Though he harbored such thoughts, Austin ultimately did not say them aloud.
After all, there was still some time before then.
Everything could still be changed.
As the voyage continued, the pirate ships flying the Rocks Pirates' flag finally arrived at Hachinosu Island.
This was a paradise for pirates.
It was also the true headquarters of Rocks, the "Pirate King" in every practical sense.
"Look!!!"
"The captains are back!!!"
The villains slung their arms around one another's shoulders, all looking toward the returning pirate ships.
"I heard they went to settle things with the Roger Pirates. If it was those captains, then the other side must have been completely wiped out!!!"
The Rocks Pirates at this time could be called an "evil all-star team."
Nearly every famous pirate on the seas had joined this pirate crew.
And the captains were the most terrifying handful among them.
"Look, that man among the captains!!!"
At that moment, someone noticed a young man with Black Long Hair mixed in among Whitebeard and the others.
He seemed utterly unmoved by the sight of Hachinosu Island, his calm eyes fixed ahead.
Faced with hostile gazes, some even malicious toward his youthful appearance,
Austin merely cast them a casual glance.
"Did he look over here? That newcomer..."
One of the Rocks Pirates' old hands noticed Austin's gaze.
Then—
"Pwah!!!"
A violent explosion erupted amid the villains, the shockwave blasting straight toward the sea.
It plowed a massive pit hundreds of meters long and dozens of meters wide into the ground.
Every Rocks Pirates underling who had looked down on him broke out in cold sweat.
"What was that!!!"
"A Devil Fruit user? But with just one look... isn't that way too outrageous!!!"
"He gave such a warning over just a glance? The Rocks Pirates have gained