Cyberpunk: 2075.

Chapter 819, Section 29: Rescuing Hua Zi
"According to reliable intelligence, Nobuyuki Arasaka will have to accompany newly inaugurated US President Rosalind Myers to a press conference tomorrow due to public events scheduled."

During this special period, due to the need to participate fully in this highly political public event, Nobuyuki Arasaka will be temporarily unable to obtain accurate information in real time regarding Ms. Hanako Arasaka's specific whereabouts. This press conference is expected to last for a considerable period, during which time Arasaka's attention and intelligence network will be preoccupied with this important diplomatic event.

"So, this is the perfect opportunity to rescue Miss Hua?"

“That’s right. If we miss this opportunity, we may never find such a perfect window of opportunity again.” The voice of the person in the communication was deep and firm. “Tomorrow you must arrive at the three strategic positions A, B and C that we have planned in advance within the scheduled time and be ready to act. At that time, the specific operation will be carried out by ten top ninjas and my most trusted subordinates who are familiar with the terrain.”

Akechi paused for a moment, then continued, “What you need to do is ensure that the follow-up support is foolproof and buy us enough time to deal with any possible counterattack from Arakasaka Sei. Remember, Miss Hanako will remember your sacrifice. For Miss Hanako’s safety, please do your best.”

"Understood, Mr. Akechi. We will certainly follow your instructions for the sake of Ms. Arakasaka Hanako!"

Hearing the firm voice on the other end of the line, Mingzhi finally hung up the phone to prevent the line from being exposed again.

The specific plan for rescuing Arasaka Hanako was finalized long ago after discussions with the members of the Pheasant Faction and Arasaka Seigen. All that was needed was an opportune moment, and with Arasaka Seigen's cooperation, finding a window of opportunity was not difficult at all.

Twenty-four hours have passed since Akechi's first meeting with the Pheasant Faction. The reason why Akechi is waiting so long to act until tomorrow is that, as part of the performance, Arasaka Sei-nobu also needs to make preparations.

He needs to carefully select individuals whose backgrounds are suspected of having connections to other companies, and who may be spies for other companies. He needs to pair these individuals with a small number of his own people who can be evacuated in time to arrange security. He also needs to prepare a seemingly 'hasty' counterattack to ensure that the last-ditch efforts of the 100 Ninja Group and the Pheasant Faction can be carried out to the greatest extent possible.

This balance needs to be struck just right, ensuring that it doesn't affect our own people, while also eliminating members of the Pheasant Faction and the 100-Ninja Group to the greatest extent possible without alerting the Pheasant Faction to the plan being leaked.

Each person eliminated will weaken Arasaka Hanako's power in Night City. After the operation is over, the power held by Akechi will be particularly prominent. If Akechi, who has made many great contributions, still cannot gain Arasaka Hanako's trust in the next operation, then Arasaka Hanako is too cautious, which will inevitably affect the loyalty of others.

After all, a leader who is stingy with rewards for merit only sends chills down the spines of his followers.

The operation will take place at 10:00 AM tomorrow.
"You should be able to get up, right?"

As a wise man, Karl ended the communication and looked at the few people listening quietly in front of him.

"You, who always sleep in late, are asking us if we can get up? Isn't that going against the natural order?"

Jack muttered to himself, his gaze sweeping over V, Oliver, and Johnny beside him before finally settling on David. He asked with some concern, "David, you'll be staying with us tonight. Are you sensitive to sleeping in unfamiliar beds? If you don't like them, I can pick you up tomorrow."

"It's alright, Jack."

David shook his head, his eyes flashing with excitement: "I am a member of the second combat team, after all. How could I possibly run back just because I don't like sleeping there? That would be too easy to expose me."

Rather than worrying about not being able to sleep, David was actually more concerned about whether he would be too excited to sleep, and whether his poor mental state would arouse suspicion from the Chicken Faction members. Although as a mercenary David was considered one of the best in Night City and had taken on many big jobs that made the whole city remember him, he had never even encountered an operation of the scale of tomorrow, let alone participated in it.

Before, he could only listen to Mann boast about his experiences with Carl and the others, and he would be envious and swallow his saliva. Now, he could finally fight alongside Carl and the others, and it was such an earth-shattering event. How could he not be excited?

“You’ve grown a lot since then, David.”

Oliver watched David, who was excited but whose hands didn't even tremble. It was clear that David was just emotionally agitated but hadn't let his emotions affect his physical health, which was truly outstanding for a mercenary.

The self-control to perfectly separate surging emotions from fighting instincts is rare in Night City's mercenary circle, and anyone who can do this, barring any unforeseen circumstances, often makes a name for themselves later in life.

However, when Oliver thought about this, he realized that he was looking at David with the same eyes he used to have.

David was already a renowned mercenary in Night City, yet he still subconsciously regarded this 'brother' of Santo Domingo as the inexperienced mercenary he once was. That was clearly inappropriate. Even though he knew David was quite capable, it was still strange to have this feeling in his heart.

"Have you spoken to Mann and Lucy yet?" Oliver asked with concern, his tone softening with a brotherly gentleness. "And...did you let your mom know you're safe?"

"Everything's arranged, Oliver." David's lips curled into a reassuring smile, a smile that held both the composure of a professional mercenary and a hint of the youthful innocence of someone who once followed behind the crowd.

"I will definitely not let you down tomorrow."

"Peace is more important to David than disappointment."

V said to David, "Nothing is more important than safety. There are people waiting for you. Don't risk your life because of impulsiveness. We're here for you."

"Well, I won't forget it."

David never forgot the teachings of Carl and the others.

Seeking help from companions when you can is never a shameful or disgraceful thing.

Time passed, and at nine o'clock the next morning, Mingzhi had already arrived at the designated location.

(End of this chapter)