So my brother and I were just talking on the phone and we realized: Aang might have mastered all four elements but Sokka mastered the non-bending styles from all four nations!
He already knew how to fight with Water Tribe weapons/regalia:
Then, in what’s likely the first Earth Kingdom village he’s ever visited, he learned how to fight with the Warriors of Kyoshi:
When he reached the Northern Air Temple, he was able to tap into the philosophy of the airbenders and realize that the best way to win a battle is to avoid face-to-face confrontation by instead using creative means (and the sky) to take down your opponent:
And finally, when he reached the Fire Nation, Piandao taught him how to forge a unique weapon and hone his swordsmanship:
Sokka learned all four non-bending styles!
Really puts Iroh’s quote into a different context:
“Understanding the other nations will help you become whole.”
All I can picture is Sokka writing down his learning and creating an ATLA version of Sun Tzu’s Art Of War
It’s lauded as both the most insightful view of battle strategy AND as a lighthearted book of laughs. A book for everyone.
Bonus: Wan Shi Tong obtains the book and let’s out the deepest sigh when he sees who the author is.
considering how often sokka found himself in the spirit realm i wouldnt be surprised if he personally gave wan shi tong a signed copy as sort of an apology