Cyberpunk: 2075.

Chapter 835, Section 45: Stepping Forward
The holographic image that appeared before everyone was familiar to everyone present. In fact, in all the loyalty training sessions at the Arasaka Group, this face had long become the most familiar image to every senior manager—it could even be said to be engraved in their bones.

Saburo Arasaka.

What is currently suspended in the air is a holographic projection of Saburo Arasaka.

The holographic image floating above the table stood with its hands behind its back, displaying Saburo Arasaka's usual demeanor. Its gaze held scrutiny, yet also seemed reproach: "You are nothing but a bunch of petty scoundrels."

Upon hearing that incredibly familiar voice and tone, a high-ranking member of the Arasaka group immediately widened his eyes, staring incredulously at the holographic projection, his voice trembling: "Lord Arasaka!"

Clearly, the fact that Saburo Arasaka, whom everyone believed to be dead, appeared here as a holographic projection was far beyond their expectations. No one understood why such an image would appear at this moment, speaking in the same manner and tone as in his life.

Some astute individuals within the upper echelons have already vaguely considered a certain possibility—

Relic, belongings.

Did Saburo Arasaka store his digital personality imprint before his death?

If it really is Saburo Arasaka, he is very likely to have laid out such a contingency plan. So, does this mean that the person standing in front of them right now is "himself"?
The higher-ups at Arasaka were unwilling to delve into philosophical questions such as "whether a digital personality can be considered the real self." From the day they learned of the existence of the 'Relic' project, most of them were simply pursuing some form of digital immortality.

Unlike Saburo Arasaka, who was obsessed with ultimate perfection, many of them had already thought that once Relic technology was fully matured and was no longer just a superficial, crude substitute for outsiders to see, but truly perfect, they would definitely prepare a copy for themselves.

In their understanding, the digital personality is equivalent to the real person; in other words, the person standing before them at this moment is Saburo Arasaka 'himself'.

If this is from the person in question.
Many of the Arasaka executives changed their expressions drastically when they thought about what they had done after Saburo Arasaka's death.

Many of them had already sworn allegiance to Arasaka Yorinobu. If Arasaka Saburo still 'exists' in some form, wouldn't all their cooperation and actions during Yorinobu's rule be considered...
Although almost all the shrewd and experienced Arasaka executives present realized that the holographic image before them most likely carried Saburo's digital consciousness, some still feigned composure, choosing to ignore the lifelike projection and instead turning to look at Arasaka Hanako, coldly questioning her:

"What are you trying to do by playing Lord Sanlang's projection? Don't think that you can make us believe that everything you do is Lord Sanlang's will just because of a pre-recorded virtual image—Hua Zi, are you even aware of what you're doing?"

Faced with the accusation from this high-ranking Arasaka executive, Hanako Arasaka simply glanced at him calmly and remained silent, while Saburo Arasaka's holographic image slowly turned towards him.

“Foolish, incompetent, cowardly.” The voice in the video was as cold as iron. “Knowing the truth but refusing to admit it—I remember reminding you many times that you are in this position only because of your father. I have forgiven your mistakes time and time again, but that doesn’t mean I will tolerate them forever.”

His gaze was like a blade, as if piercing through the other person's soul:

“Your current behavior—knowing it’s me, yet still deceiving yourself; when I’m not around, you wag your tail like a stray dog ​​to please Lai Xuan. Your actions have already pushed me to the limit of my patience.”

Hearing that all-too-familiar rebuke—especially the revelations about a private conversation known only to the two of them—the Arasaka high-ranking official's expression changed drastically, and he stammered in a panic, "Lord Arasaka, I..." Before he could explain, Saburo Arasaka coldly interrupted, "After dealing with Yoriyuki's matter, you can resign yourself." The holographic voice was filled with unquestionable authority, "Out of consideration for your father, this is my last act of leniency. If your family's descendants fail to achieve anything, all preferential treatment will be revoked."

The high-ranking official, his face filled with fear, almost instinctively bowed his head and replied, "Please forgive me. I was incredibly foolish and didn't know when to back down! I assure you, this is the last time. I will resign from my position and take full responsibility for all my mistakes. I only ask that you forgive my family."

A deathly silence fell over the conference table, except for his trembling pleas for mercy echoing in the air.

At this moment, no one doubted the authenticity of the holographic image. Those private conversations, the familiar tone, and the undeniable pressure—Digital Saburo was right before their eyes, and Arasaka Saburo was still 'alive'.

Realizing that Saburo had returned, a silent panic filled the conference room. Everyone's expression was different, but all were filled with fear and obedience.

Saburo Arasaka had ruled the company for far too long, so long that even after he was declared dead, some people still found it difficult to adapt to Yoriyuki's rule. And now, at the moment of his reappearance, the deep-seated awe in their bones was awakened again, causing almost everyone to involuntarily choose to submit.

However, almost everyone—but not everyone.

Amidst this oppressive and submissive atmosphere, a few individuals remained remarkably calm; they happened to be direct descendants of the Arasaka family.

Michiko Arasaka and Haruko Arasaka silently watched Saburo Arasaka's image, their expressions inscrutable, as if they were deep in thought, showing no fear or awe at the reappearance of this 'ruler'.

Just as Saburo Arasaka once again exerted his absolute authority and subdued the entire room with his numbers, Michiko Arasaka broke her silence. She raised her head and asked, her tone revealing little respect due to blood ties, but rather a businesslike detachment:

"Lord Arasaka, your presence at this board meeting is perhaps, as Hanako previously stated, intended to reprimand and change Yorihiro's current actions and position?"

"Michiko."

Upon hearing Michiko Arasaka's words, Saburo Arasaka's image slowly turned his head, his gaze lingering on her face for a moment before sweeping over Haruko Arasaka beside him, before speaking: "I have come here to end Yoriyuki's absurd behavior."

In other words, he acknowledged that everything Arakawa Hanako had said earlier came from his own will.

In other words, his appearance this time was to strip Arasaka Yorinobu of his position as CEO of Arasaka Corporation.

Faced with Saburo Arasaka's declaration, Michiko fell silent, seemingly as unable as the other high-ranking officials to refute this monarch who had ruled Arasaka for a century. But just then, a voice broke the silence from afar:
"But I don't think there's anything absurd about what I did."

Arakasaka Yoriyuki strode forward.

(End of this chapter)