Ok but Zuko using the knowledge he acquired during his banishment to help him as the Fire Lord. Like making small talk with Earth Kingdom dignitaries about their local foods that he enjoyed and even misses. Like having in-depth conversations with his captains about sea currents and navigation. Like, in the middle of a meeting with several high-ranking naval officials, pointing out flails in security, like how a person can cling to a Fire Nation ship for hours at a time, or climb aboard using hatches on the upper decks, or disguise themselves as a lower ranking guard with easily accessible spare armour….
Though none of his experiences can prepare Zuko for the long, awkward silence that comes after he admits to doing or at least knowing something illegal and/or completely buck wild
fire lord zuko: you should maybe revisit the security measures around the water ducts that the sealturtles use
northern water tribe leader: that’s not necessary, no one can survive submerged in the artic ocean for so many minutes
zuko:
zuko: remember that time the fire nation attacked you
Zuko: okay first you have to promise not to get mad
Earth King: Tell me about your first visit to Ba Sing Se.
Zuko:
