Yorinobu's mouth twitched, as if he wanted to retort, but Takayama didn't give him the chance, immediately throwing out a second reason that was more impactful to the current situation: "Furthermore, the fear of a nuclear explosion is ingrained in the DNA of Night City's populace.
Once we press that button, the last shred of goodwill we have left in North America, in Night City, will completely collapse.
At that point, we won't just be facing the enemies in front of us, but the wrath and desperate resistance of the entire city. We are not here to create a radioactive wasteland and become public enemy number one!"
"Enough!" Yorinobu roared, interrupting him, but the aggressive momentum seemed to be slightly curbed by the phrase "public enemy number one." He waved his hand irritably, "So we just let them hide behind that shell and mock us?!"
Takayama Shintaro keenly caught this slight loosening and immediately brought up the most practical concern, and one most likely to shake a military commander's resolve, his tone heavy: "What's more, sir, we can't even guarantee that a nuclear strike will succeed. The technology they've displayed is beyond our comprehension.
If… if their shield can withstand a nuclear explosion, even if only partially, then Arasaka will simultaneously bear the infamy of using a forbidden weapon and the shame of a complete military failure!
This would be an irreversible disaster. Not to mention, it would inevitably trigger Militech's retaliatory response, potentially dragging us into the abyss of total nuclear war! This is absolutely not the situation Saburo would want to see!"
Hearing the four words "Saburo," Yorinobu Arasaka's pupils subtly constricted.
The intense anger on his face slowly receded like a tide, but it didn't dissipate; instead, it settled into something more somber and colder.
He fell silent, his gaze returning to the damned blue shield on the holographic sand table, his fingers unconsciously caressing the metal edge of the sand table.
The bridge was dead silent, everyone holding their breath, awaiting the final decision of this unpredictable heir.
A few seconds later, a cold snort, tinged with suppressed anger and extreme unwillingness, escaped Yorinobu's nostrils.
He lifted his eyes, his gaze sweeping over Takayama Shintaro, his expression complex and unreadable, containing both the annoyance of being persuaded and a hint of calm after weighing the pros and cons, and perhaps… in the deepest part of that coldness, even a trace of regret that his plan hadn't come to fruition.
"…You're right." His voice was hoarse, with a weariness that came from forcibly suppressing his rage, "Nuclear weapons… are a last resort, a desperate cry, not the display of power Arasaka should possess."
He paused, as if each word was exceptionally difficult to utter, but this only made him appear more like a proud man forced to acknowledge reality: "Then, Uncle Takayama, tell me, besides mutual destruction, what other way can we smash this damned shield?"
Seeing Yorinobu finally persuaded, Takayama Shintaro's tense shoulders imperceptibly relaxed a bit.
He immediately pulled up the white whale's equipment list, his voice returning to a professional and steady tone: "Lord Yorinobu, rest assured. The white whale battle group is equipped with a complete heavy assault equipment system, fully capable of handling the current situation."
He smoothly brought up several equipment interfaces, his pace steady and confident: "Lord Yorinobu, we are carrying a complete heavy assault equipment system. Please allow the technical staff to explain the specific performance parameters to you in detail."
The young staff officer standing by immediately stepped forward, beginning his report in a well-trained tone: "'Amaterasu' Heavy Directed Energy Cannon Array, with a range of fifteen kilometers, capable of heating the target area to eight thousand degrees Celsius within zero point three seconds, with excellent dissipating effects on energy shields."
He switched screens and continued: "'Take-Mikazuchi' Electromagnetic Railgun system, using special depleted uranium core projectiles, with an initial velocity of seven Mach, single-shot penetration power sufficient to pierce three layers of composite armor.
According to simulation data, continuous hits on the same area can cause cumulative damage to the shield structure."
"As for the 'Susanoo' Gravity Field Generator," the staff officer's voice carried a hint of caution, "this is our newest equipment, with an effective radius of fifty meters, capable of generating a pressure field of thirty times standard gravity in an instant.
However, system stability is still under testing, and its range is limited, so it is recommended for use as a decisive strike."
A sharp glint flashed in Yorinobu Arasaka's eyes, but his tone remained restrained: "So, what is the specific deployment plan?"
Takayama Shintaro took over, unfolding the deployment schematic on the tactical sand table, his fingers skillfully marking several key positions: "We will adopt a multi-layered strike tactic.
First, the 'Amaterasu' array will be rapidly deployed at the front line, with all preparations expected to be completed within 2 hours, at which point it will begin continuous energy scorching of the shield."
His finger traced over several key nodes of the shield, and he continued: "At the same time, the 'Take-Mikazuchi' system will be positioned at strategic high ground along the coastline, ready to deliver precise kinetic strikes at any moment.
Should any fluctuation appear in the shield, the 'Susanoo' system will immediately activate, escorted by power armor units, to create a gravity anomaly within the shield. These three strikes are interconnected, and we expect to see results within 4 hours."
"How will the operational sequence be arranged?" Yorinobu pressed, his gaze fixed on the deployment diagram on the sand table.
Takayama Shintaro immediately responded, his voice decisive: "Phase One: Zero to two hours, complete all equipment deployment and energy connections; Phase Two: Two to four hours, 'Amaterasu' array provides continuous suppression; Phase Three: From four hours onward, deploy subsequent strike forces based on the shield's status. The entire operation is expected to achieve a breakthrough within six hours."
"This timetable is still too conservative." Yorinobu said coldly, his slender fingers tapping unconsciously on the control panel, "Compress the deployment time to ninety minutes. I want to see a substantial breakthrough within three hours."
Takayama pondered briefly, his gaze quickly scanning the various data on the tactical interface, then nodded affirmatively: "This will require the mobilization of all engineering units for coordinated operations, but it is achievable. I will immediately adjust the deployment plan to ensure all combat preparations are completed within ninety minutes."
"Execute it." Yorinobu's gaze returned to the distant coastline enveloped by the shield, his voice carrying an undeniable resolve, "Let the wrath of the gods utterly crush this obstructive barrier."
The moment the order was given, the atmosphere in the bridge changed abruptly. Takayama Shintaro immediately turned to the operations staff, issuing clear commands: "Immediately activate 'Dawn Break' operational contingency. Notify the engineering department, all power armor units to be deployed for construction. Logistics department to prioritize energy line laying."
"Understood!" The staff officers responded in unison, then quickly sprang into action.
The Chief of Operations switched communication channels: "Attention all engineering teams, immediately commence deployment according to Alpha contingency. Repeat, Alpha contingency to be executed immediately."
The Firepower Coordinator simultaneously issued instructions: "'Amaterasu' array to be deployed first, target area already marked. Requires completion of energy connection and readiness for firing within ninety minutes."
The entire Arasaka fleet immediately entered high-speed operational status. Transport bay doors opened consecutively, and engineering units, aided by power armor, rapidly constructed launch sites. Thick energy lines were laid at an unprecedented speed, like blood vessels, delivering energy to each combat unit. On the bridge, communication sounds rose and fell, and various departments coordinated the large-scale combat preparations with tension and order.
In front of the command console, Yorinobu Arasaka quietly watched it all. A barely perceptible hint of satisfaction flashed in his cold eyes—this meticulously planned assault operation was about to begin.