Fox and Wesley exchanged a glance. Their next targets as the Assassin League were the High Table and the Continental Hotel. Now, it seemed there was inner conflict among them—this was perfect.
Hearing what John Wick had said, Smith understood this was the beginning of John Wick: Chapter 2. He nodded and said:
"Once you secure that Dragon Ball, I'll tell you where the third one is."
"As for this Marker mission—this is personal. Handle it without worry."
John Wick downed the rest of his whiskey in one gulp and stood.
"I understand."
As John departed, Wesley curiously asked:
"What exactly is this Dragon Ball you're talking about?"
Smith turned to Fox.
"Explain it to him."
As Fox explained everything, Wesley's jaw practically hit the floor. He couldn't believe such items existed in the world—and he was equally puzzled as to why Smith would let John Wick be the one to make a wish.
······
Elsewhere.
Santino D'Antonio arrived at the Continental Hotel. Facing Winston, he asked:
"Manager Winston, could you help me set up a meeting with Smith Dole?"
Winston twisted the ring on his finger, then looked up calmly.
"Mr. Smith isn't a registered member of the Continental. Contacting him isn't so simple."
"May I ask what this is regarding?"
Santino smiled and replied:
"He posted a message with Eddie—a notice that anyone who found a similar object should contact him."
Winston raised an intrigued brow.
"So it seems… you found one."
Santino nodded with a smirk, then asked:
"What I'm more curious about is—who is that guy, really? Not even a registered member, and yet he comes and goes as he pleases."
"I heard he killed quite a few African-American assassins. People are afraid of him."
Winston didn't reveal Smith Dole's identity but simply said:
"If you one day inherit the Camorra and claim one of the Twelve Seats, you'll have access to that kind of information."
Hearing that it was tied to the High Table, Santino understood this man's background wasn't ordinary.
"Please help me set up a meeting."
Winston obliged. He took out his phone and dialed Smith.
"This is Winston, Mr. Smith."
Smith replied, recognizing the voice.
"Manager Winston, to what do I owe the call?"
Winston explained:
"You once left a message with Eddie. Santino D'Antonio believes he has one of those items and would like to speak with you at the Continental."
"I see. Have him wait for me there."
After hanging up, Smith smiled.
"So it's that lucky bastard Santino D'Antonio."
"Fox, drive us to the Continental."
Wesley chimed in:
"What about me? Bring me along!"
Smith looked him over.
"Got any Continental gold coins?"
"If so, you can come."
Wesley reached into his pocket and pulled out exactly three coins.
"My treat."
Smith chuckled.
"Alright, let's go together."
······
The three arrived at the Continental. Fox handed the car to the valet, and the trio walked inside.
In the dining area, Smith immediately spotted Santino D'Antonio sipping red wine and cutting into a steak.
Smith led the two over and sat down.
Santino raised his glass.
"Mr. Smith—join me? The steak here is excellent. My treat."
Smith snapped his fingers, called the waiter, and ordered three steaks and red wine.
Santino glanced around and chuckled.
"Funny how when you showed up, all the black assassins fled in a panic."
Smith smiled.
"Well, you chose the place."
Santino swirled his wine and said:
"I like the rules here."
"No killing on Continental grounds."
Smith answered coolly:
"But I'm not a registered member."
Santino's heart skipped a beat, but he kept calm.
"But even so, you haven't broken the rules… right?"
"Anyway, I'm not here to ask about that."
"I'm here about this."
He pulled out his phone and showed a photo.
It was the Four-Star Ball.
Smith Dole closed his eyes briefly, mentally sensing its position.
He saw a short-haired woman tailing John Wick, Four-Star Ball in hand.
He remembered John Wick: Chapter 2—this must be Ares, Santino's right-hand enforcer and one of the few people who could fight John one-on-one.
At that moment, the waiter wheeled over a cart and served their food and drinks.
Santino gestured.
"Let's enjoy the meal first. We can talk afterward."
The four began eating while chatting casually.
Once the dishes were cleared, Smith leaned forward and asked:
"So—what are you willing to pay for this intel?"
Santino thought a moment, then said:
"How about four gold coins? Three for entry, one for the info."
It was a generous offer by normal standards, but when it came to the Dragon Balls, it was woefully insufficient.
Smith shook his head.
"Not enough."
Santino looked at him carefully.
"What do you want?"
Smith pulled out John Wick's Marker and laid it on the table.
"To get this intel, John Wick gave me this."
"If you want the same… I'll need a Marker from you."
Hearing that, Santino knew he was being robbed blind.
Just the intel had cost John Wick a Marker… what was the Dragon Ball itself worth, then?
And on top of that, Santino had also given John a Marker and the Four-Star Ball just to do the job.
He began to regret it deeply.
"That price is too steep. Any alternatives?"
Santino didn't want to give up another Marker. It could be a death sentence—who knew what Smith might ask him to do in the future?
······
(End of Chapter)
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