The diversity of the group continued to grow as Iroh watched a few abilities and a few relationships come to light before his eyes. He was not one to intersect himself too far into things he didn't know about, and he could already see Lightning and Fang as being a time to withhold his usually sage advice. As for Lightning's charge to the group...

"Would my having survived for as long as I have count as proof? I assure you, I can protect myself and others if things turn ugly."