The fact that not a single person raised an objection was somewhat unexpected for Shiranui Hayate. In his mental blueprint of how these things went, there was always at least one antagonist or a stubborn abstainer in a room full of villains. To have it pass so seamlessly was... a surprise.
Clearly, the Elders had looked at Shiranui Hayate and seen a value far greater than the risk. Moreover, Hayate wasn't a total outsider; as a high-ranking member within the Continental's network, he was already part of the High Table's ecosystem. With a seat now vacant, why not open the door and let him in?
There was also the matter of the "Wax Bath." With such a miraculous tool on the table, they weren't losing anything. Once they became familiar with one another, perhaps they could even acquire those explosive tags or learn a bit of Ninjutsu. It was a trade where everyone stood to gain.
But the most critical factor was one they barely whispered: Fear. If anyone had dared to oppose him and he held a grudge, the fact that he could breach their headquarters meant he could breach their private sanctuaries just as easily. They weren't fools. They simply felt a fleeting, silent pity for Mo's family, who would no longer inherit his seat of power.
Seeing the unanimous consent, Maktoum wore a benevolent, almost grandfatherly smile.
"Hayate-san, we will process your credentials and the seals of your authority as quickly as possible. Your new status will be broadcast to every subordinate faction and syndicate under the High Table's reach."
"Regarding your domain," Maktoum continued, leaning forward. "Do you wish to take over Mo's previous sphere of influence, or do you have other ambitions?"
Behind the screens, the remaining Elders watched intently. The division of territory was the true heart of their power. While High Table members were treated with god-like reverence everywhere, a clearly defined jurisdiction was the foundation of their rule.
Hayate looked at Maktoum and asked directly, "Who currently manages the United States?"
The screens fell silent.
Maktoum, having anticipated this very question, replied with a smile, "That is my territory. If Elder Hayate requires it, I will gift this domain to you."
Hayate looked at the Elder, who had been remarkably cooperative since the first drop of blood was spilled.
"Mo's legacy is yours then," Hayate declared. "Including all the regions he previously managed. Consider it a fair trade for the U.S."
Hayate was willing to make this deal for two reasons: he didn't care about managing far-flung, unfamiliar territories, and he knew nothing about Mo's actual assets. Rather than scouring for scraps himself, it was better to let Maktoum handle the logistics. Besides, his own core team was small; he had no interest in recruiting a bunch of mediocre stragglers.
Maktoum was overjoyed. He had expected to pay a heavy price in blood and land, but instead, he had turned a massive profit.
"Thank you, Hayate-san. Once Mo's assets are fully organized, a generous gift will be sent to your doorstep."
With the borders drawn and the seats filled, the council concluded.
John Wick, who had remained a silent shadow since they entered the room, finally spoke.
"Lord Hayate, the High Table Adjudicator has already entered New York. I am concerned about Winston..."
He knew from Maktoum's earlier demands that Winston was already marked for death.
Hayate turned to Maktoum. "Then I'll trouble the Elder to put a stop to the Adjudicator's actions. Immediately."
Maktoum didn't hesitate for a second. New York was Hayate's backyard now. He pulled out his phone and dialed a high-priority number.
New York Continental Hotel.
Without the intervention of John Wick, Winston was powerless. The High Table's enforcers and Zero moved through his defenses like a scythe through wheat.
The equipment was too advanced, and the tactics too precise. Winston's loyal guards had been slaughtered without even scratching the enemy. Without the "Baba Yaga" to act as his shield, Zero and his disciples were utterly invincible.
The enforcers had just breached Winston's safe room. The Adjudicator stepped inside, her eyes cold and judgmental.
"Winston, no one defies the will of the High Table. You lacked the strength to resist, and the right to exist."
Winston sighed, looking at her with a heavy heart. He had lost. Without John Wick as his tip of the spear, his defiance had been nothing but a delay.
Just as the Adjudicator was about to order the final execution, her phone rang.
She checked the ID, froze, and turned away to answer with profound respect. "Greetings, Elder. What are your instructions?"
Winston saw the shift in her stance. A spark of hope flickered in his chest.
"Elder, the judgment has not yet been carried out. He is still alive."
"Yes... Understood. It will be done."
The Adjudicator hung up and walked back to Winston, staring at him with a mix of disbelief and sheer annoyance.
"Winston, you are incredibly lucky. The Elder has decided to spare your life."
"Furthermore," she continued, "a new Elder of the High Table will arrive in a few days. You are tasked with arranging the reception and a grand banquet. At that time, every High Table faction leader in America will gather here to pledge their fealty to him."
Without another word, she commanded her team, "Withdraw. We wait for the arrival of the Elder."
Winston watched them go, a sense of profound relief washing over him. He didn't know why the heavens had shifted at the last second, but he was alive.
The new Elder...
He wondered if John's trip to the desert had somehow changed the stars. Looking at the ruins of his once-perfect hotel, Winston murmured to himself:
"Since I'm alive, I suppose I have work to do..."
High Table Headquarters.
Maktoum hung up his phone. "The Adjudicator has stood down. Winston is safe."
"Hayate-san, I've ordered a grand banquet to be prepared in New York. All the American heads of the High Table will come to pledge their loyalty to you personally."
"As for Mr. Wick," Maktoum added, "his excommunication is revoked, and the bounty is officially erased."
Hayate nodded, a look of calm satisfaction on his face.
"You've worked hard. I'll make the Casablanca Continental the first to receive a Wax Bath Recovery Room."
"You can handle the cleanup here. We're heading back to New York."
As they prepared to depart, Maktoum stepped forward enthusiastically.
"I look forward to our next meeting, Hayate-san!"