Limitless: Progressing from Arasaka

The island of the Kujira, part of the Third Fleet of the Arasaka Navy.

Shintaro Takayama strode over.

As he approached, his gaze naturally shifted to Michiko Arasaka beside Vera, and he stared—

His previously relaxed brows suddenly furrowed.

Vera noticed this subtle change in expression. She glanced at her 'old friend': mohawk blue hair, thick gold lipstick, large gold earrings, and a deep V-neck dress that revealed her midriff—kitsch, so incredibly kitsch fashion...

Vera shook her head gently. Time is a cruel mistress. The cyberpunk anime catgirl/JK girl she used to be was so much more attractive.

"Ms. Michiko."

Since the other party was, after all, Saburo Arasaka's eldest granddaughter, Shintaro Takayama, as a high-ranking retainer, had no right to criticize her. He bowed slightly to Michiko.

"Alpine mulberry."

With a raised eyebrow, Michiko waved her hand dismissively, clearly annoyed by the inconvenience.

Dealing with these Anteiku from the Arasaka Family Estate is all about formalities and rules, about being careful about this and that, which she dislikes. She especially dislikes those scrutinizing, critical, and 'you've disgraced your father' looks.

In this respect, she was closer to Vera.

Although Vera's personal behavior is Anteiku and rather dull, she mostly focuses on taking care of herself and maintaining high standards. She also enjoys having fun and spending money, and she doesn't boss others around with her fatherly attitude.

After the polite greetings, Shintaro Takayama nodded to Vera after turning to Michiko and gesturing for her to enter.

His gaze shifted subtly between Michiko and Vera a few times before finally settling on Vera. He pursed his lips, a very faint smile playing on his lips.

Hmm, this one looks better.

The three entered the command and control compartment of the island superstructure, one in front and two behind.

The hatch creaked shut.

"... So, the strategic tone you set in this North American geopolitical conflict is merely to instigate the secession of Washington, Oregon, and Arizona?"

As he took his seat and posed the question, Shintaro Takayama's eyes were fixed on Vera.

"You regard Kurt Hansen, whom Miles considers a thorn in your side, and his Ghosthound mercenary force are stationed in New Mexico. They are assassinating the Secretary of State and bribing local party members to create the impression that they are determined to win. In reality, they are just targets you have put forward."

Yes and no.

Vera nodded, crossed her arms, and placed them on the table, saying:

"New Mexico is a target, something that must be given up to achieve political de-escalation, but Hansen and Ghosthound cannot be given up. Hansen has now become a banner of resistance against Washington's tyranny in the Western States, and we cannot let Miles pull him down."

Look at the location of New Mexico; to the east, it borders the Republic of Texas.

Miles would never allow Arasaka to establish a land connection with the Lone Star State. A contiguous group of Washington Unity Policy adversaries would be a complete disaster for the New America, meaning their southern hinterland would never have peace, and even the founding 13 states would be directly threatened.

This is the White House's bottom line for national strategic security.

Miles was cautious, as she had indeed backed down when facing Arasaka's single Super Aircraft Carrier during the Metal War (Unification War) of 2069-2070. But even a rabbit will bite when cornered. Even though Arasaka has sent two Super Aircraft Carrier this time.

Pushing the boundaries of a seasoned politician's bottom line is a delicate art.

If Arasaka insists on instigating the independence of New Mexico, Miles, no matter how uncertain or cautious, will grit his teeth and fight a war of national defense against Arasaka, a new corporate war.

Therefore, without the resolve to wage a full-scale war, Arasaka had to 'lose' New Mexico. He couldn't afford to completely disregard Miles's authority.

As for Washington and Oregon, like California, they are western coastal states, where the independent tendencies and resistance from the public and opposition parties are strongest.

The key is the coastal area.

The New America did not extend its influence here until 2070, and was then forced to sign the Alvin Unification Agreement by Arasaka's intervention. As a result, the federal naval forces on the West Coast have not been properly rebuilt and remain extremely weak.

No matter how much history is recorded in the Metal War, Arasaka still comes out on top in the end.

The Unification War touted by the White House propaganda machine is, in reality, a war of unification in which the Free State still retain a considerable degree of autonomy. Before fully digesting the western coastal states, Miles has neither the capacity nor the risk to establish a fleet and build military shipyards in a place where even the stability around the naval homeport cannot be guaranteed.

