Chapter 20: Doflamingo takes action?

As soon as Hawkeye announced his intention to take action, it immediately attracted the attention of many.

The positions of the three Admirals.

Initially, after witnessing Kaido kill Gecko Moriah, the Admirals were already prepared to intervene. After all, if they didn't, no one else could stop Kaido. And now, Hawkeye's interest in taking action surprised them. At the same time, they felt relieved.

Hawkeye's strength is unparalleled among the Seven Warlords of the Sea. His power is comparable to that of the Four Emperors and the Admirals. If he chooses to confront Kaido, it's believed he could at least stall him. With luck, he might even defeat Kaido.

"Hawkeye."

Sengoku was also taken aback. It seemed that Gecko Moriah's death had a significant impact on Hawkeye, motivating him to engage seriously in the battle. Even the Five Elders of Mary Geoise were watching the war remotely. After all, with this being a war between Whitebeard and Navy Headquarters, they had to keep a close eye on it. Kaido's unexpected arrival also caught their attention, confirming their intelligence.

What Kaido's motives are remains a mystery, but he's now participating in the war, adding more confusion to the situation. Although Kaido killed Gecko Moriah, they didn't show much reaction. Gecko Moriah's defeat at the hands of the Straw Hat Pirates had already brought great shame to the Seven Warlords of the Sea, and they were planning to deal with him. Kaido eliminating Moriah did them a favor in a way, but they were still unsure how to handle Kaido now.

Hawkeye's decision to take action made them optimistic.

"Is this guy Hawkeye finally going to get serious?"

"Now the war is getting interesting."

"I thought Hawkeye would just stand by and wait until everything was over."

"I didn't expect him to step up for real this time."

"Kaido is in for a challenge."

The Five Elders were quite pleased. Based on their intelligence and understanding of Hawkeye and Kaido, they believed Hawkeye's strength was on par with Kaido's. If these two clashed, Kaido would be kept in check.

…

On the Sabaody Archipelago, the news of Hawkeye confronting Kaido reignited hope.

"Hawkeye!!"

"He's stepping in—now we're saved!!"

"How different is he from Moriah? Will he meet the same fate as Moriah? After all, Kaido is terrifying…"

"No, Hawkeye is far stronger than Moriah. It's said that he cut off Red-Haired Shanks' arm. The world's greatest swordsman—his strength isn't any less than Kaido's!"

"What? Does that mean Hawkeye is stronger than Red-Haired Shanks?"

"You could say that."

"Gasp!!!"

"It turns out there's a huge gap in strength even among the Seven Warlords of the Sea."

"Hawkeye is essentially the main reason why the Seven Warlords of the Sea are considered one of the three major powers."

"Kaido's in trouble now."

"Hawkeye! Hawkeye!"

The people of Sabaody Archipelago, once overshadowed by the death of Gecko Moriah and filled with despair, now felt a renewed sense of hope and excitement. They believed Hawkeye might turn the tide and defeat Kaido.

At Marineford, countless onlookers shared their anticipation. The death of one Warlord hadn't discouraged the others; instead, it had fueled their fighting spirit.

"Hawkeye."

Kaido had already focused his gaze on Hawkeye, assessing his strength. This was no ordinary opponent—Hawkeye was indeed as formidable as Red-Haired Shanks. Ever since Shanks lost his arm, Hawkeye had refused to duel with him, further proving his might. Additionally, Hawkeye held the title of the world's strongest swordsman. In the world of pirates, the title of "the strongest" was no joke; it was a genuine testament to ability.

In the future, when the Seven Warlords system was abolished and all its members were once again wanted, Hawkeye, Crocodile, and Buggy the Clown would go on to form the Cross Guild. After Kaido and Big Mom fell to the Worst Generation, the two vacant Emperor positions would be filled—one by Luffy and the other by the Cross Guild. Hawkeye's presence was the true reason the Cross Guild was ranked among the Four Emperors. He was the only Emperor-level combat force within it, providing the credibility necessary for the title.

Of course, to the outside world, Buggy the Clown was also considered an Emperor-level fighter, potentially even surpassing Hawkeye. The "Double Emperor" status was immediately recognized as one of the Four Emperors.

From these instances, it was evident—Hawkeye was a genuine Emperor-level threat. And his biggest advantage lay in his swordsmanship. Who knew how much his skills had advanced?

Kaido, while acknowledging Hawkeye's prowess, showed no fear or hesitation. He was determined—Kaido.

Now that he possessed his own unique abilities, would a cheater ever fear anyone?

"Interesting."

Kaido was on the verge of completing his side quest of defeating three Warlords. Now, another Warlord stood before him. It was perfect. He'd complete the quest and see what reward awaited.

Boom!

In the next moment, Kaido vanished from his spot, leaving cracks like a spiderweb on the icy ground where he stood. He had launched himself into the air.

Kaido crossed the towering naval defense line and landed directly at the location of the Seven Warlords of the Sea.

This sight terrified many.

"Kaido…"

"Everyone, get back!!!"

The elite Navy officers shouted, and the crowd instinctively retreated.

There was no other option. The world's strongest creature and the world's greatest swordsman were about to clash. Anyone else who approached would just be throwing their life away.

At the position of the Seven Warlords of the Sea, they looked up at the figure descending from the sky.

The oppressive aura suddenly engulfed the area. Though neither used Conqueror's Haki, everyone could feel the intense pressure.

The Pirate Empress, Boa Hancock, immediately flipped backward, putting distance between herself and the impact. Even Bartholomew Kuma, usually so calm, moved out of the way.

Hawkeye watched Kaido's descent with a serious expression.

Doflamingo's face twisted in despair.

Damn it!!

Kaido is coming straight for us!!

I really want to scream.

Hawkeye doesn't even have any grudges with Kaido—why did he provoke him?

Are your legs paralyzed?!?

For a moment, Doflamingo was frozen in fear, unable to move.

There was nothing he could do.

He had met Kaido privately before. The psychological scars left by that encounter still haunted him.

And now, he was even more terrified.

The surrounding Navy officers were stunned by the scene before them.

Then, countless voices of admiration erupted.

"Mr. Doflamingo, stand firm!!"

"What?"

"Is Doflamingo going to team up with Hawkeye to take on Kaido?"

"Amazing! Hawkeye is already on par with Kaido. With Doflamingo joining in, Kaido is as good as done!"

Cheers filled the air.

Over in the Sabaody Archipelago, similar excited voices echoed.

"Doflamingo didn't back down!"

"While the Empress and Kuma retreated, Doflamingo stood his ground."

"It must be true—the rumor that Doflamingo and Kaido are rivals in the New World! He's planning to join forces with Hawkeye to take down Kaido!!"

"Doflamingo!!!"

Countless shouts of admiration for Doflamingo rang out.

And all the voices cheering for him at Marineford made his scalp tingle.

What's going on?

Why is everyone around me making up such nonsense?!

I'm terrified out of my mind!

I don't want to stay and fight Kaido!

Why is everyone putting words in my mouth and making me look like Kaido's enemy? Are they trying to get me killed?

This is absurd!!!