Ch-48 Call between Tsuru and Gion.

A few nights later, in a quiet room, Gion was on the phone with Vice Admiral Tsuru, the Great Staff Officer located at the navy headquarters.

"Gion, you've been with Li Fan for a few days. Have you made any new discoveries? Or has Li Fan exhibited any other abilities that deserve our attention?"

"Apologies, sister, but I haven't come across any useful information yet," Gion replied apologetically.

"Since I've been playing a minor role in Li Fan's crew, I had the opportunity to observe this script called [Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba ]."

"The forces portrayed in this story aren't as extraordinary as the ones in the previous play."

"This story doesn't involve many special powers. The focus is primarily on swordsmanship."

"What Li Fan displayed was the swordsmanship relevant to this story, and there were no extraordinary elements like Noble Phantasms as in the previous play."

Tsuru nodded.

"So, Li Fan is still keeping the Sword of Rupture(Ea) and the Sword of Promised Victory a secret?"

"Yes, sister. Li Fan isn't willing to divulge more about these two swords. He just mentioned that if he ever shoots a script related to [Fate/Stay Night] in the future, he'll reveal swords like those."

"I see... it seems you'll need to stay vigilant for a while."

"That's alright, sister, I'm prepared," Gion said with a slight smile. "However, even though I didn't witness Li Fan unveiling the Sword of Promised Victory and the Sword of Rupture(Ea), I did make a discovery related to Medusa."

"During their free time, Li Fan sparred with Medusa."

"At that time, the skills demonstrated by Medusa were remarkably similar to what was shown in the movie."

"Of particular note is that Medusa indeed summoned a pure white Pegasus."

"After summoning the Pegasus, Medusa's power notably escalated."

"Due to the duel between Li Fan and Medusa, an entire coastline was directly torn apart."

"Let's put aside Li Fan for now. When he and Medusa were sparring, he mainly assumed a defensive stance."

"But as for Medusa, who summoned the Pegasus, I might not be on her level."

Hearing Gion's words, Tsuru was somewhat taken aback.

As someone who often interacted with Gion, Tsuru was well acquainted with Gion's character.

Gion was known for her strength and unwillingness to accept defeat, so for her to admit to Medusa's prowess was quite significant.

"Are you certain about this, Gion?"

"How did you conclude that you're not as strong as Medusa when you haven't fought her?" Tsuru inquired.

Gion lifted her head and recollected the moment when Li Fan and Medusa were sparring.

"It's the speed, sister!"

"Medusa is already incredibly agile. After riding that Pegasus, her agility reaches a terrifying level."

"You see, sister, my greatest pride lies in my speed."

"But I realized that my speed doesn't give me an advantage against Medusa."

"Be it in terms of movement speed or attack speed."

"Additionally, considering the strong winds produced during Li Fan and Medusa's sparring, it's clear that both of them possess immense power."

Gion's words made Tsuru to pace around the room, contemplating the situation.

"Garp previously remarked that Li Fan's strength is no less than yours, and now Li Fan has Medusa as well."

"This combination is indeed worth paying attention to."

"Unfortunately, Li Fan isn't inclined to join the Navy," Tsuru remarked with a tinge of helplessness.

"Even though he isn't willing to join, he is still undertaking actions beneficial to the Navy," Gion said with a chuckle. "Li Fan requires Tashigi to display the character's swordsmanship in the play."

"So, He have been diligently teaching Tashigi swordsmanship."

"Perhaps, through this movie, the Navy can gain a remarkable swordsman."

Listening to Gion's words, Tsuru nodded.

"That could be the case. In any event, you've been at Li Fan's side working diligently during this period."

"If anything happens, remember to contact me without delay."

Afterward, Gion and Tsuru discussed some internal matters before ending the call.

After hanging up, Gion didn't rush to rest. Instead, she grabbed a stack of snacks and headed towards a pond in the mountains behind Cocoyasi Village.

She was aware that at this time, Li Fan and Tashigi hadn't taken a break yet, and Li Fan was still helping Tashigi in practicing [Water Breathing].

As expected, upon reaching the back mountain, Gion heard the distinct sounds of clashing metal resonating through the area.

As she drew nearer, Gion spotted Tashigi and Li Fan incessantly engaging in a duel with their long knives.

Tashigi was visibly panting, her clothes drenched with sweat.

In contrast, Li Fan appeared to maintain control over his breathing, showing no signs of exhaustion.

"Take a rest for a while, Tashigi," Li Fan dispelled the long knife created through projection magic and turned his attention to the direction Gion had arrived from. "Gion brought something, you can have a snack first."

Tashigi nodded, took a deep breath, and made her way slowly toward them.

"Hey, Gion, why don't you take a break? I've truly inconvenienced you these past couple of days," Li Fan greeted Gion as she approached, extending his hand in a friendly manner.

"Haha, to leave a positive impression on you, Director Li Fan, I have to do this," Gion replied with a slight smile, offering the plate of snacks to Li Fan. "As long as you direct the next film, just don't give me another walk-on role."

"Haha, we'll discuss it then," Li Fan said, taking a snack and handing one to Tashigi, then taking another for himself. "Your conditions are quite favorable. If you encounter tall female characters in the future, I'll give you priority."

"Thank you, Director Li Fan." Gion's playful demeanor took on a different charm under the moonlight.

"Li Fan, can you tell me, can I really perform that scene well tomorrow?" Tashigi inquired while holding a snack, her expression reflecting her anxiety.

"Tomorrow is when we're shooting the scene where Tanjiro takes part in the selection. In the story, Tanjiro has to use the [Water Breathing] swordsmanship to battle."

"But I haven't fully mastered it yet."

"Do you think I can really perform like this?"

"Don't worry about it, Tashigi," Li Fan shook his head. "As I mentioned before, at your current level, you can already proficiently execute the [Water Breathing] sword techniques."

"Filming a movie isn't the same as real combat. Even if you haven't fully mastered it, you're more than capable."

"Zoro can already utilize the [Thunder Breathing] sword skill." Tashigi lifted her head. "Li Fan, do you think students like me are useless?"

"Of course not!" Li Fan patted Tashigi on the shoulder. "Remember, you've only been practicing for a few days, and you've already reached an impressive level."

"As for Zoro, yes, he does have remarkable talent, but he quickly mastered the [Thunder Breathing] only because the only sword style I taught him was the [Thunderclap and Flash]."

"Your [Water Breathing] style comprises ten forms."

"Furthermore, what's the point of that guy learning sword skills?"

"In the end, he still can't portray my character, Zenitsu, properly, which is the most problematic aspect."

Li Fan couldn't help but pat his head as he spoke.

.....