in japanese , u can't know if they refer to a single or plural , this thing is known and said by credible translators here based on context ; like how when Zoro attacked with Hiryu kaen , BM said don't understimate but who him ( Zoro ) or them ( RT 5 ) ? it's all about context , in that moment it's all about s shark , draw ur conclusion the way u want .
Like i said why tf would they send S Hawk and S snake while they weren't fully tested , it's like sending some pacifista which aren't even completed to fight in battlefield to get destroyed LMAOO while same mfs cry about the cost of building a single one