Castle didn't hide anything—he laid it all out for Beckett.
He explained how, upon discovering the conspiracy led by Japan and its two allies, he had immediately taken action. He had consulted Moz, who suggested an audacious countermeasure: baiting the enemy into making a move, capturing their operatives, and then using their confessions as leverage for a government-backed retaliation against all three nations.
Castle also told her about the support he had secured—not just from his military tech partners but also from the DuPont family, his trump card. These corporations had made it clear: they would stand with Castle and fight back against Japan, India, and Turkey.
This was no longer just Castle's fight.
By revealing the full scope of his plan, Castle hoped to alleviate Beckett's concerns and gain her approval for what was—on paper—a reckless strategy: using himself as bait to lure the enemy into an ambush.
The goal was to let the three-nation alliance think they had successfully drawn Castle out, only for their operatives to walk into a trap—one set not only by Castle but by several defense giants and the U.S. government itself.
The captured operatives would then be used to expose and humiliate the three conspiring nations on the global stage.
And if this escalated into a war?
The defense industry would be thrilled.
The same corporations Castle had contacted—the ones who stood to gain the most from military conflict—would happily support President Benjamin's administration in pushing back against Japan, India, and Turkey.
And as for Benjamin himself?
He understood how much political capital a sure-win war could bring him.
History was proof of this:
World War II turned the U.S. into the dominant Western superpower. Had the Soviet Union not emerged as a counterbalance, the entire world would have been under American influence. The Korean War proved that even in a stalemate, the U.S. could flex its military might. Though China's intervention resulted in a costly engagement, America's arms industry thrived from it. Vietnam, despite being a public relations disaster, revolutionized military tactics. The U.S. pioneered the use of helicopters in war, a tactic that led to a boom for companies like Sikorsky and Bell Helicopter. The 1980s invasions of Grenada and Panama secured American control over the Panama Canal, a priceless strategic and economic asset. The Gulf War in 1991 introduced the world to high-tech, asymmetric warfare, setting the stage for modern military dominance. It also skyrocketed the Bush family's military-industrial empire. The 2001 invasion of Afghanistan, orchestrated by George W. Bush, once again triggered massive growth in military spending, benefiting defense contractors tied to the administration.
Whenever the U.S. went to war, the arms industry boomed.
And now, Castle had every major defense firm on his side.
The moment Benjamin declared hostilities, those corporations would rally behind him.
In return, they would ensure that Benjamin's midterm elections were secured.
So why wouldn't he take the bait?
But first, Castle had to convince Beckett.
"What did you just say?!"
Beckett's eyes blazed with fury.
"You're seriously considering Moz's plan? You want to use yourself as bait? Absolutely not! This is way too dangerous! Why not just have Moz or Benjamin send in the FBI or the CIA to preemptively arrest these bastards?"
Castle had expected this reaction.
He knew Beckett would never willingly let him put himself at risk.
This wasn't just about Castle anymore.
They had a child together now.
Before, when they were just partners—when she could brush off Castle's recklessness as typical behavior—it was different. But now?
Now, Castle was the father of her son.
She wasn't about to let him run off and risk his life just because he was getting restless at home.
She saw through him immediately.
To Beckett, this wasn't just about national security—this was Castle finding an excuse to get out of the house and chase another adrenaline rush.
And she wasn't having it.
"Listen, Beckett," Castle began carefully. "I understand why you're upset, but you have to see the bigger picture here. If we let this slide—if we just arrest a few operatives—it won't end. Japan, India, and Turkey will keep coming. Next time, they'll be smarter. More careful. They might even go after you. Or our son."
That last sentence made Beckett freeze.
"But if we set a trap and break them—completely shatter their confidence—then they'll never dare try again."
Still, Beckett refused to be swayed.
"That's bullshit, Castle! This isn't a game! You think I don't know what those three nations are capable of? You think I don't know how ruthless Japan can be? Or how dirty India plays? And Turkey? They're in the middle of a war—they have nothing to lose!"
Castle sighed.
"That's why we have to end this now."
He wasn't alone in trying to convince her.
John Wick and Gianna had just returned to New York and, upon hearing the situation, immediately sided with Castle.
John, the legendary assassin, didn't hesitate.
"If you're doing this, I'm going with you."
Gianna didn't object.
She knew what Castle and John were capable of.
Two elite combatants, backed by the U.S. government, private military contractors, and the entire military-industrial complex?
This wasn't a suicide mission—it was a perfectly calculated trap.
With John's presence, Beckett finally reluctantly agreed.
With Beckett's approval secured, Castle could now fully implement his plan.
He had already decided on the perfect battlefield.
The three-nation alliance wanted to lure him out of New York?
Fine.
He would lead them to Hawaii.
Why?
Hawaii was isolated—it wasn't the mainland, but it was still U.S. territory, ensuring logistical and legal advantages. Japan had no foothold left in Hawaii. After their agents were purged following Alexis's kidnapping, their intelligence networks had been crippled. Castle had powerful allies on the island. His connection to Steve McGarrett, Commander of the Five-0 Task Force, meant he had covert law enforcement support. Strategic Positioning. Hawaii was perfectly located—far enough from the mainland to make the enemy feel comfortable, yet close enough for rapid U.S. military response. Unpredictability. The enemy expected Castle to leave the U.S. entirely. By staying in Hawaii, they would underestimate the level of American oversight.
The Trap Was Set.
Castle was no fool—he wasn't walking into this alone.
John Wick would be at his side. Moz's intelligence network would track enemy movements. U.S. intelligence operatives would shadow them. The military-industrial complex would ensure maximum retaliation. Steve McGarrett's Five-0 Task Force would provide on-ground law enforcement support.
And once Japan, India, and Turkey took the bait…
They would be crushed.
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