The aftermath of the harbor incident served as a stark reminder for Regulus that while his training had been rigorous, the true test of his abilities lay in facing real opponents in unpredictable situations. He replayed the alleyway fight in his mind, analyzing his movements, his reactions, and the effectiveness of his chosen tactics. While he had emerged victorious, he recognized areas for significant improvement, particularly in seamlessly integrating his Devil Fruit powers into his combat style in such close quarters.
His focus in the days that followed shifted intently towards mastering the Inu Inu no Mi, Model: Fenrir. He spent countless hours experimenting with his transformations, pushing the boundaries of his control in both his Hybrid and Full Beast Forms. On deserted islands, they briefly anchored near for resupply, Regulus would venture inland, unleashing his Fenrir form and practicing intricate maneuvers, tearing through dense forests and scaling treacherous cliffs. He focused on maintaining his human intellect and strategic thinking while in his powerful beast form, a challenge that required intense concentration and a deep understanding of the Fenrir's instincts.
Shanks, ever the keen observer, provided invaluable guidance during these training sessions. "Regulus," he'd say, watching as the young pirate shifted between human and various hybrid forms with increasing speed, "don't think of your Devil Fruit as just a transformation. It's an extension of yourself, a wellspring of primal power. You need to feel the Fenrir within you, understand its rhythm, its ferocity. Let its instincts guide you, but always keep your own will firmly in control."
He would often spar with Regulus while the younger pirate was in his Hybrid Form, forcing him to utilize the enhanced speed, agility, and senses of the Fenrir while maintaining the discipline and technique of his swordsmanship. "Think of your claws as another set of blades, kid," Shanks advised during one particularly intense exchange. "Integrate them into your attacks. Don't just rely on the Fang of Fenrir."
Regulus took this advice to heart, practicing intricate sequences that combined his swordplay with swift slashes of his razor-sharp claws, creating a whirlwind of steel and fur that was both terrifying and effective. He also worked on controlling his Frostfire while in his Hybrid Form, learning to channel the freezing flames through his claws and even project them in focused bursts from his lupine snout.
He began to feel a deeper connection to the Fenrir, a sense of understanding its wild nature and how to harmonize it with his human consciousness. His transformations became smoother, more instinctive, and he could hold his Hybrid Form for extended periods without feeling overwhelmed by the beast's primal urges.
During his downtime, Regulus would often spar with Benn Beckman, focusing on the strategic applications of his Devil Fruit. Benn, with his calm and analytical mind, would present Regulus with various combat scenarios, forcing him to think on his feet and utilize his transformations and Frostfire in creative and tactical ways. "Remember, Regulus," Benn emphasized, "your Frostfire isn't just for offense. Use it defensively. Create barriers, freeze the ground, control the environment to your advantage."
Yasopp, too, played a crucial role in Regulus's Devil Fruit mastery. He helped the younger pirate hone his senses in his Hybrid Form, setting up complex tracking exercises and teaching him how to utilize his enhanced hearing and smell to anticipate enemy movements and locate hidden targets.
Shanks, pleased with Regulus's rapid progress, continued to offer more advanced guidance. "That Mythical Zoan of yours, Regulus," he said one evening as they sat on deck, the stars twinkling above them, "it holds power that you haven't even begun to scratch the surface of. Explore its limits. Don't be afraid to experiment. The legends surrounding the Fenrir speak of incredible abilities beyond just transformation and frost. Delve into that, kid. Feel the ancient power within you."
Regulus took Shanks's words to heart, spending hours in quiet contemplation, focusing on the feeling of the Fenrir's presence within him, trying to tap into that deeper, legendary power. He began to sense subtle energies, a primal force that resonated with the very essence of the mythical wolf.
He also made it a habit to reflect on his training each day, often jotting down his insights and observations in a small journal he had fashioned from salvaged parchment. This helped him solidify what he had learned and identify areas where he still needed to improve.
In the evenings, around the crackling campfire on the deck, Regulus would often engage in conversations with the other crew members, discussing his Devil Fruit and seeking their perspectives. Lucky Roux would offer simple but effective advice, often related to incorporating his Fenrir abilities into powerful, unpredictable attacks. Yasopp would share anecdotes about his own enhanced senses and how he had learned to trust his instincts. Benn Beckman would provide more analytical insights, focusing on the strategic advantages of different transformations and elemental attacks.
Shanks's final words of encouragement regarding his Devil Fruit often echoed in Regulus's mind. "This power you wield, Regulus, it's a wild beast. But it's your wild beast. Learn to guide its ferocity, to channel its ancient strength. The potential is limitless."
As the days turned into weeks, and the Red Force continued its journey through the East Blue, Regulus dedicated himself to taming the wild beast within. He pushed his transformations further, experimented with new applications of his Frostfire, and continued to integrate his Devil Fruit powers seamlessly with his swordsmanship and burgeoning gunfighting skills. With each passing day, he felt himself growing closer to unlocking the true potential of the Inu Inu no Mi, Model: Fenrir, the legendary power that lay dormant within him, waiting to be fully unleashed. The lion's hunt had indeed continued, not just in external battles, but in the internal struggle to master the formidable power that now defined him.