Any thoughts about who was next in line? Zuko or Azula? Did they switch status as heir to the throne? And how many times did that happen? Did Azula even want to be Firelord? And why would she bring Zuko back if it brought him back into Ozai’s favor as this “ferocious” warrior and redeemed Prince? Did she sacrifice her status as Crown Princess for Zuko by bringing him back home? Or did she think it was Zuko’s destiny after all?
I have read the Earth Kingdom Chronicles of both Zuko and Azula. I believe, if I recall correctly, that Azula implied being crown princess now Zuko was banished. But when he returned, it was Zuko that earned the spot at Ozai’s right hand... I believe Ozai did want Zuko to “straighten up” and become a “worthy” son, since Ozai did see the banishment as an actual lesson so the “weight of his travels” (and jolly misadventures with Uncle Iroh) would tough him up or something. It’s also weird how Ozai even bothers trying to justify his cruel actions to Zuko with no one else around. To “teach him” respect. (using suffering as a teacher? Hard pass)
I am confused with these dynamics. Azulon saw Iroh as the golden child, and Ozai sees Azula as the golden child... While Zuko was the lesser child, just like Ozai himself was the lesser one in the eyes of Azulon.
Not to forget Ozai, despite claiming to be his father’s “loyal servant”, murdered his dad for the throne... And Ozai has a son, claiming to be Ozai’s “loyal son”... How does that work? What was Ozai’s plan with Zuko?
Was Ozai actually installing Zuko as the next in line for the throne, and was Azula okay with that?
(Translation last image: I can see you have stopped being such a pansy. You even have become a badass yourself.)