(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)
(11 chapters of the new book are already released in p.atreon)
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The sword energy roared like a dragon, its ferocious maw open wide, ready to tear through everything in its path.
Kizaru's usual smirk faded.
As soon as the [Yasakani no Magatama] attack was shattered, he activated his [Logia] abilities in advance.
By the time the sword energy reached him, he had already transformed into golden light, flickering away to safety before returning to his original position.
"That was terrifying… Even Hawkeye's slashes, the ones hailed as the strongest in the world, aren't much different from that," Kizaru muttered, but this time, there was no sarcasm in his tone—only genuine shock.
"Tch, dodging like that just disgraces us Marines," Akainu snorted coldly, clearly displeased with Kizaru's evasive tactics.
While Kizaru had escaped, the Marine soldiers below weren't as lucky.
The terrifying slash surged toward them, its sheer speed making it impossible for them to escape. Desperation filled their eyes as they braced for the inevitable.
Hawkeye's sharp gaze flickered.
He felt it—he had found a worthy opponent.
His grip tightened on [Yoru], ready to strike.
But someone else acted first.
A massive golden energy arm suddenly extended forward, blocking Sasuke's slash with unwavering strength.
Then, an overwhelming surge of pitch-black [Armament Haki] crushed the remaining sword energy, dissipating it entirely.
"Sasuke, long time no see!"
Naruto's voice boomed across the battlefield, filled with unmistakable joy.
Even an idiot could tell how happy he was.
"Idiot! We're enemies now! Why are you greeting me?!" Sasuke growled, his face twitching in irritation.
"Gurararara… Sasuke, go catch up with your friend!" Whitebeard's hearty laughter echoed.
He could tell the bond between Naruto and Sasuke ran deep, and it amused him.
He had grown fond of Naruto's earnestness—it reminded him of Roger and Garp.
For a moment, the entire battlefield shifted focus.
Naruto and Sasuke—two young warriors standing on opposite sides—yet bound by something unbreakable.
Those watching the live broadcast were left in disbelief.
Why was Admiral Golden Fox of the Marines acting friendly toward Uchiha Sasuke of the Whitebeard Pirates?
What kind of absurd development was this?
"I will never treat you as an enemy," Naruto said seriously.
Sasuke averted his gaze, clearly flustered, before quickly changing the subject.
"However, you went too far just now. Why did you attack innocent people?"
Sasuke's face darkened, displeased with the accusation.
"How was I supposed to know that the admiral would dodge?" he scoffed.
"It was just a casual attack."
Then, sweeping his cold gaze across the battlefield, he continued, "Besides, anyone who steps onto this battlefield is no longer an 'innocent person.'"
"Change always comes with sacrifice. Their deaths will pave the way for a better future."
Sasuke left no room for debate.
His [Mangekyō Sharingan] spun wildly as his colossal blue [Susanoo] materialized, rising from the ground.
Seeing Ace covered in wounds, the fire within Sasuke flared, seeking release through battle.
With a single flap of [Susanoo]'s wings, a violent gust tore through the battlefield, knocking soldiers off balance.
The overwhelming pressure exuding from the spectral warrior made the weaker ones collapse in fear.
"A monster…!"
"Why are we fighting against something like this?!"
"I think I just saw my grandmother…"
The Marines' morale plummeted, while the Whitebeard Pirates erupted in cheers.
Seeing Sasuke's stance, Naruto clasped his hands together and instantly entered [Sage Fox Mode].
His massive golden fox avatar materialized, standing in opposition to Sasuke's [Susanoo].
The two titanic energy beings marked the beginning of an earth-shattering battle.
Sengoku clenched his fists in frustration.
The fight between Naruto and Sasuke was causing far too much chaos.
The Marines had meticulously prepared an encirclement for Whitebeard, but before it could even take effect, these two had already torn it apart.
Whitebeard wasn't about to waste this opportunity.
Gripping [Murakumogiri] tightly, he bellowed:
"Everyone! Charge forward and rescue Ace!"
"Save Ace!"
Whitebeard's forces surged ahead, leaping onto the frozen sea created by Aokiji.
Gunfire and battle cries filled the air as bodies fell by the second.
"What the hell are you doing?"
Doflamingo raised an eyebrow as he watched Hawkeye unsheath [Yoru].
"I just want to see how far I am from the strongest man in the world," Hawkeye replied calmly before unleashing a devastating flying slash at Whitebeard.
But it was intercepted by Diamond Jozu.
Hawkeye wasn't surprised.
Whitebeard's commanders were all top-tier fighters of the New World, each with their own unique strength.
Taking one down in a single blow was wishful thinking.
As Hawkeye entered the fray, other [Shichibukai] followed suit—except for Boa Hancock, who remained indifferent.
Most of them, however, only fought half-heartedly.
Sengoku had anticipated this, but he still felt a growing sense of despair.
He wanted nothing more than to abolish the [Shichibukai] system on the spot.
Meanwhile, Whitebeard stood at the bow, his piercing gaze sweeping across the battlefield.
In terms of overall power, the Marines far outmatched the Whitebeard Pirates.
However, they hadn't yet revealed their full strength, opting instead to wear down the pirates gradually.
Among the Four Admirals—Akainu remained motionless.
Aokiji sat idly after freezing the sea, while Sasuke and Naruto had neutralized each other.
Kizaru, though fighting Marco, wasn't exerting himself either.
Whitebeard locked eyes with Sengoku, their wills clashing in silence.
Neither backed down.
Then, Whitebeard suddenly smirked.
A transparent quake bubble formed around [Murakumogiri].
The Marines thought he was too old—incapable of wielding his full power.
It was time to remind them why he was called the Strongest Man in the World.
"What is Whitebeard up to?!"
A chill ran down Sengoku's spine.
"Sengoku! Your Marineford is looking a little outdated… Let me renovate it for you!"
Under countless horrified gazes, Whitebeard swung his bisento, unleashing a devastating shockwave straight at Marineford's iron fortress!