Known for his calculating manner, sadism, and ruthless attitude, General Bujing had an obsession with victory even if it meant sacrificing inexperienced troops to gain a battlefield advantage.[1] When PrinceZuko attended his first war meeting and spoke out against Bujing's cruel plan, he and the other attendees were greatly offended, including Fire Lord Ozai. Zuko's father told him it was an act of disrespect and could only be settled by an Agni Kai, and Zuko accepted, not being afraid of the elderly Bujing. However, Zuko unexpectedly ended up facing Ozai instead. He attended the Agni Kai as a member of the audience smirking upon seeing "justice" served to Zuko.[2]
During a war meeting, Bujing's military plan was to move a rookie troop of Fire Nation recruits to fight an experienced battalion of earthbenders. This would make the latter concentrate its efforts and resources on the former, leaving the way open for more capable Fire Nation soldiers to encircle and defeat them. In his words, the new recruits were the best bait available: "fresh meat". As previously mentioned, Prince Zuko saw this as a betrayal of the patriotism and honor of the new recruits. It was this outburst that served as a powder keg for Ozai and Zuko's already strained relationship, leading to Zuko's banishment and estrangement from both the throne and his family.[2] Bujing attended the war meeting the day before the eclipse and was seen exchanging an uneasy glance with General Shinu when Prince Zuko entered the room. He applauded Ozai's plan to destroy the Earth Kingdom with the power of Sozin's Comet.[3]