"Look, let's not waste any more time. I have better things to do—you're coming with me," Suki said firmly.
Yukino stood his ground. "No. We're here for answers, and we're not leaving until we get them from your nation."
Suki crossed her arms, her tone growing more aggressive. "You're fugitives, standing on Fire Nation soil. Stop wasting my time and just come with me."
Narumi, visibly drained from the battle and the strain of using Jiao, remained silent, his energy nearly depleted. Meanwhile, Yukino seemed invigorated, almost like he'd been given a boost of strength. "I think you've got it wrong. We're not going anywhere with you," Yukino replied with unwavering resolve.
Suki paused, calculating her next move. That boy's strength is something else... the Jinsoku is too powerful for me to defeat alone. Where are the reinforcements? They should've heard the commotion by now. I need to stall.
"So, you're refusing to come with me. What exactly are you here for?" Suki asked, feigning disinterest.
"We're not here to harm anyone," Yukino explained. "We just want answers about the Fivefold Path of Godai."
Suki smirked. "You've really got your heads in the clouds if you think you'll find answers here. But... I might have some."
Yukino's determination wavered, replaced by desperation. "If you know something, just tell me. We'll leave, and it'll be like none of this ever happened. Please."
Before Suki could respond, a voice interrupted. "Lady Suki! Hopefully, we're not too late!" It was a captain of the Fire Nation, flanked by a thousand troops.
"Right on time," Suki replied coolly, her smirk returning.
She turned back to Yukino and Narumi, a glint of calculation in her eyes. "Here's a proposal for you both. Since you're... decent warriors"—she knew full well that 'decent' was an understatement—"I need your help on an S-grade mission. If you agree, I'll give you the answers you're looking for. But you'll also need to serve time for all the laws you've broken."
Yukino hesitated, weighing their options. There's no way we could take on a thousand troops and make it out alive... and I need those answers. After a moment, he relented. "Fine. We'll do it."
Narumi shot him a glare. "No way. I'm not doing that."
"Think about our chances here," Yukino whispered. "I thought you were supposed to be the smart one."
Narumi grumbled but finally gave in. "Fine. But you'd better have a plan for after we get our answers."
"Good," Suki said with finality. "Follow me into the nation. You'll be under strict surveillance tonight.
As they entered the Fire Nation, they were greeted by an oppressive heat unlike anything they'd ever experienced. The sky was a deep, blood-red hue, and the trees around them stood as charred remnants, their leaves burned to ash. Suki led them to a small, isolated shack on the outskirts of the village, its grim appearance resembling a prison.
"Here's where you'll stay for the night. Guards will bring you food and water. I'll return at 5:30 in the morning," Suki said coldly before walking off.
Narumi scowled. "You know, I really hate that girl. She gets on my nerves."
"Let's just get some rest," Yukino said, leaning back against the wall. "I can only assume tomorrow will be a long day."
"What's the point of helping her?" Narumi questioned. "She could be lying to us."
"It's the only good lead we have," Yukino replied. "So, for now, we take it. Let's get some rest."