Chapter 149
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Judy realized what was happening the moment she saw the Tiger Claw gang leader, Sato, step out. Maiko betraying her, she was merely using herself and the Moxes to gain what she wanted. All the talk of Clouds being independent was just nonsense. Judy couldn't accept what was happening; they were now trapped by the Tiger Claws, surrounded by the high skies with nowhere to run. The AV that Maiko used to lure them onto the rooftop was nothing but a means for her deception.
Feeling endless rage and full of apologies, Judy could sense a level of hopelessness like never before based on how respectfully Maiko treated the Tiger Claws. Staring at Gloria, Rita Wheeler, and Sasha risking the dangers to accompany her to the top only to be caught in this dire situation filled her with regret.
"I'm sorry... I've dragged you all into this," Judy said apologetically.
Hearing Judy's disarray, Gloria tried to comfort her, "Judy, it's okay. They took advantage of your kindness, you shouldn't blame yourself."
Maiko was still adhering to the Sakura ideals, respecting only the strong and caring solely for power and status, never minding the worthless sentiments. Judy was deeply shaken by the emotional impact of Maiko's betrayal and Evelyn's misunderstanding, even doubting herself.
Rita Wheeler tightly gripped her baseball bat, and together with Sasha protected Gloria and Judy. They coldly confronted the Tiger Claw thugs. Gloria realized their situation was dire, and only Mr. Tang could possibly rescue them. She knew he would show up. The Moxes' confrontation with Tiger Claws had reached its peak; any further escalation would end badly for both sides.
Sato approached Maiko, and despite her respectful demeanor, he just turned to Gloria and the others, asking coldly, "Are these Moxes?"
"They are, Mr. Sato. They spearheaded the Moxes' counterstrike," Maiko confirmed, revealing all she knew without sparing Judy any affection. Each word Maiko spoke felt like a sharp blade twisting in Judy's heart.
Nodding, Sato then kicked Hiromi, who was already kneeling, in disgust for failing to secure Clouds. Maiko was pleased, thinking she might take over with Hiromi out of favor. However, Sato quickly dismissed her ambitions, "You dared to conspire with outsiders for power. Hiromi is weak, but you, Maiko, are disloyal!"
Before Maiko could explain, a hail of bullets in the rain swiftly ended her life. With Maiko gone, Sato's attention returned to Gloria and the rest. They witnessed Sato's brutality, and with Maiko dead, Judy knew their safe escape was nearly impossible.
The gang members aimed at them. No matter how skilled Sasha and Rita Wheeler were, they had limited room to maneuver on the rooftop. Sasha, with her mantis blades ready, understood that protecting Gloria was her priority, as instructed by Tang Yu.
As tensions rose, a loud engine sound echoed. A black Arasaka AV approached the rooftop, marked with the company's logo. When Gloria saw it, she guessed Tang Yu had arrived. She knew he would come, which is why she kept calm during the Tiger Claw siege. With him there, Gloria dared to support Judy in causing trouble at Clouds on Tiger Claw turf. Even if Maiko had sincerely wished to join forces with Judy, the independence of Clouds was almost impossible. Unlike Judy's naivety and impulsiveness, Maiko understood this, and inviting Judy was a trap to catch the Tiger Claw's high ranks' attention.
She overestimated her position and influence. Hiroko Satou's seat as the head of CloudTop wasn't solely due to her strength.
Just like how Gloria became a middleman, her capabilities weren't the only factor; having powerful backing was more important.
Upon seeing the Arasaka aerodyne, Satou immediately signaled everyone to lower their weapons, then stood up straight with an extremely respectful demeanor.
Because this high-end aerodyne was exclusive to the Arasaka Family, it likely indicated the presence of someone from the family.
As the leader of the Tiger Claw gang, he was very familiar with the Arasaka Family's exclusive vehicles.
Judy saw Satou's exaggerated reaction and narrowed her eyes, peering through the rain at the aerodyne above—it belonged to Arasaka and probably carried someone of high status to make Satou so nervous.
This probably wasn't good news for them.
Sasha sensed the arrival of the aerodyne and immediately retracted her mantis blades, ready to stand up and run over, but Gloria quickly pulled her back.
If not for the cat mask hiding her expression, everyone would be surprised to see her excitement at Arasaka's arrival.
Gloria saw Sasha turn around and shook her head seriously, signaling Sasha to stay silent.
Understanding the cue, Sasha kept quiet, her polite gesture with folded hands in front of her abdomen contrasting sharply with her previous readiness for battle.
The Arasaka aerodyne slowly landed on the rooftop, immediately attracting everyone's attention.
The vehicle's door didn't open, but Satou, as if on cue, bowed deeply next to the aerodyne, waiting respectfully beside it, unconcerned with the rain soaking his suit.
He continuously nodded and bowed, repeatedly saying "hi," displaying utmost respect to the person inside the cabin.
After several minutes and a ninety-degree bow from Satou, the aerodyne started again, its blue engines igniting as it slowly ascended, leaving the rooftop.
Once the Arasaka aerodyne was far away, Satou waved his hand and quickly led his men away.
Judy, left astounded, had no idea what had just happened.
An Arasaka aerodyne had flown in, educated Satou, then vanished without a trace, and they were permitted to leave.
With the aerodyne's departure, the crisis was over, and Gloria hurried them off the rooftop and back to Lizzie's bar.
Only Maiko's body remained, still soaking in the rain, turning pale.
Above the rain-soiled city, the Arasaka Family aerodyne proceeded slowly towards the northern Oak area in Westbrook, with a trace of perfume floating in the luxurious and tranquil cabin.
Michiko Arasaka sat on the soft couch, legs crossed, a pair of red high heels suggesting that she was in good spirits.
It might be off-duty time, or perhaps she felt relaxed in her private vehicle.
Her shirt was tucked into a figure-hugging skirt, with two buttons casually undone at the collar, revealing a hint of white.
Across from her sat Tang Yu, holding a wine glass and gently swirling it.
With a light laugh, Michiko said, "I see you're quite concerned about those girls."
Tang Yu faced Michiko, who cheekily acted as if she hadn't just used him to overpower the Tiger Claw gang.
Inside the car, her lecture had Satou waiting outside submissively, indicating she'd got the upper hand.
Tang Yu smiled lightly, "Director Michiko, you jest."
"There are many girls in Night City, but there is only one jewel from the Arasaka family, and that's you."
Michiko laughed with interest, "Smooth talker, but I wonder if there's substance behind the words."
Tang Yu sipped his wine and retorted silently, why not try and find out.
Suddenly, Michiko said, "My grandfather's birthday is coming up next year; would you accompany me to Kyoto?"
Hearing Michiko's invitation to meet Saburo Arasaka, Tang Yu nearly choked on his wine but managed to swallow it.
Catching her gaze on him, he quickly pretended to cough twice and said,
"Going to Kyoto to meet Mr. Saburo... might not be a good idea."
He feared that if Saburo sensed any deceit, the outcome would be gruesomely unpleasant.
A flicker of doubt crossed Michiko's eyes, then she playfully asked,
"What's wrong with that? If it's about rank, I can promote you. Isn't Susan Abernathy always against you? Why not try for her position?"
Tang Yu pondered Michiko's motives. It seemed odd just to meet Saburo Arasaka.
He hadn't experienced anything like this in his past life. It couldn't just be a meet-the-parents scenario—Michiko was married for many years without a child...
Tang Yu settled his thoughts, ready to face any challenge, and decided to appease Michiko first.
So, meeting Saburo.
No bluffing!