One Piece: Ulquiorra Template

Chapter 51: Death

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As the shockwaves from their clash rippled outward, a smaller, silver-white streak of sword energy pierced through the chaos, hurtling towards Diamante below. Ian's attack had prevailed.

"What?!" Diamante's eyes widened in disbelief.

He hadn't expected his full-powered, Cosmo-enhanced slash to be countered.

"Crocodile, you're not going to help?! If I die, you won't be able to explain yourself to Doffy!" Diamante shouted at Crocodile.

"Explain myself? I'll simply tell him you got yourself killed picking a fight with the Marines after I left." Crocodile replied nonchalantly, taking a puff from his cigar and exhaling a perfect smoke ring. His response was a textbook example of pirate ruthlessness.

"You shameless bastard! I came here to deliver weapons! And Doffy wanted to share his expertise on overthrowing governments and acquiring Pluton! He was going to help you!"

Diamante, realizing his imminent demise, desperately tried to drag Crocodile down with him, revealing his purpose and exposing Crocodile's treacherous plans.

"You think you can threaten me with that? Let me tell you, Momousagi and the Marine higher-ups already caught wind of my activities at Thriller Bark. They're keeping a close eye on me. Why else would I be buying weapons from your precious Donquixote Family?"

This was Crocodile's true intention. Since his plans had been exposed, he needed to consolidate his forces and expedite his operation before the Marines intervened. He had to succeed before they could take him down, like they had done with Moria.

Whether due to perceived weakness or the potential abolition of the Warlord system, Crocodile had to solidify his position. The Marines wouldn't dare target him if he succeeded in overthrowing Alabasta. They understood the difference between a mere Warlord and a powerful ruler.

However, he had forgotten who he was dealing with.

"Army of Flags!" Diamante roared, realizing Crocodile was unreliable.

The ground beneath them transformed, becoming as soft and pliable as silk, billowing in the wind.

Tashigi and Mr. 1 struggled to maintain their balance, nearly losing their footing.

Diamante, however, remained unaffected. This was his ultimate technique, designed to incapacitate his opponents by disrupting their footing. But it had little effect on Crocodile or Ian.

Although the ground beneath them undulated, they remained firmly planted, their expressions unfazed.

It seemed the technique was only effective against ordinary individuals.

"Death Enjambre!" Diamante then produced several confetti cannons, firing a barrage of colorful paper scraps into the air.

The seemingly harmless confetti transformed mid-air, turning into sharp, spiked iron balls that rained down upon them like a deadly hailstorm.

He had opted not to utilize his "Half Moon Glaive" attack, as the swaying ground would have affected his aim.

"Pierce him!" Ian calmly raised his Zanpakuto.

The Spring-Spring Fruit's compression ability enveloped the blade, transforming it into a compact form, mimicking the appearance of Diamante's sword when influenced by the Hira Hira no Mi.