Chapter 72: Koroshi (Slaughter) — Kokusekki omedetō (Happy National Day)

John Wick followed the intel to one of the Hand's flour factories — actually a large warehouse. Its bright lights shone behind tightly shut doors. John didn't bother sneaking in. Instead, he parked his car, popped the trunk, and began preparing.

He pulled out a five-shot grenade launcher and methodically loaded it.

Click. Clack. One round after another slid into place.

When all five grenades were ready, John hefted the MM-1 launcher, aimed at a warehouse window, and squeezed the trigger.

BOOM!

The first grenade smashed through the glass and exploded inside in a ball of fire. The concussion shattered more windows and lit up the night sky.

But John didn't stop.

BOOM! BOOM! BOOM! BOOM!

Four more grenades ripped through the warehouse, setting off screams and chaos inside.

Calmly, John slung a bandolier of spare magazines over his shoulder, picked up an assault rifle, and strode through the shattered door. Without hesitation, he began finishing off the wounded on the floor.

RAT-TAT-TAT.Short bursts, one by one, silencing the screams.

Elsewhere…

On the top floor of the Midland building, Madame Gao had just learned the attackers earlier were local New York killers, stirred up by the Assassin Brotherhood's bounty.

The Fingers hadn't even had a chance to strike first, and already Smith Doyle had moved against them.

Her phone buzzed. She answered it, but before her subordinate on the line could finish saying:"Boss, we're under attack at the Hell's Kitchen factory— we think it's John Wick—"

His voice cut off into a final scream before the line went dead.

The phone was still connected when John's voice came through:"You're the boss of this factory?"

"Daredevil's coming for you. Hope you can hide well."

Madame Gao's face darkened as she heard the arrogant tone."John Wick, are you provoking me?"

John didn't even flinch."Take it however you like."

And he hung up.

Gao slammed her cane down in fury, cracking the marble floor beneath her feet into a web of jagged fractures.

"John Wick…" she hissed.

Turning to Shin, she demanded:"Where are the ninjas I sent to protect the factory?"

Shin glanced at the clock."They should arrive in two minutes."

"Tell them: no matter the cost, stall John Wick!" she ordered.

Then she looked to the other Fingers."Come. Let's pay this lucky little bastard a visit ourselves."

Sowande raised an eyebrow."For just one John Wick? Hardly worth all five of us."

Botu shrugged."I don't mind. Better to go and show them our strength than let just anyone think they can cross us."

Gao nodded."Indeed. Once we've squeezed information about the Dragon Balls from him, we'll wipe out the Assassin Brotherhood's headquarters tonight. I want this finished before sunrise."

She knew any large-scale battle in broad daylight would come at too high a cost — even for them.

On the way to the flour factory, Gao dialed Wilson Fisk."Kingpin," she said coldly, "the Hand and the Assassin Brotherhood are at war. You're our partner here in New York — don't think you can sit this out."

Fisk, watching the last light of sunset from his tower, replied evenly:"Madame Gao, my only business with the Hand is distributing your product. I have no quarrel with the Brotherhood."

Gao chuckled darkly."Oh, Wilson Fisk… You really think you can stand aside at a time like this?"

"The Brotherhood struck first. We're striking back. And when we win — and we will win — the first one we crush after them will be you if you stay idle now."

She added:"Remember who the Brotherhood really is. They talk about justice, but their peace is built on the blood of people like us. You think when they're done with us they won't come for you next?"

Without waiting for a reply, she hung up.

Fisk scowled at the dead line. She was forcing him to choose a side. And whichever way this war ended, one thing was certain: after the Russians, Gamora, the High Table, the Continental, and now the Hand… he was next.

He picked up the phone."Bullseye," he growled."Gather the men. We're not sitting this one out."

(End of Chapter)

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