Jin acquired ownership of the mansion and the Pro-Bending Arena without much trouble. With Asami's help, he replaced the damaged and rotting furniture with simpler pieces for the time being, stocked the pantry with enough food for a week, and got everything necessary to make the place feel like home—soap, blankets, and so on.
Although Lin refused to move in with him, she did attend the small private housewarming party he held shortly after. So did Asami (much calmer now that she'd had time to think) and her father (who came to meet his new neighbor in person—and the man his daughter was seeing). Jin also invited Mako and Bolin, along with Korra, Pema, and the kids.
Heh, there was a reason he'd chosen easily replaceable furniture—with those little earthquakes nearby and the winds blowing through the area, he wouldn't fully furnish the house until he returned from Zaofu.
The only room in better condition was the master bedroom… for reasons.
As for hiring staff to maintain the place, that could wait a few days.
"I didn't expect anyone to actually buy this place," said a male voice.
Oh, did I mention that Tenzin came included in the package?
For the record, he hadn't been specifically mentioned in Pema's invitation, but when you say, You and your family are invited to the party along with Korra…
Well, Tenzin fits the definition of family.
At least he wasn't making a scene or showing up with bad intentions. Maybe because Lin was there, or Pema had told him how Jin had saved their family?
Probably the latter—minus the part where the "traitor" locked him up. Otherwise, he wouldn't be so calm.
Still, it was nice that, unlike last time, Tenzin wasn't treating him like a vagabond.
"Tenzin!" Jin turned to face the airbending master. "Don't tell me you were hoping to buy this place as a summer home or something?"
Though honestly, Jin doubted Tenzin could afford it—the state of Air Temple Island was fairly modest.
"No, not at all!" Tenzin denied quickly—too quickly. "Ahem. But I heard rumors that this place was inhabited by a spirit, and I'm curious to know if that's true. Could you enlighten me?" he asked, trying not to sound too curious. "Also, I believe our first meeting may have been a bit… misunderstanding, and for that, I apologize."
Ah yes, Tenzin was a very spiritual man—
Theoretically. With zero practical experience.
I mean, Inkasha and Kyoshi had been present since the start of the party, and Tenzin hadn't sensed a thing. Meanwhile, Jinora's expression upon noticing both spirits was priceless.
"Don't worry about it, let's consider the past the past," said Jin dismissively. As long as Tenzin didn't antagonize him, they'd have no problems. "As for your question, yes—it's a very kind spirit, and it didn't mind me moving in."
Inkasha had actually been delighted at the idea, even helping move small items during the relocation. In fact, she was currently making faces at Tenzin while Jinora tried not to laugh at her antics.
"It was real?" Tenzin's eyes darted discreetly around. "To live in harmony with a spirit is both a rare privilege and a remarkable feat," he said with a touch of envy and genuine admiration. "Meelo! Put down that fruit bowl! Excuse me."
Jin watched Tenzin hurry off to rein in his hyperactive son, while Pema was busy with Ikki.
As expected, he didn't ask to meet the spirit—doing so would expose that he couldn't actually see them, and by extension…
And to think, of Katara's three children, he turned out the least messed up!
Still, his presence was useful. Hiroshi could now see that Jin had "connections" not only with Avatar Korra, but also with a city council member. Jin himself didn't care much about Korra's status as Avatar, but he knew how others perceived it—and he used that to his advantage.
But just because Tenzin didn't ask, didn't mean no one did.
"Could I ask you a few questions, if it's not too much trouble?" Jinora seized the chance to talk to Jin, hoping to get answers to questions she'd had since she arrived—and others she hadn't had the chance to ask back at his old place.
"You can," Jin said casually.
"Are those two spirits the ones that used to inhabit the mansion? Why does one of them look so much like Avatar Kyoshi? What inspired you to create Pro-Bending? How many sub-controls can you bend? Is it true that—?"
The questions came out like machine-gun fire. If Jin hadn't recognized Jinora by her voice, he might've mistaken her for her younger sister.
He answered them, amused. In Republic City, even if people did know about both spirits, they wouldn't believe it—or they'd panic.
When it came to more delicate matters, Jinora noticed when his answers were evasive and wisely refrained from pressing further. She understood that some topics were either too much—or too dangerous—for her to ask about.
Such a sensible girl. Jin assured her she was welcome to visit anytime and mentioned he planned to build a private library with books she wouldn't find in the public one.
He couldn't help it—back at the Beifong residence, his study had contained books of immeasurable value for research and as a collection. Now that he had another home, he intended to recover or recreate them, since he could make the content himself with inkbending.
