Therefore, the sunlight he absorbed from outside couldn't keep up with the outburst within, meaning his recovery couldn't catch up with the damage.
In the end, getting slightly injured was completely normal.
You could say this technique still wasn't perfected. At noon, he absolutely wouldn't dare to use it, afraid that his body wouldn't withstand it and would explode.
But judging from this battle, the technique was actually quite good. At the very least, in the future, he would be able to maintain his strongest state at any time during the day.
And it should be possible to refine it even more.
As for that final attack, it was also quite good. At that moment, he acted on impulse, combining Conqueror's Haki with his ability to create an indiscriminate area-of-effect attack.
It just wasn't perfected yet. He could continue refining that as well.
As for the Conqueror's Haki… The day he left the Sibia River Archipelago, he suddenly awakened it.
Perhaps it was due to the World Government's bounty and the pressure from family, which changed his mindset and led to the awakening of Conqueror's Haki.
It was quite unexpected!
But he had to admit, this fight with Borsalino had brought him very significant gains!
Unlike the previous times, this time he had truly fought with all his strength against an Admiral.
While Ian was reflecting on today's gains…
"Ian."
A voice suddenly pulled him back from his thoughts.
Ian lifted his head and glanced at the group approaching him. "You're all still awake?"
"Hahaha, what are you saying, kid? How could anyone sleep at a time like this?"
Zephyr laughed loudly, looking extremely happy as he even reached out and punched Ian in the chest. "You did great, kid! I've never seen Borsalino look so miserable before."
But before he could say anything, Ian, who was weakened, was sent into another round of coughing blood by Zephyr's excited punch.
"Ian!!!"
Everyone who had been excited just moments ago immediately panicked, especially Ain… who stared at Zephyr with a face full of blame. "Zephyr-sensei!"
"Sorry, sorry."
Seeing Ian cough up blood, Zephyr's old face flushed red, but he still asked anxiously: "Kid, you're injured?"
"Just a small injury, a side effect from using my big move."
Facing everyone's concern, Ian waved his hand. "It's nothing serious, I'll be fine after sunbathing later."
"Big move? You mean that technique?"
Hearing this, Zephyr remembered the moment on the island when Ian's whole body suddenly ignited in flames.
He couldn't help but exclaim: "It was indeed a stunning technique! I didn't expect you to develop your Devil Fruit to this degree."
Just as Enel said… at that moment, Ian really did look like a true God of the Sun.
Seeing that Ian didn't seem to be lying, everyone finally sighed in relief.
As for Robin… She smiled at Ian while holding the sleeping baby in her arms.
Although she was a little worried, she wasn't nearly as anxious as the others; after all, she was very aware of Ian's capabilities.
At this moment, seeing that everyone had returned safely, just as the group exhaled deeply…
"Sorry."
Zephyr suddenly displayed a serious expression, stood up straight, and bowed deeply to everyone in front of him. "Because of my stubbornness, I made all of you worry for my sake."
To be honest, he truly hadn't expected… that in such a situation, these kids would rush out to save him without hesitation.
He had already been prepared to die in battle, planning to end his miserable life then and there.
When he finished speaking, everyone stared blankly at the bowing Zephyr, then gradually broke into smiles.
"Zephyr-sensei, I was scared to death. I thought I was going to die alongside you. But no matter what happens, I'll always follow you."
"Please don't bow like that, Zephyr-sensei. Because of you, I made up my mind."
"Hey, old man, I didn't plan on saving you."
"Mr. Zephyr has shown me kindness. This is what I should do."
"Instructor Zephyr, I think it was pretty great. I got to watch a spectacular battle. If there's a next time, I hope I can see it again."
"That's not good at all!"
As Ace finished speaking, everyone who had been comforting Zephyr immediately glared at him.
Did this guy not understand how terrible the situation had been?
And he still wanted a next time?
"Next time, don't be so reckless. You left without saying a word, at least discuss it with us first!"
Ian looked at Zephyr. "Do you know how worried Ain was?"
"No, no, there absolutely won't be a next time."
Looking at everyone, Zephyr dispelled all the embarrassment in his heart.
After laughing loudly, his eyes seemed slightly wet as he grinned and said, "I have decided to learn from you, kid, stay and protect my family. To hell with justice."
His tone carried firm resolve, as if all previous hesitation had vanished.
"That's good."
Seeing Zephyr like this, Ian nodded with satisfaction. Then he glanced at the sky. "It's getting late. Everyone, go rest. I'm going to rest too."
However, just as he finished speaking and was about to return to sleep with his wife and child, someone grabbed his shoulder.
Before the exhausted and weakened Ian could say anything, Zephyr's voice rang out again.
"Rest? What rest? Now is the time to hold a banquet!"
Ian: "…?"
A banquet?
Who said something about holding a banquet?
Before the utterly confused Ian could react, cheers erupted around him.
"That's right! We need a banquet! We accomplished something huge!"
"Awesome, after following Zephyr-sensei for so many days, I haven't had Sibia Green Grape Wine at all. Tonight I'm going to drink to my heart's content!"
Ian: "..."
As countless cheers rang out, Ian's eyelid twitched.
Do these people have this much energy?
They even had the energy to host a banquet?
As expected… at sea, a banquet is the most important thing!
But he was not one of these energetic young people!
Just as Ian was about to turn around and say, you all attend the banquet, I'm going to sleep, Instructor Zephyr beside him patted his shoulder again and leaned in, as if he already knew what Ian was planning to say.
With a gentle smile and narrowed eyes, he looked at Ian.
"Don't even think about running, kid. I still have a man-to-man talk to have with you!"
Ian: "..."