2077: V really knows how awesome he is

“Come on, little sister, I’ll get you something good to drink, my secret recipe.” Johnny said to Xu Ling, clenching his fist and banging it on the bar.

"You're here. What would you like to drink?" Bartender Claire asked as she walked over.

"Two old-fashioned tequila, with some chili and beer."

"Got it, two Johnny Silverhands, coming right up."

"What the heck?" Johnny was a little confused.

“Using the name of a Night City legend in place of a particular drink is a unique feature here,” V explained.

At this moment, Claire had already mixed two drinks and placed them in front of Johnny and Xu Ling.

"Two glasses of Johnny Silverhand, to that rock kid who will never die."

"Holy crap, it really is!" Johnny couldn't believe he'd become a legend. His arrogance and pride were on full display. He pointed at V and asked Claire, "Does she have her own wine?"

"No."

"She conquered Arasaka Tower, isn't that legendary?"

Claire laughed and said, "A legend has to die first. President V isn't that unlucky guy Johnny Silverhand. Since she didn't die, there's naturally no wine in her next life."

Johnny was so damn annoyed.

Claire added, "However, President V did leave his own wine list."

"What is it?"

"Tequila on the rocks, and it has to be Distillers of Wine tequila."

"This is against the rules; just adding ice doesn't make it a cocktail."

"It is indeed against the rules, but President V deserves an exception."

"You would definitely say that to her face, so what's the meaning behind her drink? Johnny Silverhand is a tribute to rock and roll kids, so what's the significance of her drink?"

"Tequila on the rocks, representing ultimate purity and absolute power." Claire pushed a glass of wine in front of V, saying with heartfelt admiration, "This one's on me, President V. Thank you for everything you've done for Night City. I wish you good health."

"Thank you, Claire." V politely accepted the glass and took a small sip.

This demeanor is impeccable, and that honor is well-deserved.

Xu Ling's eyes lit up: "Sister V, you're awesome!"

Johnny was shocked, but he refused to admit defeat: "I still prefer Johnny Silverhand."

“Then you’ll definitely get along well with my boss. She also really likes Johnny Silverhand.” Claire, ever the smooth talker, naturally went along with what her customer said.

Who is your boss?

"Her name is Roger. She used to be a mercenary, but now she's retired and works as a middleman. She'll be in charge of the next life. Look, she's over there."

"Rogge?!" Johnny looked in the direction he was looking and sure enough, he saw his old comrade-in-arms sitting in a booth, talking business with someone, wearing a bright yellow shirt.

"Holy crap, I've turned into this grotesque mess, and she's sitting comfortably on that giant sofa in the afterlife!"

Claire asked curiously, "Do you know our boss?"

“It’s more than just knowing each other.” Johnny got up, preparing to go over and catch up with Roger, when an urgent news report suddenly interrupted the holographic television at the bar.

"Hello everyone, this is Gillian Jordan. Just now, a press conference was held at the Arasaka headquarters in Tokyo. Mr. Yoriyuki Arasaka, the highest-ranking executive officer of Arasaka Corporation, publicly denied the personnel changes at the Arasaka Yorujo branch, claiming that President V's promotion was not approved by the board of directors, lacked legitimacy, and was suspected of violating Arasaka Corporation's internal regulations. He ordered President V to resign within three days and accept investigation and takeover by the headquarters. Otherwise, to ensure the company's interests, he did not rule out the possibility of a military takeover. President Miles of New America then gave a speech, acknowledging and supporting the decision of Arasaka headquarters, but hoping that both sides would remain calm and restrained and complete the transfer of power peacefully..."

Suddenly, the entire Laisheng area fell silent, and everyone's eyes were focused on V.

"Let's go." V calmly finished his drink. "We've got work to do."

Chapter 45: How to Respond? A Head-on Confrontation!

V dropped Xu Ling off in front of the Contour Tower and returned to the Arasaka Tower with Johnny. In the meeting room, his subordinates had been waiting for a long time.

“Carter, tell me the situation.” V pulled out a chair and sat down.

"Yes."

