It's not really in Josh's nature to fight women, especially not princesses (that's a low blow both to his upbringing -and- his personal tenets), but you don't exactly get to pick your opponents around this place. That said, he's seen Princess Peach's record so he's not about to hold back for the sake of chivalry! After all, this unassuming pink lady is more than capable of taking care of herself (don't doubt the might of the frying pan). What the question really is here, though, is if her healing and tricks can deal with Joshua's blinding speed and damage. Quite honestly, with the ever looming threat of a swordmaster critical, she'll need to do whatever she's going to do fast or it will simply be too late. A swordmaster's offense is just this quick and deadly.