A Spirit of Elements Chapter 39 (Despair) (Patreon)

"N-Nar-Naruto." Korra rasped, his face slowly revealing to her. She barely paid mind to the burns all over his face.

She ran towards him with every bit of strength as the dark-red skin disappeared, and the chains retreated inside Naruto. With a swift movement, Korra reached out and grabbed the blonde by the shoulder with her good arm, preventing him from falling to the ground. As she held him steady, the blonde's eyes widened in surprise and gratitude, and he fell to his knees, overwhelmed by the sudden rush of emotions. Korra's grip was firm but gentle, and she helped him regain his balance.

With tears of joy streaming down her face, she couldn't believe her eyes as she embraced him tightly, feeling the warmth of his body against hers. She held him close, burying her face in his hair, savoring the moment as if it would be the last. The sound of her voice echoed through the island as she cried out his name, her grip on him tight as if she was afraid he would slip away from her grasp. At that moment, all her worries and fears faded away, and she knew that everything was going to be alright as long as he was by her side.

"You're Back. You're Back." She cried out, sobbing loudly, holding him close as if hoping this wasn't a Dream. Hoping he wouldn't suddenly disappear.

As Naruto struggled to regain his composure, his voice faltered as he tried to utter the name of the person in front of him, "K-Korra." He was exhausted, his voice hoarse and weak, a mere whisper of what it once was. His once bright and lively blue eyes were now dull and lifeless, robbed of their spark by the intense physical and emotional suffering he had endured. His entire body was covered in burns.

"I'm here. I'm right here," she whispered softly. As she stroked the top of his blonde hair and caressed his back, she felt a rush of emotions wash over her - love, empathy, and an unbreakable bond that transcended words. At that moment, she knew that no matter what life threw their way, they would always be there to hold each other close and weather the storm together.

"I-I-I'm S-Sorry."

As Korra watched him fall unconscious, she felt a sense of helplessness wash over her. She knew that she had to hold him close to provide him with some sort of comfort as he slipped away. It wasn't long before Tenzin arrived on the scene, his expression grim as he looked at his young nephew. He knew all too well what would follow; knowing what would follow wouldn't be pretty.

His piercing eyes scanned the entire city sprawled out before him. The bustling streets were in a state of constant activity, yet it was a complete mess, a chaotic jumble of buildings, roads, and people. However, despite the chaos, the oppressive feeling of pressure and malice that had been hovering over the city had finally dissipated, leaving a sense of relief in its wake. But there were many who knew the true reason behind the sudden disappearance of the malevolent force that had terrorized their city for so long. They knew that Naruto was responsible for the destruction and chaos that had once consumed their streets. And they wouldn't rest until justice was served until his head was mounted on a spike as a warning to anyone who dared to challenge the peace and security of their beloved city.

"What should I do now, Father?"

"Tenzin, we should get Naruto inside," Korra called out to the Airbender Master, who seemed to be in his own little world, looking at the republic city with a solemn look, his facial expression changing from a serious to a sad one.

Korra's body shuddered as she winced in agony, a sharp pain coursing through her arm. She had been so focused on surviving that she had forgotten about the excruciating pain in her right arm. But now, as she stood there, her body still trembling with shock, she remembered the injury. Slowly, she shifted her gaze down to her arm, and her heart sank as she saw the angry, swollen redness that marked the spot where the bone had broken through her skin.

With a determined look on her face, Korra approached the glistening sea, feeling the cool breeze brush against her skin. She slowly raised her arms, taking a deep breath as she concentrated all her energy on bending the water to her will. As the water began to rise. With a flick of her wrist, Korra directed the water towards her arm, wincing slightly as the cool liquid made contact with her skin. But with each passing second, she could feel the soothing power of the waterbending flowing through her body, mending the damage that had been done. Korra couldn't help but feel grateful for the teachings of Katara, for teaching her how to heal wounds with waterbending.

She could still feel a bit of pain, but it was nowhere near the level it was before. Her attention turned to Tenzin, who was still gazing at the Republic City with a solemn expression on his face.

Tenzin's weary voice echoed through the island as he lamented, "It just never ends, does it?" The weight of his troubles seemed to crush him.

