Chapter 43: Kuroda's Crisis

“So, how’s the situation on Kuroda’s side?”
White asked as Tina returned.

“Pretty much confirmed. These past two days he’s been hanging around these spots. Mm, this place is a bit weaker security-wise. The other areas are more guarded.”
Tina pointed at the map while removing her wig.

White stepped closer for a look. Seeing the Kabuki District marked, he frowned. That was Tiger Claw territory. The weak point wasn’t because the area was undefended—it was simply that Kuroda didn’t bring many bodyguards there. The Tiger Claw foot soldiers, however, were plentiful.

“Tonight he plans to go to the Lizzie Bar. Honestly, I think that’s the best place to make our move.”

White’s eyes lit up at the name. He had to admit, Lizzie Bar was perfect for their operation. The Mox had grown well, gathering a solid group of people thanks to Roland’s support.

Still… they were ultimately a small gang. As long as they didn’t provoke the Tiger Claws and struck while Kuroda’s personal protection was light, this was the best option.

“Alright. We do it there. But if possible, hit them when they’re leaving. Let’s avoid operating on Mox territory if we can.”
White decided the time and place. He respected the Mox boss and preferred not to cause them unnecessary trouble.

Back at Kuroda’s side, Sato finally relaxed. Nothing had happened these past two days. He figured he was overthinking—who would be stupid enough to attack an Arasaka R&D director in transit?

He wasn’t exactly an important figure… at least for now.

Night soon came. Kuroda headed to the Lizzie Bar with his bodyguards and security staff. It wasn’t a large escort—mainly his two bodyguards, both heavily augmented and highly capable.

They could handle most threats. With three standard Arasaka security personnel added in, it was more than enough for this area.

“Lizzie Bar. I hear the owner’s got guts and great taste. I’m going to enjoy myself tonight.”
Kuroda grinned. Sato nodded repeatedly and handed him some information about the bar.

Kuroda didn’t care about the bar’s conflict with the Tyger Claws. That was their problem, not his. Besides, he disliked how flashy the Tyger Claw goons acted. Too reckless—too many enemies waiting to be made. He made a mental note to warn Ryuzaki about it later.

...

By midnight, Kuroda staggered out of Lizzie Bar, swaying as his bodyguard helped him into the car.

He waved at the staff behind him, signaling he’d return again.

After taking a hangover pill and resting for a bit, he sobered up slightly and nodded to the driver to go.

“Damn it… you really kept me waiting!”
Golor gritted his teeth as he adjusted his sniper rifle and focused on the approaching vehicle through the scope.

“Enough talking. They’re almost at the target point. Remember to shoot.”

“Relax. I’ll make sure to pay them back for sticking me with night watch duty.”

Just as Kuroda’s car reached the overpass, a sharp gunshot rang out.

Bang!

The driver’s head exploded like a watermelon, splattering the entire windshield. The bodyguard in the passenger seat turned pale, grabbing the wheel to stabilize the vehicle.

But the car still slammed into the side wall. The sudden impact jolted Kuroda awake, though he remained disoriented.

Sato’s expression drained instantly—he knew he was probably done for.

Whoosh—
A slicing sound tore through the air. The passenger-seat bodyguard, still dizzy from the crash, kicked open the door and charged forward.

Thud!
A heavy impact burst out, a white shockwave erupting where the two fists collided. Kuroda’s bodyguard glared at the woman facing him—Vilet.

He had reacted in haste, but her strength was nothing to scoff at. Combined with her size…

This was bad…

Another bodyguard and the three security personnel immediately exited the second vehicle.

The moment they raised their weapons, electric sparks exploded. The neural ports of all three security guards burned out instantly, their brains destroyed on the spot.

The two bodyguards clutched their throats in pain, though the ICE protection lessened the damage.

Thud!
Vilet seized the opening and slammed her fist into the nearest bodyguard’s nose, sending blood flying.

She flexed her hand as a puff of white breath escaped her mouth. The ground cracked beneath her foot as a fist blade snapped out between her knuckles.

Sizzle—
The badly injured bodyguard grabbed Vilet’s arm with all his strength, blood dripping down his face, eyes still ferocious. Just as he prepared to deploy his Mantis Blades, a shadow flashed behind him.

The other bodyguard had finally recovered. His face darkened as he moved to assist—only to freeze mid-step as searing pain tore through his chest.

A gaping hole had formed there, blood rushing out. He looked toward White in the distance before collapsing to his knees, coughing blood uncontrollably.

The bodyguard locked by Vilet had already lost his head—Tina had severed it cleanly with her Monowire.

Inside the car, Kuroda watched everything unfold and turned deathly pale. He immediately grabbed a gun and shot himself in the foot.

“Ah!!”

White and the others froze at the scream, then rushed forward, ignoring the wounded bodyguard nearby.

Unnoticed by them, he slowly pushed himself to his feet, panting, a red glow flaring at the back of his neck.

Seeing Kuroda bleeding heavily with a pistol still in hand, White’s expression darkened.

Kuroda spotted them, tossed the gun aside, and sneered.

“The Trauma Team will be here any minute. You’ve already failed. Get lost, you bunch of good-for-nothings!”

White swung a hand, trying to knock Kuroda unconscious, but he hit too hard and failed. Kuroda took the chance to fake being knocked out.

“Move! This guy’s a Platinum Member! Rich, jam his signal right now!!”
White shouted.

“Urrraaaahhh!!”

As White turned to retreat, a roar made his pupils contract. He spun around—
a massive figure with glowing red eyes had appeared beside him without warning.

Boom!