(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 first chapters of the new book are released in p.atreon)
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For Ordinary people who were navigating the New World, there must be various things they should remember.
And for those aspiring to avoid troubles, one of the foremost things they must remember, were the names and looks of a select few ships.
These ships belong to the Four Emperors.
Moby Dick, belonging to Whitebeard.
King of Beasts, belonging to Kaido.
The Queen Mama Chanter, belonging to Big Mom.
Red Force, belonging to the red-haired Shanks.
Compared to the others, the Red Force was more renowned, likely due to the nature of its owner.
Unlike the other Four Emperors, who remain in the New World for long periods, Shanks prefers to roam the world with his crew, throwing grand banquets.
Occasionally, he vanishes from the New World, taking a stroll in what some call a "Novice Village."
At such a critical moment, Shanks' arrival to meet Whitebeard was clearly not without purpose.
Seeing his crew's panicked expressions, Whitebeard raised an eyebrow slightly.
"What are you all so worked up about? That brat probably brought some good wine."
Sasuke, standing at the bow, frowned as he gazed at the dark, cloud-covered sky.
"Hmph. Putting on airs."
Before long, the Red Force anchored beside the Moby Dick. Marco smirked and gestured toward the cabin.
"Go inside, newbies. You won't be able to handle this."
Just as someone was about to question him, their eyes widened in shock before they collapsed unconscious on the deck.
One after another, many crew members succumbed to the overwhelming Conqueror's Haki.
Step. Step. Step.
Footsteps echoed as Shanks approached, his Haki growing stronger, causing cracks to form on the deck of Moby Dick.
Sasuke's face darkened.
Taking a step forward, Susanoo formed around him, drawing a bow aimed at Shanks, who was ascending the stairs.
"Are you here to provoke us?"
"Of course not. I just want to talk to Whitebeard. No need to be so tense."
Shanks paused, smiling.
"Susanoo? You Uchihas are all monsters..."
Despite his casual demeanor, he was secretly on high alert.
Having once fought Uchiha Madara, he knew all too well the terrifying power of the Susanoo.
"Enough, Sasuke. It's just a greeting." Whitebeard's voice broke the tense standoff.
Sasuke snorted coldly and withdrew the Susanoo, while Shanks withdrew his unrestrained Haki.
Carrying a massive flagon of sake, Shanks finally stood before Whitebeard under the watchful eyes of the remaining crew.
"Whitebeard, you're really getting old..."
Seeing the aging emperor with IV tubes attached to his body, Shanks sighed inwardly.
He recalled the days when he sailed under Roger, recklessly challenging Whitebeard with Buggy at his side. Decades had passed, and now everything had changed.
Whitebeard looked down at him.
"So, red-haired brat, what are you here for this time?"
Marco, frowning, crossed his arms.
"Coming at a time like this… what exactly are you planning?"
Shanks turned to him with a grin.
"Marco, interested in joining my crew?"
"Don't joke around! I will never leave the crew!" Marco's face darkened as he waved off the other crew members, signaling them to leave.
Only Sasuke remained.
Now satisfied, Shanks' expression grew serious.
He pointed to the deep scars around his left eye.
"I've fought countless battles in my life, but this scar… This is the only one I'll never forget."
His voice deepened.
"And this… was given to me by your so-called son, Blackbeard."
The atmosphere shifted instantly.
The oppressive weight of Haki lifted slightly, but both Whitebeard and Sasuke's faces turned grim.
"That man is no longer my son! He broke the iron rules of my crew!" Whitebeard's voice thundered.
"I know," Shanks responded calmly.
"I'm just saying that behind all of this, that man is stirring trouble."
He locked eyes with Whitebeard.
"If you go after Ace, the consequences will be unimaginable."
Sasuke's expression darkened. "Are you telling us to abandon Ace?"
If Shanks answered incorrectly, Sasuke would not hesitate to draw Kusanagi and fight a deathmatch right then and there.
Shanks met his gaze unwaveringly. "No, you've misunderstood me, Sasuke."
He poured a bowl of sake and downed it in one go. Catching Whitebeard eyeing the drink longingly, he smirked.
Recently, Whitebeard's worsening condition meant alcohol was strictly off-limits.
Unfortunately for him, Sasuke was the strictest enforcer of this rule.
Shanks set the empty bowl down and declared firmly, "Leave Ace to me. I promise that he will be released unharmed."
Whitebeard blinked, then erupted into booming laughter.
"Gurararara! Are you joking, red-haired brat?"
The old emperor stepped forward, gripping his bisento tightly.
"Instead of rescuing my son myself, you think I'd let an outsider do it?"
In an instant, he swung his blade with full force, and Shanks met him head-on, steel clashing against steel.
Ding!
The impact split the skies, dispersing the dark clouds and restoring the sky to a brilliant blue.
The sea roared, waves violently shaking the Moby Dick.
After the single clash, Whitebeard slowly sat back down on his throne, closing his eyes, his interest in conversation fading.
"Leave."
His voice was resolute.
"Ace is my son. I will personally bring him home."
Shanks sighed, knowing he could not change Whitebeard's mind.
As he left, Sasuke watched his retreating figure before glancing at Whitebeard, hesitating slightly.
"Old man…"
"Huh?" Whitebeard cracked one eye open.
"Your condition… It's getting worse."
Sasuke could feel it.
The fire of life within Whitebeard had weakened significantly.
Whitebeard remained silent.
He knew his own body better than anyone.
Years of using the Gura-Gura no Mi had taken their toll coupled with his disease… it did not help at all.
Now, in his seventies, the pain was constant, and his body was slowly failing him.
Seeing his silence, Sasuke continued in a low voice.
"I know a doctor… someone with extraordinary skills. Even better than Marco."
Whitebeard remained still, contemplating Sasuke's words as the waves gently rocked the ship, heralding the storms yet to come.