John Wick woke up, took a quick look at his surroundings, and saw his confiscated weapons and the Dragon Ball lying on the ground nearby.
"John," Viggo began, stepping closer, "Let me put it this way: I will have my men cut you into pieces."
"You're always so bold, you know that?"
John Wick raised his head, looked at Viggo in front of him, and said flatly, "Yeah?"
Viggo smiled. "Yes."
"I dare say that even after five years, you, John Wick, are still as good as ever."
John Wick asked again, "Yeah?"
Viggo leaned over, looking closely at John. "People don't change much."
"Time does, though." Then, remembering the fire John Wick had set, Viggo said angrily, "Do you know what was in that basement?"
"Artwork, banknotes... those may not have much value in the grand scheme."
"But my connections in this city, video recordings, physical evidence, extortion materials...!"
"Those are priceless!" By the end, Viggo's voice had risen several degrees, and the shaking of his hands showed his considerable anger.
"Priceless."
Looking at Viggo's furious expression, John Wick said calmly, his face blank, "Really? I rather enjoyed it."
Hearing John Wick's tone, Viggo burst into laughter. "Yes."
"Yes, of course you enjoyed it." His amusement quickly faded. "Are you laughing at me?"
Bump!
Viggo struck John Wick across the face, the force nearly knocking him over, chair and all.
Fox and Smith, hiding by the window outside the warehouse, were almost speechless. How could a gangster boss talk so much nonsense?
Fox asked quietly, "In this situation, do you think John Wick can still turn the tables?"
Smith didn't reply verbally but pointed towards the adjacent rooftop. Fox looked over with the telescope and saw a man holding a sniper rifle, aiming towards the warehouse.
"Someone actually came to rescue him."
Inside, Viggo finally finished his long talk with John Wick, clearly annoyed by the assassin's laconic responses. Before leaving, he waved his hand dismissively. "Kill him."
As Viggo walked away, two of his men approached John Wick and placed a plastic bag over his head, preparing to suffocate him.
At that precise moment, Smith Doyle acted, firing two shots.
Bang! Bang!
The bullets shattered the window glass, then seemed to curve slightly in the air, striking both men directly in the head.
Smith Doyle then picked up Fox and jumped directly from their high vantage point, landing gracefully inside the warehouse in front of John Wick.
Outside, Marcus, who had been ready to intervene, saw the two newcomers suddenly appear and neutralize the guards. He knew John Wick was safe for now and lowered his rifle.
John Wick looked at the two people before him, somewhat surprised they would rescue him.
"Thank you for saving me."
Fox produced a dagger and quickly cut the cable ties binding John Wick's hands.
Smith looked at John Wick. "John, you look miserable. I thought you were about to join Helen."
Hearing Smith's words, John Wick nodded slowly. Just moments ago, he truly thought he was going down to accompany his beloved wife.
"Thank you, Smith."
"I owe you my life. If you ever need me, I will do my best."
After saying that, John Wick began gathering his equipment from the ground. He collected all his weapons and carefully placed the Dragon Ball into the inner pocket of his suit. He picked up the discarded Kel-Tec KSG shotgun.
"Is my assessment still in progress?" he asked.
Smith nodded. "We are still observing."
John Wick, now fully armed again, stated firmly, "Smith, after I finish my work, I will come to the Continental Hotel to settle my blood oath with you."
"Let me finish this matter first."
Seeing Smith Doyle nod in agreement, John Wick rushed out of the warehouse.
Fox turned her head, looked at Smith, and asked, "Blood Oath?"
Smith explained, "A pledge marker, guaranteed by the Continental Hotel. It allows the holder to demand one service—anything—from the person who issued the marker."
"Violating the oath incurs severe punishment from the Continental."
After speaking, Smith Doyle casually waved towards Marcus's position on the rooftop.
Marcus realized at that moment he had been spotted. Remembering the man's inhuman feat—jumping from such a height while carrying someone—sent a shiver down his spine. Is this the strength of the Assassin Fraternity? he wondered.
Without any unnecessary movement, Marcus packed away his sniper rifle and turned to leave. He was relieved his old friend had been saved, sparing him the need to break cover. But he was also curious: how was John Wick connected to the Assassin Fraternity? Hadn't John been retired for five years?
Fox looked at Smith's nonchalant wave. "Got a Blood Oath for free. As expected of you, the God who will soon become the leader."
Smith smiled faintly but didn't refute the comment. He simply said, "Let's go back to the Continental Hotel."
Meanwhile, John Wick had already intercepted Viggo's car. He stood on the hood, leveled the shotgun, and shot Viggo's driver dead before turning the barrel towards the mob boss.
"Viggo! Where is he?"
Seeing Viggo hesitate, John Wick fired a warning shot into the seat beside him, then aimed the shotgun directly at Viggo's face. The message was clear: talk, or die next.
Regarding John Wick's threat, Viggo had no doubt he would be next if he didn't cooperate.
Viggo quickly told John Wick the address where his son Iosef was hiding. Under duress, he also agreed to withdraw the bounty on John Wick's head.
After getting the desired results, John Wick paused for two seconds, then lowered the shotgun without firing at Viggo.
"This is just personal," he stated before stepping off the car and walking away.
Viggo breathed a sigh of relief as John Wick disappeared into the night.
Smith wasn't concerned with the immediate aftermath of John Wick's hunt and didn't follow him.
Back at the Continental Hotel, Fox noted aloud, "John Wick's bounty has been cancelled."
Smith nodded. "It looks like John Wick and Viggo have reached a temporary settlement."
Fox was surprised. "Settlement?"
"Didn't you say to always eradicate the problem?" she asked, clearly confused by this perceived contradiction, especially after Viggo's earlier fatal mistake of talking too much.
Smith knew roughly the reasons behind John Wick's choices at that moment, but he didn't explain them to Fox.
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