Chapter 32: Leaving Loguetown.

"Hey, director, are you being too biased toward Tashigi?"

"They're both playing the lead roles, so why is the male lead getting twice the remuneration of the female lead?"

"Are you doing this because you have a preference for Tashigi and you're using your director's privilege to chase her?"

Nami eyed Li Fan suspiciously.

"Hey, is Li Fan trying to pursue me?" Nami's words immediately turned Tashigi red.

"I'm telling you, I think you've got beli signs in your eyes." Li Fan playfully extended his hand and lightly tapped Nami's face. "The reason Tashigi's remuneration is higher is because she has more significant roles."

"But never mind, instead of explaining all this, I'd rather let you read the script."

Li Fan shook his head, took two scripts from Medusa, and handed them to Nami and Tashigi respectively.

"Nami, take a good look at it. Once you've read it, you'll understand that Tashigi's role is more prominent."

Also, Tashigi, come with me. I want to see what you look like after putting on Tanjiro Kamado's costume.

After all, you are playing a male role, and I need to assess your appearance first.

"Oh, okay." Tashigi nodded and was about to follow Li Fan.

At that moment, Zoro suddenly approached Li Fan, placing his hand on Li Fan's shoulder.

"Hey, Li Fan, you want me to play Zenitsu Agatsuma, are you joking?"

Li Fan turned to face Zoro.

"What, is there a problem, Zoro?"

"Are you asking me if there's a problem?!" Zoro handed the script in his hand to Li Fan. "How do you expect me to play this role?!"

"I'm supposed to be a character who cries and fusses, and I can't walk properly when I see a woman. How am I going to play such a character convincingly?"

"No worries." Li Fan slapped Zoro on the shoulder. "You did quite well when you played Sasaki Kojiro before, didn't you?"

"That's different! Sasaki Kojiro is a skilled swordsman, and I was excited to play that role. But this time, it's completely different..." Zoro pointed at the script, "My character Zenitsu Agatsuma is a far cry from a swordsman, and his behavior..."

As Zoro explained, he let out a deep sigh.

The thought of his portrayal of Zenitsu Agatsuma in the upcoming movie, especially in front of those who knew him well, made Zoro blush.

"Don't underestimate Zenitsu, my character. Although he's timid, he truly shines when it comes to fighting," Li Fan reassured him.

"Don't make a hasty decision. Take a look at what's in the script first. Besides, in addition to the compensation, I'm willing to teach you swordsmanship, which is a rare opportunity."

"So, take some time to study the script. Tashigi and I will head back to the hotel."

With that, Li Fan led Tashigi towards the hotel, followed by Medusa and Nami.

...

On the other end of the line, Smoker, who was out of Li Fan's sight, dialed Momo Gion's phone number.

"Is that you, Smoker? Have there been any updates on Li Fan?" The call was quickly connected, and Gion's voice could be heard on the other end.

"That Li Fan guy is preparing to leave Loguetown, and he invited Tashigi to join his new movie. He offered to teach her swordsmanship in exchange for her participation. I took the opportunity to convince Tashigi to accept his invitation. All that's left is for you to arrive."

A warship was sailing swiftly across the sea. Inside the cabin, Gion with her long graceful legs, stood up from her seat and gazed at the scenery outside the window.

"It's a shame that I won't get to meet Director Li Fan in Loguetown," she lamented.

"Smoke, do you know where Li Fan is planning to go after leaving Loguetown?"

"That guy mentioned he's heading to Cocoyasi Village in the East Blue Sea. I believe you should be able to meet him there," Smoker informed her.

"However, I didn't inform Tashigi about this, so you'll need to ascertain Li Fan's precise location on your own."

"Understood," Gion acknowledged. "I'm not too far from the East Blue Sea, so I'll head straight to Cocoyasi Village."

"I'm confident I'll find him there."

"Thank you for the information, Smoker."

"I'm just following the orders of Fleet Admiral Sengoku. If you have no further questions, I'll hang up now. I've got more work to attend to," Smoker replied.

Gion gave a slight smile, bid farewell to Smoker, set the den-den mushi down, and made her way to the deck.

"Soldiers, increase our speed. Our destination is Cocoyasi Village in the East Blue Sea. Full steam ahead!"

"Yes, Vice Admiral Momo Gion!"

.....