One Piece: Ulquiorra Template

Chapter 4: The Calm Before the Storm

Heads up : The first 30 chapters are undergoing revisions and may contain grammatical errors and inaccuracies. I assure you the quality will significantly improve after that point, becoming increasingly refined and polished.

<><><><>

For three days, Ian sailed, taking the opportunity to absorb the souls of marine life and bolster his strength. However, the souls of both humans and animals dissipate quickly after death, and his fusion with the Ulquiorra template was still too low.

His Soul Absorption had a limited range, so even in the vast ocean, a constant battlefield where death was commonplace, his fusion rate had only reached 15%.

He mused that if he were to travel to Loguetown or Wano, the sites of Gol D. Roger and Kozuki Oden's executions, and absorb their lingering souls, he could potentially achieve unparalleled power.

Even if they had mastered Observation Haki and possessed the ability to hear the "Voice of All Things," their souls, after two decades, would have long since faded.

The number of souls required for each 1% increase in fusion grew exponentially. The final 1% might require the equivalent of the previous 10%, 20%, or even 30%. It was akin to the ever-increasing experience points needed to level up in a game.

During this time, the Ulquiorra template continued to merge with him. A partial, horned skull helmet formed on his head, tear-like markings appeared beneath his eyes, his pupils shifted to a pale green, and his skin became a deathly white.

He was preparing for a confrontation, a killing spree, and maintaining his original appearance was impractical. While not afraid of the potential complications, he preferred to avoid unnecessary attention.

He now donned a high-collared, long-sleeved jacket with a white front and black trim, white hakama pants secured by a wide black sash, an unmarked yet finely crafted katana, likely the work of one of the famed "50 Skillful Grade Blades", tucked into his sash, and black socks with white shoes.

Among the slaves he had rescued, there had been a tailor who, based on Ian's descriptions, had recreated Ulquiorra's attire.

He was now the spitting image of Ulquiorra Cifer, the Cuarta Espada.

He estimated that manifesting his Zanpakuto and full Arrancar garb through his own spiritual pressure would require him to reach the first stage of Resurrección.

This meant unleashing his Murciélago form, which necessitated a 40% fusion rate. At that level, his power would rival a lieutenant or seated officer in the Soul Society, an Adjuchas-class Hollow, an Espada subordinate, a Yonko commander, or a prominent Marine officer.

At 50%, he would reach captain-class or Vasto Lorde level, comparable to a Marine Admiral, though still slightly below the power of a Yonko. To challenge legendary figures like Garp, Sengoku, Shanks, or Whitebeard, he would likely need 60% fusion and his second Resurrección.

Around 70% would place him at Espada or captain-commander level, powerful enough to dominate the world of One Piece.

"This is..." With the Ulquiorra template active, Ian's soul-sensing abilities had expanded significantly.

He could easily perceive the abundance of departed souls on the island, and the swirling emotions of the living, all emanating from their very souls.

As expected of a pirate haven, death was a common occurrence.

Emotions were a window into the truth. Faces could be trained to deceive, but the soul rarely lied.

"Hey, Kid! Who's your crew? You want to set foot on this island without a flag or companions?"