After bidding Unalaq farewell, who believed Gale's move to the Republic and his appointment as the new representative of the South were crucial steps to conclude the ultimate plan of the Red Lotus.
Aboard a ship headed to Republic City, Gale sighed, reflecting on the course of his plans. Despite a few alterations, he managed to steer them as intended.
Emerging from the vast ocean, he entered an unknown land.
Though he genuinely admired the beauty of the Southern and Northern tribes, it was ironic that a waterbender felt somewhat bored in places where water and ice were omnipresent.
No longer needing to pretend obedience to Unalaq, he didn't mind participating in this game of hypocrisy.
As he looked at the opportunities surrounding him, a heavy weight rested on his shoulders.
With absolute control over an entire nation, soon the Northern Water Tribe would be under his dominion.
''The higher the pedestal, the greater the fall,'' Gale thought.
Everyone in his hands would eventually fall; his father, Unalaq, and inevitably, all would collapse.
But what if he fell?
What if he were the loser in the end?
Worry gripped his heart, but the waves of the sea, once the cause of his boredom, now brought him calm.
''I've chosen my path in life; now, my only task is to strive to the fullest to achieve my goals. If I fall, no one can predict, but at least I lived according to my own will.''
As the ship distanced itself from the Southern Tribe's view, the young man on board solidified his convictions even more in his heart.
------------
Gale took about two days to reach Republic City. Upon waking up, he headed to the bow of the ship and was met with a truly stunning view.
Before him unveiled a dazzling city, full of advanced technology, something he could never have imagined.
Although he had read about Hiroshi Sato's achievements in the automotive industry, he never imagined it had reached this level. Even from a distance, the beauty of the cars was impressive and evident.
Upon finally reaching the city's dock, where boats docked, he noticed several figures awaiting his arrival, including the current provisional representative of the South.
As he disembarked from the ship and finally encountered the faces of the representatives, Gale recognized two of them: Tenzin and Tarrlok, two figures he had studied carefully.
Taking the lead, Tarrlok welcomed Gale.
"Gale, a brother from the Southern Tribe, it's a pleasure to welcome you to this esteemed Republic City," Tarrlok said, extending his arms to highlight the beauty of the city.
Being greeted by Tarrlok, Gale made sure to put a broad smile on his face, while quick thoughts about the man before him raced through his mind.
"Tarrlok, Water Tribe Representative, Chief Adviser of the United Republic. Someone with a manipulative personality, though completely friendly to the public eye. However, a rival of Tenzin," Gale pondered internally as he approached the man he had diligently researched before meeting.
''Tarrlok, a Northern brother. Thank you for receiving me. It's expected from a waterbending brother,'' Gale said as he bowed.
Upon hearing Gale's words, Tarrlok's smile widened even more. He had a momentary expression, understanding how Gale's actions were influenced by these simple words.
Next was Tenzin's turn.
"Gale, from the Southern Tribe. It's a pleasure to meet you and welcome you to the United Republic," Tenzin said, maintaining an upright and respectful posture.
Observing the bald man with an arrow tattooed on his head, Gale nodded in agreement towards him.
"Tenzin, Korra shared many stories about you. She's excited to learn airbending from you," Gale said, with a friendly expression on his face.
Upon hearing about Korra, a surprised expression took over Tenzin's face.
After a few minutes, Gale greeted the other representatives of the nations, with the one from the South giving him a resentful look.
—
Entering the council meeting room, Gale observed the extreme cleanliness and organization of the environment. Some gold pieces served as decoration, and a massive table in the center accommodated the councilors for policy discussions.
Heading towards the chair where the Southern representative was present, Gale was interrupted by an already elderly figure, recognizing him as the Southern councilor.
"Calm down, young man. Are you so eager to occupy the seat?" The councilor spoke with a mocking tone in his voice.
Observing the unwavering expression of the young man before him, the councilor sighed. It seemed that courtesy was not a virtue much appreciated in today's youth.
Putting his hand in his pocket, he took out a medal that characterized anyone possessing it as a councilor. Of course, it gave you a free pass to many things in the city, a significant sign of power.
"Here you go, make sure not to lose this," the councilor said as his hand hesitated to hand the medal to Gale.
Noticing the old man's delay, Gale took his hand, accepting it.
"Thank you, councilor. Your services will not be forgotten. By the way, the Southern Tribe councilors requested your visit. I believe they want to discuss something of great importance with you," Gale said while gently moving the elder away and occupying the chair.
The other councilors were already seated in their respective chairs, watching the scene with a desolate face. An atmosphere of sadness hung over the table. Tenzin made sure to accompany the representative to the palace's exit.
Tarrlok remained with his cold expression; the man had lost his power, and he saw no reason to offer support.
Soon, Tenzin returned and resumed his place at the table. With a slight cough, he began.
"Well, when will you be ready for the speech you have to deliver to the Republic's citizens, assuming the role of the new Southern representative?" Tenzin inquired, casting a curious look at Gale.
The other councilors, also curious, were eager to know how Gale would garner the support of the population, especially many Southern Tribe members residing in the city.
Upon hearing the question, Gale subtly nodded.
He needed to make a good impression on the population, portraying himself as a strong leader but endowed with immense compassion. Additionally, his love for children would be highlighted, as they represented the future of the nation.
"The speech can be scheduled for tonight, in front of the palace," Gale said as he flipped through some papers on the table. "Is there any other topic you would like to discuss?"
Tarrlok took the lead and began addressing the important topics of today's meeting. Soon, a few hours passed.
When something caught Gale's attention.
"Amon? Who is this?" Gale questioned, leaning over the table to grab a paper.
Noticing the new councilor's curiosity, the Fire Nation representative proceeded.
"He's a leader of a group that takes to the streets proclaiming that benders should be extinct and all that nonsense," the councilor said, interspersed with occasional laughter.
Examining the information about the man, Gale showed interest.
"I see, so let's set that aside," Gale said as he took the paper and put it in the pocket of his pants.