Tsunade leaped off the reef and landed firmly on the merchant ship's deck.
She looked at Amamiya Maki, a note of approval in her voice.
"Your tactics looked reckless, like a suicide charge, but every move exploited an error in your opponent's judgment."
"First, you used a decoy to draw out their opening volley."
"A textbook case of luring the enemy in and striking second."
Amamiya Maki raised his hand and lightly shook off the lingering traces of chakra in his palm, looking utterly exasperated.
"Lady Tsunade, when you're complimenting someone, could you leave out the word 'suicide'? It sounds more like an insult."
"I was simply stating the facts." Tsunade remained composed, refusing to give an inch.
[Detected: host has caused mental pressure to "Tsunade"] [Pressure Points +8]
The gray-haired, middle-aged merchant hurried over to them on the deck.
A few bloodstains dotted his short jacket, but fortunately, he himself was unharmed.
Facing them, he solemnly pressed his palms together and bowed deeply.
"I am Uzumaki Chen, the man in charge of this merchant ship. Might I ask your names, honored shinobi?"
"Senju Nawaki," Nawaki answered first.
"Kushina Uzumaki," Kushina gave her name softly.
Tsunade introduced herself next.
The smile on Uzumaki Chen's face froze instantly.
The shrewd affability typical of a merchant vanished, replaced entirely by profound shock and awe.
He bent at the waist and bowed again.
This bow was far deeper and more respectful than the last.
"Princess Tsunade of the Land of Fire herself! What could my humble merchant ship possibly have done to deserve your personal rescue?"
"You know me?" Tsunade asked mildly, raising her eyes.
"I am a merchant native to the Land of Whirlpools. I have traded between the Land of Whirlpools and the Land of Fire for years."
"The