Field Marshal Tenpou Gensui commanded Heaven's Western Army First Unit, renowned as Heaven's greatest military tactician. His superior, Goujun Dragon King of the Western Sea, acknowledged his cool-headed strategic brilliance in combat—a stark contrast to his daily disheveled appearance. Tenpou wore semi-long, unkempt black hair, thick glasses, a shabby lab coat over a rumpled shirt and tie, and favored wooden sandals. Though his face blended gentle and harsh features, his neglect for hygiene fueled eccentricity rumors. He exhibited an easy-going, "my pace" personality, often seeming vague or detached. A reading maniac, he hoarded books "borrowed" from Heaven's library in his chaotic study. Fascinated by the Lower World, he collected artifacts like a frog-shaped ashtray and Colonel Sanders bust as art, studied human military history, and chain-smoked Arc Royal cigarettes at five packs daily. Unexpectedly gentle with children, he asked young Goku to call him "Ten-chan" or "Tempi." Beneath his calm lay tenacious resolve and occasional sadism when pursuing goals. Tenpou shared a profound bond with his subordinate General Kenren Taisho. Before Kenren's transfer, Tenpou acted alone and recklessly; Kenren's influence shifted him toward collaboration, humorously adopting a "wife" role in their dynamic. Kenren often managed practical tasks like cleaning Tenpou's messy office. Tenpou also maintained a longstanding friendship with Konzen Douji, the Merciful Goddess's nephew, despite clashing with Konzen's neatness. Suspicious of Heaven's authorities—especially regarding War Prince Nataku's treatment—Tenpou grew more distrustful after meeting golden-eyed earth spirit Goku. During the Jade Emperor's festival, he and Kenren protected Goku from bullies, cementing their alliance with Konzen and the child. When Kenren was imprisoned for opposing Nataku's deployment, Tenpou punched official Li Touten over a derogatory insinuation about their relationship, deepening their defiance. After Goku transformed into Seiten Taisei, Tenpou, Kenren, and Konzen defied Heaven to protect him. They took Goujun hostage to reach Tenpou's library, planning an escape to the Lower World. Facing imminent attack, they promised Goku reunion under cherry blossoms even if separated. During the escape, Tenpou ordered his loyal First Unit soldiers to eliminate all Eastern Army Second Unit witnesses, ensuring secrecy at any cost. Tenpou, Kenren, and Konzen perished before reaching the Lower World gate, while Goku was imprisoned with sealed memories. Five centuries later, Tenpou Gensui was revealed as the past life of Saiyuki protagonist Cho Hakkai. Both shared intellectual brilliance and protective violence, though their reincarnated identities reflected distinct lifetimes.