"Wow, you really don't hold back," Korra commented as she approached after introducing herself to Asami and chatting a bit—secretly delighted to have made a new friend. "When you said you were getting a house, I thought you meant, like… a big apartment, not a mansion."
Jinora, her curiosity satisfied for now, excused herself to help her parents keep her younger siblings under control.
"Do things properly, or don't do them at all," Jin replied, turning his attention to Korra. "Korra, are you cold?"
Korra had been rubbing her arms since she arrived, goosebumps visible on her skin—but the temperature inside was perfectly fine. And really, a Water Tribe native feeling cold?
Strange.
"It's not that," Korra admitted, frowning slightly. "It's just… I feel something weird. Like there's something familiar about this place—but that can't be, it's my first time here."
Oh, Avatar Sense, huh?
Looks like Korra was feeling Kyoshi's presence. That could be bad for the revenge plans. Maybe Kyoshi realized it too—she seemed to have moved away, observing from a distance.
"I see you've met my neighbor, Asami," Jin said, trying to redirect Korra's attention. "What do you think of her?"
"She seems nice, but I don't know, maybe… a little prim?" Korra sounded unsure. "I mean, that's not a bad thing, I've just met her a few minutes ago."
Ah right—Korra was a bit thrown off by Asami during their first encounter.
"Give it a week and I'm sure you'll be best friends," said Jin, patting Korra on the back hard enough to almost knock her over. "Don't be fooled by her manners—no one in this city drives like she does."
"Kaah!" Korra winced and rubbed her back, staring at him. "Geez, what do you eat to be that strong?!"
Korra was nothing like Aang. The latter had been frail, borderline undernourished from his poor diet and lack of physical activity. Korra, on the other hand, had a solid appetite and a toned physique from rigorous White Lotus training—abs and all.
"The same as everyone else. Don't overthink it," Jin said. Explaining that his body was reinforced by chi and spiritual blessings would be… complicated. "By the way, I own the Pro-Bending Arena now." He reached into his pocket and handed her a card. "Here, I made this especially for you."
Korra took the card, curious—then gasped.
"A lifetime VIP pass to the Pro-Bending Arena?!"
She'd thought those were a myth!
"Yes," Jin nodded. "Knowing how much you love the sport I created, I figured having a permanent, free seat at any match would be something you'd appreciate. You can even bring two guests, with drinks and snacks on the house each game."
Korra looked from Jin, to the card, and back to Jin again.
"Are you trying to flirt with me?" she finally asked, thinking she'd picked up on some signals.
"Hmm? No, not really," Jin blinked, a little surprised. He honestly didn't see Korra as a romantic match—their personalities didn't click, and one Avatar was enough for him. "Remember when I visited the island for dinner? You were the only one I didn't manage to give a gift to."
"Oh." Korra felt her face heat up with embarrassment. She almost wanted to bolt.
Why did I ask that?!
"For the record, Korra, you're a lively, charming girl—and I'm sure you'll make someone very happy someday," Jin said quickly, clarifying before any misunderstanding took root. Korra developing feelings for him would be a nightmare. "But I already have two partners, and—"
"Wait, you're dating two girls?" Korra interrupted, her embarrassment replaced by disbelief. "And… they know about each other?!"
"Of course. Do you think I'd stoop to cheating?" Jin gestured toward Asami, knowing her position without even turning. "In fact, Asami—the one you just met—is one of them. And she's perfectly aware of everything."
Korra was speechless.
That was… possible?!
And one of them was the Future Industries heiress?!
According to what Pema had whispered to her, that was a big deal.
So… who was the other one?
"Right, that's… wow," Korra laughed awkwardly, realizing changing the subject was probably her best move. "Uh, hey, could I maybe ask you for some earthbending lessons sometime?" she said, remembering why she'd approached him in the first place. "Maybe even metalbending, if you're willing?" she added hopefully.
"Sure."
"I know that's asking a lot—you don't owe me anything, and you're probably busy with your own things—but wait, did you just say sure?" Korra blinked, needing a second to process his easy agreement.
"That's what I said," Jin nodded. "Of course, I'm not going to give you regular lessons like a school would, and as you said, I have my own matters. But we can meet a few days and work on improving your skills. No offense, but the person who taught you earthbending… wasn't very good."
Only Jin knew how much he was holding back by saying that.
He'd seen Korra's earthbending training on the island, and it pained him to see how basic her movements were compared to her firebending and waterbending—the latter being her best element, likely thanks to Katara.
Just look at the early episodes—even Bolin managed to improve Korra's form in a single minute of advice! That's how bad her White Lotus earthbending teacher was!
