[True Recap]
The Soukaiya: a ninja organization led by Laomoto Khan. Possessing a vast number of powerful ninjas, their goal is to seize control of all of Night City, and eventually the world. Laomoto Khan is not only an ambitious ninja but also a competent capitalist.
Zaibatsu Cinema: a ninja organization led by the Lord. They are adherents to a strict hierarchical system and a belief in bloodline supremacy, aiming to establish a society of disparity (a caste system!). The Lord's purpose is simply punishment, punishment, punishment, punishment.
Yoroshi-san Pharmaceuticals: a ninja organization that has mastered a great deal of biotechnology. They seem to do nothing but provide various products to make money, their true purpose unknown to all. In reality, they are a dark megacorp, not a purely ninja organization.
This is the dark truth hidden within Night City, the true nature of ninjas unknown even to Saburo Arasaka. As expected of ninjas, their ability to conceal their identities is second to none.
However, they would not attack Saburo Arasaka. Even if they killed him, it would be pointless. Once a new, all-out war began, the ninjas could not win.
Soon, it was afternoon. Saburo Arasaka composed himself, reviewed the think tank's proposals, and awaited V's arrival.
Arasaka Tower was on lockdown for the entire day, but as an honored guest, V's AV was permitted to fly directly to the building's entrance.
Two rows of Yakuza clones in suits formed a welcoming line, making V feel both the warmth of the reception and the threat they emanated.
"Putting on such a grand display... as expected of the 'Emperor' of Night City," V muttered to herself.
Most importantly, these suited bodyguards were not just for show; they were strong enough that V could feel a genuine threat. Having inherited the experience and intuition of mercenary V, she could see this clearly.
The Yakuza clones were Yoroshi-san's number one product. While they appeared weak before ninjas, it was a different story against ordinary people.
They possessed extensive combat skills, were proficient in the use of numerous weapons, had physical abilities far exceeding those of normal humans, and were utterly fearless, feeling no dread of death.
Even more formidable was their coordination in group combat. The Yakuza clones shared a unique sense of unity, making them extremely difficult opponents for any normal person, even a powerful mercenary crew.
Furthermore, Yoroshi-san had attempted to install cyberware in them to create even more powerful clones, but they abandoned the idea due to the cost.
Combat-grade cyberware is not cheap and cannot be wasted on such disposables.
Weapons, however, were a different matter. V noticed they were all equipped with smart weapons, as well as backup large-caliber arms, such as RPGs.
"Welcome back to Arasaka Tower, Ms. V. Your recent duties have all been handed over to others. Mr. Saburo Arasaka is waiting for you in the conference room."
The person who appeared at the entrance to greet her was her former superior, Jenkins, the head of the counter-intelligence department. Now he had to put on a smile for her and had even taken over her work.
This was not some kind of power grab; it represented something else—paid leave! A phrase almost unheard of in the world of cyberpunk! He would handle her job, and V would still collect her salary.
After all, a trivial matter like work couldn't be allowed to interfere with an event as important as a summons from Saburo Arasaka.
"Thank you for your hard work." A composed smile touched V's lips as she glanced at her old boss before walking past him.
So satisfying!
She was now Saburo Arasaka's favorite, and her original position wasn't low to begin with. The two factors combined meant that even her former boss had to curry favor with her.
As she walked, she could feel all kinds of gazes upon her: envy, jealousy, longing... There were more than a few ill-intentioned stares, but none of it mattered.
The enjoyable walk soon came to an end. V reached the conference room. There weren't many security personnel, only Saburo Arasaka's trusted confidant, Goro Takemura.
The two locked eyes. His gaze sent a chill down V's spine, as if a sharp blade were pressed against her back.
This was no ordinary threat. It signified that the gap in power between them was absurdly large; he could kill her in an instant!
Takemura was also observing V. He sensed a faint aura of Karate on her; she wasn't even a ninja.
'Just an apprentice? Not a true ninja yet.'
He quickly made his judgment and then stepped aside to clear the way.
"Mr. Saburo Arasaka is waiting for you inside. This is a conversation for only the two of you."
Takemura emphasized that it would only be the two of them, then pressed a device in his hand, blocking all external signals and preventing any outside communication. Only then did he push open the conference room door and invite V in.
The first thing she saw was an extremely familiar face. Saburo Arasaka himself was sitting in the conference room, waiting for her!
Even though she had prepared herself mentally, seeing this true legend in person still made V's heart pound uncontrollably.
"Don't be nervous, V. You have already come into contact with the 'truth' of the world. A person like you, who can accept such things, is no longer ordinary."
Saburo Arasaka appeared very approachable, but his words clearly told V that he was no ordinary man either.
To be aware of the existence of ninjas and to survive the NRS reaction... that didn't seem like something a man over a hundred years old could do.
"I was just lucky," V replied.
"Does 'lucky' mean meeting a ninja who became your mentor? The changes in you began after you met the fixer X, didn't they? She is your 'mentor,' correct?"
It was no surprise that Saburo Arasaka could obtain this information. All of Night City was under Arasaka's control. If they truly investigated, Schwarzer hadn't made any special effort to hide her existence.
But what happened next was truly beyond her expectations—
"In that case, you can be considered one of 'us'. Let me see your Karate."
Having confirmed V was an 'apprentice,' and with the room now completely shielded from any signals, Saburo Arasaka spoke and ceased to conceal his aura.
A wave of dark energy enveloped Saburo Arasaka, materializing into a ninja's attire. The disguise of an aged face vanished, replaced by that of a handsome older man.
"Domo, we meet for the first time. I am Saburo Arasaka."
"Domo, Va... I am Vivian."
V subconsciously pressed her palms together in a respectful bow, completely shocked by this turn of events. Saburo Arasaka was a ninja?!
But that wasn't the main point. The main point was the fighting spirit she saw in his eyes!
What was happening? Did Saburo Arasaka want to fight her?
She couldn't make sense of the situation at all. Why had an ordinary meeting turned into a battle?
The reason was simple. Saburo Arasaka was extremely curious about V's talent. He could sense the aura of Karate on her!
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