The Giant Corporations that Started in Night City

Chapter 19: The Six Tigers of Shinto Society!

"I'm about to acquire the abandoned hospital in Little Chinatown. Once it's operational, I'd like you to come work there. I'll set up a dedicated cybernetic prosthetics clinic just for you to cater to your old clients," Li Ang said straightforwardly, without beating around the bush. "Of course, it all depends on your willingness."

Recently, Li Ang had learned that the numerous abandoned buildings in Little Chinatown were a major headache for District Administrator Lucius. He had decided to use this opportunity to establish a foothold there by securing the rights to undertake major construction projects. His immediate goal was to acquire the hospital, which would also be an excellent opportunity to connect with high-level figures in Watson District.

"Wow! You're really going big here. Looks like you're planning to set up the LA Company headquarters in Little Chinatown," Victor remarked after a brief moment of serious thought. However, he eventually shook his head and replied:

"I'm used to living lazily. If I leave, my old customers won't be able to find me, and besides, someone needs to look after Misty, right?"

Victor waved his hand, smiling with a hint of resignation. "Honestly, I'm already happy you visit me here. I have no interest in the lives of big shots and don't want to get involved. I just hope ambitious young people like you can live well—that's all that matters."

Victor's words left the members of Maine's team feeling reflective. After all, in Night City, the true big shots were all buried in cemeteries. No one could guarantee that today's shining star wouldn't end up in a scrapyard tomorrow. Life was unpredictable.

Li Ang nodded, understanding and respecting Victor's thoughts. "Alright. I'll reserve a spot for your clinic, and you'll always be welcome if you decide to come."

"You brat…" Victor chuckled, shaking his head.

"Well, that's it for today, Old Vic. We'll leave you to enjoy the fight. See you next time," Li Ang said.

"Take care," Victor replied.

"Bye, Uncle Vic!" Rebecca added, blowing Victor a playful kiss as they left.

After Li Ang and his team had gone, Victor noticed an envelope left on his desk. Opening it, he found two tickets to an upcoming boxing match and a note:

This weekend is the World Heavyweight Boxing Finals: Civits vs. Blanco. Take Misty with you to enjoy it.

I picked the best seats for you—hope you love it.

Li Ang.

---

Westbrook, North Oak District

As the most vibrant and glamorous part of Night City, North Oak was a decadent paradise of indulgence. The district was home to the city's wealthiest elites, brightest minds, and most alluring celebrities. Neon lights shimmered Infinity ly, illuminating the passing sex dolls, luxury cars, and extravagantly dressed aristocrats in dazzling splendor.

Amid this chaotic and luxurious red-light district stood an elegantly subdued Shinto shrine, making it conspicuously unique. This was one of the strongholds of the Tiger Claw gang: Shinto Society.

Outside the serene bamboo corridor, the soft, white feet of a maid lightly stepped across the floor. She slid open a shoji door and placed a tray of sashimi, wasabi, and sake on the floor before stepping away quietly.

Inside the vast dojo, six of the Tiger Claw gang's top leaders were gathered, discussing matters concerning Little Chinatown.

Sato Hiromi, Miyagawa Reime, Jōbutsu Jōtarō, Shuren, Budō, and Obata Ishin—these were the core figures of the Tiger Claws, overseeing the gang's various operations.

For example, Jōbutsu Jōtarō managed much of Night City's illegal braindance production chain. From kidnappings to final products, he was an indispensable part of the process.

The heads earned staggering profits each year from casinos, clubs, brothels, braindance parlors, smuggling, and protection rackets, leaving them grinning from ear to ear. However, this year had brought unwelcome disruptions—most notably, the Triads' rise. Chen Tao had been aggressively seizing Tiger Claw territory in Little Chinatown and Kabuki.

"So, what's your plan?"

The question came from Sato Hiromi, the Tiger Claws' head and a figure akin to an elder brother among them. A man obsessed with wealth, Hiromi was enraged by the Triads' provocations.

The room fell silent, a suffocating stillness descending upon the group.

Seeing no one speak, Budō snorted in frustration. "What's the matter? All gone mute? Watson isn't just my turf—your shares are in there too!"

Budō's outburst didn't stir anger but instead prompted a sneer from Jōbutsu Jōtarō, dressed impeccably in a suit.

"Budō, wasn't it one of your lackeys who provoked the Triads? Now that their leader Chen Tao is pissed, you expect us to clean up your mess? Why should we?"

Jōbutsu Jōtarō always looked down on people who relied on brute force to make money, finding it crude and unsophisticated. He prided himself on orchestrating kidnappings with scavengers, producing violent and bloody black braindances, then dismantling cyberware and selling organs—a cleaner, more efficient process in his eyes.

"Hmph! Why? Because Chen Tao's people trashed your braindance facility too. My clubs generate plenty of profit for the gang every year, don't they?" Budō retorted, glaring at Jōtarō.

Budō was furious, barely restraining himself from smashing a bottle over Jōtarō's head. This vile hypocrite spent his days colluding with the despicable scavengers, even going as far as abducting dolls from Budō's clubs for disassembly.

Many within the Tiger Claws' leadership despised Jōtarō, considering him a deplorable scum.

Faced with Budō's counterattack, Jōtarō fell silent, glaring back menacingly.

Budō wasn't wrong—losing Little Chinatown and Kabuki had significantly impacted their profits, and buyers were already complaining about delayed shipments.

Without those territories, the Tiger Claws' revenue would take a massive hit—something the six leaders couldn't allow.

Moreover, Watson was also a key focus for Arasaka Corporation's future operations. The gang had been tasked with clearing out rival factions in the area—a directive from Arasaka's top brass.

But instead of eliminating the Triads from Little Chinatown, the Tiger Claws had lost Kabuki as well. This failure would not sit well with Arasaka Corporation.