It was indeed Haidun—a powerful warrior who, upon witnessing the might displayed by Tengen, remained outwardly calm but internally felt a sense of wariness. He was particularly concerned about Tengen's mastery in the element of water. As a result, the seawater around the desolate island came under his control, rising and transforming into a true water hammer. If they had been fighting at sea, the owner of the Demon Fruit would have been doomed to defeat.
"This..." Hibari rubbed her eyes in confusion, unsure of what to say. Before her, the seawater surged and shimmered, forming a colossal water sphere that completely encircled the island. She imagined that if Tengen began his attack, this incredible volume of water would instantly engulf the entire island and Sakazuki's father.
Tengen, standing between the brows of the Perfect Susanoo, watched with satisfaction as his creation—the "Great Water Explosion" technique—unfolded. After receiving the rewards for mastering fire and water techniques, he achieved proficiency in both elements. Strengthened by the boundless expanses of the sea, the water seemed to him the perfect weapon.
Sakazuki was strong, but Tengen did not believe that even his strength could withstand the infinite mass of water. With any slight impact, Tengen would be ready to use his most powerful technique.
After the battle with Sakazuki, Tengen understood his weaknesses. He decided to strengthen his physical skills and continue his training, so that one day he could unite his abilities with the Perfect Susanoo.
"Old man, should I begin?" Tengen asked, looking directly at Sakazuki.
"Stop fighting... enough!" Sakazuki twitched nervously, then waved his hand and said sharply, "I learned a lot while in the Western Sea. Now, I fully support your relationship with Hibari."
First, there was the giant in blue, then the water technique that made him doubt his strength. If the battle had continued, both sides would have revealed their trump cards, and the outcome would have been unpredictable. But if he lost, it would have been extremely embarrassing.
Sakazuki came to the Western Sea to teach Tengen a lesson, but it turned out he was facing a real monster he had clearly underestimated. Now he realized: the stronger the son-in-law, the better for him.
Tengen won him over with his strength and potential. Sakazuki was now completely satisfied with this son-in-law. He even imagined how, with Sakazuki's support, Tengen could rise to the top ranks of the Marines, becoming an admiral, and possibly even a Fleet Admiral.
Sakazuki always adhered to the idea of "absolute justice," which caused dislike from many, even within the Marines. Now his strength was at its peak, but what about when he aged? He worried about his daughter Hibari. That was why he was so angry upon learning that her heart was captured by an unknown guy. But now he understood: Tengen was a reliable support for his daughter.
Without saying a word, Sakazuki just smiled. Tengen became the perfect choice for him—a future admiral and protector of his family.
Previously, Hibari's husband did not possess enough strength, status, or influence. He could not even imagine what tragic consequences this could lead to.
And now?
Tengen, despite his youth, possesses incredible power. He has nothing to worry about, and Hibari's safety is now under reliable protection. Perhaps he will be able to spend his old age under Tengen's care.
And as for attempts to instill in him ideas of "absolute justice"?
Forget about it!
Everyone has their own views and goals.
The stronger a person becomes, the more they solidify their beliefs and aspirations!
The Admiral of Marineford is a vivid example of this. Everyone has their own understanding of "justice," which determines their behavior and lifestyle.
"Alright!" Tengen heard as Sakazuki ceased the battle.
His mind cleared, and the full form of Susanoo disappeared, while his eyes returned to their normal state from the Mangekyo Sharingan.
He has not yet reached Madara's level and hasn't fully mastered the skills of Susanoo. Using the full power of Susanoo is still challenging for him.
But he has already demonstrated his strength and earned Sakazuki's respect. Sakazuki proposed to end the fight, and Tengen did not object. Since Sakazuki is not against his relationship with Hibari, there's no need to continue the clash.
"Phew..." Tengen emerged from the state of Mangekyo Sharingan, felt fatigue in his eyes, and involuntarily rubbed them, smiling.
After all, this isn't the Eternal Mangekyo Sharingan. The side effects of using it are severe, and the chakra expenditure is enormous. If he continued, his body and eyes wouldn't have been able to withstand it.
"Yes!" Hibari, seeing that her father and Tengen had stopped the fight, beamed with joy. Her eyes sparkled like stars as she looked at Tengen. "As expected of my boyfriend! He is truly much better than anyone else his age at Marineford Headquarters."
...
Earlier, Hibari had prepared for the worst, but now there was nothing to worry about. Tengen had earned her father's recognition thanks to his strength.
At this moment, as Tengen's chakra dwindled, the ninjutsu and the barrier that supported the giant water sphere collapsed. The sea surrounding the island came crashing down.
"Old man, you're in luck..." Tengen used the Instantaneous Movement Technique and disappeared.
He hadn't eaten a Devil Fruit, so water wasn't a threat to him. Even if a wave had covered him, it wouldn't have bothered him.
And what about Sakazuki?
It was already too late for him to use Moonwalk to get away.
He had to use his strength; otherwise, he would have ended up in the water, helpless like an ordinary person. That would have been awkward.
"You... - Sakazuki's expression shifted slightly. He wanted to say something, but realized it was too late.
Boom!
In the next moment, a hot stream of magma burst from Sakazuki's body again. It collided with the falling water, producing sharp sounds and thick white steam that enveloped everything around.
.