Mihawk approached with his sword in hand, speaking in such an inexplicable manner that Claudius was momentarily dumbfounded. What was he even talking about? Could he at least be a little clearer?
Speaking of confessions, Claudius suddenly froze. In his memory, didn't Imu also have eyes like a hawk?
Thinking about Mihawk's mysterious background, how he seemingly emerged from an island that had long since fallen and rose rapidly to become the world's strongest swordsman, it all seemed rather suspicious.
In his past life, there had been rumors speculating that Mihawk had some kind of connection to Imu, but Claudius had never taken them seriously. However, now that Mihawk had suddenly appeared like this, Claudius couldn't help but be surprised.
Could it be…?
His expression darkened slightly at the thought. Mihawk noticed the change and became even more convinced, this bastard really was plotting against him!
Still, Claudius held onto a sliver of hope. Maybe this was all just a misunderstanding?
His expression softened, and he asked, "Did you misunderstand something?"
"Hmph, there's no misunderstanding. I heard everything just now!" Mihawk snorted coldly, his sharp gaze fixed on Claudius like a hawk hunting its prey.
"You heard everything?" Claudius raised an eyebrow, his tone growing serious.
The reason he had been speaking quietly in Mihawk's presence wasn't because he wanted to target him—it was just that Mihawk was there, so he was treated as part of the background, a mere bystander.
But somehow, despite all his calculations, Mihawk had still managed to overhear something? And now it seemed like he was really connected to Imu?
"Yes, I heard it all loud and clear. I thought we were friends, but I never expected you to treat me like this… plotting against me," Mihawk said coldly.
The sword aura in his hand surged, ready to strike at any moment.
The rest of the people in the room exchanged confused glances. They had no idea what Mihawk was talking about. What was this about targeting Mihawk? No one had even mentioned him! What exactly had he heard?
Just as the confusion deepened, Claudius stood up, looked at Mihawk, and said, "This is a bit unfortunate… but in that case, we are enemies."
"You overheard our plans, Mihawk. I can't let you leave now."
"If you want to blame someone, blame fate."
"I never expected you to be from Imu's side."
"Tell me, is he your father? Grandfather? Or ancestor?"
The moment Claudius finished speaking, Doflamingo and the others' expressions shifted dramatically. What the hell?! Mihawk is connected to Imu?!
Although they had no idea how Claudius had confirmed this, since he said it, they didn't question it. Their killing intent rose, and the atmosphere grew tense.
Doflamingo took a step to the left, while Crocodile's sand began to swirl ominously to the right, subtly positioning themselves to surround Mihawk.
Meanwhile, Mihawk himself was utterly bewildered. What the hell? Imu? What is this guy even talking about?!
"Aren't you guys plotting how to get rid of me, the only independent Warlord left?" Mihawk asked, genuinely confused, as he subtly adjusted his stance to avoid being boxed in by Crocodile and Doflamingo.
Claudius, who had been prepared to attack at any moment, suddenly hesitated. Wait… what?
Didn't this guy just say he "heard everything clearly"? Why was he now acting like he had no idea what Imu was?
Claudius frowned. If Mihawk had been afraid, he wouldn't have stepped forward so boldly in the first place.
Back in his past life, he had dismissed the rumors as nonsense. But Mihawk jumping out like this had made him reconsider. However, judging by Mihawk's expression now… could it really just be a misunderstanding?
Having been friends for so long, Claudius felt like he had a decent grasp of Mihawk's personality. He didn't seem like the type to fold under pressure so easily. If he were truly working for Imu, he wouldn't be acting like this.
Claudius raised a hand, signaling Doflamingo and the others to stop. Then he asked in a deep voice, "What exactly did you hear just now?"
"You're actually asking me that? You all excluded me and started talking about who you were going to kill. Who else could you have been talking about besides me?" Mihawk said bluntly.
Claudius was momentarily speechless.
Doflamingo, on the other hand, burst out laughing. Crocodile scoffed, clicking his tongue in annoyance. "Ridiculous."
Nevertheless, he withdrew his swirling sand. Enel, Kuma, Hancock, and the others also retracted their killing intent and settled back into their seats, all looking at Mihawk like he was an idiot.
The sudden shift in atmosphere left Mihawk feeling a bit lost. What the hell just happened?
Had he really misheard?
Thinking back carefully… no one had actually said his name.
And who the hell was this "Imu" anyway? Claudius and the others were treating this person like an absolute big shot, but Mihawk had never even heard of them before.
Claudius finally snapped out of his daze and laughed. "What were you thinking?"
He then mimicked Mihawk's earlier tone, deliberately saying, "I thought we were friends… but now I see, there's no trust between us at all. So this is what 'estrangement' feels like, huh?"
Mihawk was visibly embarrassed now. Judging from everyone's reaction, it really seemed like this had been a complete misunderstanding.
Lowering his sword slightly, he muttered, "Then what exactly are you guys planning? Why are you hiding things from me?"
"It's not that we're hiding it from you," Claudius replied, shaking his head. "I just didn't want to drag you into this mess."
"I'm a Warlord of the Sea. No matter how powerful this 'Imu' is, even if they're some terrifying pirate or ruler, it's still my duty to assist CP-X with operations. In other words, I'm already on your side. So why are you acting like I'm not involved? Besides… aren't we friends? If you're facing something this serious, why wouldn't I help?" Mihawk said, sheathing his sword this time.
"Damn, weren't you just talking about 'estrangement' a second ago?" Claudius teased. Then, after a brief pause, his expression turned serious. "Since you're asking sincerely, I'll tell you the truth."
With that, Claudius stopped keeping secrets from Mihawk and laid everything out for him.
Mihawk's expression shifted multiple times as he listened, his understanding of the world being shaken to its core.
A long silence followed.
Finally, Mihawk swallowed and asked, "...If I say I want to get off this boat now, is it too late?"
Claudius smiled kindly, patted Mihawk's shoulder, and said, "Come on, after I just shared such a huge secret with you, how could you walk away? Besides… didn't you just say we were friends?"
"I think a little estrangement would actually be good for our friendship," Mihawk said bitterly.
"Don't say that! I've always thought of you as a dear brother! Welcome aboard!" Claudius laughed, shutting down any chance of Mihawk escaping.
Initially, Claudius hadn't intended to drag Mihawk into this mess. But since Mihawk had thrown himself in, there was no helping it.
Doflamingo and the others, amused by Mihawk's misfortune, began clapping in mock celebration, officially welcoming him onto their sinking ship.
Meanwhile, Mihawk wanted nothing more than to slap himself.
Why? Why did I have to be so damn curious?
Was this what it felt like to jump straight into a pit?
***
This book is complete. Support me on Patreon to read all advanced chapters: patreon.com/Blownleaves.