Well, it still comes across as a slap on the wrist despite the fact that Toph is actually giving him a sincere offer. "I can't help it if I've been fighting for my life the past few months what with Zaheer and his crazy goons after us," he says, but he immediately knows it as an excuse. "Besides, ever since I found out that I was a lav—" He almost says the word before thinking twice of it. He's not the best at secrets, but he's not entirely sure he wants that story getting out given how much it's currently associated with Zaheer's friend. Besides, at this point, he's the world's only lavabender.

"I mean, I've had to adapt my fighting style of late, and it's hard falling back to my pro-bending stances. But..." He ponders the offer for a moment before ultimately replying. "I guess I could use some pointers to get me back into the business?" It's almost a question, but not entirely. He's definitely asking for her help in a roundabout way.