"Mr. Saburo Arasaka, what wind blows you here?
Saburo Arasaka quickly contacted the European Space Agency. As the controller of Arasaka Corporation, his authority was naturally sufficient; no one would neglect him.
"New Kiotto… Night City has encountered a minor issue. I need to borrow your orbital strike."
The moment he mentioned Night City, he subconsciously uttered 'New Kiotto,' stirring a wave in his heart, though he showed no sign of it to others.
"The situation in Night City requires orbital strikes? Another 'Bartmoss'?"
The European Space Agency representative was stunned upon hearing his request. The last time orbital strikes were used was to eliminate Bartmoss, the super hacker who single-handedly crippled the Old Net.
Bartmoss's prowess ranked among the strongest in global history; one person's technology overpowering the world was utterly inconceivable.
They harbored no doubts about Saburo Arasaka's judgment. Having steered Arasaka into its current megacorporate status, most of his decisions were undoubtedly sound.
Saburo Arasaka feigned contemplation, as if weighing whether to share intelligence—though in truth, he pondered 'New Kiotto.'
Now distant from The Lord's influence range, coupled with his vastly transformed power, he had unexpectedly broken free of Sin/Punishment.
When had he begun viewing Night City as 'New Kiotto'? What was New Kiotto? Some technique cast by another?
Night City's situation seemed far more complex than imagined. Utterly unaware of when he had been affected, Saburo Arasaka now resolved never to return.
His judgment proved correct; ninja power held many secrets yet. He regarded the European Space Agency members and made his decision.
"Not on Bartmoss's level—something far greater."
"Something greater?"
The other repeated subconsciously, then realization dawned, eyes gleaming instinctively.
"Mr. Saburo Arasaka seeks us out, surely with collaboration in mind. Shall we discuss in detail?"
The video feed switched swiftly. In the Cyberpunk world, they used local networks; long-distance communication proved challenging.
Yet if Saburo Arasaka deemed it a massive gain, they had to prioritize, shifting to an encrypted channel.
"Do you envision supernatural power? Not existing technology, but an entirely new system."
Saburo Arasaka chose to reveal ninjas' existence. As a True Ninja himself, it mattered little if more learned of it.
Moreover, compared to ninjas, megacorps like the European Space Agency suited as allies—well-known old rivals.
"Supernatural… power?"
From anyone else, he might have cursed, but from Saburo Arasaka, he refrained.
Saburo Arasaka wouldn't jest on such matters; he trusted instinctively. Such was prestige's sway—his word commanded belief.
"Though I trust you personally, evidence is needed; the European Space Agency isn't mine alone to decide…"
He spoke tactfully, yet the subtext screamed: provide substance.
Under his gaze, black flames ignited on Saburo Arasaka, ninja-style garb enveloping him.
"Aieeeeee!!!"
No words needed; primal DNA terror awakened, causing the representative to cry out instinctively.
Though mere video, sans killing intent, profound fear gripped him—existential disparity.
"This is what I mean: supernatural power, ninja power."
"Strength surpassing full-conversion like Adam Smasher, and most crucially, near-eternal life."
No further explanation required; the sight proved it. All beholding felt genetic suppression.
Saburo Arasaka swiftly transmitted partial intelligence to the European Space Agency, emphasizing ninjas' near-infinite lifespans—the true draw.
A brazen open stratagem: he alone knew True Ninja methods among mortals, willing to share.
"Name your terms; the European Space Agency and Arasaka Corporation make ideal partners."
As anticipated, immortality's allure proved irresistible. Even discerning his aims, they couldn't refuse—utterly pinned.
His goal was straightforward: once fleet and army suppressed Night City, have Takemura contact Soukaiya leadership—then orbital strikes.
Post-purge of Night City's ninjas, True Ninja intelligence became his exclusive asset.
Leave specifics to subordinates; confirm intent and needs suffices.
Soon, the European Space Agency mobilized orbital strikes, surveilling Night City.
They discovered anomalies outside Night City: massive clouds forming a pitch-black vortex, like apocalyptic disaster.
Such dire weather, even in 2076's polluted era, was rare.
"What's this? Giant thunderhead outside Night City? Forecasts showed nothing."
Only now noticed; such calamity warranted prior alerts.
"Does it impact your orbital strikes?" Saburo Arasaka cared solely for this.
"Theoretically minimal, but fatal for conventional arms." Implication: Arasaka's army and fleet suffer.
"Orbital strikes unaffected suffice; worry not for the rest."
Ninja numbers limited, elite high-rankers rarer; orbital strikes sufficed for point elimination.
The fleet served deterrence, signaling resolve to retain Night City rule—he couldn't truly bombard it.
Gazing at dense clouds and vortex, Saburo Arasaka knew large-scale fleet mobilization grew arduous.
Spiraling clouds spread gradually; beneath lurked metallic spherical structures—Atmosphere Controllers.
Thick clouds masked them; AIs' simplest efficient ploy: disguise as natural disaster.
By human realization, optimal timing passed; initial production surges complete.
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