Ep 9. The Waterbending Scroll

Katara and Aang are admiring the beauty of the ocean while fishing when they spot some pirates on a small boat being chased by a larger group of Fire Navy vessels. Aang insists on helping the pirates, but Katara is reluctant as she doesn't want to get involved in any trouble. Nevertheless, they both end up rescuing the pirates from the Fire Nation's attack. In gratitude, the pirates invite Katara and Aang to their hideout and show them a rare and valuable waterbending scroll they have stolen from a Fire Nation ship.

Katara is thrilled to have found the scroll, which she feels would accelerate her progress in waterbending. However, when she shows the scroll to Aang, he points out that it is only meant for advanced waterbenders, and not for beginners like Katara. Nonetheless, she is determined to learn from it and starts practicing without Aang's knowledge.

Meanwhile, Zuko and Iroh are also on the hunt for the stolen waterbending scroll. As they approach the pirate hideout, they briefly encounter Aang and Katara, but don't recognize them. When they reach the pirates, they offer a trade for the scroll, but the pirates refuse. Zuko then resorts to stealing it, but the pirates put up a fight, and a battle ensues. During the fight, Katara is discovered by Zuko, who recognizes her as the waterbender who had defeated him during their first encounter.

Zuko takes the scroll and leaves with Iroh, but Katara is determined to get it back. She and Aang devise a plan to infiltrate the Fire Nation ship where Zuko is staying and steal the scroll back. They sneak aboard the ship, but things go wrong when they accidentally set off an alarm. Aang and Katara are forced to fight off Fire Nation soldiers and escape the ship.

In the end, they are left with no choice but to return the scroll to the pirates to avoid it getting into the wrong hands. However, Katara realizes that her desire for power and progress in waterbending made her make a mistake. Aang reminds her that while progress is important, it is equally important to ensure that it is not at the cost of one's principles.

The episode ends with Zuko and Iroh watching the sunset from their ship, while Zuko reflects on his encounter with Katara, and vows to capture the Avatar and restore his honor.