Perhaps Miles planned to rebuild a global navy on the West Coast like the Old USA and fight another Pacific War with Arasaka. She did indeed do so. Through six years of political maneuvering and economic control, she slowly regained power and prepared to materialize unification. But time waits for no one.

The international environment they face is truly appalling.

And so, Vera, a "competitor," is preparing to seize Miles and whack her on the eve of her harvest!

Shintaro Takayama listened quietly.

Thanks to Vera's frequent reports and requests for instructions, he actually already knew some of the plans that Arasaka's North American division had laid out before 2076, even before he arrived.

Face-to-face communication is to confirm a unified strategic goal, to go through the thought process of Vera, the person in charge on the front line, and to sort out and understand more details of the operation.

"And Arizona's independence would make our war blackmail more convincing."

North Dakota, Minnesota.

Washington State.

Montana.

South Dakota.

Oregon, Idaho, Wyoming.

Florida.

Gulf of Mexico.

Vera continued, "The direct uprisings in Nevada, Utah, and Idaho were unexpected. I underestimated the local hatred towards Miles. I think we can be more flexible in our approach to them."

Shintaro Takayama understood.

The independence of the three western coastal states, including California, is the bottom line for Arasaka's current aircraft carrier fleet deployment; Arizona is the knife of war blackmail.

Other Western States local party members had ousted officials and declared independence could be used as bargaining chips at the negotiating table. New Mexico, however, was the G-spot that really irked Miles.

"In the eleven western states, five states were instigated to become independent..."

There is more than enough room for 'gradual cooling down'.

After pondering Vera's words for a moment, Shintaro Takayama sighed, "I am very pleased. Vera, you are strong, decisive, quick-witted, and know your place. You are also sensible and understand the situation. As a national-level regional leader of the company, you are already qualified. All you lack is seniority and experience. Those old guys made a decisive choice to select you. They are quite perceptive and have not become senile and rusty in the muddy waters of North America."

"I am simply grateful for your kindness."

Vera didn't overly modestly; she changed the subject and added, "For local parties that have corrected their ways and turned to the light, it's a matter of political credibility, and we need to accept them properly. Even if their constituencies are necessary to be given up in negotiations, we must ensure that they and their families are safe and not targeted by Miles."

"I will give the order."

Shintaro Takayama nodded.

"Leave the rest of the 'splitting the fight' to me."

With a whoosh, he stood up and walked past Vera. As if remembering something, he chuckled and said, "Oh, Vera, I have two good news for you. The USS Adelheid has entered the outfitting phase, and Lord Norinobu has also publicly stated at the Board of Directors in Tokyo that he will fully support this operation against New America."

"This will be a symbol of the unity of the Arasaka people..."

After leaving behind this unusual statement, Shintaro Takayama left the work cabin.

"..."

The two were left staring at each other in bewilderment.

Michiko glanced at Vera.

Should I say congratulations?

She said with a smile.

"Whatever you say... Putting aside the Adelheid, as for Norinobu's support..."

Vera's lips twitched, and she couldn't help but want to smile.

Norinobu, does she support her?

It would be more accurate to say that Norinobu supports Arasaka in quickly starting a war with Militech and the New America, and in going to war with the Major Corporations.

This shows they've seen an opportunity...

"Is there something wrong with my rebellious uncle?"

Noticing Vera's slightly strange look, Michiko asked suspiciously.

"It's nothing, I was just thinking about how I should thank Norinobu after I get to Tokyo..."

With Shintaro Takayama's arrival, Vera should temporarily leave the stage of facing off against Miles in North America.

By exploiting her unspeakable 'future vision' to seize Miles' hidden weakness, she aimed to create an advantage for Arasaka, accumulate new resources, and gain strategic initiative.

As for how to conduct diplomatic activities, professional war blackmail, and the art of wrangling and maneuvering with the White House, those are matters for specialists to handle.

"Are you really so comfortable just being a hands-off manager?"

Seeing Vera leaning lazily against the back of the large sofa, looking like she was about to fall asleep, Michiko was surprised.

