Chapter 27: Covert Operatives
Azula stood in the cluttered office of Hiroshi, the elderly tower chief, her golden eyes narrowing as she processed the information he had just given her. The idea that Zuko had not only captured the Avatar but had also held his own against a powerful firebender like Zhao was troubling. It didn't fit the narrative she had built in her mind—the narrative of Zuko as a weak, banished failure. And yet, the evidence was right in front of her.
Her mind raced as she considered the implications. If Zuko had truly captured the Avatar, then his return to the Fire Nation would change everything. But if there was even a chance that he was lying, or that the reports were inaccurate, she needed to know. And there was one detail that didn't sit right with her.
"This Zhao," Azula said, her voice sharp and demanding. "Why would a firebender of his caliber be stationed in the armpit of the war? The South Pole is a frozen wasteland. There's no threat there. No strategic value. So why would someone like him be sent there?"
Hiroshi leaned back in his chair, his expression thoughtful. He stroked his thin, gray beard as he considered her question. "Ah, that's a good question, Princess," he said, his voice calm and measured. "Zhao was not that special a commander however, and his ambition is well-known. But the South Pole... well, it's as insignificant as it might seem."
Azula's eyes narrowed. "Explain."
Hiroshi nodded, his hands resting on the desk in front of him. "The South Pole and the surrounding areas including the southern provinces of the greater earth kingdom mainland is the home of the Southern Water Tribe. While they are not as strong as they once were, they are still a thorn in the Fire Nation's side. Zhao was sent there to oversee the final stages of the Southern Provinces subjugation. His mission was to ensure that they posed no further threat to our operations."
Azula's lips curled into a sneer. "The Southern Water Tribe? They're a bunch of savages living in igloos. They're no threat to the Fire Nation."
Hiroshi shrugged, his expression unbothered. "Perhaps not. But the earth kingdom forces there are and the Avatar was last seen in the region of the South Pole. It's possible that Zhao was sent there to monitor the situation and ensure that the threats didn't resurface."
Azula's eyes narrowed further. "And yet, according to your reports, Zuko was the one who captured the Avatar. Not Zhao."
Hiroshi nodded. "Indeed. It seems that Zhao's mission was... complicated by Prince Zuko's presence."
Azula's mind raced as she considered the implications. If Zhao had been sent to the south to monitor the south's potential return, then his confrontation with Zuko made sense. But it still didn't explain why someone of Zhao's caliber would be stationed in such a remote and seemingly unimportant location. It was important enough of a reason to send a commaner, a firebender of that level towards such a weak and unimportant area.
"There's more to this," Azula said, her voice cold and sharp. "If Zhao is ambitious as you said. He wouldn't waste his time in the South unless there was something there worth his attention. What aren't you telling me, old man?"
Hiroshi's expression remained calm, but there was a flicker of something in his eyes—something that Azula couldn't quite place. "Princess, I assure you, I've told you everything I know. Zhao was sent to the South Pole to oversee the subjugation of the Southern Provinces and to monitor the situation regarding the Southern Water Tribe.. Beyond that, I cannot say. Mostly because he wasn't this capable a firebender at the time. His skills as a bender may have only recently come into bloom."
Azula's eyes narrowed, her suspicion growing. She didn't trust this old man. There was something he wasn't telling her, and she was determined to find out what it was.
"Fine," Azula said, her tone icy. "But I want every report you have on Zhao's activities in the south in addition to all the reports you have on Zuko. Everything."
Hiroshi nodded, his expression calm. "Of course, Princess. My men are already on it."
Azula turned on her heel and strode out of the office, her mind racing. The pieces of the puzzle were beginning to come together, but there were still too many unanswered questions. Zuko's sudden success, his newfound strength, the timing of his return—it all seemed too convenient. And now, there was Zhao, a powerful firebender stationed in the most remote corner of the world. What was he really doing there?
Azula was about to leave the communications tower when Hiroshi's voice called her back. "Princess, there's one more thing," he said, his tone calm but insistent.
Azula paused, her back still turned to him. She didn't turn around, but her voice was sharp. "What is it, old man?"
Hiroshi leaned forward, his hands resting on the desk. "According to the same reports that detailed the Agni Kai, Prince Zuko and his ship were seen heading in the direction of Kyoshi Island after the confrontation with Zhao. Scouts confirmed that he landed on the island a few days later and left port a few hours later, heading toward the capital."
Azula turned slowly, her golden eyes narrowing. "Kyoshi Island? What was he doing there?"
Hiroshi shrugged, his expression thoughtful. "We don't know much about what happened on Kyoshi Island, except that there was a skirmish. The details are unclear, but it seems that Zuko's men engaged with the Kyoshi Warriors. If you'd like, we can send a small team to investigate further."
Azula stood in silence for a moment, her mind racing. Kyoshi Island was a minor outpost, but it was home to the Kyoshi Warriors—a formidable group of fighters. If Zuko had engaged with them, it could mean that he was trying to cover his tracks or that he had encountered resistance in his mission to capture the Avatar. Either way, it was anothere piece of the puzzle that didn't quite fit.
"There's too much of an information gap," Azula said finally, her voice cold and calculating. "Prepare two teams of covert operatives. One team will go to Kyoshi Island, and the other will investigate the naval base where Zuko fought Zhao. I want their full reports by the time Zuko lands on the shores of this port. Do you understand?"
Hiroshi nodded, his expression calm. "Of course, Princess. I'll see to it immediately."
Azula's eyes narrowed as she studied the old man. "And make sure they're discreet. I don't want Zuko or anyone else to know that we're investigating him."
Hiroshi gave a small bow. "Understood, Princess. I'll ensure that the teams are selected from our most skilled operatives."
Azula turned on her heel and strode toward the door, her mind already racing with plans. As she reached the threshold, she paused and glanced back at Hiroshi. "And send the reports on Zhao and Zuko's movements to my private quarters in the palace. I'll be awaiting them."
Hiroshi nodded again. "It will be done, Princess."
With that, Azula left the communications tower, her golden eyes burning with determination. The pieces of the puzzle were beginning to come together, but there were still too many unanswered questions. Zuko's sudden success, his newfound strength, the timing of his return, it all seemed too convenient. And now, with the addition of Kyoshi Island and Zhao's mysterious activities, the situation was becoming even more complex.
As she stepped into her carriage, Azula's mind was already racing with plans. She would uncover the truth, no matter what it took. And if Zuko thought he could take what was rightfully hers, he was sorely mistaken.
With Azula returning to the palace, her mind focused on the task ahead. The operatives teams would soon be dispatched, and the truth about Zuko's activities would be revealed. The stage was set for a confrontation, and the stakes had never been higher.
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