Under Smoker's strange gaze—
Kurrin's irritation only grew.
He gritted his teeth.
"You're really not worried about that kid?"
"Aren't you afraid he'll die?"
"So this is Marine justice?"
"Cold. Heartless. Disgusting."
Smoker's eyes flickered.
"You can send your men."
He spoke casually.
After all—
he had never seen someone so eager to die.
That "five-year-old kid"—
was Kai.
The most terrifying prodigy in Marine history.
A monster of the sea.
A five-year-old with Vice Admiral-level strength.
Just days ago—
he had single-handedly captured Whitebeard Jr.
And now?
These pirates wanted to attack him?
Smoker silently observed a moment of silence for them.
Three minutes.
"You're that confident?"
"That my men can't handle a mere five-year-old?"
Kurrin grew restless.
Even with a Seastone weapon—
he couldn't take down Smoker quickly.
So he tried to force an opening.
But Smoker didn't bite.
"Stop talking."
"Go ahead."
"Send them."
Smoker said impatiently.
"You—!"
Kurrin was furious.
"Fine!"
"You asked for it!"
"You think I don't dare?!"
He roared.
Then shouted to his crew:
"All of you!"
"Kill that five-year-old outside the battlefield!"
"He's the key!"
"Capture him—and the Marines will surrender!"
"Move!"
Instantly—
dozens of pirates turned.
They saw Kai.
A small, five-year-old child.
Weak-looking.
Harmless.
They grinned.
"So there's a kid hiding here!"
"Didn't even notice him before!"
"He looks like he'd drop from one punch!"
"Capture him!"
"Don't let him escape!"
Thirty to fifty pirates broke off—
rushing toward Kai.
The cadets saw everything.
And fell silent.
"…They're serious?"
"They really chose him?"
"…Are they always this brave?"
"They picked the wrong target."
"They have no idea what they're about to face."
"They're dead."
"Why him of all people…?"
"That's not bravery."
"That's suicide."
Even Tina looked at the pirates—
like they were idiots.
"They're finished."
She already knew the outcome.
Kai wouldn't interfere in the trial—
but if attacked?
That was a different story.
Meanwhile—
the Marines from the branch noticed too.
"Colonel, should we intervene?"
"That's just a child!"
Trull hesitated.
"That boy…"
"…is not ordinary."
"If Admiral Zephyr allowed him here—there's a reason."
"Hold position."
Even so—
he wasn't fully convinced.
Then—
Zephyr arrived at the battlefield edge.
And saw—
dozens of pirates surrounding Kai.
He fell silent.
Then sighed.
"…Wouldn't it be better to stay alive?"
"Why would you go out of your way…"
"…to provoke a monster?"'
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