The Fleet Admiral Who Doesn't Backstab Isn't a Good Fleet Admiral

Shallow Sea Contract—

Imu's dog leash.

At least, that was what Austin believed.

Whether it was the Five Elders, the Knights of God, or even Shanks and Harald, they had all once been branded with this mark.

Over time, those branded would silently become Imu's dogs in ways even they themselves found hard to notice.

Unable to defy orders.

"Are you an idiot?"

"You actually let something like that latch onto you..."

Austin stood in the sky. With a casual gesture, a mass of black, shadow-like substance appeared before him.

"It's the same thing that pierced that guy Rocks back then..."

"Is that so? Then it really isn't anything good, huh~"

Everything happened in an instant.

Yet compared to the conversation between the two, everyone's attention was clearly focused elsewhere.

"H-He... he blew up Vice Admiral Austin's arm!!!"

"No way! They looked evenly matched just a moment ago!!!"

"As expected... Lord Austin of the Navy can't beat Lord Austin the pirate?!!!"

In the distance, Borsalino's hands shone with dazzling light as he struggled to block the kick from [Demon King Gale Kick · Austin]. His pupils suddenly contracted.

A rare trace of composure broke across that lecherous face.

A sense of incongruity rose within him.

It was like when every member of the Straw Hat Crew in Wano Country had their expressions collapse after seeing their Wanted Posters—an expression utterly at odds with their usual character.

"What kind of joke is this!!!"

"Austin actually!!!"

Borsalino had always been someone cold on the outside and warm within. Though he looked as if he cared about nothing, his friends had always held a place in his heart.

Just like when Vegapunk died, and he broke down as he furiously lashed out at Sakazuki.

Austin was also a friend he had known for