In front of the tall floor-to-ceiling windows, the neon lights of Night City flickered in the night.
Only those who understood the power of money realized how much capital was surging beneath the surface, represented by these lights in the darkness.
This place is Japantown.
The four current high-ranking members of the Tyger Claws stood before this window, gazing across the river at the Western District.
"Wakatou, it seems the Hive people have mobilized."
Jotaro, dressed in a white suit, waved his hand, dismissing the subordinate who delivered the intelligence.
"No matter. If the Hive people aren't content to stay in their territory and wait for death, then so be it."
"If anything, this benefits us. After all, if they had retreated into their shells, it would have taken us more time."
Jotaro turned his head to look at his three colleagues.
"Kengou" Kirekawa Yoshiteru, draped in black martial attire and holding a katana.
"Yokohama" Buckie, who was so fat his suit buttons were nearly bursting, and who had a parrot perched on his shoulder.
And "Gourmet," whose upper body was wrapped entirely in bandages, revealing only a pair of cold eyes.
The four high-ranking members of Night City's Tyger Claws had gathered.
Their purpose here was naturally singular: the war against the Hive.
"We will proceed according to the original plan. My men will lead the charge, and the forces of Sir Yoshiteru and Sir Bukit will push forward as the second echelon."
A subtle sense of pride was detectable in Jotaro's voice.
In his view, this war wouldn't even require a so-called second echelon; his men alone could easily crush that small organization.
People would only remember that it was Jotaro who restored the prestige of the Tyger Claws.
And after that, heh heh.
There would no longer be a four-person co-governance arrangement in Night City's Tyger Claws; he would become the uncrowned king of the Night City Tyger Claws.
While thinking this, Jotaro's gaze shifted toward "Gourmet" standing nearby.
Meeting those cold eyes, which seemed devoid of human emotion, made even Jotaro feel a slight heaviness in his heart.
Although he was skilled at reading people, he couldn't guess what this beast-like fellow was thinking.
"Kengou" Yoshiteru came from Mainland Japan and wasn't keen on developing influence; he only had his group of Yojimbo apprentices under him. Jotaro believed the other man wouldn't compete with him for the position in Night City.
As for Bukit, this guy was his biggest rival, but as long as the battle he planned was victorious, his own prestige within the gang would completely overshadow Bukit's.
This guy was keen on business and weary of fighting; as long as he succeeded, the other party would likely compromise.
But Gourmet was the biggest unpredictable factor.
After all, how could a person understand the thoughts of a beast?
Fortunately, however, this guy didn't have much desire for power; his desires were focused on finding prey he deemed worthy, i.e., palatable "Gourmet."
"Lord Gourmet, are you still sticking to your idea? If needed, I can completely package the 'prey' you want and deliver it right to you."
"No need."
Before Jotaro could finish, Gourmet roughly interrupted him.
"I will hunt the prey I desire myself."
"Also, I don't like people talking nonsense. Say one more word, and I'll kill you."
The bloodshot whites of his eyes nearly occupied two-thirds of his sockets. Tadpole-like pupils stared at Jotaro, and a sweet, metallic scentthe smell of bloodwafted over.
"Hmph, fine then."
Jotaro turned away disdainfully.
As long as the other party didn't compete with him for the leader's position, he could do as he pleased.
The three departed, leaving only Jotaro to gaze out alone.
"Just wait and see. Victory belongs to me."
Jotaro's eyes were fierce as he made a grasping motion in the air towards the view of Chinatown across the way... Ten PM, Chinatown.
"Brothers, advance!"
The empty streets were deserted. Under the NCPD's curfew, all residents were forbidden from going outside.
In reality, the NCPD didn't even need to issue a notice. Which Night City resident hadn't witnessed a major confrontation a few times? They deeply understood the truth that bullets have no eyes, and they obediently hid inside their homes, keeping their doors and windows tightly shut.
The marching of the Hive forces was the only sound breaking the silence of the road.
Jackie's "Crusader" squad and V's "Phantom" squad were currently leading this combat force of over a hundred people towards the designated battlefield.
They were moving together now, but they would soon split up.
After all, they had different operational missions.
"Keep up! Keep up!"
Wearing bulky white "Crusader" armor and holding his helmet, Jackie commanded the team to maintain formation.
Two "rhino" armored vehicles, filled with infantry, drove within the Column.
These were the Hive's only two pieces of heavy armament.
Taking a deep breath of the cool night air, Jackie turned his head to look at V.
"Damn, do you believe that was Berry just now?"
"No, she is indeed Berry, but thinking about how she looked just now, it's absolutely stunning."
Jackie said, looking dazed.
Clearly, the scene of Berry's War Declaration had left a profound impression on them.
"Think about how Little Bai Rui was when she first entered the city. It hasn't been long, and her progress is immense."
"Yes, indeed."
V also nodded in affirmation.
She had never seen Berry in that state before; she looked like the Goddess of War descended to the mortal realm.
However, compared to the shock, V was more delighted.
After all, she was V's Berry.
"With a Goddess of War commanding us, we can't afford to slack off. Let's fight, just like always, fight to the bitter end."
V took a deep breath and put on her helmet.
Her vision darkened momentarily, the faceplate display activated, and various data points floated at the edges of her sight.
All the armor's functions had been optimally calibrated, ready for a satisfying battle.
"Yeah, fight alongside our brothers until the end. Even if we die, it won't be a loss."
Jackie puffed out his cheeks and affirmed this sentiment.
Emotionally charged, he raised his head and looked at the team with wide eyes.
"We still have a distance to go before reaching the destination. Let's sing! Let's sing the song Berry taught us and let the people inside these residential buildings hear the ambition of our Hive!"
Jackie waved his fist and shouted at the team.
"Oh, the waves are surging on the Pacific Ocean! Ready, begin!"
With someone leading, the long Column of troops began loudly singing this Military Song that had only been composed yesterday.
"Oh, the waves are surging on the Pacific Ocean"
"The Rocky Mountains are covered in dark clouds"
"Living in this era of corruption"
"My blood begins to boil"
"The privileged are arrogant and overbearing"
"They ignore the affairs of the nation"
"The power of the chaebols is extravagant"
"They ignore the affairs of the nation"
"Justice is dying, corrupt officials amass wealth"
"The people are deceived, society is in chaos"
"Like pieces on a chessboard, we mobilize"
"For the new world of the 'Hive'!"
"For the new world of the 'Hive'!"
...Dense human voices converged, singing a spirited song accompanied by steps like steel.
Under the cool night, the Hive was rushing toward the battlefield.
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