The Avatar was here, in the Fire Nation. Here! And running around bending earth and water alongside his teachers as if it would stay secret! The assassin had found clues, and then some scouts had actually stumbled upon him waterbending. Not to mention the rumours going around about destroying a factory and cleaning up a river! What were they doing? Trying to gain support amongst the civilians?
The assassin had proved his worth so far, forcing the Avatar to run and discovering his movements. And just now it seems the blind earthbender had started scamming people on the street! The assassin had a plan, which might work, but the mismatched group was wily and would likely get away. Again. So in the meantime posters were being printed and distributed throughout the region, complete with now un-bald Avatar alongside the regular descriptions.
Extra men were sent to patrol the villages, towns and the surrounding areas. They weren't used to Fire Nation flora and fauna, lets see how well they fared without access to markets and the comforts of civilisation.
Father seemed pleased by his initiative, if somewhat politely appalled by going outside proper channels. Azula just seemed annoyed she hadn't thought of this herself. Zuko decided to take the chance to ask for some men of his own, an honour guard he could do with as he wished. After all, Azula had access to the Imperial Firebenders, some of them at least, and now she had her pet Dai Li agents all to herself. Father reminded him that he had access to the Imperial Firebenders now too, for specific tasks.
As for Azula's Dai Li, she had won their loyalty herself. If he wanted agents of his own, he would have to acquire them on his own, without taking men from tasks they were needed for. You want toy soldiers? Go get your own.
Well, he already had one, even if it was just one job for gold. Perhaps this assassin might be willing to take up a more official position.
But where could he find others? Already united, highly skilled, dangerous, and willing to follow commands? To serve at his word, heading into lethal battles? And not in the military? No water tribe or earth kingdom would, save for the Dai Li. And they were taken. They would have to be skilled benders and have other skills to fall back on. Preferably able to use stealth as well, if they were to follow him.
Hmm. Dangerous, united firebenders with other skills and able, or willing, to use stealth? Willing, or desperate enough to risk their lives to serve him?
Slowly, a idea began to form.