"Yorinobu, now that you've agreed to the PROJECT plan, I want to hear your thoughts."
Saburo Arasaka slowly turned and looked at his son as he spoke.
"Yes, Father. Since PROJECT has already taken deep root in Night City, it will be difficult for us to continue using it as the foundation for our future plans. Instead, we should shift elsewhere and treat Night City as a surface-level development point."
Yorinobu Arasaka lowered his head slightly as he answered.
"With the help of officials from the New United States, establishing our own influence within its borders shouldn't be difficult. Moreover, internal conflicts there are intensifying, making this the best time for us to step in."
After hearing this, Saburo Arasaka rubbed his hands together and fell into thought. He did not want to give up Night City, partly because of its strategic location and partly because of its policies.
However, just as Yorinobu Arasaka had said, PROJECT, working alongside Night Corp, had already gained near-total control of Night City. Even Northern California was within their sphere of influence.
Trying to rebuild their position in Night City now would be far more difficult than expected.
"Mm. That works. Then we'll move into the New United States market. I've dealt with their officials before and know exactly how they operate. In this situation, as long as we pay enough, they won't make things difficult for us."
Saburo Arasaka nodded and made his decision. Even so, he had no intention of giving up Night City. To abandon a city he had coveted for so long and spent years planning for was simply impossible.
In his view, it was still possible to take Night City back from PROJECT, as long as he made proper use of other forces, such as the New United States and the European Space Agency.
Or even Petrochem.
"By the way, I've arranged for someone to go to Night City to handle the business handover. Once he arrives, finish the handover and return."
At this, Yorinobu Arasaka's eyes sharpened slightly, a trace of caution rising in his heart. He suspected his father might be preparing to make a move. However, his father likely had not realized that Yorinobu Arasaka's individual combat strength had already far surpassed his expectations.
Still, Yorinobu Arasaka had misjudged the situation. Saburo Arasaka had no intention of seizing his body for now. He simply wanted him back to avoid the risk of being captured by PROJECT and used as leverage. If that happened, the losses would be enormous.
The only reason he was holding back was because many of his arrangements were not yet complete. Once everything was in place, he could act.
"Understood. I'll return to Tokyo after completing the handover."
"Mm."
Saburo Arasaka nodded at the confirmation.
"What about Smasher? Should he return with me?"
"Mm… no need. Let him stay there. We'll still need him for certain matters later."
After a brief pause, Saburo Arasaka shook his head. Having a powerful individual fighter stationed in Night City could prove useful at any time, so it was better to leave him there.
"Understood."
Yorinobu Arasaka nodded. After Saburo ended the communication, he connected with Roland through the Counterflow system.
After analyzing the situation together, they arrived at a clear understanding of Saburo Arasaka's concerns and intentions. Roland advised Yorinobu Arasaka to remain by Saburo Arasaka's side for now. If Saburo ever truly made a move, they could respond directly.
After all, anyone sent to act would certainly be one of Saburo Arasaka's most trusted subordinates. Once Yorinobu Arasaka dealt with them, he could smoothly inherit everything Saburo left behind.
Roland was somewhat surprised to learn that Smasher was still in Night City. He had expected it would take longer before dealing with him, but now it seemed even fate was lining things up.
Roland began considering who should handle Smasher and when to take him out.
Now was not the right time. The best moment would be after Arasaka had entered the New United States market, committed significant resources there, and had yet to establish a firm foothold.
That way, not only could they eliminate Smasher, but they could also drive Arasaka's influence out of the region in one move.
"Hmm… who should deal with Smasher… might as well send Rebecca."
Roland murmured to himself, then nodded in satisfaction. It was a solid plan. He would also pilot Oblivion himself and bring along a PROJECT squad to join in.
Just imagining the entire PROJECT team lined up in front of Arasaka Tower already felt satisfying.
...
Crunch!
"Hmm, which wave is this?"
Jackie dropped the crushed head in his hand and turned to ask Falco beside him.
After Pilar had been assigned to go with Zed to the New United States on a mission, the team was left with just him, Falco, and Jessica. Rebecca came and went, sometimes joining them on jobs.
Most of the time, though, she stayed by Roland's side.
This time, however, Rebecca was with them.
"Hmm… let me think. Third wave, I think. Makes sense. Out here in the wasteland, these Wraiths are the least afraid of dying. And our convoy doesn't look that strong, but we seem loaded. They've probably marked us as easy prey."
"I think we should ask the boss if we can wipe out all these Wraiths. That way, we won't have idiots showing up every time we pass through here."
Jackie crossed his arms and sat on top of the vehicle, sounding annoyed.
"Good idea. I'll ask right now."
Rebecca's eyes lit up when she heard the suggestion. Ever since gaining the power of Burn, she had not gone all out yet. If she could fight Wraiths out here in the wasteland, there would be nothing holding her back.
"Must be nice, having direct access to the boss."
Jackie sighed, then joked.
At that moment, an AV passed not far from them, drawing everyone's attention.
"Hey, I'm picking up a signal from one of our people inside."
"Hmm, probably running some kind of secret mission."
Jackie nodded.
Just as he was about to say more, a missile trailing a long white plume slammed into the AV midair. Everyone froze, staring in disbelief.
"Holy shit, who the hell's got the guts to pull that off?!"