Tokyo: The evil god doesn't want to be the top star

That’s right, this young warrior with the same “moon-top hair” and blood-stained face, but still with a sharp gaze and extremely handsome, is Xia Fan.

The music recording of "Damn Blade" was postponed, not because he was showing off, but because the shooting of the commercial had started.

"Ahem, the four of you are indeed great at swordsmanship, but as for your acting skills..."

"There's nothing worth praising each other about!"

Director Nakano came up with the script and interrupted the four people's "business promotion" with an embarrassed look on his face.

"Three Tanaka teachers, could you please pay a little more attention? The scene where he was stabbed and fell down was too fake."

"Master, your fall was too stiff, and the direction violated basic physics."

"Master Hachiro, you are not going in the wrong direction, but you are covering the wound the wrong way."

"Kanzhu Teacher, please don't add drama to yourself without permission. After falling to the ground, you rolled around in pain but couldn't die. Also, what kind of interjection is 'yahaha'? Do you want to poop?"

Once he entered working mode, he was completely different from his usual gentle self and criticized the performance of the three teachers mercilessly.

As a director of SUN Advertising Company, although he was only shooting a video advertisement, he applied strict movie-level standards and truly implemented the "corporate vision".

"Also, Xia Jun..."

After the three teachers dejectedly went to the corner to practice "falling to the ground", Director Nakano looked at Xia Fan again.

"I know you're good with the sword, but could you please not just knock off the supporting characters' hoods? It'll expose everything!"

"Also, this is a life-and-death duel with a small number of people against a large number of people, and the odds are stacked against the odds. Can you show some expression and emotion?"

"Also, we were shooting with two cameras, but your eyes were able to perfectly avoid the two lenses. Your sense of the camera is also a natural talent."

"What do you mean 'all samurai dramas are played like this'? Those are melodramatic river god dramas. Our ad is based on real historical background. Opposite you are three terrifying enemies of equal level..."

Naturally, he did not let Xia Fan go and bombarded him with criticism regarding his acting skills.

Faced with Nakano's opinions, Xia Fan, a "beginner in acting", could only nod like a chicken pecking at rice and accept them all.

The first day’s shooting content was mainly fighting scenes with different makeup and scenes.

Having only shot print commercials before, he naturally couldn't adapt to the "job requirements" that required him to move around, look at the camera, and synchronize his expressions, postures, and sword skills with his acting.

"Hey, everyone, take a break for half an hour, let the actors practice and get back into shape, and then we can start the next show."

"By the way, give them some glue to strengthen their headgear, so it won't fall off again!"

Nakano sighed.

Although Xia Fan, Tanaka and the other two are excellent in swordsmanship, they are inexperienced "rookies in performance". He can already imagine how difficult this filming will be.

Chapter 43 How he acts, how you live

2024-07-13

"Well, I'll go get a rabbit luck charm and a pony traffic charm first."

"I heard that the 'Pain Ema' at Kanda Shrine is very effective. I've wanted to hang one here for a long time."

"Is this true? How do you know so much?"

"It was mentioned on Otonogizaka LIVE that the work is linked to Kanda Shrine."

As soon as they heard the word "rest", the photography, props, makeup, lighting, script management and other staff members dispersed without hesitation and blended into the pilgrims who came to the shrine to worship.

Kanda Shrine is an ancient shrine with a history of more than 1300 years. It was the most influential shrine in the Edo period and is also one of the most popular shrines in Tokyo today.

During the Battle of Sekigahara, the Tokugawa Eastern Army launched a decisive battle on the day of the Kanda Festival at Kanda Shrine, and won the battle that day, seizing the world hegemony. Since then, the "Kanda Festival" held every two years has become one of the "three major festivals" in the eleven districts.

Even during the "Lee Mei BBQ bombing" that nearly destroyed the entire city, the shrine building only sustained minor damage. Since then, the reputation of the Kanda Shrine for its efficacy has become known throughout the world, and believers have come to worship in an endless stream.

