The next morning, the steady hum of the Delamain cab cut through the quiet streets, gliding with the elegance of a prowling beast. It finally slowed to a graceful halt in front of the mansion.
With a quick motion, Lin Mo tossed his bag into the backseat and settled into the car.
"Welcome back to Delamain's exclusive transport service, esteemed passenger. Always a pleasure," the familiar voice of the AI greeted.
"Take me to Kabuki," Lin Mo instructed, leaning back into the plush seat, allowing the soft cushions to cradle his early morning fatigue.
"As you wish. If you're feeling a bit tired, might I suggest a light nap? I'll adjust the speed for a smoother ride and ensure a quiet atmosphere."
"Thanks, old Del," Lin Mo replied with a nod. There was no reason to decline.
"For you, it's my honor," the AI responded, its voice as smooth as ever.
The car quietly pulled away from the estate. The sleek, black vehicle, armored with high-end tech and material, was the kind you didn't mess with. Even the most reckless gang wouldn't risk picking a fight with Delamain's battle-ready taxis.
After a brief nap, Lin Mo was gently awoken as the car arrived right outside Kabuki's crowded streets, just as planned.
"Thank you for using Delamain. Safe travels," the AI bid farewell as Lin Mo stepped out.
It was early, and the streets were relatively quiet, with just a few joytoys loitering. Their day hadn't started in full swing yet, so none of them paid attention to the sleek taxi pulling up or Lin Mo stepping out.
As he walked, Lin Mo passed several alleys filled with trash—places he'd once called home. Not much had changed since then. The same filth, different faces.
Reaching the Pachinko Parlor, Lin Mo stepped inside, unnoticed by the sparse crowd of early patrons.
Deeper into the parlor, Lin Mo was met by a hulking bodyguard at the entrance to a private room.
"Well, looks like the old lady's really moving up in the world," Lin Mo thought to himself. The bodyguard was a new addition since his last visit.
"She always did have a way of weaving power and influence around herself," he mused, remembering the reputation of Okada Wakako from the games and beyond.
"Stop right there," the guard growled, blocking Lin Mo's path.
"I have an appointment with Wakako. You should know me," Lin Mo said coolly, staring the bodyguard down without flinching.
The guard's cyber-enhanced eyes scanned Lin Mo, confirming his identity.
"My apologies. Please, go right in," the guard stepped aside, bowing his head respectfully.
Lin Mo pushed past the beaded curtains into the dimly lit room. Inside, it was as though he'd stepped into another world. The calming scent of tea filled the air, a stark contrast to the noise outside.
Sitting serenely at her desk, draped in her traditional kimono, was Wakako herself. She exuded calm, but Lin Mo knew her reputation—beneath that grandmotherly appearance was a viper.
"Ah, there you are, child," Wakako greeted, her hands resting gently on her lap. Her legs, tattooed with vivid Irezumi, peeked from beneath her kimono.
"It's been a while, Wakako-baba," Lin Mo replied, playing along with her grandmotherly act.
"My, how you've grown! So handsome too," Wakako said with a smile. "If only my own sons had half your looks. Maybe they'd have fared better in this world."
Lin Mo only offered a polite smile, knowing full well what Wakako truly valued—power and influence.
"Please, sit," Wakako motioned to the tea in front of him. "Let's catch up for a bit."
Lin Mo sipped the tea, skipping the pleasantries. "I hear you have something for me, Baba?"
"You young ones are always in such a hurry," she chuckled softly, retrieving a shard from a drawer. "All the details are on this."
Lin Mo took the shard and slotted it into his neural interface. The information appeared in front of his eyes instantly—a detailed profile on a netrunner named Sasha Yakovleva.
"An unaffiliated netrunner," Lin Mo murmured. "Works with some edgerunner team, huh?"
Wakako raised an eyebrow, clearly impressed. "You've done your homework. Yes, she's unaffiliated but reliable. She's a regular at Afterlife, too. If you need anything more, she's your girl."
Lin Mo processed the information quickly, the profile now firmly in his head.
"Thanks, Wakako. And I trust you'll keep my tab open for future deals."
Wakako's eyes gleamed with amusement. "Of course, dear. Just don't forget to settle your bill."
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