"What am I supposed to do?" he asked aloud, directing the question to no one in particular. His voice sounded helpless, conveying his frustration and sense of helplessness in the face of his seemingly insurmountable problems. Korra was confused and a little irritated.

"TENZIN!" Korra's voice echoed as she called out for help. Her heart raced with anxiety as she tried to assist Naruto, who had collapsed in front of her. With a sense of urgency, she knelt down beside him and tried to rouse him, but he remained unresponsive. As the gravity of the situation sank in, Korra knew she needed to act fast to ensure Naruto's safety. Gritting her teeth, she wrapped her arms around his shoulders and attempted to lift him, hoping to carry him to safety if necessary. She didn't know what was going through Tenzin's head, but she needed him to help her right now.

"We need to help Naruto. He's wounded." Korra called out to Tenzin, who hadn't moved an inch from his location; for a Moment, Korra wondered if her Airbending Master had lost it when his eyes slowly moved towards his nephew, who still had a few burn marks around his face, his hands, and legs.

There was a moment of silence as he gazed at his nephew. "What's the point?" Tenzin questioned, his voice almost a whisper, as he looked down at Naruto with sadness. Korra was confused by his words before understanding what he meant.

"What do you mean? He's your nephew. He's Naruto. He needs our help more than ever. He needs to be treated-" "What's The Point?" Tenzin's sudden and forceful interruption cut off Korra's sentence. His hands came down hard on her shoulders, causing her to flinch back, the words dying on her lips. She stared up at him, startled and confused by his outburst, wondering what had caused him to react so violently. Tenzin's face was twisted with anger and frustration as he glared down at her, his eyes blazing with an intensity she had never seen before.

For a moment, she was too stunned to speak, too taken aback by his sudden outburst to even know what to say. But then, slowly, she began to understand what was really going on. Tenzin wasn't angry at her; he was angry at himself. He was frustrated by his own inability to help his nephew, to be the kind of uncle that Naruto needed in this difficult time.

Korra stood frozen in place, her eyes transfixed on Tenzin before her, who was on the verge of tears, his eyes glistening in the soft glow of the moonlight. As she watched, his once stoic expression crumbled into a frown concealed behind the thick curtain of his unkempt beard. The moment's stillness hung heavily in the air; the only sound was the soft rustle of leaves in the gentle night breeze.

"The Republic City knows of Naruto. The information will spread. Before you know it, the entire world will know of his... condition. How do you think they will react to him? No one will want him to live. People will be afraid of him. Everyone will be afraid of him. You saw what his bomb almost did if it had hit the Republic City. There would be no city left standing. There's nothing anyone can do." Tenzin spoke with a defeated tone, slumping down, his hands trembling.

Korra understood what he was saying, but she was the Avatar. I'm the Avatar, Korra repeated to herself. Naruto always trusted me; he always encouraged me. What's the point of me being the Avatar if I can't even save my friend? Korra thought, her eyes slowly filling with determination, her anger bubbling on the surface.

Korra's frustration and anger were palpable as she stood before Tenzin, her voice raised in a shout that echoed through the land.

"Are you telling me we should just give up on him?" she demanded, her eyes blazing with a fire that could not be contained. Her face had gone slightly red with emotion, and her fists were clenched so tightly that her knuckles had turned white. It was clear that Korra was not someone to be trifled with, and Tenzin knew better than to underestimate her. Despite her outburst, however, there was a sense of desperation in her voice that spoke to the depth of her concern for Naruto. Tenzin could see that Korra was torn between her loyalty to her friend and her duty as the Avatar, and he knew that he had to tread carefully if he was going to help her navigate this difficult situation.

Tenzin's eyes were downcast, and he had a defeated look on his face. The dried tears on his cheeks were evidence of his emotional turmoil. It was unusual for Korra, her Air Bending Master, to witness him in such a state of despair. Normally, she would have felt a deep sense of empathy, but not this time. As she gazed into Tenzin's eyes, Korra's mind was made up, and she knew she had to stand with Naruto until the very end, no matter what challenges they would face. Her determination and steadfastness were unwavering, and she knew she must remain resolute in her decision to fight for what she believed in.

