It's not as simple as just sitting down and chatting over a meal."

"Kiara's right!" Nala interrupted, "Fighting is exactly what Scar would have wanted—conflict and fear. We need to break that cycle, Simba. This isn't just about us; it's about the future of the Pride."

Simba hesitated, glancing at Kovu, who had remained silent but was clearly affected by the heated exchange. "Kovu, what do you think? Should we try to reach out to him?"

Kovu shifted uncomfortably, clearly caught in the middle. "I—I don't know. If he's as angry as he seemed, it could backfire. But if there's a chance we can find common ground, maybe it's worth exploring."

Simba sighed, rubbing a paw against his temple. "I can't believe we're even considering this. What if he uses it as an opportunity to attack us when our guard is down?"

"And what if he doesn't?" Kiara pressed, determination flashing in her eyes. "Dad this is a chance to heal old wounds, not just for him but for us too"

Simba's resolve wavered, the weight of Kiara words settling heavily on his shoulders. "Fine. We'll consider it. But if we reach out to him, we do it on our terms. We can't let our guard down completely. This isn't just about you and me; it's about the entire Pride."

Nala nodded, "I agree. We'll approach him together, with caution."

Kovu, still reeling from the confrontation, stepped closer to Nala, his voice hesitant. "Nala… is there more I should know? About Kisasi? About… us?"

Nala's gaze softened as she looked at Kovu, shaking her head slowly. "No, Kovu. There's nothing else. Kisasi's return was as much a shock to me as it was to all of you."

Kovu nodded slowly, his brow furrowing. "But why did he… seem so angry at me? I don't understand."

Nala turned her gaze to Kovu, her expression softening as she took a deep breath. "Kovu, there's something you need to understand," she began, her voice gentle but firm. "Kisasi wasn't just some random cub. He was supposed to be Scar's heir. The Pride Lands were meant to be his."

Kovu's eyes widened, shock and confusion flaring in them. "What? But I thought… I thought I was—"

"You were," Nala interrupted softly. "But only after Scar cast Kisasi aside."

Kovu blinked, struggling to process the revelation. "Why would he do that?" he asked, his voice barely more than a whisper. "Why would he abandon his own son?"

Nala explained, "Scar was never one to care for loyalty or family, Kovu. He was ruthless, always seeking what would benefit him the most. Kisasi was too young, too inexperienced. He didn't fit into Scar's immediate plans. So, Scar chose to… replace him."

Kovu swallowed, his throat dry as he stared at Nala. "Replace him… with me?"

Nala nodded slowly, her eyes softening with sympathy. "Yes. You were handpicked by Scar because he thought you would be easier to mold. You see, Kisasi was strong-willed even as a cub—he questioned things, fought back. Scar saw him as a liability. So, he discarded him and decided to find someone who could follow his vision without question."

Kovu shifted uncomfortably, the weight of Nala's words bearing down on him. "I didn't know," he murmured, shaking his head. "I had no idea. No one ever told me."

"No one knew the full story," Nala replied softly. "But Kisasi's resentment… it's rooted in more than just being abandoned. It's about being replaced by someone who he thinks took what should have been his—his place, his legacy, everything."

Kovu looked away, his brow furrowed. "So, every time he looks at me… he sees what Scar stole from him."

"Exactly," Nala whispered. "That's why he's so angry with you, Kovu. He sees you as a living reminder of everything he lost because of Scar's choices. And even though none of it was your fault, his pain and bitterness have nowhere else to go."

Kovu exhaled slowly, the realization settling in like a heavy stone in his chest. "I thought I understood Scar's cruelty, but… I didn't know it went this far."

"It did," Nala said quietly, her gaze steady on him. "And it's something Kisasi has been carrying all this time. To him, you're not just another lion—you're the symbol of Scar's betrayal. That's why he resents you, why he confronted you like this."

Kovu frowned, glancing over his shoulder at the direction Kisasi had disappeared. "But I didn't do anything to him. Why does he hate me for something I had no control over?"

Nala sighed softly, her expression pained. "Because, to Kisasi, it's not just about what you did or didn't do. It's what you represent—the new heir, the one chosen over him. It's hard to let go of that kind of bitterness."

Kovu's expression tightened. "So he'll always see me as an enemy?"

"Maybe," Nala said, her voice tinged with regret. "Or maybe he'll come to understand that none of this was your fault. But Kisasi has lived with this resentment for so long that it's hard to say how he'll react."

Kovu looked back at Nala, confusion and frustration evident in his eyes. "I just don't understand… I never wanted to take anything from him. I didn't even know he existed until now."

"I know, Kovu," Nala whispered. "But in Kisasi's eyes, you're still the one who took everything he was meant to have. And that's not something that will change overnight."