One Piece: Ulquiorra Template

Chapter 29: A Quick Learner

*Knock, knock...* Shortly after Gion led Ian to his chosen office and began explaining the daily duties of a Vice Admiral, which primarily involved handling pirate-related incidents, a knock sounded at the door.

"Come in," Gion called out. She was outlining how Vice Admirals, despite varying levels of strength, were the primary fighting force after the Fleet Admiral and Admirals. Mundane tasks were handled by assistants, allowing Vice Admirals to remain on standby.

Mary Geoise, Marine Headquarters (Marineford), Sabaody Archipelago, and Fishman Island were strategically located in the center of the Grand Line, at the dividing point between Paradise and the New World. Reaching any sea, using specific routes, was swift and efficient from these locations.

The door opened, and a young woman with large glasses entered. She had a slender figure, long black hair cascading over her shoulders, and a somewhat naive air about her.

"Excuse me... Vice Admiral Gion, you're here too?" She seemed intimidated by the presence of both Gion and Ian.

Unaware of Ian's name, she didn't address him directly. And with Gion present, remaining silent seemed disrespectful.

However, she hadn't attended the previous meeting, so she was unaware of their relationship. Gion's reputation in the Marines was well-known. She and Chaton were one of the strongest Vice Admirals, and now she was even an Admiral candidate.

Garp? While technically a Vice Admiral, he was often considered on par with Fleet Admiral Sengoku, a legendary hero exceeding even Admirals in strength.

"It's fine," Gion replied with a gentle smile.

"Then you two can chat. I'll leave you to it."

She gave Ian a warning glare, as if to say, "Don't try anything funny."

This young woman seemed rather naive and innocent. However, considering her exceptional intelligence gathering and work ethic, perhaps she was simply shy? Most recent graduates were like this, unfamiliar with the complexities of the world.

"Uh..." Ian was speechless, choosing to remain silent. Was his reputation truly that bad?

"Have a seat." Unsure of what to say, Ian gestured for Tashigi to sit down.

"Yes, sir. I brought your Vice Admiral uniform from the personnel department, along with my information and a letter." She placed the Vice Admiral coat respectfully on the desk.

Ian picked up the coat and examined it. It was white, with the word "Justice" emblazoned on the back, but the sleeves were black.

Most high-ranking Marines wore similar uniforms, but those for Commodore and above had unique sleeve colors. He hadn't expected his to be black.

Gion's were pink, Kizaru's yellow, Akainu's red, Aokiji's blue, Fujitora's purple, Green Bull's green... all related to their code names. If he were to receive a code name, it would likely be connected to his black-winged demon form, Murciélago. Black was indeed a fitting color for a creature of darkness.

"The word 'Justice' is a heavy burden to bear..." Ian hung the coat on a rack.

Even Garp, the Hero of the Marines, who had chased after Gol D. Roger across the globe, had been burdened by this weight when his two grandsons nearly died before his eyes.

However, such constraints didn't apply to Ian. Once he was strong enough, he would abandon the Marines without hesitation and overthrow the Five Elders and the World Government if he deemed it necessary. But he wouldn't harm those who had shown him kindness.

"Indeed, sir. A Marine Vice Admiral is a pillar of strength for Headquarters, constantly facing the threat of death."

Tashigi's earnest response left Ian speechless. He had been referring to the constraints and lack of freedom, while she focused on danger and responsibility... She was truly naive and innocent, completely oblivious to the nuances of conversation.

However, most individuals fresh out of training were like this, unaware of the complexities of human nature, the harsh realities of the world. They were blank slates, easily influenced.

Unable to find common ground, they resorted to observing each other. Ian, with his partial horned skull helmet, distinct tear marks beneath his pale green eyes, and deathly pale skin, wore a high-collared, long-sleeved jacket with a white front and black trim, white hakama pants secured with a black sash, the renowned katana Shusui tucked into his sash, black socks, and white shoes. He was quite handsome.

Tashigi, on the other hand, wore her signature large glasses, her slender figure accentuated by her white Marine uniform. Her long black hair, slightly longer than during their first encounter in Loguetown, cascaded over her shoulders, adding to her naive charm.

She sat stiffly, her gaze darting nervously towards Ian, clearly intimidated.

While he was attractive, his demonic appearance was somewhat unsettling. However, her gaze was drawn to the katana Shusui, unable to look away. She was a sword enthusiast, her curiosity piqued by the renowned blade.

"I've heard tales of your victory over Gecko Moria, one of the Seven Warlords of the Sea, and your Devil Fruit, a Mythical Zoan type, like Fleet Admiral Sengoku's, with the potential to reach Admiral level. You truly live up to your reputation... Could I... could I see your sword?"

She showered him with compliments, her admiration evident. Ian, basking in the praise of such a beautiful young woman, was momentarily speechless. So all that flattery... was just to see his sword?

During their first encounter in Loguetown, her unwavering sense of justice and obsession with swords had led her to douse the shopkeeper's attempts to sell Zoro the cursed sword Sandai Kitetsu, and she had even offered to purchase the sharp Wado Ichimonji and a simple katana at a low price. She truly lacked social awareness. However, this naivety was part of her charm.

"You're not bad yourself..." He glanced at Tashigi, his meaning unclear. Tashigi beamed with pride.

"Of course, sir!" Despite her low ranking, she was a capable Marine. Praise from a Vice Admiral like Ian boosted her confidence.

After all, ordinary training camps selected promising individuals from the general population, while the elite training program selected the best of the best... However, comparing herself to Ian dampened her spirits. They were both 18 years old, yet he was already a Vice Admiral, considered to have Admiral potential. While his Mythical Zoan Devil Fruit played a role, his swordsmanship was a testament to his dedication and hard work.

"Here, take a look." He decided against crushing her enthusiasm. After all, she would be his subordinate from now on. He handed her Shusui.

"Thank you, sir. It's about twice as heavy as an ordinary sword... The red hamon is so impressive... Its hardness and sharpness are truly remarkable..."

As expected of a sword enthusiast, she immediately discerned Shusui's characteristics. Such a sword, wielded by Ian, a Mythical Zoan Devil Fruit user with enhanced physical abilities, was a perfect match.

A treasure for a hero, living up to its reputation.

Fortunately, they were in his office. Otherwise, she would likely have infused it with her own power and started swinging it around. Ian picked up the letter and began reading.

As he had anticipated, it contained instructions on Rokushiki, Armament Haki, and Observation Haki. As a Vice Admiral, he had access to such valuable information.

Shigan, Tekkai, Rankyaku, Kami-e, Geppo, and Soru. He skimmed over them, as he already possessed similar, if not superior, abilities in the form of Hierro, Sonido, and even his released form, Murciélago, which granted him flight. Arrancar possessed the ability to levitate as well, so Geppo wasn't a significant advantage.

He focused his attention on the Haki training methods...