[There's a brief smile at Ikki's assurance, and then he reaches to put a hand on her shoulder.]

We've said all we know about him. But we want you to keep in mind that it's not as simple as switching between good and bad. Remember the stories about your Uncle Zuko. How... he always had good in him, but it took him so long to realize that and to turn himself around to help us. And it didn't always work... l-like that one time, when Katara thought she was able to reach out to him... he turned on us anyway. That caused people to get hurt... and worse. [He doesn't think he needs to elaborate, blinking away a flash of electricity.] And even though he's one of my closest friends, in my time... he is almost like an enemy again.

So... even if someone's trying to be good, to change themselves... it can still be a difficult and dangerous road for them. And they can still make mistakes that can make it harder and harder for them to finish that road. [He pauses, glances at Katara before taking a breath.] If he really is sincere... I believe in your ability to help him. But it's a big responsibility.

[He didn't want to scare her, but he needed her to see what he learned. That even when redemption is possible, it is never easy and straightforward.]