Chapter 29: Preliminary Discussion

Victor's Clinic

Viktor sat across from Leon Black, who was seated with his legs crossed and hands clasped, looking utterly shocked by what he had just heard.

"Notify V and tell her I want to see her. Also, if possible, have her bring Takemura Goro."

After a few days of waiting, Leon had decided it was time to slightly accelerate the investigation into the truth behind Arasaka Saburo's death. On one hand, he wanted Arasaka Michiko to know he was genuinely working and not just playing around. On the other hand, he was curious to see how fast V could grow into the "Trembler" he was aiming for in such a short period of time.

The gravity of the situation struck Viktor immediately. He knew that Leon knew everything. It wasn't just V and Takemura Goro. It was beyond their understanding how Leon had been quietly observing, waiting for the right moment to strike.

Viktor had been wondering why Leon had suddenly shifted his approach. What had changed? Why had he chosen now to move forward with exposing the truth?

Leon didn't ask questions. He just gave orders.

It was the mysterious individual who had advised Leon to save Jack and alter Delamain's route. Viktor's gaze shifted to Lena Fox. Could it have been her?

Viktor, realizing there was no more point in hesitating, simply relayed the message to V. "Leon wants to see you. And bring Takemura Goro."

Ten minutes passed before V and Takemura Goro entered the room. Viktor couldn't help but think, They're already here, why are they waiting outside? He knew exactly what had just happened. As soon as Lena Fox stepped in, all of Viktor's clinic's network systems had been hijacked. Without her permission, he couldn't even make a phone call.

V and Takemura walked over to Viktor's desk and casually sat down, both looking at Leon Black, waiting for him to speak.

"Alright, now that everyone's here, I'll get straight to the point," Leon said, clapping his hands. "For specific reasons, I need you to come forward and testify that Arasaka Yorinobu killed Arasaka Saburo."

Viktor could see the surprise in Takemura Goro's eyes. Leon's words had been blunt, and the room filled with tension as Takemura stood up to challenge Leon.

"How do you know it was Arasaka Yorinobu?" Takemura asked, his voice low but filled with urgency. "I've spent a lot of time tracking down leads and sacrificing friends to confirm this. But just knowing the truth won't help. We need people to believe it."

Leon smiled at the challenge. "Oh? Isn't it?" he asked, raising an eyebrow as he glanced over at V. "Did she kill him?"

V stood up slowly, her voice filled with uncertainty, "Why wouldn't it be me?"

Leon chuckled. "If it were you, things would be simpler. I would just turn you in and get what I need. But the truth is, it wasn't you, right?"

V fell silent, realizing the logic behind Leon's words. If she had truly killed Arasaka Saburo, it would have been far easier for them to capture her. The authorities would be after her already, wouldn't they?

"We'll go to Arasaka Hanako. She'll believe us!" Takemura suggested, a plan already forming in his mind. "She's the only one in the family left who can challenge Yorinobu."

Leon didn't seem convinced. "Arasaka Hanako is indeed an interesting target," he agreed, "but if you simply approach her, will she believe you? You're accusing her brother of murder. Without solid proof, she'll never back you. And even if she believes you, she might kill you to protect the stability of the corporation."

Takemura's face hardened. Leon's words hit home. If they pushed too hard, Hanako could turn on them and cover up the truth, especially with everything on the line for Arasaka.

"So, do you understand now?" Leon continued. "You're not just aiming to take down Yorinobu. You're aiming to bring down the entire Arasaka Corporation."

The weight of Leon's words hung in the air. Viktor could feel the atmosphere grow thick with the tension of what they were being asked to do. Even if they succeeded, the repercussions would be massive. It wasn't something to take lightly.

After a long, tense silence, Viktor spoke up. "Then why are you getting involved in all this? Aren't you also a part of Arasaka?"

Leon nodded, his expression calm but calculated. "I am indeed a member of Arasaka. But just a member."

Viktor understood. Leon wasn't just a cog in the machine. He was playing a larger game.

V leaned forward, intrigued. "If it were you, how would you do it?"

Leon gave a small smile. "Simple. Arasaka Hanako."

V raised an eyebrow. "That's no different from Takemura's plan."

"Oh, but it is," Leon replied, a glint of amusement in his eyes. "Because I'm not looking to deal directly with Arasaka Hanako herself. I'm going after the people who support her."

He continued, "Some things don't need to be done by the person themselves. The general tide will push them in that direction, even if they don't want to. If Hanako won't act, her supporters will, and they won't let Arasaka's enemies walk all over them."

Everyone fell silent once more, considering Leon's words. It was an interesting, if somewhat dangerous, approach.

Leon scratched his head. "Alright, enough about that. I can't just make you work without offering something in return, can I?"

Lena stepped forward and pulled out two vials from her jacket pocket. She placed them on the table.

"One's a neural repair fluid, and the other's a tissue regeneration agent. They should be enough to convince you to cooperate."

V and Takemura's eyes widened as they took in the vials on the table. These were exactly what they needed but had been unable to get their hands on for some time.

Leon's smile grew. "So, do we have a deal?"

V and Takemura exchanged a glance, and without saying a word, they both nodded. Leon knew that they were in no position to refuse, not with the resources at stake.

Leon and Lena stood up. "Good. I'll leave you to sort out the rest. I'm just here to make sure things move forward."

As they left the room, Viktor looked at the two of them in disbelief. He couldn't shake the feeling that they were walking into something far bigger than they realized.

"Are you really going to agree to this?" Viktor asked, his voice filled with doubt. He knew that following Leon Black could lead to significant trouble.

V and Takemura stood in front of the table, staring at the vials without speaking. Viktor could see the hesitation in their eyes, but they knew that cooperating with Leon was their best chance to make progress in their mission. Still, Viktor couldn't shake his unease. Cooperating with him was like playing with fire.

Meanwhile, Leon wasn't finished. As he spoke to Arasaka Michiko, he maintained the same level of casual confidence.

"How do you think my arrangement is going?" he asked, the phone call ringing in his ear.

Arasaka Michiko sounded distant. "Let's leave it at that for now."

Leon smiled to himself. He'd already made it clear to Michiko that accusing Yorinobu of murder meant challenging the entire Arasaka Corporation, and they couldn't just go around making accusations without proof. It was a much bigger game than they had originally anticipated.

He could almost hear the frustration in Michiko's voice. "If you want to stop now, you could just eliminate everyone who knows the truth."

Michiko's eyes widened at his words. "You're joking, right?"

Leon laughed softly. "I'm not that ruthless, Michiko. Besides, Takemura isn't so easy to kill."

After hanging up the phone, he turned to Lena. "So, you think she's as smart as they say?"

Lena gave a small smirk. "Seems like she's not."

Leon chuckled. "Don't underestimate your enemies. She's playing a dangerous game. I'll make sure she realizes it soon enough."

---

Back in the office, Leon and Lena had the final laugh.

"Here's a juicy rumor for you," Lena teased.

"Oh? What is it?" Leon asked, intrigued.

Lena smiled. "Arasaka Michiko and Adam Smasher used to date."

Both Leon and Lena burst out laughing. "Now that's something!"

Øóffer going on for diamond tier

pàtreøn (Gk31)