Just after Zeref left, Natsu's restraints were released.
"That bastard!"
From the moment Zeref appeared until he left, Takeshi did not make a move.
On one hand, his magic power was insufficient and needed recovery.
On the other hand, he wasn't certain if he could take Zeref down.
Just then, a figure appeared behind Takeshi.
"Die!"
Mikazuki!
The newcomer was Ezel, who had been knocked unconscious by Gajeel earlier. He was now seizing the opportunity to launch a sneak attack while Takeshi was not transformed.
He had now transformed into his Etherious Form, using his strongest killing move to ambush Takeshi.
It was all because of this man that Tartaros was destroyed. Even if he died, he was going to take Takeshi with him.
Takeshi didn't even look at Ezel. He just gave a casual wave of his hand.
Crack!
The slash released by Ezel was completely shattered by a light wave of Takeshi's palm.
Pfft!
A huge wound appeared on Ezel's body, and blood continuously sprayed from the gash.
"How... how is this possible..."
Bang!
Ezel collapsed to the ground. He didn't understand how Takeshi could be so strong even without transforming, but he didn't have time to ask, all signs of life had already vanished.
Takeshi didn't care much about it. In his normal state, he just didn't have as many complex skills, but that didn't mean his normal form was weak.
With his own vast magic power, plus Sun Breathing and Transparent World, Takeshi's close-combat ability was top-tier even without transforming. His danger level was arguably even higher than when transformed into Satoru.
It was just that Takeshi rarely showed it. Aside from a few people close to him, most Fairy Tail Guild members were unaware.
Takeshi looked up at the sky, focusing on the battle between Acnologia and Igneel.
Igneel lived up to his title, holding his own in a fierce fight against Acnologia for a short time. However, his magic was ultimately countered by Acnologia. Aside from physical attacks that could cause some damage, magic had no effect on Acnologia.
Therefore, he chose the most direct method: close-quarters combat with Acnologia.
Unfortunately, because magic was ineffective, Igneel's damage to Acnologia was limited, while Acnologia's magic dealt full damage to him.
Gradually, Igneel began to be suppressed by Acnologia, and the wounds on his body increased.
Natsu was extremely anxious seeing this scene. He immediately ran over, prepared to help.
"Wait for me, Igneel! I'm coming to help you right now!"
Takeshi stopped Natsu.
"Takeshi, get out of the way! I have to go help Igneel!"
"There's no point in you going. With your current strength, facing Acnologia is no different from throwing your life away."
"Then I'm still going to save Igneel! He's my father!"
He had finally reunited with Igneel after so much trouble, how could he just watch as Igneel was killed by Acnologia?
"Let me handle it." Takeshi said.
"But Takeshi, you..."
Natsu had seen with his own eyes that Takeshi had created three thousand clones, which must have consumed a massive amount of magic power.
"It's fine, I've already recovered."
Seeing Igneel falling into a disadvantage, Takeshi thought about it and decided to intervene. Igneel was very strong. Although he was far from being Acnologia's match, he could still restrain him for a short time.
If things followed the original plot, it wouldn't be long before Igneel died by Acnologia's hands.
At that time, it was uncertain if Acnologia would leave like in the story or stay to continue fighting. If he stayed, Takeshi would eventually have to act anyway.
In that case, why not step in now to save Igneel? That way, he would have a powerful ally when fighting Acnologia.
Boom!
Acnologia's tail slammed into Igneel's body.
"Argh!"
Igneel let out a scream and crashed into the ground.
Boom... Boom...
The earth was plowed into a deep trench by Igneel's body.
Acnologia spread his wings and dove rapidly toward Igneel.
Boom!
Acnologia's claws landed on Igneel's chest, causing Igneeel to spit out blood.
"Is this all the power you have? Fire Dragon King." Acnologia taunted.
Igneel bared his teeth in a smile and said, "It's because I've been asleep for a long time."
Acnologia raised his claws, intending to crush Igneel's body.
Suddenly—
A small sun charged toward them.
The scorching temperature immediately caught the attention of both Acnologia and Igneel.
"What is that?!"
Cruel Sun!
The fireball slammed into Acnologia's body, blasting him off of Igneel.
"Something like this, watch me swallow it."
Acnologia's feet plowed deep furrows into the ground, but he still couldn't stop the impact of the Cruel Sun. He opened his mouth, intending to devour the thing.
"Pride Flare."
Takeshi's voice rang out.
The Cruel Sun lit up with a blinding light.
Boom!!!
A terrifying explosion erupted, and a brilliant flame light flared up. This power was not at all inferior to the roars previously unleashed by Igneel and Acnologia.
"Ughhhhh!"
"Wahhhhh!"
The shockwave of the explosion made everyone in Fairy Tail feel a terrifying heatwave. They couldn't help but cry out in surprise, hurriedly steadying themselves to prevent their bodies from being blown away by the impact.
After a long while, the explosion slowly subsided.
A massive crater appeared in the distance, as if a meteorite had fallen. The destruction caused thick smoke to billow around, and there was high-temperature, scorching lava on the ground.
Seeing this, everyone couldn't help but take a sharp breath.
Fortunately, they were relatively far from the explosion site. Otherwise, just from this heat alone, they would have lost a layer of skin even if they didn't die.
Rumble!
A pitch-black figure slowly rose from the center of the explosion.
"Cough, cough!"
Acnologia coughed up blood. He had sustained some minor injuries from the heat and impact of the explosion, and he looked somewhat charred.
"He's injured!"
The Fairy Tail members felt a surge of joy in their hearts when they saw this. That super terrifying guy was actually injured.