Chapter 72: Raising a Son for Old Age? Or for Possession?
"No, Mr. Arasaka Saburo, we at LA Corporation have no intention of antagonizing any company. On the contrary, I hope to form a steadfast alliance with you."
Li Ang knew exactly what Arasaka Saburo needed at this moment. What he sought wasn't money but a powerful external force to assist him in his bid to seize control of the corporation.
Currently, LA Corporation was at the pinnacle of the global stage, whether in terms of armed forces or cutting-edge AI technology.
In other words, whatever NetWatch could offer Arasaka Saburo, LA Corporation could provide just as much—if not more.
Noticing a trace of hesitation on Arasaka Saburo's face, Li Ang seized the moment to press on:
"Trauma Team and Militech have already joined the ranks of the victors. Are you planning to follow in the footsteps of your late brother, clinging to the decaying Arasaka and heading toward ruin?"
As expected, Li Ang's words struck a nerve, causing Arasaka Saburo to react emotionally. He frowned and retorted, "Don't compare me to Arasaka Takemura. That guy is nothing!"
"He's just a bootlicker for my father."
Arasaka Takemura was Saburo's older half-brother, but their relationship was far from amicable. Saburo held no respect for Takemura's antiquated, servile loyalty to their father's outdated ideals.
In Saburo's view, if Arasaka Corporation continued to be ruled by his father Saburo and his brother Takemura, it would inevitably collapse.
"Mr. Arasaka, do you know why your father went to such great lengths to acquire the Soulkiller technology? Do you know who the Relic chip is ultimately meant for?"
Li Ang smiled faintly, his words like invisible tendrils gripping Saburo's heart.
"Arasaka Saburo wants to achieve immortality through the Relic chip—and you are the perfect vessel for him."
The moment these words fell, Arasaka Saburo felt as if struck by a thunderbolt. The shock coursed through his nerves, causing his brain to race uncontrollably.
A chill of fear, like a swarm of crawling insects, enveloped him from head to toe.
Saburo had considered the possibility that his father intended to use the chip to achieve digital immortality. But he had never imagined that the plan involved his own body as the ultimate "host."
"You... you're spouting nonsense!" Saburo's lips trembled uncontrollably.
This absurd yet plausible conspiracy theory pierced him like a thorn, planting seeds of doubt that were impossible to ignore.
Although he struggled to suppress his belief in Li Ang's claims, the primal instinct for survival forced him to ponder their truth.
"Isn't it obvious? You, more than anyone, know why the Steel Dragons and Arasaka's security forces have clashed for so long, with countless gang members dying while you remain unscathed."
"Did you think this was some kind of heartwarming family drama? No, Arasaka Saburo values your young, healthy body. He's simply avoiding damage to his future vessel."
"Otherwise, do you think your father would have let you rise to the company's upper echelons to compete for power? Would he have entrusted you with the Relic project, which he sees as his second life?"
"Hanako and Michiko are far more obedient and sensible than you, yet they don't receive such treatment."
"Shut the hell up! You're trying to sow discord within the Arasaka family!"
Saburo roared at the blue-glowing avatar of "Xu Shiming." If Li Ang were present, Saburo would've shot him on the spot.
"It seems you've already found your answer."
Li Ang didn't press the issue further. He merely laid bare Saburo's father's true intentions. Whether Saburo believed him or not was irrelevant.
However, Saburo couldn't afford to gamble. He didn't have the luxury of error.
"We at LA Corporation can provide the strongest external support you need. You don't have to worry about family security forces. The aid required to seize power? We can deliver that too!"
"So, Mr. Arasaka Saburo, decide: Will you join the ranks of the victors, or will you let your anger blind you, allowing Arasaka Saburo to possess you and extend his empire?"
Li Ang's aggressive, decisive approach bombarded Saburo's mind like relentless artillery fire.
Saburo couldn't think straight. He could only act instinctively, choosing the path that seemed to best serve his interests.
Collaborating with LA Corporation to seize control of Arasaka appeared to be his only option.
Saburo knew that NetWatch wouldn't provide sufficient armed support.
And as for the European corporations, there was no guarantee they wouldn't betray him and side with his father if the price was right.
After all, Europeans were notorious for backstabbing. If the benefits aligned, they'd sell out their own families, let alone allies.
"Damn... Could the old man really be planning to use the Relic chip on me? What a bastard!"
Saburo cursed his father internally. So this was the Arasaka family's idea of "raising children for old age."
Raising children for old age? More like raising them for possession!
A deep sense of powerlessness welled up within Saburo. He understood Li Ang's motives perfectly but had no choice but to follow the path Li Ang laid out for him.
He simply had no other options.
"Mr. Li Ang, I can hand over the Relic chip and agree to cooperate with you. But you must tell me…"
Saburo stared intently at the glowing avatar, enunciating every word:
"What is your true purpose for this chip?"
"Are you also seeking immortality, like my father?"
Li Ang didn't bother to hide his intentions. He replied straightforwardly:
"My friend Johnny Silverhand was used as an experimental subject for your father's Relic project. His consciousness is trapped in that chip, and I intend to rescue him."
"Johnny Silverhand? Oh… I've heard of him." Saburo recalled seeing Samurai band posters.
"Just a terrorist who bombed Arasaka Tower. I used to think he was a rebel rock star, but now I see he's just an idiot."
Saburo sneered. If blowing up Arasaka Tower could've stopped his father's ambitions, Militech's nukes would've succeeded long ago.
In this era, anyone still shouting about bombing Arasaka Tower was a fool. What's the point of dying in vain?