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The Next Day
New York – Assassin Brotherhood – Textile Factory
Inside the conference room.
Fox began her report:
"All the injured personnel have been arranged to undergo wax-bath rehabilitation. However, because the other two teams suffered heavier casualties, there isn't enough space in the recovery room. We've temporarily used bathtubs to make up for the shortage."
Smith Doyle nodded and glanced at Cross and the Gunsmith.
Cross spoke first:
"We successfully struck the Gramont family in Paris. Resistance at the scene was not strong—much weaker than we had anticipated. The enemy's Killa Squad did not appear."
"However, due to time constraints, we could only eliminate everyone who was in the building at the time. As for the remaining members of the Gramont family, we were only able to kill most of them. We didn't have time to deal with those who were not in Paris."
After listening to Cross's report, Smith Doyle said:
"Although we demanded the complete eradication of the family bloodline, it's impossible to handle everything in one go. The enemy isn't going to conveniently gather all their family members for us."
"As for the remaining members of the Gramont family, have the Paris base identify the targets and eliminate them."
Cross nodded.
"I already gave the necessary instructions before leaving."
Smith Doyle then looked at the Gunsmith, who gave his report:
"Although the Camorra Mafia put up some resistance, it wasn't very strong—largely because of John Wick's two previous massacres."
"With the direct bloodline severed, internal chaos broke out. Coincidentally, we launched the attack while they were discussing succession of leadership. You could say that every blood-related member of the Camorra boss has been wiped out."
Hearing that the Gunsmith's operation had also gone smoothly, Smith nodded in satisfaction.
"It seems this operation went extremely well. Through John Wick, I also located an Elder hiding in the Casablanca desert and wiped out everyone at his headquarters."
"The High Table has twelve Elders. This time, we destroyed a quarter of their power. This is a major victory."
"As long as we eliminate another three or four Elders and the families behind them, the High Table organization will collapse on its own."
"Therefore, after a short rest, we must go all out and completely eradicate this evil organization—send it straight to the trash heap."
Smith Doyle's speech was met with applause. When it died down, he asked:
"When I came back, I saw that the gates and the fortress were under repair. What happened at headquarters?"
Mr. X explained:
"My God, after all of you left, a High Table envoy came here."
"He wanted to discuss John Wick matters with me, but after I refused, he left."
"Last night, a group of High Table envoys attacked headquarters. Although we eliminated them, we still suffered some casualties."
Hearing that it was an envoy, Smith Doyle frowned slightly.
"Do you have photos of the attackers?"
Mr. X took out several photos taken after subduing the attackers.
Looking at the faces—strikingly similar to Donnie Yen and Killa—Smith Doyle said:
"Cross, Gramont sent his elite forces here. These are his people."
He tossed the photos to Cross. After taking a look, Cross said:
"No wonder I didn't see any members of the Killa Squad. I was worried that with this team intact, the Gramont bloodline might revive."
Smith Doyle swept his gaze across the room and said:
"Three days from now, once the wounded have recovered, we continue our advance. Meeting adjourned!"
"Yes!"
"Yes!"
After the meeting ended, Smith Doyle left the conference room and looked at John Wick, who was standing guard outside.
"Come to my office with me."
John Wick stood up and followed Smith Doyle inside.
Smith Doyle picked up a bottle of 1983 Chivas Regal, poured a glass for himself and one for John Wick.
Raising his glass, Smith Doyle said:
"To the success of our operation."
John Wick clinked glasses with him and drained the drink in one go. He then set the glass down and looked at Smith Doyle.
Sitting back in his chair, Smith Doyle asked:
"John Wick, how many of the seven Dragon Balls have you collected?"
John Wick opened the box he carried with him.
"I've collected four Dragon Balls. I still need three more to complete the set."
Smith Doyle nodded, closed his eyes briefly, and sensed the locations of the remaining three.
"I'll tell you where the other three Dragon Balls are. You must gather them as quickly as possible so you can make your wish."
"When the time is right, I'll have you take Poole with you. With him at your side, your safety will be guaranteed to a certain extent."
"The world will soon no longer be peaceful."
John Wick said:
"We're already at war with the High Table. Is it really appropriate for me to go searching for the Dragon Balls now?"
Hearing this, Smith smiled faintly.
"Precisely because of the war with the High Table, we need you to collect the Dragon Balls as soon as possible. Only then can we prevent more forces from being drawn into this conflict."
Then his expression turned serious.
"John Wick, your friend Winston died last night during a High Table tribunal. His head has been placed in the lobby of the New York Continental Hotel."
At this news, John Wick's heartbeat slowed. He froze for a moment.
"Why?"
Smith Doyle replied:
"Because he violated the rules of the High Table by helping you, he was sentenced to relinquish his position as manager of the Continental Hotel."
"However, he resisted. In the end, he was unable to withstand the High Table's assault."
Hearing this, John Wick understood. He remained silent.
At that moment, Smith Doyle spoke again:
"John Wick, is your resolve still firm?"
John Wick raised his head and looked at Smith Doyle. After two seconds of silence, he said:
"What is the High Table, anyway?"
"Helen is everything to me. My love for her has never changed."
Seeing that John Wick's original resolve remained unchanged, Smith Doyle nodded in satisfaction.
"The remaining three Dragon Balls are located at the InterContinental Hotel in Osaka, Japan; in Hong Kong; and in Russia."
"The one in Russia is currently in the hands of Anton Vanko. The one in Hong Kong belongs to Xu Xialing. I'll have their information sent to you."
"Bring back the last three Dragon Balls as soon as possible and fulfill your wish."