Chapter 310: Chapter 310: Yami-Yami no Mi!
Chapter 310: Yami-Yami no Mi!
(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)
****************
The impact of Sasuke's thunderous attack was overwhelming, cleaving the island into two halves and sending crashing waves surging across the sea.
The once-calm waters now roared violently, reflecting the unleashed fury of Sasuke's powerful strike.
For most, Conqueror's Haki was a mere tool, a weapon to assert dominance, incapacitating weaker opponents in an instant.
But for those like Sasuke, the Red-Haired Shanks, and the others who had perfected their haki to an almost insane level, it was something beyond a simple weapon. It was a mystical power, an indomitable symbol of authority that could not be challenged lightly.
As the dust and debris settled, Whitebeard's immense form remained standing, unyielding and unmoved.
Sasuke's eyes widened, pupils contracting with shock.
He understood his Conqueror's Kirin attack better than anyone; it was one of the trump cards he'd reserved for those at the pinnacle of power, such as Uchiha Madara himself.
Yet here stood Whitebeard-alive, enduring it as if it were just another normal hit.
"Gurararara! That wasn't half bad, brat," Whitebeard's deep laughter echoed across the chaotic landscape, seemingly indifferent to the bloody wounds marring his body.
Dark red arcs of electricity crackled around him, revealing the strain but also the resilience behind his words.
"Did you think that would be enough to finish me?"
Though mocking in tone, his words held a begrudging respect.
It had been a long time since anyone had pushed him this far.
He continued; his gruff voice laced with humor.
"Ace mentioned you wanted to join the Whitebeard Pirates before. So, are you here to join as my son?"
A flicker of anger crossed Sasuke's gaze.
His voice was icy as he replied, "Is that supposed to be a joke?"
Without further words, he used his eyes power, Amaterasu. Instantly, black flames appeared, engulfing the space around Whitebeard in a blazing sea of dark fire, ready to consume everything.
Whitebeard, sensing danger, frowned.
Allowing this strange, all-consuming flame near him would be reckless. His instincts warned him to act quickly.
Boom!
In response, he released the power of his Shock Fruit, generating shockwaves that surrounded him in a barrier, deflecting the deadly black flames. Each pulse of vibration pushed the flames back, though their relentless heat lingered dangerously close.
Sasuke's eyes glinted.
"You're not dealing with some ordinary pirate, Whitebeard. Prepare yourself!"
The next instant, he vanished, leaving behind a trail of Amaterasu's black flames.
He reappeared directly in front of Whitebeard, his Rinnegan glowing with intense energy, the Kusanagi sword in his hand was already crackling with lightning.
Whitebeard's instincts took over, and decades of combat experience guided his response.
He swung forward to counter Sasuke's approach, aiming to nullify the attack with a powerful shockwave.
Yet, Sasuke's movements were too precise, every twist of his body timed perfectly to evade the worst of Whitebeard's strike.
Whitebeard, for the first time, found himself at a disadvantage.
Even with this slight advantage, Sasuke halted his sharp gaze meeting Whitebeard's.
He knew the fight could keep going, and that Whitebeard was nowhere near done, but he had a mission...
"Release my captain. Do that, and we'll consider this over."
There was a brief pause as the two warriors stared each other down. Sasuke's initial goal of joining the Whitebeard Pirates had been dashed in the heat of battle. The thought of how Colt would react to this encounter weighed on his mind, his determination mixed with regret. Whitebeard glanced toward his crew: finally at Jinbei, Marco, and the unconscious Ace. He nodded, finally acknowledging Sasuke's demand.
"Jinbei, bring Jozu and the others here," he instructed before returning his attention to Sasuke.
"You've proven yourself. How about becoming my son after all?"
"Tsk, keep dreaming"
With that, the fighting was over.
A few hours later, the crew found themselves back aboard the Moby Dick.
The fourth division captain, Thatch, and the cooking team bustled about, setting up a grand banquet.
Music and laughter filled the air, as the crew members, now in high spirits, celebrated and bonded.
Sasuke, however, sat by himself, picking at a piece of roasted meat absentmindedly.
He thought about contacting Colt, explaining everything that had transpired.
Perhaps Colt would understand or even forgive him for what he had suggested before. The sake in his cup reflected his mixed emotions.
Ace's crewmates had regained consciousness and were joining in the festivities.
Whitebeard had decided to treat them not as enemies but as guests, welcoming them to the food and celebration in a show of magnanimity.
Whitebeard's voice rang out casually as he looked across the room to Sasuke.
"Sasuke, you really came to this sea to join the Whitebeard Pirates before?"
Sasuke nodded, a slight smirk crossing his face. "I had thought about it, yes. But after our little skirmish, I'm pretty sure I've overstayed my welcome." He gestured towards Ace. "Besides, I'm part of Ace's crew. And I think nearly splitting an island in two might have burned any bridges I had left."
Whitebeard chuckled, his hearty laughter shaking the room.
"Gurarara"
"With the strength you have, you could easily walk your own path, alongside Ace, if you wish.
Why would someone like you need to join my crew?"
The question, posed with genuine curiosity, felt weighty coming from Whitebeard-a veteran who had seen and fought through countless battles. Though the fight between them hadn't ended with a clear victor, Whitebeard respected Sasuke's power deeply.
He knew that if it had come down to it, he himself might not have been the one standing at
the end.Nôv(el)B\\jnn
"I have my reasons." Sasuke's voice was filled with resolve.
"I need the Whitebeard Pirates' strength to help me locate a specific Devil Fruit."
"Another Devil Fruit? Haven't you already eaten one?" Whitebeard asked, eyeing him with
mild concern.
Sasuke shook his head, a touch of pride flashing in his gaze.
"Not a Devil Fruit. My power comes from my bloodline, the bloodline of the Uchiha clan."
Whitebeard's curiosity deepened. But he didn't inquire any further, he could tell the character of Sasuke, and didn't wish to annoy the kid any further.
"And what kind of Devil Fruit are you looking for that you need our help?"
"The Dark-Dark Devil Fruit," Sasuke replied calmly, letting the words sink in.
He used Colt's carefully crafted excuse which he was told of before, to cover his true motives.
"I've heard it can nullify any other Devil Fruit. That's all I know for now. But I'm searching for
it,"
The explanation was necessary.
Without a plausible reason, his sudden interest in joining the Whitebeard Pirates would have seemed suspicious, and Whitebeard's keen intuition would likely pick up on any gaps.
In the background, an observant member of the second division sat frozen, a maelstrom of emotions swirling within him.
Blackbeard struggled to control his expression, his mind racing.
'The Dark-Dark Fruit... Someone else knows about it!'
He took a deep breath, forcing himself to remain calm, trying to act as though nothing had
changed.
Whitebeard, meanwhile, nodded thoughtfully, a slow grin spreading across his face.
"If the Dark-Dark Fruit truly holds such power, then it's no wonder you've set your sights on
it. But, Sasuke, given the bond you already have with Ace, why not still consider joining my
family?"
Whitebeard's gaze softened as he looked at both Sasuke and Ace with quiet pride.
If he could welcome them as sons, even if only temporarily, he could offer them the safety and
strength they needed to forge their future paths.
And in that thought, Whitebeard found peace.