Bab 30: Chapter 30: Wakako Okada I
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Chapter 30: Wakako Okada I
...........
The operation is just too risky... I have to study her psychology, then make a personality construct of her and talk to her... Will you listen to my voice, Wakako? Will you answer?
Wakako Okada is the top fixer of the Westbrook district of Night City. Her office can actually be found near X's apartment.
Just by the Cheery Blossom market, you can find Jig-Jig Street. There lies her office.
She had had five husbands over her long life, outliving them all, as well as nine sons who were all high-ranking members of the Tyger Claws.
However, she kept them strictly in line to ensure that they were never the target of a gig picked up by another fixer.
Everyone who pursues the darker shades of work knows of her, knows her for her cunning, ruthlessness, and business acumen.
She has a sharp mind, a steady hand, and a demeanor that commands respect, drawing on a combination of traditional values and pragmatic.
Most importantly, her cold-hearted decisions that make her formidable in the unforgiving streets of Night City.
Meeting with such a woman on her home turf... It's gotta be difficult, and X has to weigh his steps carefully.
"You've just handed me evidence I can use against you... Very brave indeed. You're a man of purpose and ambition. I do not mind people like you... If they see the boundaries of our line of work." W stated.
"Why do you care about boundaries in this context? You approach situations in calculated pragmatism."
"To you, people are assets and liabilities, constantly weighing who is worth keeping around and who could be sacrificed for a better deal."
"Your focus is on maximizing value, profit, and influence. By your words, you seem to have realized my value... Too good to miss." X responded.
"Hmm, no. It can work, but it will leave behind unnecessary tension. The conversation can go better," The one to interrupt the conversation was none other than Z.
Speaking of the conversation, it looked odd, abnormal, insane, something which left even Joi speechless, just standing by the side and watching the two parties talking.
The two parties were X and W... Again, The two parties were X and X himself as he seemed to be talking to someone no one but Z could see.
Z could see what X sees, and before X was W, short for Wakako, looking exactly like the real thing, seemingly a personality construct mimicking Wakako, created by X's bizarre mind.
"Ruthless. Pragmatic. Master Manipulator. Loyal, but only to a Point. Diplomatic and Discreet. Patient and Cunning," X described Wakako's personality.
It wasn't as if he had just started. He had been talking to her for more than fourteen hours, looking up news about.
He thoroughly studied her public routines, track record, and most importantly, her sons.
How they are was a big part of shaping Wakako's personality construct.
"It's crucial to remember that working with her means walking a fine line between trust and constant vigilance." Z reminded.
"It's time," Y also reminded, "It's 9 O'clock in the morning."
X stood up, catching the projection of Joi from the corner of his eyes, "Joi, good morning."
"Good morning," Joi didn't seem to be as confused, or rather, she studied X's psych enough to understand what he was doing.
X went to take a long comfy shower before walking to his bed where he found his attire for the meeting.
For a high-stakes meeting with someone as traditional yet street-savvy as Wakako, X needed to make a good first impression.
His chosen attire conveys that he's not there to be flashy or overly casual but as a professional who understands both the culture of Japantown and the seriousness of the occasion.
He basically used all of the money he acquired from a recent small-time gig to get a fitted black tailored suit with subtle metallic threads, a high-quality shirt, and black leather shoes.
It isn't anything special or expensive by any means, nor is it from any famous cyber brand, but it did its job, showing formality.
X combed his blond hair backward and put on a cologne. He picked up all of his necessities, some shards, and made some calls.
It was raining, albeit only slightly, so the last thing X did before heading out was pick his umbrella.
X slowly walked himself to the Cheery Blossom market, able to see the entrance to Jig-Jig Street from there.
However, he couldn't help but stop before the most striking thing about the area, a stature so enormous it looms over the entire street.
In the midst of Cherry Blossom Market stands a bronze-like statue of a four-armed deity, illuminated by the market's neon lights.
