A New Journey

"Alright, here's what I think," Temujin crossed his arms. "Y'all are runnin' from Fire Nation, and I'm tryna get my ass to Ba Sing Se. Think about it: Ba Sing Se is the perfect place to lay low for y'all two, don't cha think?"

Naruto frowned a bit; taking a man who could barely walk would only slow them down. However, he knew Ba Sing Se was one of the last strongholds against the Fire Nation besides Omashu, and it might be one of the best options to hide in. Only problem was that he didn't know where Ba Sing Se was.

"And why should we bring you along?" Azula asked.

"I saved y'all asses, didn't I?" He limped over to Naruto's gang. "Besides, what place is better than Ba Sing Se?"

Azula couldn't argue with that. Ba Sing Se literally meant the 'Impenetrable City'. They could possibly enjoy a peaceful life away from the eyes of the Fire Nation. Living together with just her and Naruto... just the two of them... Azula suddenly pulled Naruto away from everyone else for a private talk.

"This seems like a sound proposition," Azula whispered. "What do you think, Foxy?"

"I mean... it sounds great and all, but we'll have to worry about rations and supplies which we don't have," Naruto quietly answered.

Azula pondered for a moment. If they travel by foot, then supplies would definitely be an issue. They can't travel for months on little to no supplies, especially with a group of five. Furthermore, the cold winter will be detrimental on their long journey. It would be difficult to produce constant heat for everyone, even if Azula and Naruto are powerful firebenders. However, if they managed to obtain a means of transportation like a caravan, then that would reduce the stress and time during their travels.

"We need a caravan," Azula finally said.

"If y'all are worried about supplies and transportation, then I got cha covered," Temujin suddenly said. "A good friend of mine is a merchant, so she'll be taggin' along with us."

"If that's the case, then I guess I have no problems," Azula replied with a nod.

Naruto agreed with her as well. Now, that was out of the way, he turned to Suki and Tenten, "What about you guys?"

"Well, we have to follow through with our deal," Suki shrugged her shoulders. "So, we'll come along for now."

Temujin clasped his hands together, "I guess it's settled, then! We'll leave first thing in the morning."

*****

Iroh sipped on his tea.

"Order of the White Lotus?" Iroh raised an eyebrow. "Is that some sort of Pai Sho club?"

Jiraiya laughed at his ignorance, "It's a society that work towards the shared knowledge for the betterment of the world."

"That's quite an honorable goal," Iroh stroked his beard in contemplation.

Iroh had experienced things no normal man can even fathom. He was a great general that led his army through great battles across the Earth Kingdom; he met the Sun Warriors and the last dragons where he learned the truth of firebending. Iroh also witnessed the death of his son in the battlefield that left him heartbroken and ultimately ended his siege of Ba Sing Se.

After the death of his son, Iroh began a spiritual journey to seek a closure with his son. However, he ultimately sought his own enlightenment and now travel the world to experience the different traditions and cultures. His worldview expanded, and he understood the balance needed between all four nations. Iroh's journey made him more in harmony with spirituality, and he became wiser through new experiences. Perhaps, joining the Order of the White Lotus would bring him new insights in his life.

"You're right about that," Jiraiya sipped his jasmine tea. "We only seek philosophy, beauty and truth."

"Now that is something I can get behind," Iroh smiled. "It would be nice to share my love for tea with others."

"Then what do you say, old fatty?" Jiraiya leaned in closer. "Wanna join in?"

"You certainly have my attention," Iroh said. "Perhaps I may have to take up on that offer."

"If that's the case, why don't I show you the ins-and-outs of this very secret club of ours." Jiraiya stood up and both Iroh and Jiraiya walked out of the tavern. As they walked out, Jiraiya suddenly narrowed his eyes. With lightning quick reaction, he caught a shuriken that nearly reached his eye by mere inches.

"Now, who the hell did that?" Jiraiya asked.

"It seems that you may have some bad blood," Iroh said.

More shurikens pierced through the air as they aimed for both men. Iroh ducked out of the way while Jiraiya simply caught them with ease.

"Alright, come out you guys," Jiraiya tossed the shurikens away. "No more funny business."

Three men promptly came out from the shadows, wielding chigirikis and katanas. They wore regular civilian clothes and straw hats, resembling ordinary farmers. However, half of their faces were covered in a cloth mask which only revealed their dull, black eyes.

"Shinobis..." Jiraiya muttered.

Iroh prepared himself in a stance, glancing back-and forth between each shinobi, "Now, what do they want with us?"

The shinobis rushed towards them with incredible speed, raising their weapons with intent to kill. Two sides clashed while villagers watched from a far with utter shock. Jiraiya leaned his head sideways as a katana sliced off strands of hair. He grabbed the wrist that held the sword and threw a quick roundhouse kick at the shinobi's head.

"Agh!" The shinobi rolled through the ground.

Sensing incoming danger, Jiraiya hastily pulled a kunai from his bag. He slashed out with quick precision from years of experience and training. Harsh tunes of metal cried as steel crashed together, creating a shower of sparks. Weapons stalled against each other as both warriors held against their own.

