Cyberpunk: XYZ

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Chapter 31: Wakako Okada II

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There, she sat, in the middle of a phone call while studying him from behind a cup of tea, with that trademark, calculating gaze.

The Huscles didn't follow him, leaving him alone with Wakako, making X suspicious as he surveyed the room. Does she not have security in the office?

No, there must be a fortress of subtle yet sophisticated security. The unassuming TV and walls must be brimming with concealed defenses.

"It's a pleasure to finally meet you, Lady Wakako," Seeing that she had finished her phone call, X refocused and started with the usual pleasantries.

Wakako remained silent, her dark, discerning eyes observed him carefully, her presence both poised and menacing, like a coiled viper assessing her prey.

She held a teacup with practiced ease, and despite the humble act of drinking tea, Wakako Okada was as formidable here as in the dens of the most powerful gangs, "Have a seat."

It's all a simple means of exuding power, to stay in control, and X didn't mind her antics as he gracefully took a seat.

She let a beat of silence settle, her gaze unflinching. "I only see those whose business interests me," she replied, a faint edge to her voice. "I'm told you have something worth my time."

"I have information about Johnson and Mr. M," X repeated the first set of words he uttered upon entering the place.

Wakako took a sip of tea before calmly saying, "I've no interest in a dead man. Talk Mr. M."

X allowed himself a steadying breath, meeting her gaze directly, "I'm talking."

Wakako's expression twitched, even for a split second before carefully savoring his words and the meaning behind them, "It seems that I have the pleasure of meeting Mr. M himself?"

"In the flesh," X nodded.

Wakako gently put down her cup of tea before leaning forward with a piercing gaze, "My memory must be betraying me, but is Mr. M not an enemy of the Tyger Claws?"

"He killed one of us, dared to conspire against us, insulted us, and stained our reputation. After all of that, would it not be promiscuous for M to show himself before me?" Wakako doubted.

"I do not doubt your memory, lady Wakako," X had a faint smile on his face as he explained, "It's, however, just a misunderstanding."

"Go on," Wakako narrowed her eyes further.

"I killed one of them. I conspired against them, and I stained their reputation, not yours or your faction," X calmly clarified.

All of Wakako's late husbands were Tyger Claws, and some of them were top bosses in the Tyger Claws.

Moreover, all of her nine sons are now high-ranking members of the Tyger Claws, so X's honesty here is abnormal and death-seeking.

However, X's response provided the answer to those doubts. The majority of gangs have factions, families, and there is no gang without conflict.

"You are somewhat mistaken. Johnson was in talks with one of my sons. He would've been a valuable asset," Wakako didn't totally agree with his assessment.

In criminal negotiations like this, you can never let the other party dominate or have the initiative.

It doesn't matter if what she said wasn't true, she would've said it anyway.

"Johnson was also in talks with another faction, and they were on very friendly terms," X added.

"You know that how?" Wakako was intrigued as she raised a brow.

"I have information, Lady Wakako. Valuable information from infiltrating the Tyger Claws' data systems." He watched her eyes sharpen, though her expression remained carefully neutral.

"I've acquired intel that could; if wielded correctly; clear the field of certain obstacles in the Tyger hierarchy. Obstacles that may be preventing your family from… expanding." X continued.

Wakako took another sip of tea, her eyes glinting with interest as she set the cup down again. "You speak in riddles, yet I sense you understand that I have little patience for them. Be specific, boy."

A faint smile crossed X's face, a calculated move to show his comfort and confidence. "The intel I possess includes several names, locations, operational schedules, history, past messages, and future plans."

"Hamada, for one, has been more than a little careless. My information on him alone could see him removed from his position without even a finger lifted by your sons."

"For example, we can set him up for the murder of Johnson. I have a video of him doing it; which if analyzed by your experts; will show that it's not modified or fabricated."

"The M situation could make it a little sketchy, but I'm certain that someone of your capabilities can turn fiction into reality."

"Once he's out of the way, Old Japantown would be ripe for someone with ambition and connections; someone like your family."

X ended his speech which sounded like a sales pitch, trying to sell an idea to the conniving snake before him.

Her gaze remained piercing, but a faint smirk curled at her lips. "Hamada. An arrogant fool. It's true he's become a thorn. But I'm no fool, either."

She added, her voice dropping in tone, "And I'm well aware that you must have an agenda of your own." She leaned forward, folding her hands. "Tell me, what exactly do you want?"

X didn't think Hamada was a fool. Arrogant, yes. Fool, no. However, maybe Wakako meant something like his ambition and arrogance made him step on her toes, and she wouldn't take it lightly.

Moreover, X's proposal was tempting if not too much. The value of the intel he has is too precious.

However, Wakako stayed calm and showed no deep interest. Her expression was that of pure focus, gauging X's expression and words.

"I want to take over the Ripperdoc clinic in Japantown, Chiyo Omoto's clinic," X said, his voice steady.

"With that clinic as a base, I can offer discreet, specialized services to those in need; services that would, of course, remain aligned with your own interests."

"But more than that, I want your partnership. I want a direct line with you as my fixer. I have some plans for the future, and I want your support in them, provided that you believe them to be reasonable," X added.

Wakako's expression did not soften. If anything, her eyes narrowed, scrutinizing him in silence. "My 'partnership' is not something given lightly. Especially not to those who may wield it against me."

She didn't bring up Chiyo at all, as if X taking over her work was of no concern to her.

"That's why I came prepared to offer you leverage," X replied, his voice calm but persuasive. "In the files I acquired, I came across information that touches on your family as well; details that could be dangerous if they landed in the wrong hands."

"I am willing to give that information to you. Moreover, I have a video that would certainly land me in hot water with the Maelstroms."

"If we're both holding cards that could hurt the other, we would have a mutual stake in maintaining trust." X came prepared.

The faintest flicker of surprise crossed her face, quickly replaced by an expression of cold consideration.

She leaned back, her fingers tapping slowly against the table, "You would offer this to me freely? Information that could ruin you if I chose?"

"Mutual vulnerability," X said, "It's the only way to ensure neither of us has cause to betray the other."

Wakako studied him for a long moment, letting the silence draw out, as if testing his nerve.

Finally, she inclined her head ever so slightly, acknowledging the value in his offer, "You play a bold game. Risky, some might say. But I respect those willing to take risks… if only they're certain they can handle the consequences."

"It's somewhat risky. Less risky because I understand how you work. This partnership will be worthwhile for both of us," X stressed.

"Just as I'll have your support, you'll also have my support, starting with this, our first cooperation in a hopefully prolonged pleasant partnership." With that, X brought out a shard and passed it to her.

Wakako's eyes flickered with interest, even if for a split second. She didn't slot in the shard, but her eyes did shine for a second, calling someone here.

That someone was a girl, a Netrunner who slotted the shard herself before seemingly communicating the Data within the shard to Wakako.

Wakako relaxed her posture, leaning back and closing her eyes for a few seconds, "I must admit... I am impressed."