With a fierce determination in her eyes, Korra proclaimed with utmost confidence, "Naruto is not just an outsider. He's one of us. It doesn't matter where he came from. He's family now." She paused momentarily, her hands balling into fists as she continued.

"As the Avatar, I won't let anyone harm him. If anyone wants to get to him, they'll have to go through me first. I'll protect him with everything I have because that's what family does." Her voice resonated with a sense of loyalty and devotion that made it clear she was not to be underestimated.

The opinions of others didn't matter to her anymore; after all, the Avatars of the past had all been selfish about something, so why couldn't she be? She had the right to be selfish about something in her life, and if that meant going against the norm, then so be it. She knew that people wouldn't support her decision, and many would even go as far as to label her as 'The Worst Avatar.' Nevertheless, Korra remained unfazed, for she knew in her heart that her cause was just. With unwavering determination, she vowed to safeguard Naruto, even if it meant standing alone against all the odds.

Tenzin's frustration had been building up inside him for a while, and as he rubbed the top of his smooth, bald head, he realized that he needed to say something before his irritation got the best of him. He searched for the right words, but they seemed to be escaping him, slipping through his fingers like grains of sand. Tenzin knew that the conversation he was about to have would not be an easy one, but he also knew that it was necessary if he wanted Korra to understand. As he stood there, trying to collect his thoughts, he couldn't help but feel a sense of unease, a feeling that something was about to change, and he wasn't sure if he was ready for it.

"Korra, you can't," he said with a firm voice, hoping to make her understand the gravity of the situation. "People won't be happy. You're the Avatar, the one who is supposed to bring balance to the world, not make it doubt your abilities."

"I understand what you're saying, Tenzin," Korra replied as he stood up from the ground, wiping his tears with his sleeve, but it seemed his words went on deaf ears.

"Yes, I'm the Avatar," she declared firmly, her voice ringing out through the silent room. "It's my duty to bring justice to the world, to restore balance where there is none, just like the Avatars who came before me – Aang, Roku, Kyoshi, and all the others. But I'm not them. I'm Korra, and I won't stand idly by while Naruto is in danger."Tenzin's eyes flicked to where Naruto lay sleeping, his chest rising and falling in a steady rhythm. The old Airbending master rubbed his beard thoughtfully, his mind racing as he tried to come up with a plan.

As Tenzin gazed upon Naruto's serene face, he couldn't help but feel a sense of nostalgia wash over him, reminiscent of the time when Naruto was just a wide-eyed toddler, marveling at the world around him with unbridled curiosity and wonder. The rhythmic rise and fall of Naruto's chest as he breathed in and out seemed to lull Tenzin into a peaceful trance as if he, too, were transported back to the days when Naruto was just a playful and innocent child. It was almost as if time had stood still, and Tenzin couldn't help but smile at the memory of Naruto's infectious laughter and carefree spirit that had once filled the air.

Tenzin remembered their first training quite fondly, his nephew might be stubborn sometimes, and his ways of doing things weren't always what Tenzin wanted. Still, he wanted only to achieve great things.

"Avatar Aang is considered the best Avatar to have ever existed," Naruto spoke in a serene voice, breaking the peaceful silence surrounding him and Tenzin as they meditated in the middle of a vast green field. The sun was shining bright, illuminating every inch of the landscape with a golden hue, casting long shadows behind the trees and the rocks. His voice trailed off as he closed his eyes, deep in contemplation, reliving the many tales and legends surrounding the great Avatar of the past. Tenzin sat in silence, taking in every word and feeling the peace that surrounded them. The gentle rustling of the leaves, the soft breeze caressing their faces, and the distant chirping of the birds all added to the serene ambiance of their meditation, making it a moment to cherish and remember forever.

Naruto could hear the rhythmic crashing of waves against the rocky shore and the harmonious chirping of seagulls as they gracefully soared above him, creating an enchanting melody that filled his soul with peace and tranquility.

"Indeed. Your grandfather was the best Avatar." Tenzin confirmed with pride in his voice his father had indeed been one of a kind, and Tenzin was the only Airbender left; he would continue his father's legacy just as he had promised.

"I want to be like him." Tenzin, initially taken aback by the declaration, furrowed his brow in thought before his expression softened into a gentle, reassuring smile directed towards his beloved nephew.

