The next day.
New York – Assassin's League Headquarters – The Textile Factory.
Inside the meeting room.
Fox began her report:
"All injured personnel have been sent for wax-bath recovery. However, due to the higher casualties in the other two teams, our recovery room is currently at full capacity. We've set up temporary tubs to make up for the shortage."
Smith Doyle nodded, then looked toward Cross and the Gunsmith.
Cross spoke first:
"We successfully ambushed the Gramont family in Paris. Resistance on-site was unexpectedly weak—much less than we anticipated. Their elite Kira Squad never showed up."
"Due to time constraints, we only managed to eliminate everyone inside the building. As for other Gramont family members, we dealt with most, but those not in Paris slipped through."
Hearing this, Smith Doyle said:
"Although our goal is to eradicate the entire bloodline, we can't expect to wipe them all out in one strike. They wouldn't group all their members together to make it easier for us."
"As for the remaining family members, have the local Paris team eliminate them if they're spotted."
Cross nodded. "Already left those instructions before we pulled out."
Smith Doyle turned to the Gunsmith, who reported:
"There was some resistance in Camorra, but thanks to John Wick's two previous massacres, their fighting power was significantly weakened."
"Internal chaos erupted after their direct bloodline was wiped out. Our timing was perfect—we hit them while they were debating succession. We eliminated the entire leadership branch."
Smith gave an approving nod.
"Looks like this round of operations went very smoothly. I also had John Wick track down the Elder hiding in the deserts of Casablanca and wipe out their headquarters."
"The High Table has twelve Elders. This time, we've taken out a quarter of their leadership. That's a significant blow."
"If we eliminate three or four more Elders and their families, the High Table will collapse on its own."
"So after a brief recovery, we're going to strike again—this time to wipe that cancer off the face of the earth."
His speech was met with applause. Once it died down, Smith asked:
"I saw the gates and the castle were under repair when I came back. What happened here at HQ?"
Mr. X stepped forward and explained:
"GOD—after you all left, a messenger from the High Table showed up."
"He wanted to negotiate regarding John Wick, but I turned him away."
"Later that night, a squad of High Table envoys attacked HQ. We took them all down, but not without some casualties."
Smith Doyle frowned. "Any photos of the attackers?"
Mr. X handed him several photos taken after the attackers had been neutralized.
Smith's eyes narrowed when he saw faces that resembled Donnie Yen and members of the Kira Squad. He said:
"Cross, Gramont sent his elites here. These are his people."
He passed the photos to Cross, who studied them briefly and said:
"No wonder we didn't see the Kira Squad in Paris. I was worried that Gramont's bloodline might rise again with them still active."
Smith looked around the room and declared:
"Three days from now, once our wounded are healed, we strike again."
"Meeting adjourned!"
"Yes, sir!"
"Yes!"
As the meeting ended, Smith Doyle stepped out and spotted John Wick waiting outside. He said:
"Come with me to the office."
John stood and followed him into the office.
Smith picked up a bottle of Chivas Regal 1983 and poured a glass for each of them.
Raising his glass, Smith said:
"To the success of our mission."
John clinked glasses with him and downed his drink in one gulp, then set the glass down and looked at Smith.
Smith sat back in his chair and asked:
"John Wick, how many of the seven Dragon Balls have you collected?"
John opened the case he carried with him and said:
"I've got four. Just three more to go."
Smith nodded, closed his eyes briefly to sense the remaining ones, then said:
"I'll tell you where the last three are. Collect them as soon as possible and fulfill your wish."
"I'll have Pool go with you. He'll help ensure your safety."
"This world is about to become very chaotic."
John hesitated.
"We've just gone to war with the High Table. Is it really the right time to go after the Dragon Balls?"
Smith smiled.
"That's exactly why you need to collect them now. The sooner we get them, the less chance other factions will try to interfere."
Then, his tone turned serious.
"John Wick—your friend Winston was executed last night by the High Table. His head was displayed in the lobby of the New York Continental."
John's heart skipped a beat. He froze for a moment, then asked quietly:
"Why?"
Smith replied:
"Because he broke the rules and helped you. He was stripped of his position as Continental manager and put on trial."
"He resisted—and didn't survive their assault."
John fell silent, fully understanding what had happened.
Smith continued:
"John Wick. Do you still stand by your wish?"
John slowly raised his head, locked eyes with Smith, and after a pause, said:
"The High Table deserves to die."
"Helen is everything to me. My wish has never changed."
Smith nodded in approval.
"The remaining Dragon Balls are in three places: the Osaka Continental in Japan, Hong Kong, and Russia."
"The one in Russia is with Anton Vanko. The one in Hong Kong is in the hands of Xu Xialing. I'll have their files sent to you."
"Bring the final three back. Make your wish come true."
—End of chapter—
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