Prince of Tennis essay : Atobe Keigo- To Stand Under A Diva's Spotlight
Atobe Keigo- To Stand Under A Diva's Spotlight
Character: Atobe Keigo
Fandom: Prince of Tennis
Author: thesundaywriter
Spoilers: based on the anime arc
Warnings: graphics intensive
Music plays before the curtain rises; a brief intro to the anime
I don’t suppose much is needed to introduce this anime, but for the sake of those who aren’t familiar with it. The Prince of Tennis is about Echizen Ryoma, a promising young tennis player, who gets into the Tennis Team in his freshman year at Seigaku Junior High, and their experiences as they fight to make it to the Nationals.
Introduction- A Diva Enters
Atobe first appears to us in the following scenes:
- The street courts, when Momo and Kamio find him 'harassing' An to be his girlfriend
- Observing the match between Seigaku and St Rudolph
- At the selection for the line up where he draws that fateful slip of paper from the box that pits Hyoutei against Seigaku
- When Shishido begs Sakaki to take him into the team
I truly did not know what to expect of this new character (not having read any of the manga), but something in my mind said that this guy was certainly not to be ignored. Though those appearances of Atobe’s were brief (a minute at most), it made me think- aloof and poised (although aloof was scratched out when he helped Shishido get into the team)- and very very confident. He didn’t seem stressed from losing to Fudomine or nervous when it was announced they were up against Seigaku. He pretty much smirked at it as if he found it amusing.
This confidence of his can be seen in his attitude in his so-called doubles match with Momo and Kamio, in which he sat down on the court and let Kabaji do all the work, and to what I call his ‘official appearance’ where he puts on that over the top display just before his match with Tezuka, and even backed up by a two hundred strong chorus.
So first impressions of Atobe Keigo:
Confident
Poised (have you ever tried throwing a jacket in the air so ‘gracefully’ and managed to look like you own the world at the same time?)
Powerful (and people around you didn’t think you looked like a drama fool for doing so and cheered you on as if you had just said the most profound thing)-
“Ore-sama no bigi yoina” (translation: be awed by my prowess!)
Two more words. Arrrogant and egoistical.
(Really, how many people do you know refer to themselves in third person while speaking? The only time I’ve come across that was while reading Julius Caesar for Lit class)
Be dazzled; The Diva’s Strengths
Confidence- it gives him the Charisma that seems to draw people like a magnet to him. Even if you hate him for it, part of you will be drawn- who is this guy who can control two hundred of his peers at the mere snap of his fingers?
As annoying as it may seem, I find his confidence makes him rather endearing, as his strong belief that he will defeat anyone in his way makes him less grudgeful than some other characters if they didn’t win. For example, he is not resentful towards Fudomine even after they have whacked his team to the ground.
He is cool and composed; and comparing with what we see some of the other captains; I don’t think we ever see Atobe loose his temper, even to his teammates, when they lose.
Atobe is like a bored rich kid who is good in everything he does and I think he finds the challenge of a powerful opponent amusing more than anything- he has to push himself and work harder to beat them- like in the match he has with Tezuka- he likens the rival captain to his ‘dance partner’- “Just winning isn’t fun” he says at the start of the match, “I want you to be my dance partner for the next hour.” He really wants a worthy opponent who is equally passionate in tennis, and of whom he can appreciate, enjoy and respect the other’s skills as they match.
Insight- is the name of one of his special skills (being able to spot an opponent’s weakness during the game), but I think it’s one of his strengths that go outside the courts too. Atobe is not only able to see weakness, but also the potentials and strengths of others. He is able to tell when other players are holding back their true power. During the match Atobe has with Ryoma (wilderness camp episode), he purposely uses his “Rondo towards Destruction” attack to egg Ryoma. He says, “ This is where your wrist will break or your potential will show.”
Weaknesses; Arrogance, Thy Name is Atobe
Somehow answering this section stumps me. At the most I can think of, he is arrogant to the extent that his dramatics and ego become a pain for some. But I have to admit that he have the right to be so (just tone it down a little). The problem I have is that when I do find a possible ‘weak point’, he suddenly does another thing that redeems it. Take for example; Atobe may have been cold and unfeeling when he dismissed a member of his team, replacing him with Jiroh so easily. But then he ‘redeems’ himself by letting Shishido get back into the team when the latter is trying to show his worth to Sakaki.