"Like him, you say. You want to be an Avatar like him?" he questioned with a playful lilt in his voice, expecting his nephew to nod his head with enthusiasm, but instead, to his surprise, the young boy shook his head in denial, causing Tenzin's eyebrows to shoot up in curiosity.

"No. I don't want to be the Avatar. One doesn't need to be born special in order to achieve great things. That's what I believe—one day. I want to fully unite the Benders and non-Benders, and create a beautiful world for the future. I know it is foolish, but I Will try it." As he spoke, the wind picked up, blowing through his hair and rustling the tall grass around him. He spread his arms wide, feeling the energy of the world around him, and knew he was destined for greatness.

Tenzin smiled with pride; despite not being his blood, Naruto reminded Tenzin of his father and Kya—especially Kya when she was younger. He was his nephew in all but blood.

"Well. I hope I will be there when you achieve this goal. I wish to be present when I look at you, glowing like a Star." Tenzin spoke with all his heart as Naruto looked at the sea beyond the Island. As the sound of the waves crashing against the rocks echoed in the background, Tenzin's heart overflowed with joy at the thought of sharing in Naruto's success, and he knew that he would always be there to support him, no matter what challenges lay ahead.

'Indeed he will. One day Tenzin thought.

His gaze landed upon his nephew, Naruto, who was still sound asleep on the soft grass, oblivious to the world around him. The morning light was slowly creeping in from the horizon, illuminating Naruto's face and making him look like a serene angel. Tenzin couldn't help but admire the peacefulness that Naruto exuded, a trait he had always envied. The brightness of the light made Tenzin squint his eyes as he slowly rose to his feet, feeling the dewy grass under his toes. It was a moment of pure bliss; He brushed off whatever dirt he had in his pants with his hands.

"I have yet to see it," Tenzin said, with a nod of his head, his eyes scanning the horizon in the distance. Korra, who had been looking at him intently, was now puzzled as to what he meant when he abruptly grabbed Naruto and pulled him over his shoulder in a swift motion.

"Let's bring him inside. Heal his wounds, and let's see what we can do." Tenzin ordered without looking at Korra.

"What changed your mind?" Korra couldn't help but ask with a bright smile.

Tenzin was tempted to tell her the truth but instead decided not to. "Kya will kill me if something happens to her baby boy." He spoke with a hint of sarcasm; Korra rolled her eyes playfully, knowing with Tenzin at their side, the chances of saving Naruto were higher.

Later

Upon reaching their home, Korra and Tenzin were greeted by the rest of their family; Pema and her children ran outside to greet them, followed closely by Mako and Bolin.

Pema's heart was pounding with anticipation, and she could hardly contain herself as she watched her husband approach. Without hesitation, she rushed towards him with open arms, her eyes brimming with tears of happiness. As she embraced Tenzin tightly, she could feel the warmth of his body against hers, and she knew that everything was going to be okay.

"Tenzin. Oh, thank god you're alright." Pema exclaimed with a huge sigh of relief, her voice filled with emotion. Tenzin hugged her close, feeling the weight of her worries and fears dissipate with every passing moment. Soon followed by Jinora, Ikki, and even Meelo. Tenzin told them that everything was alright and they had no need to worry.

Jinora walked up to check on Naruto; she was glad to see that he was alright, his chest rising and falling with each steady breath. She couldn't help but feel grateful that he had made it through. However, her relief was short-lived as she turned to Korra and saw the exhaustion etched across her friend's face. Despite her best efforts, Korra was barely able to remain standing, her short, ragged breaths a clear indication that she needed rest. While Mako and Bolin were keeping a good distance from Naruto.

"Korra, what happened?" Jinora asked the avatar looking at her blue eyes, hoping to find answers; everyone had felt the power being emitted by Naruto; his strength had woken everyone inside the Republic City. It wasn't known yet just how much damage there was, but everyone was on edge after what happened.

The sudden and thunderous explosion that erupted above the city was a devastating event that sent shockwaves throughout the entire land, leaving its citizens in a state of confusion and fear. The deafening sound had shattered windows, knocked down doors, and caused widespread damage to the surrounding buildings, leaving many people bewildered and uncertain about what was happening. As the chaos ensued, the police force scrambled to contain the situation and maintain control over the increasingly panicked population, doing their utmost to provide aid and comfort to those affected by the calamity.

