Chapter 41: Preparations
“Sato, how’s the situation with the City Center?”
Kuroda set down the documents in his hands and looked toward the secretary beside him.
“It’s almost done. Smith has agreed to allocate that district to us. As long as we achieve the objectives in the follow-up, they’ll hand over the entire area.”
Sato Shuichi pulled out a tablet and handed it to Kuroda. Displayed on it was a large portion of northern Watson.
Kuroda glanced at it and nodded. “Good. Things in Night City are almost wrapped up. In a few days, head back to headquarters for a bit. Sort things out and then return.”
“Understood. Should I book the flight now?”
“Yes. Book one for seven days from now. And take some time to relax today. I have to say, Night City has some great entertainment options. It’s a good place for people like us.”
Kuroda smiled, looking quite pleased.
“Thank you very much. By the way, Mr. Kuroda… about that Jhin…”
Sato bowed deeply before bringing up Roland.
At that name, Kuroda’s eyes narrowed. He rubbed his chin, falling into thought.
To be honest, if possible, he’d love to bring Jhin under his command—but he knew it wasn’t realistic. Based on his behavior so far, Ember was clearly proud and entirely self-directed.
People like that were like eagles. Unless you could truly conquer them, they would never serve under you. And someone of his caliber could likely only be controlled by the truly top-level figures. Rumor had it he’d even fought Finkes head-on.
A netrunner and gunman who could seriously injure Finkes in direct combat… Kuroda was genuinely wary. Luckily, the man wasn’t an enemy—at least not for now.
“Leave him alone. He’s an assassin, and we’ll probably have plenty of chances to use him. Besides, we’re no match for him. There’s no need to provoke someone like that. We’ll talk about it again when Adam Smasher gets here.”
“Understood.”
Sato nodded, visibly relieved. He’d been worried Kuroda might get ideas about the man—because if he did, as the secretary, Sato would be the first one forced to face him.
Sato then left to book the flight, quietly excited about this rare vacation opportunity. He was determined to make the most of it.
...
“Boss, that Sato guy just headed out.”
Golor folded up his binoculars and spoke to White, who was smoking nearby.
White nodded, then looked toward Tina. “It’s your turn, Tina.”
“Got it.” Tina nodded and headed toward Sato, with Vilet following not far behind.
“Oh—sorry, sorry! I’m really sorry, are you okay?”
Tina pretended to bump into Sato, her eyes flickering faintly with orange light beneath her sunglasses.
“Ah, it’s fine, it’s fine. Just be careful next time.”
Sato shook his head and checked himself. Nothing was missing, and he was in a good mood anyway. And the woman standing before him was attractive—he didn’t feel very wronged.
“That’s good. I’m really sorry. I just had a fight with my girlfriend, so I was a bit out of it.”
Tina put on an apologetic look, with a slight hint of forcedness.
“Oh, I see…”
Sato nodded, mentally noting the key word: “girlfriend.” So she liked women.
The thought stirred a faint curiosity in him.
Naturally, Tina caught that look. A flash of disgust crossed her eyes. Not far away, Vilet, who had quietly positioned herself, looked even more annoyed.
“Since we ran into each other, how about grabbing a drink? Might help you relax.”
Sato didn’t hesitate and extended the invitation right away.
“Right now?” Tina acted surprised and glanced up at the sun.
Sato chuckled. “It’s fine. You don’t need the perfect time just to cool off, right?”
Tina’s expression softened as if tempted, but her fingers—hidden from view—made a subtle signal. Vilet immediately stepped in, and a chip shot out from the slot at the back of Sato’s neck.
Vilet, wearing a black hoodie, caught it cleanly and bumped Sato with her shoulder as she walked past.
“Tch—!”
Sato scowled at her retreating figure. “Hey! Not even an apology?!”
Vilet didn’t respond. She simply turned and walked out of the intersection.
Sato cursed under his breath, then looked back at Tina.
After a moment of hesitation, Tina gave an apologetic smile. “I should pass. I still have things to take care of.”
“Then how about your contact info? I’m the secretary to Arasaka’s head of R&D.”
Sato inflated his title a bit, hoping to sound more impressive.
“No thanks. I’m not into men. I’ll be going now.”
Tina’s smile stiffened for a moment before she shook her head and walked away.
Sato froze, then frowned. He knew he’d stepped on a landmine—clearly, she had issues with Arasaka.
“What a letdown…”
He muttered and walked off.
Vilet, who had been watching, slipped after him. She knocked Sato out, dragged him into an alley, and only then left.
She regrouped with Tina shortly after.
“How did it go?”
“Of course I handled it. Don’t worry—the chip’s secured.”
Vilet smiled.
“Good. Let’s go. Don’t want to keep the boss waiting.”
Tina nodded, and the two headed back.
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