The next morning rose beneath a blazing sun, its heat pouring down over Marineford. The massive fortress stood with an overwhelming presence, radiating discipline, strength, and the unmistakable weight of justice. Every corner of the island buzzed with activity, creating an atmosphere that only the heart of Marine Headquarters could possess.
White stone walls reflected the sunlight, making the entire island feel sharp and imposing, as if even the air itself demanded order.
The town streets branched like a sprawling network of arteries, vibrant and full of life. The inner district served as the residential area for Marine families, while the deeper zones housed accommodations for higher-ranking officers such as commodores, vice admirals, admirals, and even the Fleet Admiral. Farther outward, the civilian district bustled with commerce and people loosely connected to the Navy. Together, Marines and civilians amounted to several hundred thousand inhabitants.
This was not just a base—it was a city sustained by power, hierarchy, and unyielding authority.
Walking along the lively street with a calm yet unsettled expression, Atticus took in the surroundings. "Thankfully, this is Marine Headquarters. Learning Rokushiki will be easier here. If I were stuck in a branch, it would waste time I don't have."
His eyes swept across groups of Marines training in open areas, their movements sharp and disciplined.
Clenching his teeth lightly, he continued in thought. "I need to find Tsuru. I don't know if she'll agree to help, but I can't afford to ignore any opportunity."
Every second mattered now. Hazel was somewhere beyond his reach, and time would not wait for him to grow slowly.
He understood the difference between fantasy and reality. Powerful figures like Garp were beyond his reach; expecting their help would have been nothing but daydreaming. Even Tsuru, with whom he had only one brief encounter, might refuse him entirely.
In this world, power decided whose words carried weight.
Sure, he could enlist through regular channels. But that would be slow. His true goal was the Marine Academy. If he got in, he could access training methods for Rokushiki and Haki, which he needed more than anything.
Those techniques were the foundation of true monsters.
He had no background, no backing. To climb upward, effort alone wasn't enough. Sometimes, one had to be seen by the right people. If the higher-ups found him worth cultivating, everything would change.
This visit would determine his future path.
Soon he arrived at the entrance to the inner district, the living area for Marine officers. Standing quietly, he waited as the guards went in to announce him.
The silence stretched, heavy with unspoken scrutiny.
"You may enter. Vice Admiral Tsuru is in Building A, central."
"Thank you." With a polite nod, Atticus stepped forward.
Small bridges, flowing streams, and well-kept greenery surrounded him as he followed the stone path through the peaceful compound. After reaching the designated building, he stopped before a door and knocked.
This place felt calm—but beneath that calm lay sharp vigilance.
"Come in. The door is unlocked." The voice was steady and full of insight.
Atticus pushed the door open slowly. Since entering the complex, he had sensed Tsuru's Observation Haki tracking his presence. His sharpened perception, boosted by his Devil Fruit, allowed him to recognize the subtle fluctuations clearly.
It was impossible to hide anything meaningful from her.
Devil Fruits came in three primary categories: Logia, Paramecia, and Zoan. Among them, Zoan fruits granted exceptional durability, recovery, physical strength, and vitality. Atticus was no ordinary person anymore, though he still lacked experience to wield his power properly.
Raw potential meant nothing without control.
"Have a seat. What brings you here?" Tsuru asked from the sofa, studying him with interest.
"I want to join the Marines." Atticus spoke directly, knowing that lies would be pointless in front of someone like her.
"Oh? You're quick-witted." With just that one sentence, Tsuru understood exactly what he was aiming for. Anyone could join the Marines, but Atticus had chosen the fastest, boldest path.
"But you are still an ordinary person in terms of training, and your age isn't ideal. Your foundation is too weak," Tsuru said, her sharp gaze not leaving him.
Her words cut cleanly, without malice.
"There are many ways to build a foundation. For example… Devil Fruits."
Before Tsuru could respond, Atticus allowed golden-red flames to erupt across his body. A wave of heat filled the room instantly.
The temperature spiked violently, distorting the air itself.
The crackling sound of burning spread across the space. Within moments, everything except Tsuru's immediate area had been reduced to ash.
"Put it away," she instructed calmly, though her eyes glimmered with intrigue.
"I'm sorry. My control is still lacking." With a thought, the flames receded into his body.
"Flames? A Logia user?" Tsuru asked with thinly veiled excitement. She didn't even react to the smoke or destruction. Discovering a Logia user with such potential would far overshadow any property damage.
After all, Marineford already had two future monsters within the Academy: Sakazuki with his Magma-Magma Fruit, and Borsalino with his Glint-Glint Fruit. Both were devastatingly powerful Logia types.
"I'm not a Logia user," Atticus corrected calmly. "It's an Ancient Zoan. A Flame Bird."
Tsuru's brief disappointment faded almost immediately. "An Ancient Zoan is still extremely rare. With its resilience and recovery, your longevity in battle will surpass most recruits."
Then her eyes narrowed. "But why should I help you? You want to become stronger to find that girl. Which means you intend to use the Marines."
"If I had no purpose, you wouldn't have spoken with me for this long either." Atticus answered honestly and steadily.
Silence stretched between them, heavy and assessing.
Tsuru stared for a long moment before speaking again. "I can help you, but you must accept two conditions."
"One," Atticus replied immediately, his tone unshakable.
"Alright. Only one." Tsuru agreed without hesitation.
"Are you curious why I agreed so quickly? You're the one asking me for assistance," she added.
"I'm not curious. I only know that any promise I make, I will fulfill—if it's within my capability, even if it costs my life."
"You really are full of surprises," Tsuru said, her sharp gaze softening only slightly. "Potential, intelligence, and resolve… Then let's see how far you'll go. Tomorrow morning, you'll come with me to the Academy. That will be your first step."
"Thank you," Atticus said, bowing slightly before turning to leave.
Tsuru watched his retreating figure. "What a terrifying young man… Whether I made the right choice today, only time will tell."
Outside the district, Atticus released a long breath. His back was drenched with sweat. "As expected of the Marine strategist. That pressure is no joke."
The tension finally drained from his shoulders.
Still, determination shone in his eyes as he looked back toward the buildings. "The first step is finally taken. Hazel, wait for me."
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