The next morning arrived quietly, sunlight washing over Marineford as life stirred awake. For Atticus, it felt like a day blessed with new beginnings.
"Mom, Bro Attic is so handsome. I want to be that handsome when I grow up."
Inside the Marine villa, a small boy's cheerful voice echoed with admiration and innocence.
"Star, come here. Don't bother your mom and Bro Attic."
Zephyr sat on the sofa, watching the child with unmistakable fondness.
"Teacher's wife, I can do it myself…"
Atticus felt awkward. After having dinner here last night, he ended up staying over. Early in the morning, Zephyr's wife pulled him aside, insisting that he had to look sharply dressed for the awards ceremony. According to her, he needed to look handsome enough to draw attention, impress girls, and give her something to brag about to other women.
"Stand still and let me dress you properly. You men are all careless. Today is important, so you must look good."
She patted Atticus lightly, her eyes filled with affection.
Feeling that rare warmth, Atticus found his vision blurring for a second.
"Huh? Why is Bro Attic crying?"
A small, round face leaned forward, lips pouting.
"Bro Attic isn't crying. A bit of wind got into my eyes."
Atticus smiled, scooping the little boy up and tapping their foreheads together.
"Haha… Bro Attic, it tickles…"
The child squirmed, laughing with pure joy.
"One minute you call me Bro Attic, the next you call me something else. Let me teach you a lesson. Tickle hand attack."
"Haha… haha…"
The room filled with genuine, carefree laughter.
"You little rascal, don't distract Atticus. Today is important for him."
Zephyr's wife plucked the boy from Atticus's arms, tapped his head lightly, and set him beside Zephyr. The child pouted but obeyed.
"Teacher's wife, really, it's fine. I want to play with him too."
"Be quiet and stand straight. We don't have much time left."
Although she pretended to sound stern, her affection was obvious.
"Yes ma'am."
Atticus surrendered, giving a helpless smile.
A few minutes later, Atticus stood in the living room under the scrutiny of three pairs of eyes.
His shoulder-length hair was tied back neatly with a purple ribbon. His off-white patterned shirt and dark-gold trousers paired with a Marine-issued overcoat made him appear calm, sharp, and dignified. The three small scars on his right cheek added a mature strength to his expression.
"Bro Attic looks amazing!"
Star ounced in excitement, stars practically glowing in his eyes.
"Not bad at all. Looks much more spirited."
Zephyr nodded approvingly.
"Of course he looks good, I dressed him."
Zephyr's wife stepped forward, tugged his collar gently, brushed imaginary dust off his coat, and declared proudly, "My Atticus is the most handsome."
"Thank you, Teacher's wife… and Teacher."
Atticus inhaled slowly, letting the warmth sink into him.
"No need for such formality. You've long been like a son to us. Now that you're a Rear Admiral, you'll be sailing out more often. Promise me you'll be careful. And when you have time, come home often. No matter where you go, I'll always be here, ready to cook for you."
Such simple words… yet Atticus felt his chest tighten, emotion rising unexpectedly.
"Alright, enough talking. Let's head to the plaza. Today is Atticus's big day."
Zephyr finally stood, speaking with authority.
"Oh, look at me. Talking so much that we're running late."
Zephyr's wife took Atticus by the hand, smiling brightly. "Let everyone see. This is my child, the most handsome and the most admirable."
It felt like the proud excitement of parents whose child had just won an award at school. A love plain and simple, sometimes dismissed by others, sometimes embarrassing, yet always sincere.
Atticus let her lead him out, feeling a warmth he rarely experienced. He knew far too well what it felt like to grow up with parents who cared nothing for him. That suffocating darkness, that sense of being abandoned by the world, growing deeper each day like something monstrous swallowing him piece by piece… no one could truly understand it.
Yet here, with this family, he felt light for the first time.
Zephyr watched Atticus's rare, silly grin and sighed quietly before smiling himself.
Meanwhile, Star sat in Zephyr's arms, sucking on a finger as he stared at Atticus before breaking into his own goofy smile.
Half an hour later…
The Marineford plaza was solemn as always. At the highest seat on the platform sat Fleet Admiral Sengoku. Beside him were the Admirals, with Zephyr in a respected position. Below them stood Vice Admirals like Garp and Tsuru, as well as the gathered Rear Admirals.
The Marines filled the square in strict formation.
Sengoku stepped forward and cleared his throat. "Today marks the graduation of a new class from the Marine Academy. After the recent grand competition, the top ten have been decided."
"This competition showed the promise of the Marines' next generation. Because of that, the Five Elders have ordered special rewards for the top four."
"The ceremony will now begin. Admiral Zephyr will present the awards."
With quiet authority, Zephyr stepped forward. "Top ten, come forward."
Ten young elites walked forward, excitement clear in their steps.
"Tenth place, Doberman. Awarded the rank of Lieutenant Commander, command of two hundred Marines, a good-quality sword, ten million Berries, and a low-level Marine villa."
"Ninth place, Onigumo. Lieutenant Commander rank, two hundred Marines, a good-quality sword, ten million Berries, and a low-level villa."
"Eighth place, Yamakaji."
"Seventh place, Dalmatian."
The rewards were similar among those ranks.
"Sixth place, Chaton. Awarded the rank of Commander, command of four hundred Marines, one good-quality sword, fifty million Berries, a Zoan-type Devil Fruit, and a mid-level villa."
"Fifth place, Momousagi. Commander…"
Zephyr paused, then continued with the top four.
"Fourth place, Borsalino. Awarded the rank of Captain, command of eight hundred Marines, the right to independently hunt pirates at sea, one great grade sword, one hundred million Berries, two Zoan-type Devil Fruits, and a high-level villa."
The plaza erupted in gasps. Great grade swords were legendary artifacts, and receiving one was extraordinary.
"Third place, Kuzan. Captain rank, identical rewards."
"Second place, Sakazuki. Captain rank, identical rewards."
Finally came the moment everyone anticipated.
"First place, Atticus m. Awarded the rank of Rear Admiral, command of one thousand Marines, full independent sailing rights, one great grade sword, two hundred million Berries, one Paramecia-type Devil Fruit, two Zoan-type Devil Fruits, one high-level villa, and additionally, qualification to attend high-level Marine meetings and the right to vote."
Zephyr placed a firm hand on Atticus's shoulder. No words were needed.
Atticus lowered his head slightly, eyes shining. The rank of Rear Admiral and the freedom to command a fleet mattered most to him, but receiving the right to attend high-level meetings… that was something even veteran Rear Admirals rarely earned.
Many Rear Admirals in the crowd could only stare at him with envy.
The rewards were overwhelming, far beyond expectations.
_____
Atp, you guys should drop reviews so this fanfiction can reach more people
Whether good or bad, I'll take it, but please don't be too harsh
Also, become patrons to get access to 70–80 chapters in advance
Patreon.com/Zphyr