"Izumi, what have I told you about throwing blades longer than your hand?" Mai asked.

"It isn't police," Izumi replied apologetically.

"So why did you do it?" Mai asked.

"Because it is incredibly more efficient than drawing out the fight, and you told me to be resourceful..." Izumi replied.

Mai nodded with approval as Toph laughed at their children's antics. Masaru sat and singed the gash his best friend made in his shoulder closed when Katara rushed in.

"Allow me, son," Katara expressed bending her water out quickly to repair his self-inflicted burn.

"But I'm not your son," Masaru replied.

"Alright then, boy,"

Izumi eyed Bumi's wooden sword at his belt with great interest. "Do you know how to use it?"

"I--" Bumi stuttered as the Princess drew her sword.

"No, swords do not pair well with sticks," Mai said taking the royal blade from her daughter.

"I thought the difference in material would be simply an advantage," Izumi replied seriously.

Katara looked up from Masaru's shoulder at the Fire Lady in surprise.

"But not against a friend. With friends you will fight fairly. Go get your training sword," Mai said swatting the bottom of her daughter with the flat of the dwarf's blade.

Izumi ran to her room at the Beifong Estate, eager to beat another little boy her age.
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As Fire Lady and Chief of Police of Republic City, Mai and Toph have made quite a number of enemies in their 30-some-odd-years of life. Both decided independently to train their children in self defense since they could walk to ensure that if an enemy sought to abduct them for ransom, the children could protect themselves. Princess Izumi (in blue) and Masaru (in red) have been studying sword fighting since before they could bend, and continue to practice the weapon in the event they are drugged or chi-blocked and their bending is disabled.
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Bumi, on the other hand is the son of the revered healer Katara, and the beloved Avatar Aang. He lives on the the serene Air Temple Island and occasionally plays swords with his fun Uncle Sokka. During his first time meeting Izumi and Masaru, Bumi begins to feel "behind" since he cannot keep up with their fight.