She realized she still didn't understand Vera enough. How could she be so careless? You single-handedly stirred up and instigated this chaos in North America, how could you sleep at night?

Vera simply said in response:

"When people are weak, they can lose a dog and it becomes a reason to start a war. But when people are strong, even if the secretary of state is killed or a general dies in the accident, they will grit their teeth and accept the principle of reciprocity."

Her voice was soft and distant. At this moment, Vera's thoughts were no longer on the chaos in North America, nor on the Sano Arasaka she would face later, but rather on [the heavens].

During her trip to Tokyo to make new progress and listen to Saburo's earnest teachings and personal instructions, she should focus on her own affairs.

It's about laying a solid foundation.

New viruses that enrich our own knowledge base, Rc cells and Kakuhou live donor technology, and more advanced war equipment to cope with high-intensity warfare...

127

Chapter 127 After the battle on this side ended, the battle on the other side began.

Buzzing...

Click.

The roaring tracks pressed down on the road, crushing scattered glass, scraps of paper, and even bullet casings and congealed flesh.

A dozen or so multi-legged self-propelled tanks bearing black and white clover insignia drove along in the slightly dimming sunset. Following these armored behemoths were more than a dozen armored fighting vehicles with turrets and Behemoth troop carriers, as well as hundreds of Arasaka Heavy Soldiers had already jumped off the armored vehicles and were advancing in tactical groups, with infantry and tanks working together.

In mid-air, there were clusters of light attack drones, as well as quite a few heavy Octagonal drones— Arasaka, Militech, Kang Tao, biotechnology...

Oh, and the NCPD's MaxTac is there too.

"Holy crap, holy crap... Is Arasaka planning to help the Free State Alliance fight another Corporate War?"

Even though Jackie was separated by most of the Corporate Plaza, he could feel the oppressive, suffocating atmosphere of the impending battle.

In particular, the roar of those massive steel behemoths designed specifically for killing people was like a drumbeat pounding against his heart.

This is just the tip of the iceberg regarding the conflict situation in North America.

"That's fucking bastard."

The thought of a possible renewed war in North America, turning Night City into a battlefield, filled Jackie with anxiety and unease.

Even with his cheerful and optimistic personality, he simply couldn't ignore it.

Since the situation on the West Coast escalated from riots to a local party rebellion and the independence of the Free State, the Night City government urgently closed the border and declared a state of emergency for the entire city.

A contingent of the Arasaka garrison, stationed at the Arasaka Waterfront to oversee the construction of the new district, brazenly entered the Night City district.

As a result, an assault armored battalion from Arasaka was transferred to the Corporate Plaza to guard it, ostensibly to maintain Order and strengthen security, but in reality, it was to confront the company's armed forces, which were Militech.

The first week of May 2076 was an absolutely spectacular week for gossip lovers around the world—

A renewed wave of separatism sweeps Western States. Dogtown warlord Kurt Hansen, with the support of philanthropists, reorganizes the Hounds and launches a provocation against Washington under the guise of revenge. Arasaka officially designates the mastermind behind the March 30th US-Mexico border attack. Arasaka Assault Force assassinates the Arizona Chief State Secretary, and the New Mexico Chief State Secretary is assassinated by local liberals. The main force of the Lazarus Mercenary Group advances westward. A mercenary war erupts in Santa Fe. The New America NUSA Army launches a major westward advance. Several cities in the southwestern states are subjected to precision bombing. The current governors of Washington and Oregon publicly announce their secession from the New United States. The White House issues a final ultimatum. The Free State Alliance rebuilds and orders defense military services from Arasaka Corporation. Arasaka Navy's main naval fleet, led by two Super Aircraft Carrier, approaches the West Coast ...

Holy crap! Awesome! Brilliant! Absolutely amazing! I want to see rivers of blood!

People are blind when war is about their own interests.

But if you ask North American residents, especially ordinary people who just want to get by, this is by no means something to look forward to.

Most of the protests that caused such a stir a few days ago have disappeared.

Under the multi-level circular overpass in the center of the square, homeless people and the homeless groaned and dragged their tattered "property" away from this place of trouble.

The dreamers of Night City are no exception.

Pursuing dreams is one thing, but to actually become a piece of meat in the meat grinder of Corporate War is the most foolish and worthless way to die.