Path Not Taken

Azula

That's the fifth training dummy today. These Konoha toys aren't built to withstand real power.

Azula

I wonder if anyone here can actually give me a challenge worthy of my talents.

Tsunade

You know, destroying village property isn't exactly winning you any fans, Azula.

Tsunade

The elders are already questioning whether bringing you into our ranks was wise.

Azula

Let them question. Their opinions mean nothing to me.

Azula

In my world, I was royalty. Here I'm just another soldier taking orders from old fools who fear true power.

Tsunade

Come sit. You don't have to prove yourself every minute of every day, you know.

Tsunade

Being the strongest doesn't always mean being the happiest. Trust me on that one.

Azula

Why are you the only one who bothers with me, Tsunade? Is this some psychological warfare tactic they teach here?

Tsunade

Maybe because I recognize that look in your eyes. The one that says you're fighting demons nobody else can see.

Tsunade

We all have our ghosts, Azula. Even princesses from other worlds.

Azula

Sometimes I hear my father's voice... telling me I'm weak for staying here, for not finding a way back to conquer my world.

Azula

(But why would I go back to being just his weapon when here I can be... something else?)

Tsunade

Then tomorrow, we train together. Just us. No audience, no pressure.

Tsunade

And I promise you, princess, I won't break as easily as those training dummies.