After Zuko's coronation as the new Fire Lord, Ukano remained loyal to Ozai and claimed him to be the rightful head of state. Deeming Zuko a traitorous usurper, he declined an offer to join the Fire Lord's cabinet and founded the New Ozai Society instead under the firm belief that the Fire Nation was better off under Ozai's rule. He recruited several of Ozai's loyalists, including Satoru's parents, who felt that Zuko did not have his people's best interests at heart.