Chapter 18

"Okay. Let me get this straight. You are suggesting, taking a few masters with you, finding the Avatar sneakingly, and then freeing him. And then, we shall wait until he gets to master the four elements… well, sounds like a good plan. However, this means we are bound to head to the North first, which is more troublesome to find Water Bending master, since the south has non, but that missed girl." Iroh said as he put his hands on the table.

"Well, We can just move in separate groups. Besides, I know who can be good teachers for him." Raoh said. If there are good teachers for the Avatar, it would be Zuko, Katara, and Toph. As it seems, Iron had just told him that there are no benders in the south except for that girl. It means that, in the three years after the canon, she managed to master Water Bending, but she is missed.

"Also, how do you know that girl is missed?" Raoh asked.

"She led the rebellion in the South, and she had some advantage, based on the location," Iroh said. "But my Niece went there and captured her."

"Well… how about this then, I go on a journey with your nephew to the South Pole, you call someone from the North Pole, and we have a deal," Raoh said;

"And how did you know that we have someone from the North," Iroh said.

Raoh let a sigh. "It's hard to explain. If you don't believe me, throw a rock in this direction, and a black spider will fall on the Teapot."

Iroh slammed his hand on the table. "On the Teapot. How can you say something so horrible!"

"So you believe me," Raoh smirked.

Iroh took a long breath and calmed down and sat. "Well, I never said I didn't."

"So we have a plan…" Raoh leaned backwards, took the tea, and started sipping. He praised. "You make a good tea."

Iroh smiled warmly after hearing that. "You have good taste."

"Bruh…" came Zuko's voice from outside of the tent. Raoh and Iroh ignored him.

"So, you said you needed a few things before," Iroh said.

"You know, I have been fighting and barely rested in the days after I broke from the prison. First, I need a couple of weeks, to prepare physically, and second, I need to craft a sword and a high-end metal."

"We have plenty of swords…" Iroh said. Iroh surely had heard about Raoh. It's impossible not to hear about him after he had helped other members of their order to be free.

"But they are weak for me…" Raoh said as he reached his back. He took his Jian Sword and unsheathed it. "See. I've cut a few rocks"

"My Nephew's swords can cut the rocks easily and never broke," Iroh said. "Maybe you need a well crafted dual Dao sword."

"I can exert more power." To Raoh, he can even cut the metal.

Zuko, who was standing by the tent, said. "It's not about strength. My swords were crafted by my master, Piandao."

Raoh had a few flashes in his head, and he remembered who Piandao was. As it seems, he is the strongest swordsman in this world and the one who taught Sokka swordsmanship.

"Piandao… right, he is observing the training of our recruits… to see if any talent is worth teaching." Said Iroh.

"That's good then. If you don't mind then… I'll meet him tomorrow." Raoh said.

"You aren't in haste, or are you?" asked Iroh.

"I'm just sleepy," Raoh replied as he yawned. Although it was almost dawn, he was mentally tired.

"By all the means then, take a break as long as you need."

"Thanks."

-x-X-x-

The next day came. Raoh stretched his arms high as he woke and sat up. Thanks to his Healing Factor, the amount of sleep he needs is very limited. He felt quite refreshed after he had eaten last night. It was a good meal among the Order of the White Lotus.

Raoh was currently inside a cave room. It had everything a guest need.

Seeing that it was sunny outside, he decided to see his business.

Getting out, he greeted the few people on his way, before asking them about Piandao. They told him that he is looking over the training of the few recruits, and one of them was kind enough to show him the way.

After walking a few kilometres in this mountain range, Raoh finally reached a long yard. There were young people, holding wooden swords, and waving in the thin air.

On a high platform stood a tanned man wearing black robes. He was having his hands behind his back while staring down.

"That's Master Piandao." Said the man who guided Raoh here.

"Thank you." Raoh nodded slightly.

The man left away. Raoh decided to see how the training is going. The swordsmanship in this world, compared to the One Piece world, was at a very low level. At the best, one can reach a master's level here.

Raoh walked over to the high platform and lifted his hand once his eyes met with Piandao.

He needed to learn how to craft a sword that won't ruin just after one battle.

"Good morning, Master Piandao."

"And you are?" Piandao raised his eyebrow.

Raoh leapt, making a huge jump and landed on the platform, skipping the stairs. The jump got the attention of the students as it wasn't something usual to see a man leaping 4 meters.

"Raoh. You may know me as the Ripper." Raoh said.

Piandao lifted his hand. He was gesturing toward the guys with the wooden swords. "Continue."

He then looked at Raoh. "I've heard some about you."

"Did Iroh tell you…" Raoh said.

"Yes," Piandao said. "But I don't know If I should help you."

"Because I'm your ally."

"Again, ally or not. Swordsmanship is for everyone. However, from what I heard, your swordsmanship is very cruel."

He was talking like a proud swordsman.

To Raoh, he was reminded by some physics teacher, who when reading about Einstein and Newton, would cry because he could feel their greatness. Nothing different than a die-hard fan.

"For real" Raoh let a sigh. "And why do you think that."

"Being called the Ripper, and hearing about how strong you are to break a large rock with your bare hand. It can be assumed that you are just using raw power to cut your enemies. That's just absurd swordsmanship that shouldn't be shown." Piandao said.

"Just say you wanted a little challenge." Raoh let a sigh. "Fine, let's spare and see if I'm just using raw power."

"You can't blame me." Piandao smiled.