Chapter 434: Hawkins

The weight of a Fleet Admiral-level power speaks for itself; even the World Government could not ignore it.

The bloodline factor obtained by the World Government from S-Dragon likely came two years ago.

Either from the battle in Seven Water City, or from the fight where Gao Wen faced Xia Mu and Big Mom together.

But.

Such a being now only barely piques Gao Wen’s interest.

Yet to those who follow this battle—especially those aware of the World Government’s plans—S-Dragon is nothing short of a potent drug!

Within Britannias.

Drake and his group sat in a tavern, watching the projection of the World Martial Arts Tournament.

Even though S-Dragon had vanished down the corridor, his gaze did not waver an inch.

As a former Marine Vice Admiral, Drake was certainly not unaware of the Peacekeeper Project.

But to achieve this level? It far exceeded his expectations!

“Peacekeepers… no, are they Seraphim?!”

“Before I left the Marines, this was still just a plan on paper—how could it be completed in such a short time?!”

“And…”

“Could it have grown this powerful?!”

Drake’s gaze sharpened.

He had never fought a Seraphim, so he could not judge its exact power level.

But Drake knew Qingjiao.

The lord of the Eight Treasures Navy, dominant in the West Blue, Qingjiao had once been a candidate for the Seven Warlords—until interference from the King of Flower Kingdom blocked his selection.

Merely appearing on the Seven Warlords’ shortlist was proof of his strength.

According to Britannias’ internal power rankings, that placed him between high-gold and low-legendary tier—power sufficient to be called a monster.

Yet such a being couldn’t survive a single strike from S-Dragon; the Conqueror’s Haki released in that instant was even visible to the naked eye.

Is my undercover mission still necessary?!

Drake lowered his head into deep thought.

Yesterday, he received orders from the Marines.

The mission objective had changed.

No longer targeting the Beasts Pirates in Wano, but instead infiltrating Britannias and doing everything possible to become a Round Table Knight, a core figure of Britannias.

Only then could Gao Wen’s movements remain under constant Marine surveillance.

Britannias has now become a colossal force capable of threatening the World Government—even Mary Geoise dares not act rashly.

As Drake pondered,

Hawkins pushed open the tavern curtain and strode toward him, sitting down to say:

“Still haven’t decided? Joining Britannias benefits neither me nor you.”

“I foresaw the omen of an era’s shift—the next era belongs not to the World Government, not to the Marines, not to the Celestial Dragons.”

“You know what that means.”

As he spoke,

Hawkins stared at Drake, his eyes brimming with unmistakable anticipation.

He had pulled Drake onto Britannias’ ship for his own calculations.

It was easy to foresee: after this tournament ends, pirates eager to board Gao Wen’s vessel will flood in like fish crossing a river.

After all, anyone with even a shred of vision can see the Four Emperors are relics of the past—now only the World Government and Britannias remain.

Under World Government bounty, joining Britannias has become nearly the only option, yet rising under Gao Wen will grow increasingly difficult.

Thus Hawkins needed allies—Drake, far more reliable than the other Extreme Generations, was his best choice.

Seeing no reaction from Drake, Hawkins continued:

“Just now, I performed a divination for you.”

Drake looked up, intrigued:

“What’s the result?!”

“Seven of Swords.”

“Though it symbolizes betrayal, concealment, deception…

Hawkins locked eyes with Drake, his gaze piercing as if seeing through his very soul:

“Have you truly betrayed the Marines?!”

In the next instant,

A white flash shot through the air—without warning, Drake lunged, swinging his axe horizontally toward Hawkins’ head.

Ding—!

Axe met blade in midair, sparks flying.

Hawkins blocked the axe with perfect control, his expression unshaken, even growing more confident.

If his earlier divination had merely planted doubt,

Now he was certain: Drake had not truly betrayed the Marines—he had another purpose. After all, spies and moles were nothing new on this sea.

Ignoring Drake’s grim expression, Hawkins continued:

“The only forces in the New World that can make the World Government wary are a handful.”

“After Whitebeard’s death, Ace is no longer a threat.”

“Red-Haired Shanks roams without a fixed base, posing little danger to the World Government.”

“That leaves only the Beasts Pirates and Britannias.”

“But from your reaction just now, eliminating Britannias means your goal is to infiltrate the Beasts Pirates.”

“Am I right?!”

Roar—!

A bellow erupted from Drake’s mouth; the soundwave struck Hawkins head-on, hurling him through the tavern wall and sending him flying dozens of meters before he barely stabilized.

When Hawkins turned, he saw Drake transformed into an Allosaurus, jaws wide, lunging to devour him!

In that moment, Drake’s heart held only killing intent!

Overwhelming killing intent!

Hawkins’ divination could foresee an opponent’s hidden cards—meaning almost no secret could escape him.

If he didn’t kill Hawkins here, once Hawkins joined Britannias, the Marines’ troubles would be immense.

Hawkins’ expression remained calm; he brushed dust from his clothes, a confident smile curling on his lips:

“You think… I didn’t foresee this?!”

Drake’s killing intent did not waver:

“So what if you did? Today, only one of us walks out alive!”

“Is that so…”

Hawkins pointed toward the street behind Drake:

“Then take a look at what’s coming.”

“Stop!”

A roar came from behind—Drake’s breath hitched, yet his motion didn’t slow, even accelerated.

He had decided: even if he died here, he’d kill this monster. But the next instant, a voice exploded in his ear:

“White Serpent—Eight-Headed Dragon Head!”

White smoke erupted, instantly engulfing several surrounding blocks; countless black serpent heads tore through the mist, lunging to bite Drake!

Hiss!

Hiss!

Hiss—!

Fanged jaws pierced Drake’s dragon body, coiling tightly around him.

Even Drake, an Extreme Generation, was immobilized!

Straining to look back, he saw a wildly styled motorcycle speeding toward him.

It was Smoker, now serving as Bevill’s deputy.

After three months of training, Smoker had shattered the Silver-tier barrier and truly entered the Gold-tier—the realm of titans—and dealing with Drake was child’s play.