"Why are you guys here?" Jiraiya asked, his hands trembled as he held back a katana that nearly sliced his neck off.

However, Jiraiya was met with another assault, and he quickly retreated. Jiraiya conjured a torrent of flames towards the silent shinobi. The shinobi dodged with ease as his obsidian eyes showed hints of contempt within them. However, the shinobi suddenly felt a sharp pain, and he looked down. Blood soaked through his rags as a kunai pierced through his stomach.

"Im...possible," The shinobi muttered out.

Jiraiya suddenly appeared before him and threw a quick chop at his neck. The shinobi's eyes rolled into his head as he collapsed towards the ground. Meanwhile, flames danced through the air as Iroh stood on the offensive. Powerful flames struck against soft flesh, and the last shinobi cried out in pain.

Iroh followed through and smashed against his chest with a fierce kick. The straw hat flew off and revealed the shinobi's unkempt, black hair. The shinobi looked very young, but his eyes held a gleam of an experienced killer. He was quickly thrown to the ground, yet his obsidian eyes remained sharp as he glared hatefully at Iroh.

"What are you waiting for?" The shinobi asked. "Do it."

However, Iroh shook his head, "I am a merciful man; I don't end a life when it is unnecessary. Now go."

He clicked his tongue, "Coward old man."

"Don't mistake my kindness for weakness, young one," Iroh grimly replied.

The shinobi gritted his teeth, clutching his painful chest tightly as he hobbled off. He took one glance at Iroh before he disappeared into the woods. Meanwhile, Jiraiya scoured through the unconscious body and pulled out a rolled parchment from the man's pocket, quickly reading through its contents.

"Hey, old fatty," Jiraiya beckoned Iroh. "You might wanna take a look at this."

Iroh took the parchment from him and read it, "Huh... and here I thought they wanted you dead," Iroh scratched his balding head. "It turns out they wanted this little old me dead all along."

*****

Later that night, Naruto laid across the floor as he stared the wooden ceiling. He only had a pillow and a small blanket to keep him warm. Naruto had this tiny room all to himself while the girls were sleeping in other rooms. He finally had time to sort out his thoughts. It had been such a wild ride for him; losing Ursa, his only mother figure, betraying the Fire Nation, meeting that strange fox and escaping from Fire Nation soldiers with Azula.

Everything felt so surreal to Naruto as if fate was playing one big joke on him. However, Naruto was very worried about Zuko. He was alone with that bastard, and Agni knows what will happen to him. Naruto could only pray that nothing bad would happen to Zuko, who was like a brother to him. A quiet knock on the door quickly woke Naruto up from his thoughts.

"Hey, Naruto, are you still awake?" Azula asked through hushed tone.

"Azula?"

The door quietly opened, and Azula walked inside, holding a pillow under her arms, "You mind if... if I stay with you?"

"No!" Naruto suddenly sat up. "Not at all."

He patted the floor besides him, beckoning the princess to come over. Azula tossed the pillow on the ground and laid besides him, her golden eyes gazed into his.

"Been a crazy day, am I right?"

"Yeah," Azula simply replied.

"How are you holding up?" He asked.

"Fine."

"Uh... you think Ba Sing Se is as great as everyone says it is?"

"Mm."

"Stupid says what?" Naruto suddenly asked.

"Hmm."

'What the hell?' Naruto thought to himself. Something was wrong with Azula; she wouldn't just answer him with a single word. She was always very vocal whether she spoke with contempt or just plain haughtiness in her manners. But, she was never like this.

"What's wrong, princess?" Naruto asked with worry.

Azula remained quiet for a moment, casting her eyes down, "I'm worried about Zuzu." She finally said, "I'm scared what father would to him."

'So, that was it...' Naruto thought. Azula had the same worries as him. It made sense since Zuko was her only brother. Despite his worries Zuko, Naruto knew he would be okay. He's headstrong and could push through even in the most difficult of times. Besides, It wouldn't make sense for Ozai to kill his only heir after Azula betrayed the Fire Nation.

"Zuko is strong," Naruto firmly said. "He could take anything you throw at him, and he would still march forward."

"Really?"

"Yep, that's the kinda person he is, dattebayo!" Naruto replied.

Azula smiled, " I guess you're right. As dumb as he is, Zuzu is stubborn and strong-willed. Perhaps, I'm worrying too much."

Naruto grinned, "We can always get stronger and break through that damn palace and take him away."

"Now, you're just going over your head, Foxy," Azula giggled, her mood quickly improving.

"Can't knock it down unless you try it."

Azula suddenly leaned her head against Naruto's chest, much to his surprise. Her arms softly wrapped around Naruto as she pulled him into an embrace.

"Azula?"

"Shh, let me sleep like this," Azula gradually closed her eyes.

Naruto glanced down at Azula's sleeping face with soft eyes. Her embrace felt warm around him, and Naruto felt a bit intoxicated. He wouldn't mind sleeping like this everyday.

Naruto slowly closed his eyes and fell asleep.