The young man who didn't even have an office before is now the head of the counterintelligence department. His face shows the vigor of youth as well as the confidence of someone who has been through many trials. He waved his hand to open a holographic projection and introduced the intelligence he had collected to everyone.

“Yorinobu Arasaka held a press conference 47 minutes ago, issued the order to remove him from his position as president of V and take over the Night City branch 32 minutes ago, and we received the official document from headquarters 27 minutes ago. According to the information sent back by our insider at Arasaka headquarters in Tokyo, Yoriyuki Arasaka suddenly reappeared after disappearing for 12 days and then immediately held this press conference.”

"This tough decision is in line with Arasaka's consistent style. Its actions have greatly boosted market confidence. Arasaka's stock has now rebounded across the board. Arasaka's veterans and supporters are greatly encouraged, and the militant faction has gained absolute control of the narrative."

V nodded and then called out another person's name.

"Jenkins, what's the international reaction?"

"Yes."

This former boss is now an absolute fan of V. Everything he has now is thanks to V, so he is extremely loyal to V.

"There has been no clear statement from the international community yet, and major companies are all watching and waiting. Of course, watching and waiting is also an attitude. We have made too many reforms in Night City, which has long caused dissatisfaction among many people. They have only been able to stay at peace because they are wary of President V's personal abilities. This time, Arasaka Yorinobu's sudden attack has just fulfilled their wishes. Based on AI model calculations and my personal deductions, most companies will choose to stand by and watch. No matter who wins in the end, they can all benefit from it."

"Another point worth noting is that less than five minutes after the press conference, the new US President Myers gave a speech expressing his full support for the decision of the Arasaka headquarters in Tokyo. Such a swift response is certainly not a coincidence, and we have reason to suspect that the new US has sided with Arasaka Yoriyuki. It is not yet possible to determine whether this was authorized by military technology."

V connected the covert communication lines into the conference room, and holographic projections of Meredith Stock and Joanne Koch appeared before everyone.

"Stock, give us some good news."

The blond, slicked-back-haired man, a cigarette dangling from his lips, said, “The good news is that Military Technology hasn’t let that old hag Miles cause trouble. But the bad news is that since Miles has already gotten things going, the higher-ups at Military Technology have agreed to go along with her plan. Miles’ plan is for Arasaka Yoriyuki to take back the branch office, and for New America to take back Night City. Military Technology is prepared for armed intervention, and I just received orders to return to headquarters in Washington for my promotion ceremony. V, I’m sorry, but Military Technology and New America are two grasshoppers on the same rope; if one says go east, it’s hard for the other to say west.”

“I understand. Stock, this isn’t your fault, you don’t need to blame yourself. But we’re close, so you must be careful when you return to Washington.”

"Don't worry, I'm not made of clay."

V nodded, then looked in Joanne Koch's direction: "I think you're getting a promotion too."

“You guessed right.” Joanne Koch said with a wry smile, “I just received my order to return to headquarters in Rome as chief researcher, signed personally by the president of the biotechnology company.”

"Then I must congratulate you."

"Congratulations my ass! I have no interest in researching the resurrection of the dead. I'd much rather cure the living who are suffering from illness!" Joanne Koch vented for a moment, then quickly calmed down: "V, you need to be careful. Although biotechnology is not known for its military strength, it is still a powerful force."

"Okay, I got it. Koch, you take good care of yourself too."

After V finished speaking, he called out another person's name.

"Sasha, how's the situation inside the company?"

Pink Cat shook her head: "To be honest, it's not too good. The veteran employees can still remain calm, but the new employees from headquarters have fallen into panic. They are afraid of being purged by headquarters and are asking around about the decisions of the higher-ups. Some have even secretly contacted headquarters to betray our information, hoping that Arasaka Yoriyuki will accept their 'repentance'. Should we take them into custody?"

“No need.” V shook his head: “Those people haven’t gotten their hands on our core secrets yet. As for general information—we’re just a branch company. The head office probably knows better than we do how much financial and military resources we have.”

"Haha, company dogs are company dogs. You treat them so well, and they all turn out ungrateful." Johnny casually put his legs up on the conference table. "At this point, we should be ruthless and send another nuclear bomb to blow Arasaka Tower to smithereens. If we can't have it ourselves, we absolutely can't let Arasaka get it either."

