Chapter 308: An All-Out Battle!

(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)

(T/N: Issue was fixed this morning, from their side of course)

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The world was on edge, tense and uncertain. News from the New World had rocked every corner of the seas: the Spade Pirates, led by the fiery young captain Ace, had clashed with none other than the formidable "Knight of the Sea," Jinbei.

Their fierce battle lasted an exhausting two full days and nights. It was a relentless storm of power and endurance that ended in a way none had expected.

Jinbei, the fierce and seasoned warrior, had been captured by Ace.

Though Ace's skill was undeniable, few thought he'd overcome a powerhouse like Jinbei.

In the original timeline, they had fought to a standstill.

But now, circumstances were different; Ace's training had honed him well beyond expectation, and his victory was clear.

After all, he knew that if he lost this time, Sasuke would give him a beating he'd never forget.

The rumors of this legendary clash spread like wildfire, eventually reaching the ears of the Whitebeard Pirates.

They wasted no time in setting sail to intercept the upstart crew that had dared challenge one of the seas' mightiest warriors, but most importantly, one under the banner of Whitebeard.

Despite Jinbei not being part of his crew, Whitebeard did claim fish-man island under his banner.

Even restrained, Jinbei looked at Ace with calm as he offered his advice.

"Kid, you may have bested me, but you've got no chance against Pops. Turn back while you still can."

Despite the battle-worn respect that had formed between them—a recognition of strength on both sides— but Ace only grinned in response.

"You don't need to worry, Jinbei. When I take down Whitebeard, I'll help you free Fish-Man Island!"

Jinbei blinked in surprise, the words catching him off guard.

'Free Fish-Man Island? Where had this kid gotten that idea?'

The ground trembled as a massive shadow loomed over the island— The legendary Moby Dick had arrived.

In a single, thunderous leap, Whitebeard descended onto the shore, his bisento clutched firmly in hand.

A wave of Conqueror's Haki surged across the island, sweeping through the ranks of the Spade Pirates.

Most of them collapsed instantly, overwhelmed by the sheer force of his presence.

Jinbei's eyes widened.

"It's... Pops!" he stammered, torn between relief and dread.

He'd hoped to stop Ace, but now there was no turning back.

If the old man was here, then Ace was in for a beating. There was no other way about it.

He had fought Ace, and he barely beat him in the fight, so how could he so confidently challenge Whitebeard?

Jinbei didn't know, but he guessed it might have to do with the black-haired Sasuke.

That person gave him a dangerous feeling… and he was one to trust his gut. It didn't fail him until now.

Unfazed, Ace responded with his own Conqueror's Haki, clashing against Whitebeard's aura in defiance.

Whitebeard laughed, a booming sound that shook the island.

"Gurarara! I like your spirit, brat!"

Sasuke's hand drifted toward his Kusanagi sword, eyes sharp and focused, but Ace stepped forward.

"Whitebeard! I've come for your head!" he shouted, eyes blazing with determination.

Whitebeard's sons flanked him, with Marco and Jozu exchanging amused glances.

"Listen to yourself, kid!" Marco called out, smirking.

"Pop's the strongest man alive. Go play in the mud somewhere, he doesn't have time for someone like you!"

Ace clenched his fist, and a swirling [Hiken] roared to life, his arm blazing as he unleashed it toward Whitebeard's crew.

Marco shifted, his arms morphing into wings of blue flame as he took flight, determined to shield his captain.

But before he could reach Ace, a sweeping slash—a huge arc of pure force—intercepted him, sending him tumbling backward.

Sasuke lowered his blade with a cold grin.

"This is between Ace and Whitebeard. You don't get to interfere."

Whitebeard chuckled, taking note.

"Impressive, brat. Reminds me of that Hawkeye kid!" He put off Ace's flames with a mere flick of his bisento, his grin wide and impressed.

"Marco, you and the boys handle the other kid. This one's between captains."

Reluctantly, Marco regrouped with the Whitebeard commanders, their attention now focused on Sasuke.

Vista drew his swords, excitement flashing in his eyes.

"Uchiha Sasuke! Let's see if you can keep up with me in swordsmanship!"

Sasuke's eyes glinted.

With a mocking smile, he summoned his Susanoo, the massive, armored figure rising around him in a burst of power.

With a mere flick of its sword—a massive blade covered in [Armament Haki]— The Susanoo sent Vista and several others reeling.

Vista's jaw dropped as he sailed through the air.

'Can... can you call this swordsmanship?'

Fortunately, Marco managed to intercept in time, his Phoenix fruit abilities soaking up the worst of the impact.

He scowled, flames moving around him as he took flight.

"You bastard!" Marco shouted, aiming a powerful kick directly at the Susanoo's chest.

But the attack landed harmlessly against the armored figure. Sasuke watched Marco's struggle with an amused glint in his eyes.

With a casual flick, he swatted Marco out of the way.

****

A while later, all of the captains, lay on the ground too injured and tired to put up any fight.

"Is this really the world's strongest crew?" Sasuke snorted, clearly unimpressed.

Jozu grits his teeth, glancing between Sasuke and Ace.

The scene didn't add up—the captain was struggling, but his first mate seemed unstoppable.

Sasuke, however, had eyes only for the real battle.

Whitebeard clearly held the upper hand or more like dominating hand, as he was hammering Ace with powerful swings of his bisento.

Despite Ace's strength, he was clearly outmatched; Whitebeard hadn't even used his [Haki] or Devil Fruit powers yet.

Sasuke clenched his fists.