One Piece: Ulquiorra Template

Chapter 52: Crescent Dunes

[A/N] - Support & Read Up to 15 Advanced Chapters on Patreon!!

[A/N] - Don't Forget to leave a [Review] – Your Voice Matters!!!

...

Gin Ichimaru's Bankai, Kamishini no Yari, possessed a deadly ability. Upon extending and retracting its blade, it could leave behind particles of ash within the opponent's body. These particles would then detonate, shredding the victim from within.

He had once used this technique against Sosuke Aizen, but the latter, empowered by the Hogyoku, had resurrected and swiftly countered, ending Gin's life.

Thus, his career as a double agent, reminiscent of Itachi Uchiha, had come to an end. One, a serpent lurking in the shadows, the other, a raven cloaked in darkness.

Although Ian was merely mimicking Gin's technique using the Spring-Spring Fruit, it didn't hinder him from embedding a portion of his compressed spiritual pressure within Diamante before detonating it. If Mr. 5 could create explosions with his boogers and even the air itself, this was child's play for Ian.

The wind picked up, whipping the desert sand into a frenzy. Ian's gaze shifted, his attention drawn towards Crocodile, the former Warlord of the Sea, standing off to the side.

He effortlessly deflected the shower of deadly debris with a combination of Hierro and Armament Haki, like Bartolomeo shielding himself from the Supernovas' barrage. Did Diamante truly believe such an attack, one that had failed to even seriously injure Kyros, could harm him?

Diamante had clearly exhausted his arsenal, resorting to these pitiful, harmless tactics.

However, Ian's Zanpakuto had returned Diamante's Devil Fruit power, the fluttering, yet steel-hard, soul of the Flag-Flag Fruit. It manifested as another Devil Fruit sapling within Ian, bringing his total to six.

The sapling had grown, now standing about a meter tall.

Crocodile observed Ian with a cold, calculating stare, a thin wisp of smoke trailing from the cigar clenched between his teeth.

"No wonder you're so conceited," he drawled, his voice as dry and rasping as the desert wind. "With such formidable power and a Mythical Zoan ability rivaling Kaido and Sengoku... It's a shame you've become a lapdog for the World Government. Interested in joining my ranks? We can rule the world together."

Crocodile emerged from the swirling sand, approaching Ian with a measured pace. "Besides," he added casually, "Even a Vice Admiral has no authority to interfere in Warlord affairs."

"Not my concern." Ian's response remained unchanged. He wouldn't waste his breath explaining that the pursuit of ancient weapons was a fool's errand.

Pluton, had likely rotted away centuries ago. Even if it still existed, constructing it would be a monumental undertaking. Robin's claim was nothing more than a ploy to secure protection. The Five Elders were undoubtedly watching her every move.

It was entirely possible that even if she obtained the blueprints in Water 7, the Five Elders would seize them, eliminate her, and consolidate their power. Crocodile was likely aware of this as well.

After all, he had challenged Whitebeard himself. He couldn't possibly be so naive. Perhaps he harbored a sliver of hope, a faint possibility that Pluton remained intact and accessible. If the situation turned unfavorable, he could simply abandon his plans.

He knew he could always secure his safety. That was the privilege afforded by the Warlord title. As long as he didn't possess Pluton, the World Government wouldn't touch him. Even the Marines tasked with observing him were likely aware of Robin's true intentions.