They traveled aboard the Water Tribe's great wooden warships, ten in all, with more than enough room for two hundred people. But compared to the Fire Nation's Iron Warships, they were as frail as underdeveloped infants. Facing them head-on would be like smashing eggs against a rock.
In the past, when Hakoda led his fleet against the Fire Nation, he could only resort to guerrilla tactics and boarding actions. Fighting head-on was completely out of the question.
But things were different now. After organizing their fighting strength, Hakoda discovered that their group seemed far stronger than ordinary.
The voyage from Chameleon Bay to their destination, Azulon Bay, would take three days. The ideal outcome would be to encounter no Fire Nation fleets along the way and arrive safely.
But the more they hoped for smooth sailing, the less smoothly things tended to go.
After one uneventful day of travel, they inevitably began encountering Fire Nation warships on the second day.
"A Fire Nation fleet has appeared ahead to port. They aren't on our course, but they might spot us if we keep going."
Kahn ended his Meditation, opened his eyes, and reported to Hakoda.
Spiritbenders could use Spirit Projection to send their souls high into the sky and see farther, spotting enemy forces sooner and faster so they could respond in advance. At sea, it could well be called a divine skill.
As the only two Spiritbenders, he and Aang took turns keeping watch during the voyage.
Hakoda considered this for a moment before giving an order.
"Have the Waterbenders raise a thick fog. We'll advance under cover."
"Yes!"
As the order went out, twenty-two Waterbenders, including Katara and Aang, exerted their power together. Thick mist instantly erupted from the sea around the fleet, then spread outward, finally forming a