Chapter 4 : Around the World

After leaving Iroh, Guts embarked on a journey around the world. He had an insatiable thirst for knowledge and sought out clues that could help him find his way back home. He had a map that Iroh had given him, marking the places where he could find ancient legends and knowledge.

The first place Guts went to was the Fire Nation. He had heard about the richness of Fire Nation culture and their exceptional mastery of fire. Upon arriving, he was fascinated by the beauty of the cities and landscapes. He spent several weeks studying their history and training with local firebending masters. However, he found no information on a way to get back home.

Guts continued on to the Earth Kingdom, where he spent months exploring mountains, forests, and plains. He was fascinated by the diversity of cultures and people he encountered. He learned earthbending techniques, fought dangerous creatures, and met amazing earthbending masters. But once again, he found no information that could help him get back home.

He then headed to the ancient city of the Air Nomads. The city was in ruins and deserted, the inhabitants having been killed by the Fire Nation during the Hundred Year War. Guts found the corpses of everyone, the airbender monks, women, children, and elderly. He stood silently for a moment, looking at the bodies before him with a somber and serious expression. This sight reminded him of the war he had fought in and the devastating consequences that followed. He had seen similar scenes and it had left a deep impression on him. He was determined to end the war if he found a way back home.

Guts continued his journey to the South Pole and North Pole. He was fascinated by the beauty of these icy lands, but also their danger. He faced even more dangerous creatures than he had encountered before. He studied waterbending with the local waterbending masters and learned how to navigate on ice. But once again, he found no information on a way to get back home.

After two years of traveling, Guts was still determined to find his way back home. He had gained immense knowledge of the world and honed his skills as a fighter, but he had not yet found an answer to his problem. He was beginning to wonder if he would ever be able to get back home.

One day, while traveling in the desert, Guts met an old man named Bumi. Bumi was a wise man who had traveled around the world and had great knowledge of the legends and mysteries of this world.

Guts walked through the scorching desert of the Earth Nation, the sun beating down on his back and dust swirling around him. He had left the Fire Nation several weeks ago, desperately searching for clues on how to return to his own world. But so far, all he had found were rumors and unfounded legends. He was tired, thirsty, and almost ready to give up.

That's when he saw him. An old man wrapped in thick clothes, wearing a bell-shaped hat and leather boots. He was sitting under a tree in the shade, eating a fruit. Guts was wary, having learned not to trust easily, but something in the air drew him towards the man.

"Hello, stranger," the man said, smiling at him.

Guts grunted in response, not knowing what to say.

"You look tired and hungry, am I wrong?" the man asked, offering him an apple.

Guts took the apple and began to eat. He couldn't remember the last time he had eaten something fresh.

"My name is Bumi," the man said, smiling.

"Guts," he simply replied.

Bumi continued to talk, asking questions about Guts' journey and the purpose of his quest. Guts was skeptical but eventually opened up. He explained that he was seeking knowledge, but so far, had failed.

"I may be able to help you," Bumi said, his smile widening.

Guts raised an eyebrow, incredulous. He didn't trust this man, but he was desperate and willing to try anything that might help him find a way back home.

"I've heard a legend about a library that contains all the knowledge of the world, including perhaps the key to sending you back home," Bumi explained.

Guts was skeptical, but he had heard of this legend before. It was a rumor among merchants and travelers, but no one had ever found the library. Guts wondered why this man would help him, but he had no other choice.

"I'm willing to help you, but in exchange, you must help me settle a small matter," Bumi said.

Guts frowned, wary of the man. "What matter?" he asked.

"A network of traffickers has invaded the city I protect," Bumi explained. "I don't have the means to defeat them alone, but with your help, we could eliminate them and end their influence."

Guts remained silent for a moment, considering Bumi's proposal. He had a mission, and that mission involved finding knowledge to return home. But on the other hand, he had time and energy to spare. Plus, he was always looking for challenges and battles. Eliminating a network of traffickers was right up his alley.

In the end, he nodded his head. "Very well, I'll take care of it," he said in a gruff voice. "But in exchange, you must give me all the information you have about this library. I'm willing to take whatever risks are necessary to find it."

Bumi nodded with a satisfied smile. "You have a deal, my friend. We'll do business together."

They shook hands, sealing their agreement.

Guts spent the following weeks planning and conducting raids on the different bases of traffickers. His reputation as a fearless and ruthless warrior preceded him, and the traffickers quickly learned to fear his name. With each victory, Bumi provided him with additional information about the library, as well as advice on how to navigate the dangerous territories he would have to traverse to find it.

Eventually, Guts had eliminated the last trafficker on Bumi's list. He stood before him, breathless but satisfied. "It's done," he said simply.

Bumi acquiesced, a warm smile on his face. "You are a man of honor, Guts. You have fulfilled your part of the bargain. And now, I will fulfill mine."

He pulled an old map out of his pocket and unrolled it on a table. "This is all I have," he said, pointing to an area with his finger. "This is the region where the library is located. It's all we have on its location. But I'm sure you'll be able to find it, with your strength and determination."

Guts looked at the map carefully, memorizing every detail. "Thank you," he said finally. "I won't let you down."

Bumi nodded with a smile. "I have no doubt, my friend. Good luck on your quest."

Guts left Bumi's tent, determined to find the library at all costs. He was ready to face any danger and overcome any obstacles to get there. It was his mission, his destiny. And nothing would stop him.