In a sense, you could say that Atobe, who definitely knows the meaning of pride and dignity, sympathetic with Shishido who sacrifices his most ‘prided’ asset- his long hair. And pushing it further, Atobe could also have admired Shishido’s selfless display of cutting his hair, as Atobe himself would never stoop to that level. It also shows his power of ‘insight’ and confidence- he know that Shishido will not disappoint and so, gives him another chance.
Another example- his match with Tezuka- he may seem evil and manipulative at wanting to destroy the other boy’s shoulder but at the same time it’s clear he also respects Tezuka and later even helps him to train Ryoma though he could have easily said it’s none of his business since after all, it means he is helping his opponent develop and become stronger.
And perhaps I may be reading into it too much, but it could be that his helping Tezuka train Ryoma, he might be feeling guilty at ‘destroying’ Tezuka, and wants to make up for it? During the Senbatsu, he seems to take on a reflective mood towards their match “ I wanted to win Tezuka by any means at that time” - notice he says ‘that’ time, if he’s not sounding a little guilty here then I don’t know what else it could be.
Atobe may be a rich kid but he certainly isn’t selfish with his wealth. His family has donated large sums to help maintain and update the school’s facilities, and there is also that over the top extravagant festival he throws for Kabaji as they’re graduating from Junior High (in reference to the Atobe mini-movie). So I guess to a certain degree you can even say he’s generous and has a ‘big heart’.
Divas get lonely too; Family, Friends & Rivals
Kabaji- The ‘bodyguard’- We find out in the mini-movie that Kabaji’s family has been working for Atobe’s family for many years. Here Atobe is very grateful for Kabaji’s loyalty, and so organizes that huge festival for him (for those who haven’t seen it, in the ending, from a bird’s eye view, the lights read out “Thank you Kabaji”). But from this ‘movie’, it is also clear that Atobe sees the hulking silent boy as more than just a bodyguard. Don’t forget, Atobe may have everything he wants but he is an only child.
Really, Kabaji is more a companion, perhaps even a friend, than Atobe’s protector I feel (I doubt anyone really would go and mess with Atobe even if the thought might have been entertained). He is with Atobe nearly 24/7 both in and out of school. And while he may not say much other than “usu”, he probably would have silently stood there listening and watching Atobe, when the latter would most likely reveal his more ‘private’ side. Perhaps that is why Kabaji always only says “usu”, because he knows what the ‘real’ Atobe is truly like (but since this is not an essay on Kabaji I shan’t go on).
(note: Atobe is hiding in the background watching his training with Ohtori here)
Shishido- I’ve already talked a fair bit on Atobe’s ‘relationship’ with Shishido in the ‘weaknesses’ section of this essay and therefore will not repeat it again.
Oshitari- The closest Atobe has to a best friend, or so most people say anyway (I say this because in the anime it is not very clear, rarely do we actually see both of them together, and not to mention I have not read the manga). But Atobe definitely acknowledges Oshitari’s skills (although he does not see the latter as a rival), calling him a tensai (genius). And Oshitari certainly knows Atobe at a certain level (enough to realize that Atobe is “enjoying himself” in the match with Tezuka). “In any case he has skill. But if he doesn't finish his opponents off properly he'll never be able to climb to the top.” Translation of the 20.5 fan book taken from the website, Hyouteism.
(note: he says this at the start of Jiroh's match)
Jiroh- Again in the anime, Jiroh, like Oshitari is hardly shown interacting with Atobe so I cannot really say much. Jiroh is included here because like the tensai, he is paired so much in what is called the ‘canon’ by fans that it cannot be ignored. I would think that Jiroh’s relationship with Atobe is much like Kabaji’s- a silent (since he’s always sleeping, although not so silent when he snores) constant in Atobe’s life. And his genki happy attitude when he’s awake probably amuses Atobe, as well as gives the buchou a refreshing change from the competitive climb to the top environment that dictates Hyoutei.
And just an observation: Jiroh is a little like Seigaku’s tensai, Fuji. He plays for the fun of the game and I don’t think both see many people as their rivals. Jiroh in fact acts like a fangirl towards those he thinks have great skills.
Tezuka- As it was mentioned earlier, I don’t think that Atobe hates Tezuka for being his ultimate rival. He definitely admires and respects the other boy. And I personally think that they’re bordering on mutual ‘friendship’ (for lack of better word), as the series progresses. They contact each other when Tezuka is in Germany and Atobe does Tezuka little favours like helping to train Echizen, and even saves the latter from a falling arch in the mini-movie. They certainly understand each other on a certain level even if it is just as captains (responsibilities, keeping the ‘calm, dignified facades’ or simply as two people with a common passion for tennis.
