"Captain, leave this to me."
Ye Chen had just restrained Smoker and was at a loss for what to do when Kuro's voice came from behind him.
Ye Chen nodded, then turned to Smoker. "Smoker, you'd better understand the situation you're in. Charging in blindly won't solve anything."
Ye Chen's words fell on deaf ears. Smoker didn't even blink. He just glared at him, his eyes so red they seemed ready to burst into flames.
If looks could kill, Smoker would have burned Ye Chen to death on the spot.
Only when Kuro came over did Ye Chen let go. Smoker still had enough sense not to attack again.
He turned to Kuro and snorted. "What is there for a Pirate and a Marine to talk about?"
"Smoker, you need to understand that our captain saved your life. Even if you're a Marine, you can't repay kindness with betrayal."
As he spoke, Kuro flicked his wrist and tossed out a Cat Claw. The gleaming blade landed right in front of Smoker, its edge glinting coldly.
"If you don't want to owe a Pirate, give your life back to our captain right now. After that, if you still want to hunt us down, no one will say a word."
"Hey, Kuro, if he gives his life back to the captain, won't he be dead? How's he supposed to stay a Marine and catch Pirates then?"
Gin, who was at the helm, burst out laughing at Kuro's words.
Smoker's expression shifted. He looked from Kuro to the Cat Claw on the deck, unsure what to do.
A Marine indebted to a Pirate—Smoker felt both furious and humiliated.
But when it came to killing himself to repay Ye Chen, Smoker couldn't bring himself to do it.
"What's wrong? Can't do it?"
Kuro glanced