In recent years, Kanda Shrine has become popular again because it is adjacent to Akihabara, which is famous for its two-dimensional culture. It has appeared as a scene in many anime works, attracting many COSPLAY and photography enthusiasts, and has developed businesses such as "shooting scene rental" and "Mikoto official uniform shooting experience".

In order to shoot this advertisement, SUN company paid a considerable fee to rent a location in the corner of Kanda Shrine.

"Huh? That's..."

Influenced by his colleagues, Nakano, who was originally planning to ask for an amulet, suddenly found an "acquaintance" in the crowd.

"Director Haruo, long time no see!"

He trotted over and bowed respectfully to the other party.

"Oh, it's Nakano, long time no see."

The person Nakano greeted was the director of "Cursed Blade", Haruo Tsuchiya.

"I'm here today to lead a crew to shoot a commercial. I didn't expect to have the honor of meeting you, the director. "Cursed Blade" is scheduled to be released next month. You must be very busy. How did you find time to come to Kanda Shrine today?"

Nakano nodded and bowed, with flattery written all over his face.

Haruo Tsuchiya is one of the shareholders of SUN Advertising Company.

Moreover, in addition to being an animation film director, he also dabbles in stage plays, television dramas, live-action films, commercials and other fields. He is one of the few all-round directors in the industry.

If I could get his support, maybe I wouldn't have to stay in this kind of place every day, watching a few amateur strong men shoot high-quality commercials.

After all, which student who applies for the major of directing and editing doesn't have the dream of working closely with female stars, discussing scripts at night, and having in-depth exchanges?

"Well, the recording of the theme song for Cursed Blade didn't go smoothly, so I thought of coming to the shrine to pray. I used to come here before every movie was released."

"Commercial shooting? Then you go ahead and do your thing. I'm leaving now..."

Tsuchiya Haruo showed Nakano the rabbit amulet he had just requested, glanced at the filming location next to the side hall, and prepared to leave.

"Hmm? Wait, that person..."

Suddenly, he stopped again and looked suspiciously at the filming location in the distance.

There, a "young warrior" was swinging his sword while practicing his movements and expressions.

"Supervisor, what's wrong? That person is Xia Fan, an amateur advertising actor recommended by a long-term artist management company."

Nakano explained in a flattering manner.

"Xia Fan... I knew I was right. It was indeed the producer from Down to Earth. I almost didn't recognize him because he was wearing a bald mask."

Tsuchiya Haruo muttered to himself and nodded in confirmation.

"Why is he filming a commercial here...wait...this is what he meant by 'important filming'?!"

He suddenly looked at Nakano with murderous intent and asked viciously, "How many days will it take to shoot this advertising project?"

It turns out that it was you, kid, who was obstructing the recording of the theme song of "Cursed Blade".

"Well, since we want to capture the night and dusk scenes, the plan is to shoot for four days..."

Nakano looked confused, not knowing how he had offended the boss.

"No, four days is too long. Your filming here will be suspended immediately and rescheduled to next week."

After hesitating for a moment, Tsuchiya Haruo pulled Nakano to a corner and spoke sternly.

As long as Xia Fan has "no commercials to shoot", the recording of his own theme song can start in advance.

"But, the venue and crew are all in place, and filming has officially started. According to the contract, the finished product must be handed over to the brand next week. If we breach the contract, the company will have to pay a large sum of money."

Not knowing why his project was suddenly stopped, Nakano immediately looked bitter.

Haruo Tsuchiya is only one of the shareholders of SUN Advertising Company and not the actual management. If there is a risk of default, he cannot stop the project at will.

"If the project can't be stopped, then hurry up and shoot! You must guide Xia Fan seriously and finish shooting his scenes within tomorrow."

After hesitating for a moment, Tsuchiya Haruo changed his words again.

Now that we have already started the production, we cannot stop halfway, so we must speed up and rush to "delivery".

"Okay...okay...wait, tomorrow?!"

"You don't know, Xia Fan plays the male lead. He's just a newcomer and his acting skills are really mediocre. It would be a bit too late to shoot all the scenes in two days..."

