Momonosuke took a deep breath, forcibly suppressing his fear of Gern's casual glance, and tried to look as meek and harmless as possible.
He approached with tiny steps and spoke in what he thought was his most endearing child's voice.
"H-hello, Uncle Gern. I'm not a pirate. My name is Momonosuke, but you can call me Momo!"
"Momonosuke?" The corner of Gern's mouth rose ever so slightly, so quickly that it was almost impossible to catch.
Then he smoothed it away, turned back, and studied the brat with feigned indifference. "You're not a pirate?
"True enough. I don't think I've ever seen your face on a Marine wanted poster."
"That's right!" Seeing Gern respond, Momonosuke's eyes instantly lit up. A glimmer of hope appeared, and he hurried to emphasize his point.
"I'm still a child! How could I possibly be a pirate?"
Before he had even finished speaking, Gern slapped him with the back of his hand!
Smack!
The sharp sound echoed along the shore. The blow spun Momonosuke around on the spot before he stumbled and fell.
"Fuck, if you're not a pirate, am I supposed to be one?" Gern shook his hand, his face full of disgust.
"I saw the way you burrowed into Nami's chest just now. Is that how a normal kid behaves?
"Who the hell knows if you're actually a dwarf? There's all kinds of weird shit out on the seas!"
Momonosuke sat sprawled on the ground, clutching his cheek, utterly stunned.
"Uncle Gern, he really is a child," Nami stepped in to explain.
"Oh! So that's how it is! I thought he was some dwarf! You should've said so sooner!"
"But..." Gern narrowed his eyes slightly, scrutinizing him.
"While I was fishing just now, I think I heard you say... the Mink Tribe were