(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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New World, on an island surrounded by the vast sea where the Whitebeard Pirates reside.
Sasuke stood on the rocky reef, his eyes closed, gripping his Kusanagi sword, which trembled slightly in his hand.
He focused, channeling his energy, and spirit into one.
Suddenly, Sasuke's eyes snapped open, flashing with determination as he unleashed a fierce slash with his sword.
A sky-blue, arcing slash tore through the air, merging with the sky and earth as it sliced through the sea itself.
The calm waves were instantly split in two, creating a deep ravine dividing the sea for miles.
But Sasuke's frown showed dissatisfaction.
"Too slow. And the attack power is still a bit scattered."
Although the strike appeared powerful enough to split the sea, Sasuke wasn't content with the outcome.
If Vista, the Whitebeard Pirates' Fifth Division Commander and an accomplished swordsman known as "Flower Sword Vista," could see Sasuke's reaction, he'd likely be stunned — and maybe even offended.
Vista, one of the most skilled swordsmen in the New World, couldn't replicate such a strike, but Sasuke remained unimpressed with himself despite doing something that only a select few could.
In fact, even other strong swordsmen would rebuke Sasuke for that.
After practicing a few more slashes, Sasuke sheathed his sword and shifted to a physical exercise routine. He had been doing this since he had gotten on the Whitebeard pirates ship.
This time it was no different.
Unlike pirates, who mostly trained casually and often relied on their Devil Fruit abilities, Sasuke's training was marked by ninja discipline and self-discipline that had been drilled into him since childhood.
Even though he was powerful, Sasuke continued to push himself, knowing there were still many individuals who could rival or surpass him… Naruto, Uchiha Madara, Senju Hashirama, and Ōtsutsuki Kaguya.
And, deep down, he held a personal ambition — to surpass Colt.
Despite how impossible that sounded, he convinced himself to pursue it, and do his best.
It was better to have that ambition than to have none.
As he spread the Chidori current throughout his body, lightning surged, invigorating his cells and building his physical resilience.
The steady shock of electricity toughened his muscles, reinforcing his body, something he'd recognized as increasingly valuable after observing the pirates' use of Haki.
Just then, a giant bird, cloaked in blue flames, flew down and landed nearby.
It was Marco, the Whitebeard Pirates' First Division Commander, known as the "Phoenix."
"I thought you'd be here training," Marco greeted him, admiration in his tone.
Sasuke's rigorous training had inspired some in the Whitebeard Pirates, sparking a wave of enthusiasm.
But for most, it was short-lived, with many quickly returning to their usual carefree ways.
"Anything important?" Sasuke asked, not even opening his eyes.
Marco chuckled.
"It's the Second and Sixteenth Divisions' turn to patrol the seas this month. Pops wanted to know if you'd like to join."
Though Whitebeard never obligated Sasuke to participate in missions, this time, with Ace's Second Division set for a month-long patrol, Whitebeard wanted to give Sasuke the option.
Instantly, Senju Tobirama's image flashed in Sasuke's mind.
Tobirama, a tactical genius, wouldn't let this opportunity slip by.
"I'll go. Where are they now?"
"They're still at the main fleet, waiting for you," Marco replied.
Ace was thrilled when Sasuke decided to join the patrol, and soon the two divisions set off from the Moby Dick on their mission.
Meanwhile, Senju Tobirama's intricate plan began to unfold.
****
Ten days later, news arrived that threw Whitebeard into a rage.
The notorious supernova Kisame, known as the "Monster of the Sea," had defeated Jinbei and taken down the Whitebeard Pirates' flag planted on Fish-Man Island.
The World Government had announced Kisame's appointment as the new Shichibukai of Fish-Man Island, replacing Jinbei.
Whitebeard had a long-standing friendship with King Neptune of Fish-Man Island, and his flag served to protect the island from rogue pirates.
Although Fish-Man Island provided no profit to Whitebeard, taking down his flag was a direct challenge to his authority.
"Marco, we're leaving immediately. I need to see where that Fishman Kisame found the courage to take our flag down!"
An intense aura of Haki radiated from Whitebeard, igniting a fire in the other captains' eyes.
"We'll take care of this Kisame and rescue Jinbei!"
"The Whitebeard Pirates aren't so easy to be trifled with!"
With Whitebeard's command, the Moby Dick sailed toward the Red Line, and soon, the Marines caught wind of their movement.
From the G-5 Marine Base, a warship quietly set sail. Onboard was Senju Tobirama, along with Naruto, select CP0 members, and a few Marine Vice Admirals.
Tobirama's plan, ordered by the Five Elders, was to divert Whitebeard's main forces, creating a window of opportunity to target Ace and Sasuke.
The Five Elders, intent on restoring the world's balance, had approved Tobirama's calculated strategy.
His deployment of Kisame was meant to bait Whitebeard and direct his wrath toward Fish-Man Island, all while Tobirama and his team advanced toward Ace's position.
On the Marine ship was a notable figure, Dracule Mihawk, also known as "Hawkeye."
Unlike the others, Mihawk wasn't interested in political motives.
His presence was driven solely by curiosity, intrigued by Sasuke's swordsmanship, and eager for a duel.
As the ship moved closer to its destination, Mihawk thought to himself.
'I hope he doesn't disappoint me.'
His thoughts always were about swordsmanship. And he didn't care what side he was on, if he could duel strong swordsmen.