The power struggle burns hot, but it doesn't last long.
Before anyone can react, Yorinobu Arasaka takes control of the entire Arasaka Group in a single day. The public hears a softened story. The truth still leaks to those with reach, and rival megacorps quickly piece together what happened.
They learn the headline: Yorinobu Arasaka is now the new emperor of Arasaka.
They also note the key factor behind the win: Ascension Technology. The two companies already worked together, so the partnership isn't a shock. The shock is Ascension's strength. The Maelstrom crisis made people wary. After this, most corps start ranking Ascension next to Arasaka, or even above it, simply because they don't know what else Ascension is hiding.
They all want a read on Ascension's background and its ceiling. They get nothing. Even so, pressure starts. Arasaka's infighting costs the corporation dearly. The foundation is still massive, and time could heal the losses, but competitors would rather not let Arasaka climb back without taking a bite first. Targeted moves appear from every angle.
Yorinobu doesn't panic. He expected this. His confidence has a name: Ascension Technology.
…
Night City. Arasaka Tower.
Yorinobu prefers Night City over Tokyo and moves the corporation's power center here. It weakens his influence at home in Japan, but he doesn't care. He isn't Saburo, obsessed with rebuilding a new Japanese empire. His target is the world.
At the top of Arasaka Tower, in the CEO's office, Yorinobu stands with his hands behind his back. Lined up behind him is the slate of fresh executives he just promoted. The purge left many high-chair seats empty. To keep Arasaka running, someone has to sit in them. Yorinobu gives them authority; in return, they run the company to his will.
"Every major company is getting restless now, especially Militech. They probably think the Arasaka beast has lost its fangs.
"But don't forget our strongest ally: Ascension Technology.
"Our agreement is set. You've seen the plan. The entire Network Division will connect our servers to the Ascension Network as fast as possible and complete the central AI swap. The intelligent control AI Ascension provides will be our best tool against outside threats.
"As for Security, Ascension will also supply a large number of combat robots to help stabilize group security and our business lines.
Understood?"
He speaks evenly. The room stays quiet. Most of these people are new to the rank, not new to the game. They've been grinding inside Arasaka for years. They can see the problems, too: Arasaka gets support, yes, but pays heavily and lets Ascension thread into every core line of work. It's a lopsided deal.
No one says that out loud. Their power comes from Yorinobu's rise. If they want to keep it, they follow orders.
"…Understood."
Yorinobu nods. The executives file out to execute.
When the office is finally empty, he opens a channel.
"How's it going? Is everything in place?" Rocky asks over the line.
"It's done." Yorinobu allows himself a small laugh. "Only now do I understand what Saburo felt ruling Arasaka. Above thousands, controlling everything, no one dared to object. With Arasaka's strength, he could take anything he wanted.
"That's power and capital. People spend their whole lives chasing them. Saburo used them to squeeze the world. Holding them now makes me feel… guilty."
"Without those things, you can't strip them from anyone else," Rocky says, smiling in his voice.
"I know. I'm just saying it out loud. Keep pushing the plan. I want to end this as soon as possible."
"Don't worry. We'll hit our marks soon enough. Give me the resources and support I ask for, and leave the rest to Ascension."
"I will."
The call ends. For the first time, Ascension is truly using Arasaka's machinery as its own.
Through the Group, Yorinobu will provide whatever Ascension needs.