Smith shook his head and said:
"Winston, you need to understand—John Wick didn't kill Gianna D'Antonio of his own will. Santino D'Antonio used a blood oath to force him."
"This is a family matter. The High Table has no grounds to pursue John."
"And frankly, I don't think Santino can handle John's revenge."
"He's not the kind to let things go."
Winston looked at Smith, then asked curiously:
"You believe in him that much?"
"You planning to recruit John Wick into your organization?"
Smith Dole smiled.
"I have full confidence in John Wick."
Winston stood up and said:
"Enjoy your time at the Continental, Mr. Smith, Ms. Fox."
As Winston walked away, Smith knew exactly what he was doing—heading off to reclaim the Marker Santino had used.
Fox turned to Smith and said:
"Seems like you really are betting on John Wick."
"Ever since you met him, the guy's been on a nonstop killing spree."
"But I'll give him this—he only kills bad people."
Smith Dole nodded and said:
"Especially now. His target—Camorra—it's getting interesting."
······
Triskelion.
Inside the Director's office of S.H.I.E.L.D., Phil Coulson was delivering his report to Nick Fury.
"Director, we've just recovered combat footage—showing Smith Dole in action."
"From this footage, we can clearly assess that Smith Dole possesses physical abilities beyond ordinary human limits."
As he spoke, Coulson placed a tablet in front of Fury.
Fury played the video and watched Smith Dole's street battle with Fox—slashing bullets with a knife, showcasing inhuman strength.
"These physical feats and reflexes—he qualifies for observation as an 084."
"That's not human. That's a superpower."
"Have our experts analyze the footage and calculate his estimated strength, speed, reflexes—everything."
"And activate the embedded agent inside the Assassin League. Have them gather as much intel on Smith Dole as possible."
Coulson nodded, then asked:
"Sir, should we attempt contact?"
Fury shook his head.
"Not yet. For now, our priority is surveillance. Psychological profiling. Multi-angle observation."
"You'll lead the Smith Dole observation project, Coulson."
Coulson responded firmly:
"Yes, sir."
Fury paused, then added:
"Also, dispatch a team to investigate the other high-ranking members of the Assassin League. We need to know—does only Smith Dole possess these abilities, or are there others like him?"
Coulson was taken aback.
"Sir… are you suggesting the League may have access to super-soldier serum?"
Fury turned to him.
"I'm not ruling it out. Many groups have tried to replicate it. The League might've succeeded."
"If it's just him, then maybe he's a mutant. Like the others we've encountered."
"But if there are more… then it means their research worked."
"And classify all files related to Smith Dole and the Assassin League as Level 5 clearance."
Coulson responded:
"Understood, sir!"
······
The Continental.
Smith sat across from Fox at a dining table, enjoying steak with a light smile on his face.
Winston, having finished his business, now sat nearby on a couch, reading the newspaper.
Fox sipped her wine and asked:
"Smith, I didn't see Pool when I came in today."
Smith chuckled.
"Wesley's been bothering him too much. Pool's hiding."
Just then, a voice echoed from upstairs.
"Winston."
A disheveled figure came into view. From the couch, Winston looked up and said:
"Mr. D'Antonio!"
Winston smirked, slightly mocking:
"Looks like you've had a colorful day."
Glancing at Smith nearby, he added:
"I'm guessing you're here to lie low?"
Smith leaned toward Fox and whispered:
"Showtime."
Fox looked at the newly-appointed head of Camorra with a mocking grin. Things were about to get entertaining.
She simply nodded silently.
Santino D'Antonio spotted Smith but ignored him for now. He marched straight up to Winston and declared:
"I want to revoke John Wick's Continental membership!"
"Immediately!"
Winston, ever calm, replied:
"By our rules, John Wick has violated nothing."
Santino fumed.
"But you must understand—I'm a member of the High Table now. I command you—"
Winston removed his glasses and smiled coldly.
"No, you do not, Mr. D'Antonio."
"This kingdom… belongs to me."
"If you want to change the rules, you'll need unanimous approval from all twelve High Table seats."
Santino's face darkened.
"Fine!"
"Hold onto your kingdom, Winston."
"While you still breathe."
Winston shot back, unfazed:
"Then you hold onto your precious privilege."
Santino stopped looking at Winston and turned to Smith.
"Mr. Smith Dole, would you consider selling me the Marker that John Wick gave you?"
Smith gave a silent, incredulous smile—what a ridiculous request.
"You would desecrate the blood oath?"
"That rule cannot be broken."
Having been rejected again, Santino walked off in frustration and sat alone at another table, ordering a steak and wine.
······
(End of Chapter)
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