Sanada- Sanada and Atobe start and end as rivals because both aspire to someday match as Tezuka once the Seigaku captain is fully recovered. Sanada becomes a little less ‘hostile’ towards him during the US vs. Japan match when they have to play doubles together. I think Sanada would have been like the other rivals and seen Atobe as a big, annoying show-off at first, but he comes to realize Atobe’s just as determined and passionate about tennis as the rest of them, and the two come to a sort of ‘synch’ during this match, evolving Atobe’s Rondo to Destruction to the “Tango” towards Destruction.
Ryoma- I don’t think that Atobe sees Ryoma as his ultimate rival- he has that spot reserved for Tezuka. As Ryuuzaki- sensei points out at the end of the wilderness camp “Atobe was there to train Ryoma, not destroy him,” making me wonder if Atobe sees the freshman as a rival at all, he has certainly never made any statement about wanting to “crush” Ryoma, as he always does with reference to Tezuka.
Also, I think that he gives Ryoma one of the lessons that make the latter become more matured. When Ryoma, who is frustrated at not being selected for the US vs Japan match, goes and seeks out Kevin for a match, it is Atobe who bumps into him and tells him, “I know you have issues to settle with Kevin, but if you go about seeking revenge like this you’ll be no better than him.” While Ryoma put on his usual “I-don’t-care” attitude to this, I think it did hit something in him at a certain level as later he goes to ‘beg’ Tezuka on his knees to let him play in the match and accepts being a reserve.
Conclusion- The Grand Finale
Atobe Keigo- a character you both love and hate. He’s so high, mighty and annoying, but somewhere inside you can admire (perhaps even feel jealous) the way he seems to be so confident all the time, so poised and beautiful. Admit it; you want to try that jacket toss and finger-snapping thing once.
The way he seems so amused by everything (although some may say this is actually him acting ‘ I-am-better-than-thou’) makes him seem more casual and easygoing than he looks. Also, to me it seems that tennis does not rule his life, as compared to other characters like Ryoma (not criticizing Ryoma here, just using him as an example)- it’s just one of the many things that Atobe is good at. Another thing is that I find Atobe’s relationship with Tezuka very fascinating indeed. He has clearly established Tezuka as his ultimate rival, yet he does all these little favours for him.
And he’s such a complex character to write about (fanfic wise, even for this essay). If writing Tezuka too relaxed and ‘soft’ makes him out of character, then writing Atobe in a more serious, reflective light makes him equally OOC (although I think that Atobe is much deeper despite his divaesque ‘narcissistic’ behaviour- which we can forgive as he has been raised as a spoilt rich kid). All I can say is that when he tells you to be awed by his prowess?
Be.
(2300+words)
Well, so that's my share of PoT essays! Hope you found them useful!
___________________________________________________________________
Encore; Links & Fanfic Recommendations
D.O.B: October 4th (Libra)
Height: 175cm
Weight: 62kg
Bloodtype: A
Hand: Right
Play Style: All Rounder
Special Moves: Ronde to Destruction / Insight
Hobbies: Fly-fishing / Reading
Fav Subject:Classical Studies & Greek
Fav colour: Gold & Black
Hyouteism!
A site with translations of fanbook 20.5. Very infomative and even shows Hyoutei's subjects!
Kallistos
An Atobe fansite/listing that's still WIP but looks promising.
Artistic Liscence by Adria
A wonderfully introspective piece of how complex it is to grasp the character of Atobe, from the eyes of his potrait painter.
Deuce Ace by fic_faery
A nice look at Atobe, Tezuka and Yukimura from all 3 character POVs. Ties in with how I see their 'relationship' with each other.
Scope and Limitation by kanzenrei
Fits that love/hate relationship I'm sure many viewers have with Atobe, perfectly. From Ryoma's POV.
Metamorphises by orpheneritus
Atobe's family wealth suddenly plunges into bankruptcy. This is essentially Atobe stripped to the bare essentials and has light AtoJi parts.
Valentine's Day by mildlyinsane
A lovely piece on Atobe and Tezuka on each other without being too fluffy or smutty despite the theme and title of the story.
To Defreeze an Ice King by thesundaywriter
I also talked of Atobe’s relationship with Tezuka in my first essay for this comm. Go read it if you’re interested. I’d like some feedback on it too. In other words, this is just me pawning my other essay.
