83: Chapter 82 You've Fallen into a Trap

"El Coyote Cojo", with its rugged and nostalgic atmosphere typical of "Heywood", was undoubtedly the best choice.

There were no corporate dogs putting on airs here, nor the scrutinizing gazes of peers like in "Afterlife", only the malty aroma of real beer, the scent of old leather, and the never-fading rock spirit of "Johnny" Silverhand roaring from the jukebox.

Finding a relatively quiet booth, the three of them downed three chilled Jackson cheap beers, and the cold, calculating aura they had picked up at "Afterlife" finally dissipated a little.

"Jackie" couldn't wait to lower his voice, steering the conversation back to business, his face still wearing an expression of disbelief:

"Wait, mano, you mean to say that the three of us, just tomorrow, are going to take that... that "Arasaka" super ninja, covered from head to toe in top-tier black tech, and make him 'disappear forever'? And... you want me to lead the charge?" As he spoke, he used his thick fingers to point at his own nose in disbelief, as if confirming whether this crazy mission had really fallen onto his shoulders.

"V" looked at "Jackie"'s expression, as if he were about to be sent to the stake, and couldn't help but chuckle. She picked up her glass and clinked it against his, a playful light flickering in her golden eyes: "Oh, my dear "Jackie", put away that look. We've braved the dragon's den that was "Konpeki Plaza", and we've gone head-to-head with that killing god "Adam Smasher" (though it was mostly running away), and you even managed to save your life from his hands. That experience alone is enough for you to brag about for a lifetime. Why are you afraid to rush to the front now, facing a 'mere' "Arasaka" ninja? This isn't the "Jackie" "Welles" I know."

"Lin Yi" nodded seriously, cooperating with "V", and said in a slightly inciting tone: "I don't understand what there is to hesitate about. The battle situation is very clear: three against one, the advantage is ours! Besides, the three of us wiped out the entire "Voodoo Boys", and we've all upgraded our cyberware, with stable performance and outstanding results. Cheer up, don't lose face! Bring out the momentum you had when you soloed a "Maelstrom" stronghold."

"Damn it!" "Jackie" was stirred up by the two of them, the blood rushing to his head, and his caution was instantly replaced by competitiveness. He slammed the table (causing people at nearby tables to glance over) and roared in a low voice, "It's just a little "Goro Takemura"! We'll just take him out! What's the big deal!" He looked as if he were about to rush out right now to challenge "Goro Takemura" to a duel.

"V" saw that the atmosphere had been built up enough, and if they continued making a scene, it would attract unnecessary attention, so she reined in her smile and said sternly: "Alright, alright, no more joking." She tapped the table lightly to draw their attention back.

"Although we're not afraid of a frontal fight, "Jackie", your concern isn't without reason. According to the information from "Yorinobu Arasaka", "Goro Takemura"'s activity is mainly in the city. He could appear in "Watson", "Heywood", or even the edge of the City Center. If we make a move in these places, and the commotion gets too big, the "MAX-TAC" of the "NCPD" are no pushovers. Fighting is one thing, but if we fail to subdue him instantly and let him escape using the complex environment, or if he hides, that's the real trouble. "Yorinobu Arasaka" asked for him to 'disappear forever', not to stir the grass and startle the snake." "V" continued to analyze.

""V" is right," "Lin Yi" looked at "V" approvingly and chimed in, his tone becoming steady and meticulous, "So we have to think it through; we can't be reckless. A head-on clash is the last resort. We want the cleanest, quietest, and most efficient elimination possible."

He picked up a free toothpick provided at the bar and drew simply on the table surface stained with beer. Although it was rough, the meaning was clear.

"This is what I'm thinking for now. According to my recent tracking and the intelligence provided by "Yorinobu Arasaka", that guy seems to have been active in the "Heywood" valley area recently, as if he's scouting for something." He pointed to the area representing "Heywood" with the toothpick.

""Jackie", you have extensive connections in the "Valentinos", see if you can find some trusted old acquaintances to quietly let slip some wind—just say that the 'party involved' or 'witness' to the previous "Konpeki Plaza" incident is currently hiding in some abandoned industrial park or construction site in "Kabuki" because they are afraid of being silenced or investigated by the corporation. The rumor should be vague, but enough to pique the interest of a hound like "Goro Takemura"."

