Chapter 130: Yorinobu Arasaka
“You’re back? Did you find anything?”
“A little, but not much.”
The yellow Rogue AI dispatched to PROJECT Corporation shook its head and pulled up the intelligence it had gathered.
First, all the security robots there had been modified, making them extremely compatible with AI intelligence. Second, PROJECT Corporation now housed an internal security AI with exceptionally high computational power.
It was no match for that opponent, so it avoided any direct confrontation. Instead, it hid inside the security robots, quietly stealing only the data it needed.
Even so, there wasn’t much of value. All it learned was that the robots had been deployed to protect the workshop, ensure the personnel there didn’t leak information, and search for a freezer.
“That’s really not much to go on…”
The red Rogue AI nodded, then disappeared into the torrent of data, leaving behind only an order to continue monitoring.
It failed to notice that, in the instant the yellow AI returned, a flicker of green data-light flashed through its eyes.
“It seems Night Corp really has been heavily infiltrated by Rogue AIs,” Roland said, stroking his chin as he looked over the data Lissandra had pulled up. “Before, I wasn’t completely sure. Now it’s basically confirmed.”
When he had returned from Agas City, he had already conducted a preliminary investigation, but it yielded no valuable results. This time, with the other side practically walking into the trap, the conclusion was clear.
“Yes,” Lissandra nodded. “According to this AI’s data, most of Night Corp’s upper management has already had their thinking influenced—or outright controlled—by AI. However, several of the key power holders have not been affected. And they don’t seem to care at all.”
As she spoke, she displayed photos of several of Night Corp’s top executives, including the heir of the Night couple.
“That’s because AI technology is extremely useful to them,” Roland said thoughtfully. “And judging by how confident they look, they probably have countermeasures… or rather, methods to ensure they themselves won’t be controlled.”
A glint of contemplation passed through his eyes. He could more or less guess Night Corp’s plan: using Rogue AI technology to control government officials in Night City who refuse to cooperate, forcing them to “work together” on development projects.
All for the sake of obtaining the city they wanted—nothing more than that.
PROJECT and Night Corp were supposed to be partners. Logically, they shouldn’t have targeted him.
But… they had clearly been persuaded. Most likely, they had their eyes on his security robot technology.
Mass production would drastically strengthen Night City’s security forces, which aligned perfectly with their goals. And they knew very well that he would never hand that technology over willingly.
So they chose a more extreme approach.
...
In a secluded corner of Night City, a figure wearing a futuristic helmet quietly tapped away at a netrunner chair.
“Bartmoss is still in that life-support pod… I should find a chance to move him somewhere else. That place isn’t safe anymore. The netwatchers have been searching for his body recently… probably after the technology inside. Heh.”
...
“Oh, right,” Roland said suddenly, as he continued observing the yellow Rogue AI through Lissandra’s perspective. “Once you’ve finished dealing with that side, see if you can extract any technology or intelligence we might need from those Rogue AIs.”
“I understand. Also, sir, regarding Yorinobu Arasaka—the one you mentioned earlier—we’ve already made some progress.”
“Oh?” Roland’s eyes lit up with interest. “Pull it up. Let me see.”
He had been looking forward to this for a long time. Based on the current timeline, Yorinobu should already have returned to Arasaka and secured a foothold within the corporation.
The real question was how much he knew about Saburo Arasaka’s true plans.
“Yes. After returning to Saburo Arasaka’s side in 2023, Yorinobu Arasaka was sent by his father to study abroad in Europe and other regions. After completing his studies, he entered Arasaka’s management.”
“His outstanding ability and prior experience as a leader quickly earned him the allegiance of many high-ranking executives. As Saburo Arasaka’s health continued to decline, Yorinobu successfully became the leader of Arasaka’s hawkish faction—and the strongest faction within the corporation.”
As Lissandra spoke, Roland nodded silently. So far, the intelligence aligned closely with what he already knew.
From Yorinobu’s actions, it was also clear that Saburo Arasaka had tacitly approved of his struggle for power.
That silent approval was the main reason Yorinobu was able to gather such widespread support. To outsiders, it looked as though Saburo Arasaka had already chosen him as his ideal successor.
But… Roland knew the old man better than that.
Saburo Arasaka had never intended to give up anything he held. He wanted to keep absolute control firmly in his own hands.
“Send a secret message to Yorinobu Arasaka,” Roland said. “Tell him we share the same goal. If he wants to know more, he should come to Night City.”
“Understood.”
The Arasaka Corporation was an empire built entirely by Saburo Arasaka himself. He had three children: Kei Arasaka, Yorinobu Arasaka, and Hanako Arasaka.
Hanako and Yorinobu were full siblings, while Kei was their older half-brother. Kei placed great importance on the Arasaka bloodline and the family’s honor, and he treated Yorinobu and Hanako with genuine kindness.
That all changed when Yorinobu Arasaka betrayed the family and founded Steel Dragon. From that moment on, Kei resolved to kill him.
Unfortunately, Kei himself died in the 2023 attack. With his death, Arasaka lost its most suitable heir, dealing a massive blow to both Saburo Arasaka and the corporation as a whole. From that point on, Arasaka began to decline.
After losing the son he loved most, Saburo Arasaka fell into deep grief. His youngest son would never return to his side, disappearing without a trace.
But…
Was he really mourning his child’s death?
Was he truly at a loss over the disappearance of the son born to the woman he loved most?
With the Relic chip already making significant progress, the only remaining issue was physical compatibility. Seen in that light, the whole situation became deeply unsettling.
At the very least…
Under the original circumstances, once Yorinobu learned the truth, he no longer believed that version of events.
Author's Note
Comments (0)
Please login or sign up to post a comment.