Chapter 291: Sasuke's Competitiveness
(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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"Mutual understanding?"
Sengoku pondered these words twice, then seemed to understand Naruto's mindset.
It likely reflected a philosophy of resolving conflicts through empathy, communication, and compromise, rather than brute force or strict authority measures.
It seemed like Naruto valued peace and cooperation, seeking to understand both sides of a conflict and find a middle ground.
It's a justice based on harmony rather than domination.
One very much unlike Aokiji.
Sakazuki's justice was too extreme, as he was willing to sacrifice anything on his path to destroy the pirates.
Aokiji, on the other hand, had grown lazy and lost sight of his ambition after the Ohara Buster Call.
His once-sharp resolve had dulled, and while he still performed his duties as Admiral, he wasn't as reliable as Akainu.
And Kizaru?
Just a carefree slacker.
Best not to mention him. He probably spent more time trimming his nails than carrying out missions.
Sengoku's gaze fell on Naruto.
Though young, Naruto had an unusual determination.
Sengoku felt a slight hope rise within him.
He could only hope this young man would bring some positive changes to the Marines.
****
Three Days Later
The world, which had enjoyed a brief moment of peace, was soon buzzing with fresh news.
"Newest Marine Superpower! A new Admiral Candidate — Golden Fox Uzumaki Naruto!"
The newspaper gave a brief overview of Naruto's personal history, focusing primarily on his strength.
His battle with Akainu had been witnessed by many, and it was Morgans, the president of the World Economic News Service, who quickly gathered first-hand information.
Naruto, the young Marine, had managed to gain the upper hand against the infamous Akainu, and his strength was now the talk of the world.
Countless eyes turned toward this Marine supernova.
****
New World, Aboard the Moby Dick
Marco, the second-in-command of the Whitebeard Pirates, held the newspaper in his hand, his face showing clear surprise.
As someone responsible for keeping up with the latest sea news, Marco rarely reported anything to Whitebeard unless it was truly important.
Today, however, was definitely worth disturbing the captain.
"Pops! A new Admiral candidate has appeared at the Navy Headquarters, and they're saying even Akainu couldn't match him!"
As Marco shared the news, the other captains perked up and crowded around.
"Step back, you idiots!" Marco pushed them aside, handing the newspaper to Whitebeard, who sat there like a small mountain, hooked up to an IV.
Whitebeard scanned the article.
After a long pause, he burst into laughter.
"Gurarara... This brat seems interesting!"
For some reason, when Whitebeard saw Naruto's determined face, he thought of Roger, the Pirate King, from decades ago.
Shaking his head, he dismissed the thought.
He was getting old, and his mind wandered too easily.
Marco chuckled at his father's reaction.
"Pops, aren't you focusing on the wrong thing? The Marines just gained a new superpower!"
The Whitebeard Pirates weren't as ambitious as the Big Mom Pirates or the Beasts Pirates, but even so, an increase in the Marines strength posed a threat.
"Gurarara... What's there to worry about? It's just another brat!"
The other captains laughed along with him.
After all, their pops was the strongest man in the world!
What did they have to fear, even if the Marines had a new Admiral?
Whitebeard flipped through the newspaper, pausing when he saw two other names.
"Uchiha Sasuke... Portgas D. Ace... Seems like the pirates are sprouting some good new talent too!"
At his age, family and the occasional promising newcomers were what piqued his interest.
He had a feeling that he would cross paths with these two soon enough.
****
Grand Line, Spade Pirates' Ship
Sasuke crumpled the newspaper in his hands, his face flushing with a mix of anger and frustration.
The sight of Naruto's smirking face was enough to drive him mad.
Sasuke never expected that Naruto would arrive in this world without his knowledge, join the Marines, and even rise to the rank of Admiral candidate.
'And so quick at that'
'That bastard Colt! And that idiot Naruto! Why didn't they tell me anything?!'
"Hey, Sasuke, why are you staring at the newspaper like that?... Let me see... Uzumaki Naruto? Seventeen-year-old Admiral candidate? That's amazing!"
Ace, who had been watching Sasuke for a while, couldn't hold back his curiosity and came over to read the paper.
"What are you waiting for?" Sasuke growled, his eyes blazing with anger.
"What?"
"I said, what are you waiting for?! Set sail!" Sasuke's aura turned dark, sending shivers through the Spade Pirates' crew.
Even Ace, the captain, hurried into the cockpit with Deuce, not daring to question Sasuke's sudden fury.
Though Ace was in charge, everyone knew Sasuke often ended up teaching him lessons.
As a result, the crew both feared and respected Sasuke like a stern elder.
Facing the sea breeze, Sasuke's frustration mounted.
The urge to defeat Naruto surged within him once again.
Sasuke had arrived in this world earlier than Naruto, yet Naruto had risen so fast.
He couldn't allow himself to fall behind—no, he refused to be overtaken!
His eyes sharpened as he looked toward the New World.
He could lose to Colt, that was fine, but he would never lose to Naruto.
Having spent so much time here, Sasuke understood the significance of an Admiral's rank.
If Naruto could become such a high-ranking officer, then Sasuke could do the same.
He would join the Whitebeard Pirates and become their vice-captain for a start.
And if they didn't accept him?
Well, the Whitebeard Pirates could soon be known as the Uchiha Pirates…
With that thought in mind, Sasuke raised his hand, and contacted Colt...
He had to let him know about his thoughts.