Upon hearing this, everyone in the conference room turned pale, but V laughed.

Johnny Silverhand has a keen eye for people; if he says someone has a problem, it's almost always true. But when it comes to getting things done... if he says east, you'll definitely do the opposite.

“I don’t have any nuclear weapons, and even if I did, I wouldn’t nuke Arasaka Tower again,” V said. “Night City is not only our home, but also the home of more than 700 million residents. I have no right to destroy it, and I will protect it.”

Everyone in the conference room nodded in agreement, but Johnny poured cold water on their enthusiasm.

"How the hell are you going to protect them? You're not even worth a hair on their head!"

“That’s not how it works,” V said firmly. “If Kurt Hansen can support Dogtown, why can’t I, V, support Night City?”

"Tch, anyone can talk big!"

V had no intention of arguing, but Carter couldn't help but speak up: "If Mr. Johnny is willing to step in, he can stop Arasaka Yorinobu from using force."

"What the hell am I supposed to do..." Before he could finish his sentence, Johnny suddenly remembered his current identity: "Damn it, you want me to impersonate Saburo Arasaka? No way, that old man is the person I hate most in my life. If I have to do things under his identity, I'd rather die!"

"We brought you back to life..."

"Fuck you, it wasn't me who asked you to resurrect me!" Johnny gave Carter the middle finger.

Carter was furious; in fact, everyone's expression was rather grim. When it came to infuriating people and acting recklessly, Johnny Silverhand was undoubtedly number one.

“You just said we corporate dogs are ungrateful, and now it seems you’re the same,” Jenkins said, standing up for Carter.

"Damn it, when I was ruling the world, you were still a horny worm. Don't try to act tough in front of me!"

Jenkins was about to say something more, but V stopped him.

"Alright, I didn't call you here to fight amongst yourselves."

V first said to Jenkins, "Johnny is my friend. He has his own will, and you shouldn't force him if he doesn't want to."

Jenkins nodded, but Johnny paused for a moment.

Friend? He didn't remember having a friend named V.

Before he could figure out what was going on, V said to him again, "Johnny, you have your own ideas, and we have our own plans. You weren't part of this plan from the beginning. Since you're unwilling to help, you can't sit in on the following meeting. Please leave. I'll have someone arrange accommodation and daily necessities for you. I'll also lend you that Porsche 911 for now. You can look around Night City, but of course, you must wear a mask. After all, you don't like being known as Saburo Arasaka, right?"

"Just leave, as if anyone likes staying here! Considering you gave me your car, I'll even collect your body if you die!"

"Thanks," V sincerely expressed his gratitude.

Johnny's expression froze. He pulled his foot back, put his hands in his pockets, kicked open the conference room door, and stormed off.

What do you mean I wasn't part of the plan from the beginning? It makes me seem like I'm completely insignificant. I would have agreed if you'd just begged me a couple more times, but screw you now! How dare you kick me out? Even if you kneel down and beg me, I won't help you!

Johnny left, and the meeting continued.

V looked at everyone and slowly said, "Yorinobu Arasaka was driven to the brink of bankruptcy in the business world, so he decided to demonstrate his military strength to intimidate all sides. Night City is too unconventional and has long been a thorn in the side of various forces. It also needs a war to demonstrate its strength in order to truly gain a foothold. So far, everything has coincided with our predictions."

"I know we are at a disadvantage, I know this battle will be very difficult, but we must fight it. Whether it is economic hegemony or technological hegemony, its core is military hegemony. Only by mastering power, demonstrating power, and truly deterring those demons and monsters can we open a path for Night City in this difficult world."

"If we win, then the future is bright. If we lose, then let my broken body become a raging fire, illuminating the way forward for those who come after!"

"Yes!"

Half an hour later, the Arasaka Yoru no Shiro branch held a press conference, where Jenkins, the head of the external communications department, issued the official response from the Arasaka Yoru no Shiro branch.

