Smith Doyle hung up the phone, sneering slightly. He knew exactly what kind of game the old man Winston was playing.
As for the Adjudicator who had just arrived in New York—he couldn't care less.
Even if she had the guts of ten people, she wouldn't dare ignite a war between the Assassin's Guild and the High Table. Still, being unprepared wasn't an option.
He had his own responsibilities. He was to lead a team to Monaco to take out one of the High Table elders. The Cross and the Gunsmith were tasked with handling the elder in Paris—Gramon, the High Table's CEO.
Komora would be handled by the Mechanic and the Butcher, while Mr. X would remain stationed at headquarters in case of a sudden attack.
---
Meanwhile…
Winston, after hanging up, made his way to Room 217 of the Continental Hotel.
The Adjudicator looked up as he entered.
"Ran into some trouble?" she asked.
Winston shook his head.
"Not trouble—just discovered where John Wick ended up."
That piqued her interest. After all, her mission was to punish anyone who had aided John Wick.
"Who?" she asked coldly. "Who dared defy the High Table's rules?"
Winston met her eyes and slowly said a name:
"Smith Doyle."
She frowned slightly. That wasn't a name from any known factions.
"Who's backing him?" she asked.
Winston considered his words before answering.
"He's not affiliated with the High Table, nor is he a registered Continental member," he said. "But in New York, he's earned a nickname that even African-American hitmen fear—The Hunter of the Black."
"From what I've gathered," he added, "he's likely part of the Assassin's Guild."
The Adjudicator's expression shifted subtly. She hadn't cared at first, but the mention of the Assassin's Guild made her take a second look at Winston.
"Anything else?" she asked.
Winston noted her change in attitude, but didn't press further. He had achieved his goal.
"No, that's all," he replied, then turned and left.
As the door closed behind him, the Adjudicator's thoughts lingered on the Assassin's Guild. She hadn't personally fought against them before, being too young to have seen their last conflict—but she knew enough. They were outside the High Table's control, and that made them dangerous.
Pulling out her phone, she called the High Table Intelligence Division.
"Identity code 3C434A21."
"Verification complete."
"Pull up everything you have on Smith Doyle."
The department got to work immediately. Upstairs, a staffer located a file and brought it to the desk. The operator scanned the documents and forwarded them directly to the Adjudicator's laptop.
The files were extensive—records of Smith Doyle's visits to the Continental, notes confirming he was not a registered assassin, and detailed profiles compiled from both general intelligence and Winston's own reports.
Winston's intel specifically identified Doyle as a member of the Assassin's Guild.
After reviewing everything, the Adjudicator realized this wasn't something she could handle alone. She submitted a report to headquarters, tying the John Wick case to the Assassin's Guild.
The response came swiftly: the High Table would dispatch an emissary to the Guild. The Adjudicator's orders were to focus solely on punishing the High Table's wayward factions.
Unaware that the Adjudicator had deferred the conflict, Winston remained content, thinking he'd stirred the pot enough.
---
That evening, rain continued to fall over New York.
After receiving the new orders, the Adjudicator resumed her task.
At nightfall, she stepped out of a taxi and walked into Heike Sushi.
The chef and owner, Zero, greeted her from behind the counter.
"Welcome," he said. "How can I help you?"
The Adjudicator took a seat and placed a gold coin on the counter—a coin that identified her rank.
Zero's expression tightened. He looked at her and said solemnly, "Didn't expect the High Table to come calling so soon."
"There's a mission," she said. "Someone has broken the rules and stands against the High Table."
Zero paused, then looked up. "You're talking about John Wick."
"I don't have any more students."
The Adjudicator continued: "John Wick—and everyone who aided him."
"You've heard what he did. One man. Over a hundred kills in just one week. All for…"
Zero interrupted: "A dog. And a car."
He smiled faintly. "I know. I'm intrigued."
He picked up a piece of fugu (pufferfish) and said, "Deadly poison. Fugu."
Then he placed the slice in front of her.
"No soy sauce," he added.
Without hesitation, the Adjudicator ate it, her face emotionless.
Zero bowed his head respectfully.
"I've always served the High Table," he said, "and I always will."
With that, he and his two apprentices bowed together.
With their loyalty affirmed, the Adjudicator took back the coin and led them out of the restaurant.
---
Assassin's Guild – Headquarters
Outside a textile factory, a black Mercedes pulled up.
A tall, muscular man in a suit stepped out, carrying a black umbrella. He walked to the entrance and rang the bell.
A small window opened in the door. The man passed through an envelope marked with a special insignia.
Connor took the letter casually at first, but when he saw the seal, his expression changed. He quickly shut the window and ran inside.
"Mr. X, the High Table's emissary has arrived."
Mr. X looked up, surprised. He took the letter, verified its authenticity, and began to ponder: Have they figured it out already?
Though he wasn't sure what had been discovered, he gave a quick order.
"Connor, bring him to the conference room."
The doors to the textile factory opened, and Connor led the emissary inside.
The emissary followed in silence, his steps steady and calm.
Soon they reached the meeting room. The emissary stepped insi
de, removed his hat, and bowed.
"Respected Mr. X."
—End of Chapter—
Enjoying and Wanting more!? Read ahead!
Join my Patreon.com/Tenacious Hare. By Purchasing my Carrot 🥕 Tier, You get 10-20+ chapters ahead and Faster updates
Both Platforms offer the same content, but pick whatever suits you!! Your support and help keeps this story alive.
I Deeply Appreciate your support ❤️❤️
Thank you for supporting my work! 🗿❤️
~ Tenacious Hare 🥕