Under the guard of the Tolowa hunters, the exploration fleet rested for three days at the Redwood Tribe, yet never entered the tribe's village. Chief Big Wood of the Redwood Tribe appeared twice in all, wanting to discuss matters with the fleet and trade for more useful Bronze Weapons.
"What do you want? We don't have much grain, so we can't trade it to you. But freshly caught fish and shrimp can be exchanged!..."
At their first meeting, Chief Big Wood's eyes were still filled with wariness.
"And if you plot against the tribe's village, hunting grounds, and fields... then it will be a fight until one side is dead!"
"Mm..."
Exploration Captain Zuwaro was somewhat speechless. He rubbed the space between his brows and said with a smile, "I hear your Redwood Tribe has many outstanding hunters who know the ways of surviving in the forest and the northern lands! We will continue north. Could we hire some hunters and guides to set out with the fleet?"
Hearing the hunter Tou's translation, Chief Big Wood's eyes went wide, and he roared in fury.
"Impossible! Absolutely impossible! Warriors and hunters are the roots of the tribe! Tribe that rides Longships, don't even think of tricking away the roots of the Redwood Tribe!"
"Uh..."
Hunter Tou hesitated for a while before translating tactfully, "The chief doesn't like warriors leaving the tribe, nor does he agree to exchange people for weapons... Mm, I owe the southern shaman a favor, so I can go north with you and serve as a translator..."
"But I absolutely will not conduct any exchanges for you with the hostile Leaf Grass Tribe! Mm... you must also agree to ask Cedar Shaman for a few more portions of herbs for me!..."
At this point, hunter Tou looked at