But now, he was simply too old.
So old that he had to cherish every breath, so old that any fluctuation of emotion could become the last straw to break his decaying body.
But even so, a light that saw through everything still flickered in his sunken eyes, as if he had long since clearly seen this chess game.
However, an aging tiger is still a fierce beast, and Saburo Arasaka was an evil dragon entrenched in the shadows of the world.
His weakness could absolutely not be a reason for enemies to wantonly trample on Arasaka's dignity.
"They thought… Arasaka was old, and could be bullied." Saburo's voice gradually gained a hint of strength, though still hoarse, it contained an unquestionable resolve. "They want war… then give them war."
Takayama Shintaro suddenly looked up, a hint of shock flashing in his eyes, but he quickly regained his composure.
He understood Saburo; beneath his calm exterior was an unyielding will of steel.
"Saburo-sama, do you mean…?"
"Deploy the 'white whale'." Saburo uttered three words, as if saying something trivial.
Takayama Shintaro's heart suddenly constricted.
The "white whale", a super aircraft carrier controlled by the Arasaka family, cruising the Pacific, along with its complete battle group.
This was one of the ultimate symbols of Arasaka's military might, a strategic force capable of confronting the navies of small and medium-sized countries.
Using the "white whale" meant that the situation would directly escalate to the highest level of military conflict, tantamount to declaring all-out war on the entire West Coast of North America.
"Saburo-sama, please be cautious!" Takayama Shintaro instinctively advised, "The deployment of the 'white whale' will have too great an impact. Militech and NUSA will never stand idly by; this could trigger the Fifth Corporate War, or even drag us into a full-out conflict with NUSA! european powers will also inevitably take the opportunity to intervene…"
"Shintaro." Saburo interrupted him, his voice not loud, but carrying a blood-freezing authority. "Arasaka's dignity brooks no provocation. One concession will only lead to more coveting and biting.
We must use the most brutal and direct methods to tell this world that Arasaka is still Arasaka. Anyone who dares to extend their claws must be prepared to be uprooted."
He panted slightly, and the indicator lights on the life support equipment flickered faintly. Goro Takemura, standing in the shadows, immediately stepped forward half a pace and silently adjusted the equipment parameters.
Saburo waved his hand, indicating it was fine.
"What I want is not a war of equal footing." Saburo continued, his eyes cold. "What I want is an overwhelming, public execution.
Use the 'white whale' to transport our power armor troops, land in Night City, find those rats, and their masters behind them, and then… crush them.
Let the whole world see the consequences of challenging Arasaka."
Takayama Shintaro fell silent.
He understood that Saburo's resolve was set.
This was not only for revenge, but also to show all internal and external enemies, in the twilight years of the empire's founder, that Arasaka still possessed unshakeable military might and determination, to deter those restless forces.
"Your subordinate… understands." Takayama Shintaro bowed deeply. "Then, the command authority for this operation…"
"You will be fully in charge." Saburo said without hesitation, "Only you, Shintaro, can I fully trust."
Takayama Shintaro did not immediately accept the order. He pondered for a moment, then raised his head, his gaze sincere: "Saburo-sama, thank you for your trust. However… the scale of this operation is unprecedented. Officially, should Yorinobu-sama lead the charge?
This would be a rare opportunity for him to gain experience, establish his prestige within the group, and ease your relationship with him. After all… he is your designated successor."
At the mention of Yorinobu, Saburo's eyes became complex for a moment.
He indeed held complex expectations for this son, combining a father's helplessness, an empire helmsman's scrutiny of his heir, and an unspeakable plot hidden deep within the immortality project.
"Yorinobu… lacks capacity and has an unstable temperament." Saburo finally shook his head slowly. "I cannot trust him with such a major military operation."
"Precisely because of this, he needs more experience." Takayama Shintaro insisted, his tone respectful yet firm. "Your subordinate guarantees with his life that he will ensure the operation is foolproof from behind the scenes.
Allowing Yorinobu-sama to serve as the nominal supreme commander and accompany the fleet on the expedition will both demonstrate the unity and determination of the Arasaka family and serve as an important test for Yorinobu-sama.
The true command authority will naturally remain in your hands, with your subordinate executing the details."
Silence once again fell in the room.
Only outside the courtyard, a gentle breeze blew, and a few late-falling cherry petals quietly drifted down. Goro Takemura stood still like a sculpture, as if merged with the shadows.
Saburo Arasaka's withered fingers tapped lightly on the armrest, making an almost inaudible "tap, tap" sound.
He was weighing his options.
Takayama Shintaro's proposal indeed aligned with the empire's long-term interests and could give his unaccomplished son a chance. Perhaps… it could even lay some groundwork for the future "plan."
"…Alright." After a long while, Saburo finally spoke, his voice tinged with fatigue. "It will be as you say. Appoint Yorinobu Arasaka as the nominal supreme commander of this 'Special Retribution Operation'.
You, Takayama Shintaro, will serve as the supreme advisor, accompanying him to assist and ensure the smooth progress of the operation.
Remember, what I want is results — a thorough cleansing and absolute deterrence."
"Hai!" Takayama Shintaro bowed deeply, his forehead touching the tatami. "Your subordinate will not fail!"
"Go." Saburo waved his hand and closed his eyes again, as if deciding to launch a regional war was just a trivial daily matter. "Draft a detailed plan as soon as possible. The 'white whale' will set sail immediately. Within ten days, I want to see the sky over Night City covered by Arasaka's flag."
"Understood!"
Takayama Shintaro rose, bowed again, and then silently exited the Japanese-style room.
The heavy wooden door slowly closed behind him, separating the inside from the outside.
Inside the room, Saburo Arasaka still sat in his wheelchair with his eyes closed, like a sleeping emperor.
The light from outside the window cast alternating bright and dark shadows on his wrinkled face.
The regular beeping of the medical equipment was the only melody in this silent room, as if counting down his remaining life and the impending storm of blood.
Goro Takemura still stood by, like a loyal ghost, guarding this aging yet still capable-of-raising-giant-waves evil dragon.
Meanwhile, somewhere in the distant Pacific, the "white whale" supercarrier battle group had already received preliminary orders from Tokyo's highest command.
The massive fleet began to turn, boilers pressurized, carrying elite power armor soldiers and a large amount of advanced weaponry and equipment. Like a moving steel mountain, it began to cut through the waves towards the North American West Coast, towards Night City.
The giant wheel of vengeance had already begun to turn.