"Where's Asami? She should be here." Korra asked instead. She looked around but couldn't see her anywhere, knowing she would want to stay close to Naruto; her childhood friend needed all the help he could get right now.

"Asami, she's inside. Waterbender healers were able to help her; she's currently sleeping; they say she's not in danger anymore, but she needs rest and, for a few weeks, to not move much." Jinora explained with a downcast look, remembering how Asami had called for Naruto whenever she was in pain. Even now, she would often murmur his name in her sleep.

Korra sighed in relief upon hearing that Asami was a good friend, and she was relieved to know that she was out of danger. Soon she let out a weary sigh, unsure where to start.

As Korra was about to speak, Tenzin's urgent interruption caught her off guard, "Let us all go inside for now." With a sense of urgency in his voice, Tenzin motioned for the group to follow him as he quickly turned and started walking towards the grand entrance of the Air Temple. As they walked, the vibrant colors of the surrounding nature seemed to come alive, with the gentle breeze carrying the sweet scent of blooming flowers. The group followed Tenzin's lead, their footsteps echoing through the temple's serene courtyard as they passed by the towering pillars adorned with intricate carvings.

With a heavy heart, Korra walked inside; Tenzin put Naruto to his bed; the blonde was still sleeping peacefully; the old master left the room, knowing she needed alone time with his nephew.

As the door clicked shut behind her, Korra's eyes immediately darted toward Naruto's sleeping form, which was gently illuminated by the sunlight that filtered through the window. A warm smile spread across her lips as she watched him breathe peacefully, completely unaware of her presence. She wasn't sure when he would wake up and still wasn't sure how she could fix this whole mess. But Korra knew she wouldn't allow anyone to touch Naruto. She would protect him just as he had protected her many times before.

As she approached him, she couldn't help but notice his golden locks that were covering his face, so she gently moved them away to get a better look at him. As she drew closer, she examined his face intently and was relieved to see that the burn marks that had once marred his handsome features had finally healed. But Korra knew there would be many wounds that couldn't be healed and perhaps would never heal.

Korra's heart swelled with love and tenderness as she gazed down at Naruto, who lay sleeping peacefully on his bed. She sat down slowly on the edge of the mattress, her hand reaching out to cup his cheek, feeling the warmth of his skin against hers. As she sat there, lost in the quiet stillness of the room, tears began to form in her eyes, rolling down her cheeks and falling softly onto the bed beneath them.

"I-I'm really sorry, Naruto," she whispered, her voice quivering with emotion. As her tears began to fall, she leaned her forehead against his, hoping that somehow her pain would ease his. The warmth of his skin against hers was a comfort, and she found herself losing herself in the moment, forgetting everything else but the two of them.

As tears streamed down her face, the world's weight seemed to crush her as she held Naruto tightly in her arms. "If only I had been a better Avatar," she whispered, her voice trembling with regret. Her mind replayed the events that led up to this moment, every decision she had made, every mistake she had committed. "If only I had been stronger, none of this would have happened," she thought to herself, feeling the crushing weight of guilt and shame. It was then that she felt a hand on her shoulder and looked up to see Naruto's peaceful face, still sleeping soundly. Despite everything that had happened, he was always there for her, always ready to lend a helping hand or a kind word.

With a gentle touch, she caressed his cheek, feeling the warmth of his skin against her fingertips. Leaning close, she whispered softly, "I won't abandon you. Never." The weight of her words hung heavily in the air as if they were a promise that could never be broken. As she pulled away from him, she noticed a subtle change in his expression. A smile had formed on his lips, causing her heart to skip a beat. It was moments like these that made her realize just how much she loved him and how lucky she was to have him in her life.

She made sure to wipe his face clean, and she found herself giggling, suddenly thinking of silly memories.

"Do you remember when we put hot sauce in Sokka's Tea? For a very long time, he always gave the first sip to his dog before drinking it himself just in case someone had messed with it behind his back." Korra spoke before laughing at the memory. Eventually, she stopped laughing. The gravity of the situation fell on her the moment she remembered that their childhood was a long time ago. And that things were no longer simple.

