u/Awkward_Philosophy16

As someone who loves both Fire Siblings and their arcs, I think the story makes it pretty clear that the two are parallel for most of the series, and that Zuko was put into a horrible spot because of his father’s manipulation and his disappointment in his abilities and his use as a royal.

If Zuko had been doing acrobatic fire skills at 12 to Ozai’s delight, he would’ve been marching armies at 16 instead of being a highway robber on those same earth kingdom roads.

Some still can’t wrap their head around the fact that the Zuko at Iroh's tea shop was forcing himself to put on a mask while still unhappy in his deeper subconscious at being in the city leading to his betrayal of Iroh. Who while trying his best was still raised in the same toxic culture and wasn’t a perfect guide by any means.

I mean he literally says in B1 something to the effect of “why would your father banish you if he doesn’t love you”

Azula gave him a CHOICE to leave Ba Sing Se and regain his honor and Iroh thought he was helping a Zuko who he thought was in a better place and carving out his own path.

Even though he still believed he was in the Earth Kingdom because of his own fault and that his dad was right to banish and hurt him. Which he only ever unlearns during B3 mind you.