The crisis of "project suspension" had just been resolved, but he immediately received an "impossible task", and Nakano began to explain in a panic.

"There are no actors who can't act, only directors who can't talk about acting. Don't be picky about Xia Fan's acting skills, just live your life the way he acts!"

"Remember, you only have two days, and I'll be keeping a close eye on your progress!"

Tsuchiya Haruo looked serious and did not give Nakano any chance to argue.

"Okay, okay."

Nakano could only nod his head weakly in agreement.

What exactly is the identity of this Xia Fan? Director Haruo, who is extremely strict with the quality of filming, actually forbids him from criticizing the acting skills of a rookie?

Judging from his age, could it be that Director Haruo's private...

After thinking about it for a while, Nakano shook his head vigilantly and threw away the terrible thoughts in his mind.

All in all, this photo shoot didn't seem to go smoothly from the start, so I'll go to the shrine to pray for an amulet first.

……

"Jinguji Saiou, I am very grateful for your visit."

"You are too polite, Priest Fujiwara. Kanda Shrine and Ise Shrine have a long history. If there is any evil doing, it is our duty to help."

Just when Director Nakano was being "bullied in the workplace" by Haruo Tsuchiya in the corner, Aoi Jinguji, dressed in a red and white shrine maiden costume, entered the shrine from under the blue torii gate accompanied by a middle-aged priest.

"There are several places where 'Samurai Ghosts' have been sighted. Jinguji Saiou, please follow me."

"Please lead the way."

Led by the priest Fujiwara, Jinguji Aoi walked through the crowd and headed into the shrine.

Chapter 44 Entering the drama

2024-07-13

Jinguji Aoi came here this time because Kanda Shrine asked the psychic association to report that there were "samurai spirits" haunting the shrine.

It's funny to say that although Kanda Shrine is popular and well-known for its efficacy, the psychic tradition of its clergy has been cut off for decades.

The current Fujiwara priest is quite talented in business, but he is just an ordinary person and cannot detect evil spirits or perform magical arts.

When he encountered a vengeful spirit, he couldn't even watch it and could only cry and pray to the divine body.

"There is nothing unusual..."

"It should be so. Even if there are no psychics in this generation of Kanda Shrine, the shrine is bounded by the Torii Gate and is protected by the power of faith for thousands of years. Ordinary vengeful spirits cannot enter at all, so how can they cause trouble?"

Aoi Jinguji's bright eyes were filled with a faint orchid-like light, reflecting the ancient buildings and the bustling flow of people, but there was no trace of evil spirits or foul air.

"Oh?"

When her sight fell on a corner of the side hall, Jinguji Aoi suddenly narrowed her eyes and was slightly stunned.

"Why, did the King find anything?"

Priest Fujiwara looked in the direction of her gaze with vigilance and panic...

"Not yet. Please go back to the main hall and rest for a while. I will investigate the shrine on my own."

Saying this, Aoi Jinguji smiled ambiguously and walked towards the side hall of the shrine.

……

"kill!"

In the center of the shooting venue which was cordoned off with tape and filled with various props such as cameras, lighting boards, wigs, etc., Xia Fan, with a "strong man's hairstyle", was repeating the actions of drawing, chopping, and sheathing the sword, while trying hard to put on various fierce and ferocious expressions on his face.

Not far behind him, several other middle-aged men dressed as warriors were practicing various exercises such as dropping swords, wailing, falling, twitching, and pretending to be corpses.

"I didn't expect that Lord Xia Fan, in addition to being a great songwriter, also has such superb swordsmanship. I admire him."

Behind Xia Fan, a girl's crisp exclamation suddenly came.

"Jinguji Miko? Long time no see... I'm just an acting gimmick, just waving a few times."

Xia Fan turned around and noticed the pretty witch standing tall and gracefully separated from him by a piece of tape.

As for the fact that the other party knew he wrote songs, he was not that surprised.

It would be strange if the police didn’t do a detailed background check on themselves when involved in that kind of “supernatural case”.

"Mr. Xia Fan, you are still so humble."