Character: Atobe Keigo
Fandom: Prince of Tennis
Author: thesundaywriter
Spoilers: based on the anime arc
Warnings: graphics intensive
Music plays before the curtain rises; a brief intro to the anime
I don’t suppose much is needed to introduce this anime, but for the sake of those who aren’t familiar with it. The Prince of Tennis is about Echizen Ryoma, a promising young tennis player, who gets into the Tennis Team in his freshman year at Seigaku Junior High, and their experiences as they fight to make it to the Nationals.
Introduction- A Diva Enters
Atobe first appears to us in the following scenes:
- The street courts, when Momo and Kamio find him 'harassing' An to be his girlfriend
- Observing the match between Seigaku and St Rudolph
- At the selection for the line up where he draws that fateful slip of paper from the box that pits Hyoutei against Seigaku
- When Shishido begs Sakaki to take him into the team
I truly did not know what to expect of this new character (not having read any of the manga), but something in my mind said that this guy was certainly not to be ignored. Though those appearances of Atobe’s were brief (a minute at most), it made me think- aloof and poised (although aloof was scratched out when he helped Shishido get into the team)- and very very confident. He didn’t seem stressed from losing to Fudomine or nervous when it was announced they were up against Seigaku. He pretty much smirked at it as if he found it amusing.
This confidence of his can be seen in his attitude in his so-called doubles match with Momo and Kamio, in which he sat down on the court and let Kabaji do all the work, and to what I call his ‘official appearance’ where he puts on that over the top display just before his match with Tezuka, and even backed up by a two hundred strong chorus.
So first impressions of Atobe Keigo:
Confident
Poised (have you ever tried throwing a jacket in the air so ‘gracefully’ and managed to look like you own the world at the same time?)
Powerful (and people around you didn’t think you looked like a drama fool for doing so and cheered you on as if you had just said the most profound thing)-
“Ore-sama no bigi yoina” (translation: be awed by my prowess!)
Two more words. Arrrogant and egoistical.
(Really, how many people do you know refer to themselves in third person while speaking? The only time I’ve come across that was while reading Julius Caesar for Lit class)
Be dazzled; The Diva’s Strengths
Confidence- it gives him the Charisma that seems to draw people like a magnet to him. Even if you hate him for it, part of you will be drawn- who is this guy who can control two hundred of his peers at the mere snap of his fingers?
As annoying as it may seem, I find his confidence makes him rather endearing, as his strong belief that he will defeat anyone in his way makes him less grudgeful than some other characters if they didn’t win. For example, he is not resentful towards Fudomine even after they have whacked his team to the ground.
He is cool and composed; and comparing with what we see some of the other captains; I don’t think we ever see Atobe loose his temper, even to his teammates, when they lose.
Atobe is like a bored rich kid who is good in everything he does and I think he finds the challenge of a powerful opponent amusing more than anything- he has to push himself and work harder to beat them- like in the match he has with Tezuka- he likens the rival captain to his ‘dance partner’- “Just winning isn’t fun” he says at the start of the match, “I want you to be my dance partner for the next hour.” He really wants a worthy opponent who is equally passionate in tennis, and of whom he can appreciate, enjoy and respect the other’s skills as they match.
Insight- is the name of one of his special skills (being able to spot an opponent’s weakness during the game), but I think it’s one of his strengths that go outside the courts too. Atobe is not only able to see weakness, but also the potentials and strengths of others. He is able to tell when other players are holding back their true power. During the match Atobe has with Ryoma (wilderness camp episode), he purposely uses his “Rondo towards Destruction” attack to egg Ryoma. He says, “ This is where your wrist will break or your potential will show.”
Weaknesses; Arrogance, Thy Name is Atobe
Somehow answering this section stumps me. At the most I can think of, he is arrogant to the extent that his dramatics and ego become a pain for some. But I have to admit that he have the right to be so (just tone it down a little). The problem I have is that when I do find a possible ‘weak point’, he suddenly does another thing that redeems it. Take for example; Atobe may have been cold and unfeeling when he dismissed a member of his team, replacing him with Jiroh so easily. But then he ‘redeems’ himself by letting Shishido get back into the team when the latter is trying to show his worth to Sakaki.
