As life began anew the next day, Nokiyoru felt it would be a good day.
“Mom, Brother Nokiyoru is so cool! I want to be that cool when I grow up.”
In the Marine villa, a young voice filled with admiration could be heard, full of energy.
“Little Xing, come here. Don’t bother your mom and Brother Nokiyoru.” Zephyr sat on the sofa in the living room, lovingly watching the little one.
“Madam, I can do this myself.” Nokiyoru felt a bit awkward. After having dinner here last night, he stayed over. He was woken up early by his teacher’s wife, who insisted on dressing him up smartly for the award ceremony to attract the ladies and impress everyone. She even mentioned that she wanted to boast to other women about how handsome her “son” was.
“Stand still and let me dress you up. You men are all so careless. Today is a special day; you need to look your best.” The gentlewoman patted Nokiyoru affectionately, her love evident.
Feeling the sincere care, Nokiyoru’s eyes suddenly felt moist.
“Huh? Why is Brother Nokiyoru crying?” A small, curious face with a mop of hair tilted to one side, pouting.
“Brother Nokiyoru isn’t crying. It’s just the wind in my eyes.” Nokiyoru smiled, picking up the little boy and touching his forehead to his.
“Ha ha… Brother Nokiyoru, it tickles… tickles…” The boy laughed, squirming in Nokiyoru’s arms.
“Calling me ‘Brother Nokiyoru’ and then ‘Brother Nokiyoru’? Watch out, tickle attack!”
“Ha ha… ha ha…” Innocent, carefree laughter filled the room.
“Naughty boy, don’t bother your brother Nokiyoru. Today is his big day.” The gentlewoman picked up the little boy, gently tapping his head, and set him down beside Zephyr, who looked slightly hurt.
“It’s alright, Madam. I like playing with Little Xing.”
“Fool, stand still. We’re running out of time. Be good,” she said with mock anger, leaving no room for argument.
“Okay.” Nokiyoru chuckled, letting her do as she pleased.
A few minutes later, Nokiyoru stood in the living room, scrutinized by three pairs of eyes.
His shoulder-length hair was tied back with a purple ribbon. He wore a dark white patterned shirt and dark gold trousers, with a Marine coat over his shoulders. This made Nokiyoru look exceptionally handsome, and the three scars on his right cheek added a touch of ruggedness.
“Brother Nokiyoru is so handsome.” Little Xing’s eyes sparkled as he jumped on the sofa.
“Indeed, very impressive,” Zephyr nodded approvingly.
“Of course, who do you think dressed him?” The gentlewoman stood up, straightening Nokiyoru’s collar and brushing off non-existent dust from his shoulders. “My Nokiyoru is the most handsome.”
“Thank you, Madam, and thank you, Master,” Nokiyoru said, taking a deep breath and smiling. The warmth of familial love was intoxicating.
“No need for thanks. We are family. I’ve always considered you my child. Now that you’re a Rear Admiral, you’ll be going out to fight pirates. Promise me you’ll be careful and come back often. No matter where you are, I’ll always be here, making your favorite dishes.”
Her words carried a world of love, and Nokiyoru felt like crying.
“Alright, let’s not dwell on that. Let’s head to the square; today’s a big day for Nokiyoru. Let’s all go and see,” Zephyr said, getting up.
“Oh, look at me, almost making us late. Let’s go and show everyone my child, the most handsome and enviable child,” the gentlewoman said proudly, holding Nokiyoru’s hand and stepping out.
It was like parents showing off their child who had won an award, eager to introduce him to everyone. “Look, this is my child, he won first place.”
So simple, yet so heartwarming. This was maternal love—pure and sincere, something often taken for granted or even found embarrassing by some.
However, Nokiyoru cherished this feeling of being cared for. Having parents but never feeling cared for was a kind of helplessness, like being abandoned by the world. That suffocating darkness was something no one could understand.
Letting her hold his hand, Nokiyoru smiled foolishly, and Zephyr sighed silently, then smiled.
As for Little Xing, he was in Zephyr’s arms, sucking his finger, watching Nokiyoru and giggling along.
Half an hour later.
The atmosphere at Marineford’s square was solemn. On the high platform, Fleet Admiral Kong sat at the highest position, flanked by Admirals Sengoku and Zephyr, with Garp, Tsuru, and other Vice Admirals and Rear Admirals present.
Below them stood numerous Marines.
“Attention,” Kong’s voice was stern as he stood up. “Today marks the graduation of the new batch of cadets from the Marine Academy. After the recent competition, we have the top ten ranked individuals.”
“This competition has highlighted the future of the Marines. Thus, the Gorosei have decided that the top four will receive special rewards.”
“Let the award ceremony begin. Admiral Zephyr will present the awards.”
The atmosphere was electric as Zephyr walked to the center of the platform, radiating a strong presence. “Top ten, come forward.”
With excitement, the ten stood before the crowd.
“Tenth place, Doberman. Promoted to the rank of Commander, commanding 200 Marines. Reward: one fine-quality sword, ten million Berries, and a low-level Marine villa.”
“Ninth place, Momonga. Commander rank, commanding 200 Marines. Reward: one fine-quality sword, ten million Berries, and a low-level villa.”
“Eighth place, Onigumo…”
“Seventh place, Yamakaji…”
As Zephyr read the names, the tenth to seventh-place rewards were similar.
“Sixth place, Chaton. Promoted to the rank of Lieutenant Commander, commanding 400 Marines. Reward: one fine-quality sword, fifty million Berries, one Zoan-type Devil Fruit, and a mid-level villa.”
“Fifth place, Gion. Lieutenant Commander…”
After reading Gion’s name, Zephyr paused. Finally, it was time for the main rewards.
Everyone stretched their necks, envious of the four whose names had yet to be called.
“Fourth place, Borsalino. Promoted to the rank of Captain, commanding 800 Marines. Granted the right to independently hunt pirates, rewarded one Great Grade Sword, one hundred million Berries, two Zoan-type Devil Fruits, and a high-level villa.”
The crowd gasped at the reward. Such rewards surpassed the status of a Captain, and the Great Grade Sword alone was a priceless treasure.
“Third place, Kuzan. Captain rank, commanding 800 Marines. Reward: one Great Grade Sword, one hundred million Berries, two Zoan-type Devil Fruits, and a high-level villa.”
“Second place, Sakazuki. Captain…”
The rewards for these three were essentially the same. It was time for the most anticipated reward—the first place.
“First place, Nokiyoru Kara. She was promoted to the rank of Rear Admiral, commanding 1,000 Marines. Granted the right to hunt pirates independently. Reward: one Great Grade Sword, two hundred million Berries, one Paramecia-type Devil Fruit, two Zoan-type Devil Fruits, a high-level villa, and the right to attend meetings with voting privileges.”
After reading, Zephyr stepped forward, patting Nokiyoru on the shoulder. No words were needed.
Nokiyoru lowered his head, eyes bright. Aside from the rank and independent hunting rights, Nokiyoru was indifferent to the other rewards. However, he was thrilled to have the right to attend Marine meetings and vote—a privilege reserved for the upper echelons of the Marines.
In truth, a newly appointed Rear Admiral would not typically have access to such meetings, let alone a voting right. Many ordinary Rear Admirals looked on enviously.
“The first-place rewards are indeed generous. Compared to this, the other rewards seem less valuable.”
Become a Patron read up to 40 chapter ahead public release ^_^
Please join Discord Server so we can talk ^_^
