The rhythm of life aboard the Red Force had settled into a comfortable routine, a blend of rigorous training, boisterous camaraderie, and the ever-present anticipation of adventure. Regulus thrived in this environment, his days filled with honing his skills under the watchful eyes of Shanks and his crew. The East Blue, while considered relatively tame compared to the treacherous Grand Line, still offered ample opportunities for growth, and Regulus eagerly sought them out.
One crisp morning, as the Red Force sailed through a particularly calm stretch of water, Yasopp, perched high in the crow's nest, let out a sharp cry. "Ship ahoy! Marine vessel, bearing north-east!"
A ripple of activity went through the crew. Some grumbled good-naturedly about the inconvenience, while others, particularly the younger members, perked up with a hint of excitement. Regulus, who had been practicing his sword drills on the deck, felt a surge of anticipation. He had trained extensively, but his only real combat experience had been against the ragtag group of pirates in the harbor town. He yearned to test his abilities against a more disciplined force, to gauge his progress against the soldiers of the World Government.
"Marines, huh?" Shanks said, strolling to the edge of the deck, his gaze scanning the horizon. "Looks like a standard patrol ship. Probably nothing to worry about."
Regulus approached his captain, his amber eyes gleaming with a mixture of eagerness and resolve. "Captain," he said, his voice steady, "I'd like to… engage them."
Shanks turned to Regulus, a thoughtful expression on his face. "Engage them, kid? You mean start a fight with the Marines? Now, hold on a second. We're not looking for trouble, and picking a fight out here could draw unnecessary attention."
"I understand, Captain," Regulus replied, his tone respectful but insistent. "But I need to test my abilities against a more organized force. I've been training hard, and I want to see how I measure up. It would be a good experience before we enter the Grand Line."
Shanks stroked his beard, considering Regulus's request. He saw the burning determination in the young pirate's eyes, the unwavering desire to grow stronger. He also knew that Regulus possessed a considerable amount of power, and a controlled engagement might indeed be a valuable learning experience.
"Alright, kid," Shanks said finally, a hint of a grin returning to his lips. "I'll allow it. But under one condition. No unnecessary bloodshed. We're just looking for a bit of a sparring match, understand? Don't go overboard."
Regulus nodded eagerly. "Understood, Captain. I'll exercise restraint."
Shanks turned to Benn Beckman. "Benn, keep a close eye on things. If it looks like it's getting out of hand, we'll intervene." Benn nodded, his gaze already fixed on the approaching Marine ship.
As the Red Force drew closer, the Marine vessel, a sturdy galleon with the World Government's flag fluttering proudly from its mast, began to take notice. The sounds of hurried commands could be heard across the water as the Marines prepared for a potential confrontation with a notorious Yonko's crew. Cannons were being manned, and armed soldiers lined the deck, their faces a mixture of apprehension and duty.
Shanks steered the Red Force to within a few hundred yards of the Marine ship, bringing them to a gentle stop. "Ahoy there, Marines!" Shanks called out, his voice booming across the water. "Just passing by! No need for any trouble!"
The captain of the Marine vessel, a stern-looking man with a neatly trimmed mustache, stepped forward. "Red-Haired Pirates! State your intentions!"
"Just admiring your fine vessel!" Shanks replied with a jovial wave. "Say, we've got a new recruit here who's eager to test his skills. How about a friendly little spar?"
The Marine captain looked taken aback by the unusual request. After a moment of hesitation, he barked an order to his men. "Prepare for engagement! But hold your fire unless they attack!"
Regulus didn't wait for further instructions. With a burst of speed, he leaped from the deck of the Red Force, landing gracefully on the surface of the water using a controlled burst of his Frostfire to create temporary platforms. He then propelled himself towards the Marine ship, his movements swift and agile.
The Marines, initially caught off guard by his sudden approach, quickly reacted, leveling their rifles and swords at the young pirate. "Fire!" the captain commanded.
A volley of bullets rained down on Regulus. His Observation Haki kicked in, allowing him to perceive the trajectory of each projectile. He moved with incredible speed, dodging and weaving through the hail of bullets, leaving trails of icy mist as he utilized his Frostfire for quick bursts of acceleration. Some of the bullets that came too close were met with a swift application of his Armament Haki, the invisible armor deflecting the lead with a dull thud.
He reached the Marine ship and with a powerful leap, propelled himself onto the deck, landing amidst the startled ranks of the soldiers. Before they could fully react, Regulus unleashed a controlled burst of Frostfire, creating a wave of icy energy that swept across the deck, freezing the feet of several Marines to the spot.
Chaos erupted on the Marine vessel. Soldiers scrambled to engage the young pirate, their swords clashing against the dark blade of the "Fang of Fenrir," which Regulus had drawn in mid-air. His movements were a blur of speed and precision, honed by years of relentless training. He parried and riposted with practiced ease, his Haki-infused blade easily overpowering the Marines' steel. He utilized his Hybrid Form, his lupine claws adding another layer of ferocity to his attacks, disarming opponents and sending them sprawling across the deck without inflicting any serious injuries.
He even incorporated his pistols, firing well-aimed shots to disarm Marines from a distance, showcasing the accuracy he had developed under Yasopp's tutelage. His Frostfire was used strategically, creating icy obstacles to hinder the Marines' movements and momentarily freezing their weapons.
From the deck of the Red Force, Shanks and his crew watched with a mixture of amusement and pride. "He's really come a long way," Shanks commented, a wide grin on his face. "That kid's got the heart of a lion and the claws of a Fenrir."
Benn Beckman nodded in agreement, his gaze sharp as he monitored the skirmish. "His control is impressive. He's holding back, just like you asked."
Regulus moved through the ranks of the Marines with a controlled ferocity, his power and skill clearly exceeding theirs. He wasn't fighting with rage or malice, but with a focused determination to test his limits and refine his abilities. He systematically disarmed and incapacitated the Marines, leaving them groaning but largely unharmed.
Finally, he stood before the Marine captain, who watched him with a mixture of awe and apprehension. Regulus lowered the "Fang of Fenrir," its dark surface still faintly shimmering with Haki. "I believe that's enough," he said, his voice calm and steady.
The Marine captain, though clearly outmatched, stood his ground, his face etched with duty. "You may have won this skirmish, pirate," he said, his voice firm, "but we will not yield!"
Before the situation could escalate, Shanks called out across the water. "Alright, Regulus, that's enough practice for one day! Let's leave these fine Marines to their duties!"
Regulus nodded, acknowledging his captain's command. With another powerful leap, he returned to the deck of the Red Force, landing gracefully beside Shanks.
As the Red-Haired Pirates sailed away, leaving the humbled Marine vessel in their wake, Regulus felt a sense of satisfaction. It was his first real taste of combat against an organized force, and he had performed admirably. He had tested his skills, pushed his limits, and gained valuable experience. He knew he still had much to learn, but he also knew that he was on the right path, growing stronger with each passing day under the guidance of the Red-Haired Pirates. The Grand Line, with its formidable challenges, now seemed a little less daunting, and his anticipation for the adventures that lay ahead burned brighter than ever.