"Austin..."
Feeling that suffocatingly powerful Conqueror's Haki, Roger froze for a moment, even forgetting to check on Shanks, who had been kicked to the ground.
It was not just Roger.
Nearly every powerful fighter still conscious stared at that figure in shock.
They recalled the World Economic News Paper's assessment of Austin in his younger days.
A genius who inspired despair, with a monster-like physique, a wielder of exceptionally powerful Three types of Haki, and a Devil Fruit ability that gave him absolute control over the flow of battle.
A leading figure of the New Era, seemingly cultivated by Roger, possessing absolute strength.
Judging from the bearing and potential he had displayed,
he would likely hold absolute dominion over the world's top powerhouses for at least the next thirty years!
Thirty years?
That number was probably difficult to say now...
The entire battlefield fell silent. Only Austin's footsteps lightly struck everyone's hearts.
Surrounded by distorted black spatial power and wrapped in black-red lightning storms, the tall figure walked step by step toward Shanks.
The once awe-inspiring Shanks could only kneel on one knee, clutching the spot Austin had kicked with a pained expression as blood spilled from his mouth.
"Shanks!!!"
"Boss!!!"
The Red-Haired Pirates immediately grew tense at the sight.
Even Beckman, who had been calmly smoking, broke into a cold sweat and leaped down from the mast.
But before he could get close,
a sharp flash of cold light blocked his path. It was the back of a man who looked like a nobleman, landing directly before him.
The man slowly turned around, adjusted his hat, then suddenly drew the black blade from his back—the blade that symbolized the World's Strongest Swordsman.
"[Hawk Eyes]..."
Beckman's expression darkened.
But Mihawk merely stared at him coldly.
"Matters between Bosses are not