In a sense, you could say that Atobe, who definitely knows the meaning of pride and dignity, sympathetic with Shishido who sacrifices his most ‘prided’ asset- his long hair. And pushing it further, Atobe could also have admired Shishido’s selfless display of cutting his hair, as Atobe himself would never stoop to that level. It also shows his power of ‘insight’ and confidence- he know that Shishido will not disappoint and so, gives him another chance.
Another example- his match with Tezuka- he may seem evil and manipulative at wanting to destroy the other boy’s shoulder but at the same time it’s clear he also respects Tezuka and later even helps him to train Ryoma though he could have easily said it’s none of his business since after all, it means he is helping his opponent develop and become stronger.
And perhaps I may be reading into it too much, but it could be that his helping Tezuka train Ryoma, he might be feeling guilty at ‘destroying’ Tezuka, and wants to make up for it? During the Senbatsu, he seems to take on a reflective mood towards their match “ I wanted to win Tezuka by any means at that time” - notice he says ‘that’ time, if he’s not sounding a little guilty here then I don’t know what else it could be.
Atobe may be a rich kid but he certainly isn’t selfish with his wealth. His family has donated large sums to help maintain and update the school’s facilities, and there is also that over the top extravagant festival he throws for Kabaji as they’re graduating from Junior High (in reference to the Atobe mini-movie). So I guess to a certain degree you can even say he’s generous and has a ‘big heart’.
Divas get lonely too; Family, Friends & Rivals
Kabaji- The ‘bodyguard’- We find out in the mini-movie that Kabaji’s family has been working for Atobe’s family for many years. Here Atobe is very grateful for Kabaji’s loyalty, and so organizes that huge festival for him (for those who haven’t seen it, in the ending, from a bird’s eye view, the lights read out “Thank you Kabaji”). But from this ‘movie’, it is also clear that Atobe sees the hulking silent boy as more than just a bodyguard. Don’t forget, Atobe may have everything he wants but he is an only child.
Really, Kabaji is more a companion, perhaps even a friend, than Atobe’s protector I feel (I doubt anyone really would go and mess with Atobe even if the thought might have been entertained). He is with Atobe nearly 24/7 both in and out of school. And while he may not say much other than “usu”, he probably would have silently stood there listening and watching Atobe, when the latter would most likely reveal his more ‘private’ side. Perhaps that is why Kabaji always only says “usu”, because he knows what the ‘real’ Atobe is truly like (but since this is not an essay on Kabaji I shan’t go on).
(note: Atobe is hiding in the background watching his training with Ohtori here)
Shishido- I’ve already talked a fair bit on Atobe’s ‘relationship’ with Shishido in the ‘weaknesses’ section of this essay and therefore will not repeat it again.
Oshitari- The closest Atobe has to a best friend, or so most people say anyway (I say this because in the anime it is not very clear, rarely do we actually see both of them together, and not to mention I have not read the manga). But Atobe definitely acknowledges Oshitari’s skills (although he does not see the latter as a rival), calling him a tensai (genius). And Oshitari certainly knows Atobe at a certain level (enough to realize that Atobe is “enjoying himself” in the match with Tezuka). “In any case he has skill. But if he doesn't finish his opponents off properly he'll never be able to climb to the top.” Translation of the 20.5 fan book taken from the website, Hyouteism.
(note: he says this at the start of Jiroh's match)
Jiroh- Again in the anime, Jiroh, like Oshitari is hardly shown interacting with Atobe so I cannot really say much. Jiroh is included here because like the tensai, he is paired so much in what is called the ‘canon’ by fans that it cannot be ignored. I would think that Jiroh’s relationship with Atobe is much like Kabaji’s- a silent (since he’s always sleeping, although not so silent when he snores) constant in Atobe’s life. And his genki happy attitude when he’s awake probably amuses Atobe, as well as gives the buchou a refreshing change from the competitive climb to the top environment that dictates Hyoutei.
And just an observation: Jiroh is a little like Seigaku’s tensai, Fuji. He plays for the fun of the game and I don’t think both see many people as their rivals. Jiroh in fact acts like a fangirl towards those he thinks have great skills.
Tezuka- As it was mentioned earlier, I don’t think that Atobe hates Tezuka for being his ultimate rival. He definitely admires and respects the other boy. And I personally think that they’re bordering on mutual ‘friendship’ (for lack of better word), as the series progresses. They contact each other when Tezuka is in Germany and Atobe does Tezuka little favours like helping to train Echizen, and even saves the latter from a falling arch in the mini-movie. They certainly understand each other on a certain level even if it is just as captains (responsibilities, keeping the ‘calm, dignified facades’ or simply as two people with a common passion for tennis.
