Chapter 312: Colt’s Guest

(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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The Whitebeard Pirates' ship was filled with a rare, carefree energy, and a celebratory atmosphere.

Every corner of the ship buzzed with the laughter, noise, and jubilant voices of pirates immersed in a new family bond.

Though most were familiar with danger and strife, this was an exceptional time.

The pirates of Whitebeard's crew were a surprisingly loyal, if reckless, family.

Despite having clashed with Ace just days before, many now welcomed him—and his Spade Pirates—as kin.

For Sasuke, however, this shift was unsettling.

Though he had reluctantly joined Whitebeard's forces, he never acknowledged the old man as his "father" in the way Ace had.

His pride and independent spirit kept him distanced from the crew's familial atmosphere.

His role on the ship was unique: a valuable ally, yet somewhat aloof, as if watching it all from the outside.

He could rely on only a select few—the Spade Pirates, Ace, and a few others who respected his strength.

Beyond that, even in this warm company, he kept a cold distance.

"Don't worry, Sasuke," Ace said with a reassuring grin, patting him on the shoulder.

"I'll make sure to track down that Dark-Dark Fruit for you." Ace's determination shone brightly; his loyalty had grown only stronger since Whitebeard had accepted him as a son.

To him, the family was now even more precious than his dream of becoming the Pirate King.

And helping Sasuke was the least he could do for a brother-in-arms.

Sasuke raised an eyebrow, knowing Ace's intentions were sincere but feeling oddly unsettled by the thought of a fruit he had no desire for.

The Dark-Dark Fruit had been mentioned casually by Colt as a mere placeholder—an "excuse" to keep Sasuke's motives concealed.

However, Ace was now obsessed with finding it, seeing it as essential to Sasuke's journey.

"Ace, you can slow down a bit," Sasuke replied, hoping to temper his friend's eagerness.

"There's no need to rush. The fruit is supposedly somewhere within the Whitebeard pirates' vicinity, but it's just a rumor. It could be anywhere."

But Ace simply shook his head, smiling even more broadly.

"That makes it all the more important! And besides, we have nothing else pressing right now."

Whitebeard's hearty laugh boomed from behind them, and he clapped a massive hand on Ace's back.

"Go on then, lad! Take your team and search for it. Marco, help him out." Though he never forced Sasuke to accept him as a father, Whitebeard had grown fond of the prideful young man. And any son of his, whether in name or not, would have his unwavering support.

Ace departed with his team the next morning, his heart full of purpose.

Several other crews under Whitebeard's command joined the search, giving the mission an almost legendary status within the pirate community. But even as the search began, Sasuke was dealing with unexpected matters of his own.

****

Sasuke's Den-Den Mushi buzzed in his pocket. He raised it, his eyes narrowing as he recognized the voice on the other end.

"Second Hokage, shouldn't you be engrossed in your spy duties? What are you calling me for?" he asked in a slightly annoyed tone.

The voice on the other end, steely and cold, belonged to none other than Senju Tobirama, one of Konoha's oldest minds and one of the original masterminds behind the rift between Uchiha and Konoha.

Tobirama's tone was as humorless as Sasuke's irritation was apparent.

"You think I want this contact any more than you do, Uchiha?" Tobirama snorted, his tone as curt as always.

"Enough pleasantries. The World Government's top agents, the CP0, have targeted the Whitebeard Pirates. They're headed to the New World right now."

Sasuke's brows knit slightly, and a smirk tugged at his lips.

"A few CP0 agents? You expect me to be worried about them? At any rate, my allegiance here is only part of Colt's orders."

But Tobirama wasn't deterred by Sasuke's response.

"This is also your mission now," Tobirama continued, voice as unyielding as steel.

"You are to eliminate these CP0 agents and secure key positions for our allies. The World Government is dangerous; it has a huge amount of power built up over 800 years. We need to get more leverage."

Sasuke, already tired of Tobirama's cold logic, was ready to end the call—until the former Hokage spoke again.

"Each CP0 member counts as an S-rank mission, and the rewards will be more than enough to support you," Tobirama added slyly.

"Remember, Uchiha… you wish to meet your parents someday, yes? This could bring you a step closer."

Sasuke paused.

The thought of his parents made his chest tighten.

Could Tobirama truly have that kind of influence?

Still skeptical, he replied.

"Do you even have the authority for that? If Colt refuses, this promise means nothing."

Tobirama scoffed.

"I am Colt's elder. I have certain privileges."

Reluctantly, Sasuke agreed.

Tobirama knew just which strings to pull, and it irked him.

But this mission had potential.

"Fine," Sasuke muttered, accepting the assignment and setting down the Den-Den Mushi.

Tobirama's voice came through one last time before the line disconnected.

"Oh, by the way, the Marine leading the operation is someone you know well. Uzumaki Naruto."

Sasuke's eyes widened, a smirk slowly spreading across his face.

"Naruto… it's been a long time."

He pictured Naruto's face—the bright, determined eyes that never gave up.

If they met now, the clash would be monumental. He could hardly contain his eagerness.

Without missing a beat, he dialed another line, this one connecting to Colt.

****

A long pause ensued as the Den-Den Mushi finally connected.

Colt's familiar voice echoed through.

"Sasuke? What is it?"

"I've joined the Whitebeard Pirates," Sasuke began, "and Tobirama just assigned me to—"

"Hold that thought," Colt interrupted.

"I've got a guest at the moment. I'll contact you when I'm free."

Sasuke frowned, mildly annoyed. "A guest?"

Colt's tone shifted slightly as if he were smiling.

"Yes. An old friend of yours as well."

The line disconnected, leaving Sasuke slightly curious.

On Colt's end, he turned to face his guest—a tall man in a Marine Admiral's coat who wore a perpetual frown on his face.

"Aokiji, my friend. Let's talk."

At the sight of Aokiji, Robin, who had been quietly standing behind Colt, froze, memories flooding back from the darkest days of her past.

She remembered Ohara's destruction and her lost friend, Saul.

Aokiji had been there, too, embodying her deepest fear.

Robin's legs trembled, her face paling as she tried to steel herself.

Colt noticed her discomfort but didn't react.

For now, his attention was solely on Aokiji.

The Admiral sat on an icicle he had conjured from the frozen sea around them, rising to eye level with Colt. His gaze was sharp but wary, noting the lack of panic in Colt's stance.

This wasn't a frightened guy, but someone who seemed prepared for his arrival.

The contrast between Colt's calm composure and Robin's silent terror was stark, especially with the looming presence of Aokiji's frozen sea trapping their ship in place.

Aokiji's eyes flickered to the Den-Den Mushi still lying on Colt's table.

"The person on the other end of that call… that was Uchiha Sasuke, wasn't it?"