The initial awe of entering the Grand Line had begun to settle into a more pragmatic understanding of its harsh realities. The unpredictable weather, the strange and often dangerous sea life, and the palpable sense of amplified danger compared to the East Blue had all contributed to a shift in Regulus's perspective. He was no longer a solitary figure honing his skills in isolation; he was now part of a legendary pirate crew navigating the most treacherous waters in the world, and the stakes had undeniably been raised.
He spent his days observing the Red-Haired Pirates, studying their interactions, their battle prowess, and their seemingly effortless navigation of this chaotic environment. He saw the casual ease with which they handled sudden squalls and the almost instinctive way they reacted to the appearance of dangerous sea kings. He learned from their stories, their laughter, and even their quiet moments of reflection, piecing together the intricate tapestry of life in the Grand Line.
One evening, as the Red Force sailed through a relatively calm patch of sea beneath a sky painted with the fiery hues of sunset, Regulus retreated to a quieter corner of the deck. The boisterous laughter of Lucky Roux and the lively strumming of a crew member's guitar faded into the background as he focused his mind inward, accessing the familiar blue glow of his Character Template System.
The interface shimmered into existence before his eyes, a comforting anchor in the unpredictable world around him. He quickly navigated to his status screen, his gaze immediately drawn to the familiar percentages and levels that quantified his progress.
[Regulus M. Figarland]
[Age: 13]
[Character Template: Monkey D. Garp (63% Integration)]
[Current Power Level: Low First Commander Level]
[Haki: Advanced Armament, Advanced Observation, Basic Conqueror's]
[Devil Fruit: Inu Inu no Mi, Model: Fenrir (Partial Mastery)]
[Weapon: Fang of Fenrir (Proficient)]
A small but significant number caught his attention first: 63%. His Garp Template integration had ticked up another percentage point in the week since they had entered the Grand Line. He pondered this increase. Was it the constant exertion of navigating the turbulent waters? The subtle increase in the intensity of his training, now often conducted amidst unpredictable weather? Or perhaps simply the passage of time and the inherent nature of the template's integration? Whatever the reason, he felt a quiet satisfaction. Each percentage point felt like another step closer to unlocking the legendary power of the Marine Hero.
His current power level remained at Low First Commander. He knew this was a significant achievement for someone his age, a testament to his relentless training and the potent combination of his Devil Fruit and the Garp Template. Yet, looking out at the vast, unforgiving ocean, he couldn't shake the feeling that even this level of power was merely a starting point in the Grand Line. He had witnessed glimpses of Shanks's true strength, a power that dwarfed his own, and he knew that the seas ahead were filled with individuals who could likely match or even surpass his current capabilities.
He then focused on his other attributes. His Haki was progressing steadily. His Advanced Armament was becoming more refined, allowing him to coat his body and weapon with greater density and for longer durations. His Advanced Observation Haki was also sharpening, his ability to perceive the subtle intentions and movements of others growing more acute. His Conqueror's Haki remained a volatile force, surfacing occasionally in moments of intense pressure or unwavering resolve, but still eluding his conscious control. He knew mastering this kingly Haki would be crucial in his journey, a mark of true greatness in this world.
His mastery over the Inu Inu no Mi, Model: Fenrir, was a constant work in progress. He felt a growing connection to the beast within, a better understanding of its instincts and its immense potential. He continued to experiment with different hybrid forms, finding new ways to blend his human intellect and swordsmanship with the Fenrir's primal power and enhanced senses. The Frostfire was becoming an increasingly versatile tool, and he was learning to control its temperature and intensity with greater precision.
He reflected on his goals for his time in the Grand Line. His primary objective remained to grow stronger, to push his limits until he reached the pinnacle of power. He wanted to master all three forms of Haki, to achieve complete control over his Mythical Zoan Devil Fruit, and to become a swordsman whose skill with the "Fang of Fenrir" would be legendary. He knew that four years might seem like a short time in the grand scheme of things, but he was determined to make every single day count.
The increasing power of the Garp Template would be instrumental in achieving these goals. He envisioned utilizing its raw physical strength and endurance as a foundation upon which to build his other abilities. He would continue to push his body to its absolute limits, knowing that each percentage point of integration brought him closer to the legendary strength of the Marine Hero.
His ultimate aim was to create a unique and formidable fighting style that seamlessly integrated his physical prowess from the Garp Template, the versatile powers of his Fenrir Devil Fruit, his mastery of Haki, and his skill with the "Fang of Fenrir." He wanted to be a force to be reckoned with, someone who could stand toe-to-toe with the strongest individuals in the world.
The four-year time limit with the Red-Haired Pirates loomed in the back of his mind, a constant motivator. He needed to absorb as much knowledge and experience as possible during this period, to learn from the best and prepare himself for the challenges that awaited him when he finally set sail on his own.
Closing the user interface, Regulus took a deep breath of the salty sea air. The turbulent skies of the Grand Line mirrored the storm of ambition brewing within him. He was no longer just a boy with a dream; he was a force in the making, his power growing steadily, his resolve unwavering. The Grand Line was his proving ground, and he was ready to face whatever challenges lay ahead, his eyes fixed firmly on the horizon and the legendary power that he was determined to achieve.