(T/N: There is now a p.atreon for this work, and any new work I add will be dropped there first. check it out for an early release of up to 30 chapters edited smoothly. https://www.p.atreon.com/INeedRest)
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On the ship of the Spades Pirates.
After entering the New World, the Spades Pirates were cruising smoothly.
They encountered only a few minor pirates and some routine sea storms, managing to reach the waters near the Whitebeard Pirates without major trouble.
Through a few notable battles led by Sasuke and Ace, the reputation of the Spades Pirates had spread far and wide.
People soon caught wind of Ace's goal to challenge Whitebeard, and many were eager to see the outcome.
Every so often, ambitious newcomers would try their luck in these territories.
Feeling the pressure of the upcoming battle, the crew trained rigorously.
Even their usual festive banquets became less frequent.
Under Sasuke's strict guidance, Ace's skills were far sharper than in the past; he could now wield Conqueror's Haki with greater control. Yet, Sasuke knew it wasn't enough.
After all, they were about to face Whitebeard—the so-called strongest man in the world.
But Sasuke's thoughts soon wandered elsewhere.
"Shocking news! Another Uchiha Appears and attacks Warlord Doflamingo!"
The headline and the accompanying image captured Sasuke's attention.
The figure in the red armor was unforgettable. It was the same man who once nearly killed him: his ancestor—Uchiha Madara.
"Is this Colt's idea of a punishment?" Sasuke muttered, his grip on the newspaper tightening.
For the first time in a long while, a sense of urgency stirred within him. He knew that the current Madara had lost the Six Paths' powers and was at the same level as those with the Eternal Mangekyō Sharingan.
No—Madara even had the Rinnegan, a considerable edge over most.
But it was still Madara…
Despite that, Sasuke's pride refused to let him feel intimidated. His blood boiled at the thought of a showdown between the two of them.
"Then come. Let's see who the strongest Uchiha truly is!" His eyes blazed with fighting spirit as he gazed into the distance.
"Hey, Sasuke! I think my Mera-Mera no Mi powers have increased once again. Let's spar!" Ace's boisterous laughter from another part of the ship broke the intense mood.
"This idiot…" Sasuke muttered, though he couldn't help but crack a smile as he moved to meet him.
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In a different part of the New World, Uchiha Madara stood atop the head of a colossal Sea King, speeding through the waters with ease.
'Did Doflamingo lie to me?'
Logically, he should have crossed paths with Sasuke by now.
But for reasons unknown, it seemed that he couldn't reach the place. He doubted if Doflamingo had lied to him.
But what he didn't know, was that he was just lost…
Years of experience in the shinobi world had given Madara sharp senses and excellent navigational instincts, yet the Grand Line was an entirely different beast without a permanent log pose to guide him. After some time, he finally spotted a small island and directed the Sea King toward it.
Meanwhile, on the island, a gathering of seasoned pirates noticed his approach.
"You feel that?" Beckman asked, taking a final puff of his cigar and setting down his food.
He clapped his hands clean and prepared to face the newcomer.
"Yeah, a powerful presence. Haki like that is hard to miss," Shanks replied with an intrigued smile.
"Alright, everyone! It looks like we have a visitor!"
"Or perhaps an enemy?" someone muttered, sparking laughter among the Red-Haired Pirates.
"Let's take a look. Who knows, we might make a new friend today!" Shanks said, brushing off the banter as he led the way.
Beckman cocked his gun, following close behind, with the rest of the crew eagerly tagging along.
When the two groups finally met, Madara's eyes narrowed as he took in Shanks' appearance.
"Red hair, huh? I hate red hair the most," he said with a scowl.
A flash of a woman's face crossed Madara's mind. His memories soured his mood further.
Shanks' welcoming smile faltered for a moment, unaccustomed to being disliked simply for his hair color.
"What's wrong with red hair? It's charismatic!" he replied, bemused.
Beckman chuckled under his breath, seeing his captain's unusual reaction.
Though Shanks often faced challenges, he rarely had someone take issue with something as trivial as his appearance.
Beckman spoke up, keeping a wary eye on Madara.
"You're Uchiha Madara, right? What brings you to our territory?"
He had researched Madara after the man's confrontation with Doflamingo and knew him to be an unpredictable force, powerful and undaunted.
Breaking into their domain so brazenly… was it an act of defiance?
Madara raised an eyebrow at Beckman, his voice dripping with disdain.
"And who are you to question me?"
Shanks' smile dropped, his gaze sharpening.
"Friend, it's one thing to insult me, but it's quite another to disrespect my crew, especially my right-hand man."
Shing! Shing! Shing!
In a flash, the Red-Haired Pirates drew their weapons, the weight of their presence pressing down on Madara.
The tension crackled in the air as each member fixed a steely gaze on the intruder.
Madara scoffed, arms crossed as he looked down upon them.
"Respect? And who are you supposed to be to deserve my respect?" He scanned them all with disdain, unimpressed by the display.
With basic knowledge of the world's hierarchy, Madara knew that the red-haired man before him was Shanks, one of the Four Emperors. But that meant little to him.
Despite his shorter stature compared to some of the Red-Haired Pirates, Madara's unyielding aura dominated the field.
"Fine, then if you don't show me respect, I'll see if you are deserving of that myself." Shanks' voice grew cold, his eyes flashing dangerously as the world's strongest Conqueror's Haki exploded from him. Red lightning streaked through the sky, locking onto Madara with an oppressive force.
But Madara's expression remained impassive. His eyes shifted to reveal a strange Mangekyō pattern as he unleashed his own Conqueror's Haki without restraint, enveloping everyone present within its crushing range.
Crack! Crack!
The fierce red lightning collided midair, darkening the skies as thunder rolled overhead. Even the powerful Red-Haired Pirates felt the weight, beads of sweat forming as they struggled against the immense pressure.
"Someone is actually holding his ground against the Captain's Haki... to this degree!"