So not only is it confirmed that Mihawk essentially ground pounded the marines until they tapped out and gave him immunity, Crocodile also approached him to form an equal partnership, rather than looking for a cheap pawn he could manipulate.
Croc could probably easily get Weevil and twist Bakkin around his finger with empty promises about the Whitebeard Pirates. But no he went straight to Mihawk knowing he was as shrewd as Croc, but also strong enough to give Cross Guild emperor-level credibility. Even the Marines subconsciously know that Mihawk is real emperor, since when have we seen a so-called subordinate get a higher bounty than his ‘leader’?
Brannew be smoking that good shit but I’ll forgive him for this. The Godhawk only wishes to live in peace after all.