"Lin Yi" poked the toothpick in his hand on the table and said, "For old foxes like them, the more realistic and specific the news, the more fake they think it is; on the contrary, vague rumors are more likely to arouse the curiosity of people like them."

He drew a line on the table, pointing from "Heywood" to "Kabuki".

"After luring him to the designated location, the first step is that I will be in position in advance to initiate full-spectrum information jamming and "Lockdown", ensuring that the area becomes a temporary 'information island' during the operation, cutting off any possibility of him calling for external help or uploading data."

"The second step," "Lin Yi" looked at "Jackie", "is where you come in, brother. You act as that 'witness' or middleman, make contact with him face-to-face, and bluff him. Your task is to attract his attention, stall him, and create opportunity and time for me."

"The third step, which is also the key," his gaze became sharp, "is that I will simultaneously attempt to hack and blacklist his cyberware system remotely. The daemon I implanted earlier will greatly reduce the risk and difficulty of this process. The ideal scenario is to have all his combat cyberware shut down and turn into a pile of scrap metal without him even realizing it."

"Of course, plans can't keep up with changes. To ensure nothing goes wrong." "Lin Yi" paused and looked at "V", "If "Goro Takemura" senses something is wrong before his cyberware fails, and has the intention to resist or force an escape, "V", you need to be at the vantage point—like the roof of the adjacent abandoned factory—and be ready with firepower. Use your tech sniper rifle, or heavy firepower if necessary, to conduct precision strikes, cut off his retreat, disable his mobility, and if there's a chance... clear him directly."

"Lin Yi" threw the toothpick in his hand to the place representing the abandoned construction site in "Kabuki", and the outline of the plan was clearly presented.

After listening, "Jackie" rubbed the stubble on his chin. The hot blood that had just rushed to his head cooled slightly, and he showed a trace of hesitation: "Not... man, I'm good at bluffing, but bluffing a top corporate agent of this level... can I do it? What if he doesn't fall for it, or sees through me at a glance?"

"Stop being so unconfident!" "V" slapped "Jackie"'s solid shoulder directly, not lightly, "There was one time before, when we went to save that... what's his name... oh, "Dorsett"! That chick who was kidnapped by the "Scavengers". At that time, the "NCPD" had already blocked the bridge and pulled the cordon tight. Wasn't it thanks to your silver tongue that could talk a dead person back to life, talking to that policewoman with such flowery language that she was thrilled, and in the end, you managed to talk your way through? Your '"Heywood"-style friendly bluffing technique' can even handle the "NCPD", and you're afraid of an outsider corporate ninja? What's wrong? Ninjas are people too."

Reminded by "V", "Jackie" immediately recalled his "glorious record", and that bit of hesitation instantly vanished, replaced by the familiar confidence and the foundation brought by street smarts.

He chuckled and patted his chest hard: "Seems like it! Damn, you two are too awesome, it made me almost forget that I have this skill! Alright! Let's do it! I guarantee I'll bluff that "Goro Takemura" until he doesn't know north from south!"

"Good," "Lin Yi" picked up his wine glass, "It's settled then. "Jackie", contact your magic conch, I mean, your brothers in the "Valentinos", as soon as possible, and let the wind out. Make it natural, like it was leaked inadvertently. "V", check your gear, especially that "Ashura" from before, and ensure it's in perfect condition. I will continue to monitor "Goro Takemura"'s movements, and once he takes the bait, we will act immediately."

"For the legend!" "Jackie" raised his glass.

"For a clean finish." "V" also raised her glass.

"For... ending the threat once and for all." "Lin Yi"'s voice was low, and the three glasses collided gently under the dim lights of the bar, making a crisp sound.

"Jackie" on the side was dissing "V" again, saying that her toasts were always strange.

Just like that, a hunting trap aimed at "Goro Takemura" was officially decided amidst the clinking of glasses.

Next, it was time to set the bait and wait for the prey to fall into the trap.