"And what about the girl herself?"
"Things are complicated with her. Blind since birth. At the age of six, she somehow ran away from home, though she was found and returned a year later. It's possible the 'escape' story was fabricated to conceal a trip to healers from the Northern Water Tribe, because it's very difficult to believe that a blind six-year-old girl could slip away from her servants and survive in the wilderness for an entire year."
Yeah… I wouldn't buy that for a second. But if the show wasn't lying, Toph was basically Chuck Norris's secret love child, so who the hell knew…
"Anything else?"
"Yes. Officially, she's considered a mediocre earthbender studying under a private instructor. She remains constantly within the Beifong estate and has never once left the family grounds since her 'escape.' In reality, however, she's the champion of a semi-illegal earthbending tournament for the common rabble. She competes under the nickname 'The Blind Bandit' and surpasses even veteran frontline earthbenders in terms of skill and danger."
"Very interesting. I assume her parents know nothing about their daughter's hobby?"
"We were unable to confirm that for certain, but considering she leaves the estate in secret, it's most likely the case."
"I see. What about her personality, preferences, weaknesses?"
"Unfortunately, very little. Aside from her monthly participation in the tournament, she never leaves the estate grounds. We did not attempt to infiltrate Beifong property — if discovered, the consequences could be severe. But if you order it…"
"No, that won't be necessary. Instead, tell me more about the tournament. And I'd also like to hear something more substantial about the Beifong family than merely how wealthy they are. What do they trade in? How do they conduct business? Give me the details."
"As you command, Herald," the informant bowed. "With your permission, I'll begin with the tournament, since it's a smaller topic information-wise…"
While the warrior spoke, I weighed the options and the prospects. Honestly, neither looked particularly promising. Getting home — whether to the capital or the resort island — wouldn't be difficult. I could hire a ship at the port, and my clearance level would easily allow any vessel through the blockade.
The question was: what was I supposed to do about Toph? A thirst for adventure and new horizons was all well and good — a strong motivator and all that — but what reason would she possibly have to run away from home with some shady guy from the enemy camp? This wasn't Romeo and Juliet. Setting aside the fact that I naturally had no romantic feelings whatsoever toward a twelve-year-old girl. And things hadn't ended especially well for those two in the original, either… Ahem.
All right, let's approach this from the opposite angle. What did I need? I needed to make sure she didn't end up joining the Avatar. The simplest solution, straight out of Light Yagami's playbook, was unacceptable to me. I still had some sacred lines left uncrossed. Kidnapping? Hmm… As a very rough option, maybe, but that could easily lead to a whole mountain of unpleasant consequences too. Ideally, I'd want to interest Toph herself — but with what?
Right, I was starting to go in circles. First and foremost, I needed to see her in action. Maybe then I'd think of something.
"When did you say the next 'championship' was scheduled?"
"In two days, Herald," the sailor replied.
"Hmm… I think I should attend it."
"As you wish. I'll obtain tickets for you," the informant answered.
And why not combine business with pleasure and take my "budding harem" along to a "cultural event"?
"I'll need four tickets."
The soldier nodded, acknowledging the request, and after I waved for him to continue, he resumed his report, shifting from the tournament to the family of the "small harmless blind girl."
***
The "underground earthbending championship" strongly resembled… professional wrestling. The same exaggerated poses, the same highly questionable costumes, the same showmanship. The only difference was that, unlike staged performances, the fighters here were completely serious — and I'd seen more than enough earthbenders in real combat to know the difference.
Granted, certain limitations were obvious. The projectiles moved somewhat slower than what I'd witnessed from earth-diggers genuinely trying to kill their enemies, and the fighters shaped their attacks into broad slabs rather than sharper forms. Even a faceted spike, while slightly more difficult to create, was far more effective, and don't even get me started on gravel volleys. Still, it made sense. The rules here were to knock your opponent out of the ring or render them unconscious, not turn the arena into a bloody slaughterhouse. Even so, bruises and broken bones were common.
At the moment, the leading contender for the title of Gaoling Champion was "The Rock" Dwayne (thank the spirits not Johnson, or I'd have started questioning my own sanity), and the guy was genuinely good. I didn't know how he'd fare in an actual battle, but his "sporting" style was solid. Less flashy than some of the others, but rather efficient and economical.
"And now, the moment you've all been waiting for!" the earthbender Xin Fu, organizer of the tournament, shouted, whipping the crowd into a frenzy. "The challenger faces the reigning champion! Dwayne 'The Rock' versus… the Blind Bandit!"
At the far end of the arena, Toph Beifong appeared with an expression of complete boredom on her face. The crowd erupted into cheers.
"Even though I read the report on the little squirt, honestly, it's hard to believe someone that tiny could take down a guy that big," Suki remarked, giving the Beifong heiress an odd look.
(End of Chapter)
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