Korra didn't argue. She couldn't. Leaving aside that she didn't even like Kogan (her earthbending instructor) for being such a stiff board, Jin's skill level made any comparison meaningless.
"Thanks!" Korra almost hugged him in excitement—but then noticed her feet were stuck to the floor. "Huh?" She looked down, confused.
When did that happen?
Jin grimaced slightly. He'd expected her to notice sooner. Maybe starting from the fundamentals really was the right call.
What kind of garbage training had she been getting?!
A few illustrated manuals would've worked better!
"Of course, I'll ask something in return for the lessons," he said, freeing her from the trap.
"No problem! I know asking you to teach me for free would be too much," Korra said confidently, thumping her chest. "Just tell me what you want—I'll do what I can."
Wow. She really lacked social awareness sometimes.
Who promises that without even hearing the price?
"You learned waterbending from Katara, including healing, right?"
"Yeah, she's the best," Korra said, not sure where this was going. "Why?"
"Do you consider yourself a good waterbending teacher?"
Korra smiled and nodded. After all, back in the Water Tribe, she'd had endless water and ice to practice with. Her waterbending was solid, though she still had a long way to reach Katara's level.
"Good. Then I want you to teach someone else waterbending," Jin said. "In fact, it'll be a good experience for you."
The responsibility of being someone's teacher could help her mature a bit.
"You want me to teach someone?" Korra pointed at herself, wide-eyed. "I mean, I'm not against it, but I've always been on the learning side. Are you sure that's a good idea?"
"Don't worry, she's a waterbender with zero experience," Jin smiled. "Just remember how you learned and try to do the same—it's not that complicated."
"Alright… who is she?" Korra glanced around. "Is she here?"
"Stay after the party and I'll introduce you. Her situation's a little delicate," said Jin. "Can I trust you to keep a secret?"
"Don't worry, I won't even tell Tenzin," Korra swore, already imagining a tragic six-hundred-chapter backstory for her mysterious new student.
After sorting out the details, Korra went off to chat with Asami again.
Jin then turned his attention to the brothers.
Bolin was eating enthusiastically—but trying to keep some manners, given the guests' status. Mako, meanwhile, was stiff as a board when he realized Jin was approaching, unsure where to look or what to do.
Why did he feel like the blind man didn't like him?
"Well, well, if it isn't the Fire Ferrets," Jin said, resisting the urge to intimidate Mako.
"Oh, hey, Mako!" Bolin said with his usual energy, swallowing before pointing at Jin. "This is the fan I told you about—the one who gave me the envelope!" He turned to Jin. "Hey, did you come to meet the new owner of the Pro-Bending Arena too?"
Jin's smile grew wider by the second.
"Bolin," Mako said nervously, tugging at his brother's sleeve. "He's the new owner."
Bolin blinked between Mako and Jin.
"Oops?"
"Don't worry about it," Jin said, waving it off. "I'm aware you're living in my attic with rent." That made both brothers tense—they didn't want to end up back on the streets. "I just wanted to tell you you can keep staying there. No rent needed."
How much could they even afford, anyway?
"What's the catch?" Mako asked reflexively, not believing for a second that someone could be that generous. There's always a price.
Jin actually hadn't intended to ask anything—mostly as a favor to Bolin for when he rose to stardom in the future—but since Mako was so suspicious…
"Just clean the gym where the teams train at the end of the day."
"That's it?" Even Bolin looked doubtful—it sounded too good. They could clean the whole place top to bottom in about an hour.
Mako smacked the back of his brother's head. What, did he want more work?!
"That's all," Jin confirmed. "I think you've got talent as an earthbender, Bolin." He patted Bolin's shoulder encouragingly—careful not to hit as hard as he had with Korra. "Of course, the rest of the time, you'll be treated like any other team."
"Wow… Thank you, Mr. Jin!" Bolin beamed. "I promise we'll keep it so clean, you could eat off the floor if you wanted!"
Ugh. Eating off a gym floor wasn't exactly a pleasant mental image…
Mako, on the other hand, felt uneasy about Jin's implication.
So, they were getting better treatment because of Bolin?
What, he didn't have potential?
He shook off the thought. The new owner was literally blind—what did he know about talent? He probably just liked Bolin because he was an earthbender too.
Mako had no idea how lucky he was that Jin couldn't hear his thoughts. Otherwise, he would've been thrown out without a second thought.
Could his pride really not handle his brother being the reason they benefited?
Leaving the brothers behind, Jin approached his final notable guest.
"Hello, Mr. Hiroshi."