Popp convincing himself that Avan just needs some gassing up to become a competent fighter, wholly unaware that Avan is already a competent fighter and just lying to his face about it

Popp knows that Avan likes to fuck around, he knew him for a year but 1. young Avan is really convincing 2. Popp has kind of put old Avan on a pedestal ever since he died for his students heroically in front of his very eyes 2a. Popp is kind of stupid about people he cares about

That 2a is extremely important

I'm looking forward to when Popp finds out the truth

he's gonna screech so indignantly