Sanada- Sanada and Atobe start and end as rivals because both aspire to someday match as Tezuka once the Seigaku captain is fully recovered. Sanada becomes a little less ‘hostile’ towards him during the US vs. Japan match when they have to play doubles together. I think Sanada would have been like the other rivals and seen Atobe as a big, annoying show-off at first, but he comes to realize Atobe’s just as determined and passionate about tennis as the rest of them, and the two come to a sort of ‘synch’ during this match, evolving Atobe’s Rondo to Destruction to the “Tango” towards Destruction.
Ryoma- I don’t think that Atobe sees Ryoma as his ultimate rival- he has that spot reserved for Tezuka. As Ryuuzaki- sensei points out at the end of the wilderness camp “Atobe was there to train Ryoma, not destroy him,” making me wonder if Atobe sees the freshman as a rival at all, he has certainly never made any statement about wanting to “crush” Ryoma, as he always does with reference to Tezuka.
Also, I think that he gives Ryoma one of the lessons that make the latter become more matured. When Ryoma, who is frustrated at not being selected for the US vs Japan match, goes and seeks out Kevin for a match, it is Atobe who bumps into him and tells him, “I know you have issues to settle with Kevin, but if you go about seeking revenge like this you’ll be no better than him.” While Ryoma put on his usual “I-don’t-care” attitude to this, I think it did hit something in him at a certain level as later he goes to ‘beg’ Tezuka on his knees to let him play in the match and accepts being a reserve.
Conclusion- The Grand Finale
Atobe Keigo- a character you both love and hate. He’s so high, mighty and annoying, but somewhere inside you can admire (perhaps even feel jealous) the way he seems to be so confident all the time, so poised and beautiful. Admit it; you want to try that jacket toss and finger-snapping thing once.
The way he seems so amused by everything (although some may say this is actually him acting ‘ I-am-better-than-thou’) makes him seem more casual and easygoing than he looks. Also, to me it seems that tennis does not rule his life, as compared to other characters like Ryoma (not criticizing Ryoma here, just using him as an example)- it’s just one of the many things that Atobe is good at. Another thing is that I find Atobe’s relationship with Tezuka very fascinating indeed. He has clearly established Tezuka as his ultimate rival, yet he does all these little favours for him.
And he’s such a complex character to write about (fanfic wise, even for this essay). If writing Tezuka too relaxed and ‘soft’ makes him out of character, then writing Atobe in a more serious, reflective light makes him equally OOC (although I think that Atobe is much deeper despite his divaesque ‘narcissistic’ behaviour- which we can forgive as he has been raised as a spoilt rich kid). All I can say is that when he tells you to be awed by his prowess?
Be.
(2300+words)
Well, so that's my share of PoT essays! Hope you found them useful!
___________________________________________________________________
Encore; Links & Fanfic Recommendations
D.O.B: October 4th (Libra)
Height: 175cm
Weight: 62kg
Bloodtype: A
Hand: Right
Play Style: All Rounder
Special Moves: Ronde to Destruction / Insight
Hobbies: Fly-fishing / Reading
Fav Subject:Classical Studies & Greek
Fav colour: Gold & Black
Hyouteism!
A site with translations of fanbook 20.5. Very infomative and even shows Hyoutei's subjects!
Kallistos
An Atobe fansite/listing that's still WIP but looks promising.
Artistic Liscence by Adria
A wonderfully introspective piece of how complex it is to grasp the character of Atobe, from the eyes of his potrait painter.
Deuce Ace by fic_faery
A nice look at Atobe, Tezuka and Yukimura from all 3 character POVs. Ties in with how I see their 'relationship' with each other.
Scope and Limitation by kanzenrei
Fits that love/hate relationship I'm sure many viewers have with Atobe, perfectly. From Ryoma's POV.
Metamorphises by orpheneritus
Atobe's family wealth suddenly plunges into bankruptcy. This is essentially Atobe stripped to the bare essentials and has light AtoJi parts.
Valentine's Day by mildlyinsane
A lovely piece on Atobe and Tezuka on each other without being too fluffy or smutty despite the theme and title of the story.
To Defreeze an Ice King by thesundaywriter
I also talked of Atobe’s relationship with Tezuka in my first essay for this comm. Go read it if you’re interested. I’d like some feedback on it too. In other words, this is just me pawning my other essay.