As Naruto lay there, his eyes closed in peaceful slumber, Korra leaned in close to him and whispered tenderly, "Have a sweet dream." She then pressed a soft, lingering kiss to his cheek, savoring the warmth of his skin against her lips. Rising slowly from the bed, she took care not to make a sound, her movements graceful and fluid as she made her way to the door. With each step, she felt her heart swell with love for the man lying before her, grateful for the moments they shared together, even in the morning's quiet stillness.

As she thought of walking back to Tenzin, she remembered that Asami was sleeping in the room next to Naruto, while Korra had to admit that she didn't know Asami as well as she would have wanted, she liked the girl, and because of Asami, Korra was able to be with Naruto.

As the Avatar made her way into Asami's room, she couldn't help but notice the peaceful aura that surrounded the space. The soft, gentle hum of the air conditioning unit provided a calming background noise, and the faint scent of lavender emanating from a nearby candle added to the tranquil atmosphere. As she approached the bed, she saw that Asami was sleeping soundly, her chest rising and falling in a rhythmic pattern. The Avatar's eyes were drawn to the bandages covering Asami's stomach, a reminder of her injury. Despite the injuries, Asami looked serene and content, her red shirt providing a stark contrast to the white sheets that enveloped her.

Korra stood at the doorway, contemplating whether she should leave the room and let Asami sleep in peace or stay a little longer to keep her company. As she was about to turn around and leave, she heard a faint whisper from Asami, calling out a name she recognized all too well - "Naruto."

The Avatar felt her heart skip a beat; she really wished that by the end of this, they could go back to the old days. This time with Asami as well. They could be together and live happily.

The thought of them living together brought joy to her heart; she would lie if she said she didn't want it to be like that. Asami's door creaked shut behind her, echoing down the long wooden corridor as Korra set off toward the restroom. The wooden floorboards beneath her feet groaned with each step as if protesting the weight of her burdened thoughts. The flickering candlelight from the occasional sconce illuminated the way, casting eerie shadows on the walls.

Korra arrived at the door to the restroom, feeling a sense of relief wash over her. She pushed the door open and stepped inside, feeling the cool air and serenity of the room envelop her like a comforting embrace. Stepping inside the spacious room, everyone else was already there, each comfortably seated on the soft green carpet that stretched across the entire floor, creating a cozy atmosphere that invited relaxation and socializing.

As Tenzin recounted the recent events, his voice was filled with a sense of urgency, but he carefully omitted the more graphic and violent details, mindful that young ears were present. The group sat huddled together, their eyes fixed on Tenzin as he spoke, each of them hanging on his every word. Suddenly, the sound of the door creaking open caused everyone to turn their heads in unison, and in walked Korra, her expression grave and serious. Without hesitation, Mako leaped to his feet and rushed over to her, a look of relief washing over his face as he wrapped her in a tight embrace.

With a look of concern etched on his face, Mako gently placed his hand on Korra's shoulder and asked, "Korra, how do you feel?" She let out a deep sigh, slumping down in response to his touch; she couldn't help but feel a sense of dread wash over her. She knew things were about to get even more complicated, and the thought made her heart sink. Still, she forced herself to nod. She didn't want her friends to take pity on her.

As Korra's trembling form settled down on the ground next to Tenzin, her voice croaked out the words, "I'm fine," her sleeve quickly moved up to her eyes to try and wipe away the tears that threatened to spill over. Pema told her children to go to their rooms, and after they complained that they were no longer children, Pema led them to their rooms without bothering to tell them again.

"So what happened, Korra?" Pema asked once she returned; Korra let out a weary sigh before retelling them what had happened between her and Naruto. Once she was done, she could tell Mako was a little on edge.

"This sucks, man. Naruto is cool, cooler than me. Why did it happen to him?" Bolin voiced out his thoughts; Mako rolled his eyes before shaking his head in disapproval.

"Tenzin, what are we going to do?" Pema asked her husband, who drank a glass of water before answering.