The lower arms are clasped together in a serene, meditative pose, creating a feeling of calm and reverence.
The top arms extend outward, each hand holding a glowing orb that resembles a light bulb, casting a gentle, almost ethereal light that blends with the surrounding neon hues.
Around the statue were a few infrastructures with traditional tiled roofs as well as several holographic cheery blossom trees, giving the scene an ethereal unreal feeling.
So gorgeous was the place that X lost himself in the scenery for a minute or two.
'Avalokiteshvara? Or Vishnu?' X wondered as he took a deep breath, the faint glow of the orbs casting a subtle light on his face, 'Keep watch over me; This is just the first move in a longer game.'
Every city needs its red light district, does it not? That's what Jig-Jig Street is for Night City.
It is located in a section of Japantown where not only can you buy love by the hour, but also encounter suspect dealers offering exotic, rare, and very illegal wares.
Jig-Jig Street doesn't have a reputation for being safe - it's not uncommon to enter with your wallet and leave with a black eye and empty pockets.
But in spite of its reputation, it's popular with corpos who like to get their game on before venturing deeper into the city's many attractions.
Bars, the most salacious of ads, prostitutes wearing skimpy outfits made more revealing by the rain running over their skin.
"Hello handsome, wanna have a lick," X naturally attracted the attention of many of them, "I have a very long and lovely tool right here."
X was dressed very well, and he is very handsome, so it wasn't strange that they'd see him as a customer.
Many corpos come here simply for Jig-Jig Street's Joytoys which are basically advanced sex workers with implants that are popular in their line of work.
The first one to approach him was beautiful. It's easy to look however you want to look in this day and age, just like it's easy to get a cock if you want to.
"No need, thank you," X shook his head and went on his way.
"Humanity is very interesting, always pursuing something new, more exciting," X muttered.
"Do we want to try them? Those exciting things?" Y wondered.
"Eh, waste of my time," X shook his head, "I just find them interesting. For example, the guy who had a horse cock biosculpted on himself or the girl who had rabbit fur biosculpted on herself... It's fascinating."
Speaking of individuals who biosculpt themselves with non-human elements such as fur, long ears, fangs, etc; There were some in the street, one stranger than the other. They are called Exotics.
That's why X genuinely loves Night City, or this entire world for that matter, the insanity and possibilities within nearly rival the absurdity within his own mind... It's a mesmerizing World.
X soon reached the Pachinko parlor. Wakako has an office in the backroom of the place where she conducts biz.
Before getting to her, however, you have to go through Wakako's Huscles, her hired muscle.
Not just anyone can meet her, "Please let lady Wakako know that I have important information for her... About Johnson and Mr. M."
The huscle didn't question X, but merely nodded as his eyes shifted blue, likely in contact with Wakako.
He was used to all the different ways customers' approach Wakako, and in the end, she has the final say.
The Huscle nodded again and stepped aside, allowing X to enter Wakako's office.
What a delight it was. Wakako's den is a simple old-school oasis of calm, refined elegance.
There she is, Wakako Okada, exuding an aura of elegance and danger, her appearance refined and meticulous.
She was dressed in richly colored, traditional Japanese attire, a silk kimonos with intricate patterns; cherry blossoms and koi fish; stitched alongside metallic accents.
Her hair is styled neatly, in a classic updo and pinned back with delicate hair ornaments.
There, she sat, in the middle of a phone call while studying him from behind a cup of tea, with that trademark, calculating gaze.
PERTIMBANGAN PENCIPTA 
VQuintessence
VQuintessence Make sure to check my Patre.on out if you want to support me and want to read advanced chapters: Patre.on.com/VQuintessence
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Bab 31: Chapter 31: Wakako Okada II
Make sure to check my Patre.on out if you want to support me and want to read advanced chapters: Patre.on.com/VQuintessence
[22 Chapters in Advance on Patre.on]
Chapter 31: Wakako Okada II
...........
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."
PERTIMBANGAN PENCIPTA
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VQuintessence
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