Chapter 170 169: Yu Island

Yu Island—originally known as Yu Dao—was the first colonial city established by the Fire Nation on Earth Kingdom land.

Its history was older than Aang himself, and it remained the most representative and influential of all Fire Nation colonies.

However, none of the Avatar Team expected that this was the place Kahn wanted to visit.

Speaking of the team, they now had a new member: Zuko.

Even though they now had Kahn, a super-powerful Firebending master, everyone understood his situation—he would eventually leave.

So Zuko naturally became the backup Firebender of the group.

And something quite significant had happened to him recently—

Zuko's scar was healed.

Katara, being kind-hearted, had felt sympathy for Zuko after learning the truth behind his scar. But at the time, she didn't trust him enough to act.

Only after spending time with him and confirming that he had truly changed did she remember her promise.

Thus, on the day Zuko officially joined the Avatar Team, Katara told him she might be able to heal the scar on his face.

Katara touched the pendant around her neck.

"Inside is spirit water from the Northern Water Tribe's Spirit Oasis. It might be able to heal your scar."

Zuko's fingers brushed the scar that had shaped so much of his life—his shame, his pain, the source of so many of his twisted choices.

He had always believed it would stay with him forever.

"…Thank you," he said softly.

The treatment worked. The scar disappeared.

Seeing Zuko's unblemished face, Kahn, Iroh, Mai, and Ty Lee were all genuinely happy for him. But the happiest of all was Kahn.

After all, the item he had sought from Master Kupa in his old world was this exact spirit water!

He had secretly vowed to heal Zuko's scar himself, which was why he had asked Kupa for the spirit water. But he hadn't been sure it would work.

Now, all doubt was gone.

As for the trip, only the Avatar Team—including Zuko—participated.

Iroh needed to run his teahouse, and Mai chose to stay in Yonggu City to accompany Ty Lee, who was still emotionally shaken.

"With a great war coming, visiting Fire Nation territory right now feels… well, pretty stupid if we get caught," Sokka complained, unable to understand why Kahn insisted on coming here.

Zuko calmly analyzed beside him. "We're well disguised. It shouldn't be a problem. And considering our strength, even if we're discovered, no one can stop us if we choose to escape."

"Yeah, yeah, but that's not the point!" Sokka groaned. "My point is—we shouldn't be here at all! This isn't a vacation spot—this is the enemy's nest!"

"Sokka's right. Running from one cage to another? That's not a trip. That's a scam!" Toph added, fully supporting him.

Kahn only smiled, "Thank you all for putting up with me. Just bear with one day. After that, you can play however you want."

Sokka and Toph quieted down—barely—showing their reluctant compromise. Meanwhile, Katara looked around the city in fascination.

"Honestly? I think this place is really nice. I never imagined a city like this could exist."

"Fire Nation and Earth Kingdom people living together in harmony!"

Dark brown and crimson represented the Fire Nation. Grass green and earthy yellow represented the Earth Kingdom. All four colors were woven into the fabric of this city.

Fire Nation citizens and Earth Kingdom citizens walked the streets side by side. Two groups traditionally seen as enemies were living peacefully together.

It was almost unbelievable.

The group wandered the streets, experiencing a prosperity that felt both surreal and impressive.

It wasn't just the colors—the shops also blended Fire Nation and Earth Kingdom characteristics.

Fire Nation specialty shops especially caught the interest of Katara and Sokka, who had never set foot in Fire Nation territory before.

"…Okay, fine. This place is kind of interesting," Sokka muttered.

Toph immediately shot him a betrayed glare.

"Yu Island used to be just a village," Zuko explained.

"After Fire Nation citizens immigrated here, they built the city together with the local Earth Kingdom people. The iron-smelting technologies of the two nations combined, producing unmatched metalwork. Today it's one of the most prosperous cities in the world."

His expression held a mix of admiration and conflict.

"But all of that is textbook history," he added. "This is my first time here too. I can only say it deserves its reputation."

"But the status of the two groups doesn't seem equal," Katara said.

She had observed the people working in the shops: most assistants were Earth Kingdom people. Only a few were Fire Nation.

"There's nothing that can be done about that," Zuko said. "But their lives are much better than before."

"So what?" Sokka snorted. "No matter how prosperous it looks, this is still a colony occupied by the Fire Nation."

"I'm not denying that. I'm just explaining what I know."

On the other side, Aang had been silently observing everything since they entered.

He remembered the world before the war. A time when the four nations coexisted peacefully—barely, but peacefully.

He even remembered having Fire Nation friends. Something about this city reminded him of those days.

It was comforting… but also unsettling.

He walked beside Kahn and finally asked,

"Kahn, why did you want to come to Yu Island?"

Kahn smiled, "A whim, I guess. I have a friend who lived here. She once invited me to visit, but I never got the chance. So I thought I'd finally come see it."

He meant Kori—the daughter of the Governor of Yu Dao.

Even after all these years, he still remembered the Earth Kingdom girl whose Earthbending helped him and Azula greatly.

She and her mother were Earthbenders who strongly identified with the Fire Nation, something he'd never forgotten.

It was a pity that the Kou Li of this world didn't know him. Otherwise, he'd definitely visit her.

After a moment, he added,

"But for you and Zuko, coming here is actually necessary."

"Necessary?" Aang blinked.

Zuko thought for a moment, then quickly understood.

"You mean… the colonies?"

"Exactly." Kahn nodded.

"As I said before, restoring the balance of the Four Nations is not as simple as defeating Ozai."

"After Ozai is gone… this will be the second problem you'll have to face."

...

The full completed version of Avatar: Rebirth of the Strongest Firebender —