"We are going to help Naruto. The republic city knows of his condition. They will probably put him on trial, and his fate will be decided. The first thing we need to do is communicate with Bumi. He's a commander of the United Forces. He might be able to help." Tenzin explained with many nods of approval, except Mako, who frowned at what he was hearing.

"We also need to talk with General Iroh, my Sister, and my mother. The world still remembers what our family did during the 100-year war. With them, we might be able to save Naruto." Tenzin further explained, hoping all of this could save his nephew, he knew Naruto wasn't his blood, but he was a good kid with a good heart.

"I hate to interrupt this, but should we really help Naruto?" Mako questioned, he knew what he was suggesting wasn't something they wanted to hear right now, but Mako considered himself someone who always told the truth even if it hurt.

All of their heads turned to look at him quizzically; even Bolin was confused about what he was trying to say; Korra, well, she looked pissed at him. Tenzin was waiting for him to elaborate further.

"I understand Naruto is your family, but you all need to look at the other side of this. Naruto is dangerous to everyone." The moment he said those words, everyone did what he expected them to do, especially Korra, her face darkened with anger, her eyes blazing with fury. He knew that she wouldn't take kindly to his words, but he had to stand his ground. Tenzin, on the other hand, remained calm and collected, his eyes fixed on Mako as if he were trying to read his thoughts. The tension in the room was palpable, and Mako knew that this conversation was far from over.

"He's not a danger to anyone," Korra claimed furiously; she looked like she wanted to beat up Mako, and the latter couldn't really blame her.

"He is not?" Mako countered her with his own question, leaning closer with narrowed eyes; he didn't show fear; he wasn't afraid of anyone.

"You just told us how he killed many equalists," Mako began, "perhaps they deserved it, but that doesn't change the fact that he was attacking anyone in his way." He paused for a moment, looking around at the group.

"We all saw the explosion that happened above the City. If it happened in the city, the entire Republic City would be nothing but ash." He took a deep breath before continuing, "So I'm asking you again, is Naruto not dangerous?" Mako looked directly at Korra, hoping to make his point clear. "How long before he loses his cool again? From what I see, he's like a ticking time bomb that, once it blows up, will take everyone else with him." Mako knew that he had to speak up, not just for his own safety, but for the safety of those around him. He didn't have anything against Naruto personally, but he couldn't ignore the potential danger that he posed.

Bolin wasn't sure what to say as he kept looking between Korra and Mako; on the one hand, he wanted to support his brother as always, but he still held feelings for Korra.

As Korra stood before Mako, her breaths were heavy, and her muscles tense, giving off a sense of hostility that could be felt by anyone present. Her fists were clenched tightly, and the veins in her arms bulged with a fierce determination that was both terrifying and awe-inspiring. Her eyes, ablaze with fury, never left Mako's form as she stood there, ready to unleash her wrath upon him. Mako, on the other hand, remained calm and collected.

Korra clenched her teeth; she wanted to punch him; perhaps a few missing teeth would do the job, but another part reminded her that she would simply prove to him that he was right, that she had lost her argument and simply lashed out like a child who was denied their favorite toy.

"You don't know Naruto like I do. Even during the fight, he held some amount of control. You saw what happened to Asami. Everyone would have been angry. Don't forget all he has contributed. He has tried for years to unite the benders and nonbenders. Nonbenders still see him in a good light." Korra said and was about to say more when Tenzin cleared his throat.

"Naruto saved many lives throughout the years and, most importantly, created a new way to cultivate lands for Earth Benders in the Earth Kingdom. Naruto might be dangerous, but his power is something he can learn. None of the Avatars of the past can say they were able to bend all four elements on their first try. Naruto can safely try to control his power in the spirit world. So yeah. My nephew is Worth Protecting." Tenzin proclaimed with a hint of pride; Mako pressed his lips into a thin line, unsure of what to say. Maybe they were right; he just wanted everyone to be safe, for Bolin to be safe.

Before Mako could think of saying something, with a sudden force, the door burst open, causing an abrupt interruption to the tense atmosphere of the room. In walked Lin, her footsteps echoing through the space as she carried with her an expression riddled with sorrow and despair. It was evident that she was struggling with something that weighed heavily on her mind. With a deep breath, she finally spoke,

"I am here for Naruto."