"Hawkeye, you're unwilling to accept this too, aren't you?" Crocodile said.
Hawkeye said nothing, but the Sword Intent radiating from him grew sharper. Though he truly had no desire to contend with the world, that was only because he cared about nothing but the sword.
Yet there were ultimately men in this world who could stir his heart—and there were two of them.
If it had been anyone else, he would have felt nothing. But Shanks and Ryan were entirely different.
They were obstacles he had to overcome to become the world's greatest swordsman.
He had his own pride as well. Both Shanks and Ryan had invited him aboard their ships, and without exception, he had refused them all.
Hawkeye Mihawk would never submit to anyone!
"Let's join forces, Hawkeye!" Crocodile suddenly said.
"Join forces?"
Thinking about the strength of Crocodile's side, Hawkeye fell into contemplation.
He wanted to determine a victor between himself, Ryan, and Shanks—and as opponents, not friends.
"Boss! This is bad!!!"
Just then, the subordinate who had left moments ago came running back in a panic.
"What is it?"
Crocodile glared unhappily at the subordinate before him. The atmosphere had been interrupted, and he was furious. Just moments ago, Hawkeye had seemed tempted.
"The Ma... the Marines are here!"
Before he could finish speaking, a massive Magma Fist appeared in the distance.
The screams of his men followed right after it.
"Marine Admiral—Akainu!" Hawkeye immediately recognized the man he had fought before.
"Why would he come here? Is he trying to establish his authority?" Crocodile's expression turned extremely grim, as if he had realized something.
Ryan and Shanks had just caused a huge disturbance, and the Marines had arrived at his base. On top of that, he had previously rejected the invitation to become a Shichibukai.