The response stated that the Night City branch refused to accept the takeover by the Tokyo headquarters. President V's promotion was personally appointed by the branch president, Ms. Michiko Arasaka, and was legal, compliant, and in accordance with public opinion, truly reflecting the will of the people. The headquarters' demands were unreasonable and absurd, and Mr. Yoriyuki Arasaka's decision to "take over by force" was impulsive and ridiculous. The Night City branch is not afraid of any threats or violence and will use all means to protect its legitimate rights and interests, reserving all rights to pursue losses from the headquarters.

Effective immediately, Night City Del Coronado Bay will be under full military control by the Arasaka Night City branch, and any unregistered armed forces will become legitimate targets for Night City Arasaka branch operations.

If the head office wants to negotiate, the branch office will actively engage; if the head office wants to fight, the branch office will fight to the bitter end.

This response took the world by surprise.

All the major companies knew that V wouldn't sit idly by. Everyone thought she would find a breakthrough through the corporate alliance to contact all parties and resolve the issue diplomatically. In this way, they could make exorbitant demands and dismantle V's absolute authority in Night City.

But no one expected that V would choose to confront them head-on, and even seemed more eager for war than Arasaka Yorinobu.

"They will use every means to protect their legitimate rights and interests" goes without saying; it's clear they're ready for a major battle.

The statement "reserving all rights to pursue losses from the head office" is excessive. It's one thing to refuse to carry out the head office's orders, but to demand an explanation from the head office is utterly rebellious.

The most outrageous thing is that they want to impose military control on Del Coronado Bay. Do you really think you're the only company in Night City? What gives you the right?

With the response over, the USS Cujira supercarrier sounded its deafening electronic horn and began an armed patrol.

With a twin hull, multiple full-length angled flight decks, 22 elevators, and six catapult launchers, the ship carries a total of 82 seventh-generation fighter jets, all of which are medium-sized carrier-based aircraft. The ship has a displacement of 27 tons.

Okay, now people know why V is exercising martial law in Del Coronado Bay.

But that's not all. On the sea, there are "beluga whales" that dominate, while "ghost dogs" guard the coast.

Colonel Kurt Hansen recently had a stroke of luck when he found a large amount of unclaimed weaponry on the roadside, ranging from individual weapons to armed vehicles. Using this equipment, he expanded his forces, creating a fully mechanized unit of 2500 men, and took direct control of the coastal defense.

Kurt Hansen is not afraid of the new America and military technology causing trouble; he is afraid that they will not cause trouble.

During the Revolutionary War, Kurt Hansen was a soldier in the New United States, ordered by President Miles to prepare to capture Night City. However, while he and his brothers fought to the death on the front lines, Miles, representing the New United States, signed a peace treaty with Night City, completely betraying him.

Driven by resentment and a desire to find a way out for his brothers, Kurt Hansen declared himself king in Dogtown, calling himself the Ghosthound. He thought he would never have the chance to take revenge, but unexpectedly, that old hag Miles delivered herself to his doorstep.

Kurt Hansen is the king of Dogtown and the king of smuggling. He always leaves some dignity and a way out for everyone he fights, but when it comes to New America and Miles, he's afraid of not fighting hard enough and having his brothers curse him behind his back!

So, on the very first day of martial law, the Ghost Dogs detained six cargo ships, three military technology ships, and three New America ships under the pretext of security checks, aiming for a fair and equitable distribution.

This was undoubtedly a frame-up, but Kurt Hansen made no attempt to hide it; he was determined to provoke conflict.

The military technology side was prepared and wouldn't fall for it, so they simply sent a diplomatic note as usual, hoping to clear up the misunderstanding as soon as possible. But Miles, upholding the fine tradition of the US president, displayed double standards to the fullest, acting as if she could be the only one to target others, and called to demand that V immediately release the detained ships.

V said, "This is not my responsibility," and then transferred the call to Kurt Hansen.

Kurt Hansen was very polite, and hung up the phone after only half an hour of cursing—Miles hung up on him.

"Feeling good?"

In the jewel-green quartz, V and Hansen sat facing each other.

"Haha, that was awesome!" Hansen poured V a glass, and the two of them downed it together.