Shiranui Hayate shared a polite, formal handshake with the King of Hell's Kitchen, waiting for the giant to reveal his hand.
Kingpin's expression remained solemn. "Hayate, I wonder if you are familiar with a certain ninja organization... The Hand?"
Upon hearing the name, Hayate let out a light, mocking chuckle. "They actually dare to call themselves ninjas?"
In his memory, The Hand was an organization founded by traitors from K'un-Lun. Its five founders—Alexandra, Madame Gao, Bakuto, Sowande, and Murakami—were all elders who had been exiled for attempting to use dragon bone fossils to extend their lives.
Thinking of this, Hayate realized several key factors were converging: New York, Madame Gao, dragon bones, Daredevil, and Iron Fist. He wasn't sure how far the timeline had progressed, but he wagered the excavation of the dragon bones hadn't started yet.
Dragon bones... I wonder if they can be used to recharge my system? Don't disappoint me.
Kingpin smiled. He wasn't surprised by Hayate's disdain; the man before him had the strength to back it up, especially now as an Elder of the High Table. The Table's influence was arguably greater than The Hand's, even if it lacked their supernatural eeriness.
"Hayate, a certain masked freak has been causing significant trouble for my operations lately. Madame Gao is also becoming quite vocal with her dissatisfaction regarding our recent shipments. I may require your assistance."
Kingpin pulled out a kunai engraved with a special mark—the very token Hayate had once given him—and placed it on the table.
Hayate's brow twitched. He hadn't expected the item he'd recently sent out to find its way back to him so soon. He picked up the kunai and asked, "Are you still running those businesses with Madame Gao? What exactly do you need me to do?"
Hearing the underlying hint in Hayate's voice, Kingpin knew the man loathed that particular line of trade.
"Hayate, you know Hell's Kitchen isn't like the Continental. I can't simply walk away from it yet. I haven't decided on a final move, but I may choose to confront The Hand or eliminate that costumed vigilante. When the time comes, I'll need you. Bullseye is capable, but in this matter, he lacks the necessary edge."
Just as Hayate was about to respond, a news flash on a nearby electronic screen caught his eye.
The footage showed a reporter standing outside Stark Industries.
"Reporting live, since the military presented Tony Stark with the Apex Award, the genius playboy has been missing for over two months. According to insiders, our brilliant scientist may have perished. We are attempting to interview Virginia 'Pepper' Potts to confirm the truth..."
The screen showed the reporter being blocked by security guards as she tried to enter the building.
Kingpin followed Hayate's gaze and sighed with feigned regret. "The great capitalist has indeed been gone for a while. The gossip columns are empty, and the cover girls of Maxim haven't seen his favor in months. I hope he's alright; his company's weapons are truly top-tier."
Hayate knew what this meant. Iron Man was about to be born. His emergence would signal the beginning of the major events in the Marvel Universe. The world was about to become a very loud place; the business with the dragon bones had to be moved up the schedule.
"A genius like that will be fine," Hayate remarked.
"As for your proposal, Kingpin—I can help you. But my token alone isn't enough."
Kingpin paused, his mind racing. "What is the price?" He worried that the new Elder might want to absorb Hell's Kitchen into the High Table's map.
Hayate sensed Kingpin's heartbeat accelerate slightly and smiled. "Relax, friend. I don't want your territory, nor do I want your fealty. Once you've locked onto your target, simply come to my agency and place an official order. The price will be determined by the objective."
Kingpin's heart rate settled. He was about to turn against Madame Gao; if he offended Hayate now, his life would become impossible. Gold was a small price to pay.
"Thank you, Hayate. I will place the order just as we've collaborated in the past."
Hotaru arrived with a tray carrying the opened Macallan 55 and three glasses.
"Boss, the whisky is ready."
Hayate poured the amber liquid, handing glasses to Kingpin and Hotaru. "Try it. This is from Winston's private stash."
Kingpin took a sip and nodded. "Exquisite. I have a bottle of Balvenie 50-Year-Old in my office I've been saving. I'll have Bullseye drop it off at your agency next week."
Hayate accepted the offer with a smile. Hotaru then leaned in and whispered, "Boss, the Adjudicator is requesting your presence in the conference room. The fealty ceremony is about to begin."
Hayate set down his glass and turned to Kingpin. "Forgive me, I have business to attend to."
"Don't mind me," Kingpin replied. "I'll be heading out soon myself."
Entering the conference hall, Hayate saw a grand chair positioned in the center. Standing like sentinels on either side were his six elite followers.
Hayate took his seat, and Hotaru joined the ranks beside Carlos.
"Let the ceremony of fealty begin!" the Adjudicator declared.
The first to enter was Winston. He walked to the center of the room and dropped to one knee before Shiranui Hayate.
"I have always served the Table. Henceforth, I pledge my life and absolute loyalty to Elder Shiranui Hayate and the High Table."
Winston removed a necklace he had worn for years and offered it up in his open palms. Hayate knew this was the ritual—offering one's most precious possession to their Elder. In another timeline, John Wick had cut off his own finger to offer his wedding ring to Maktoum.
Hayate stood, walked to Winston, and took the necklace.
"I accept your tribute and your loyalty."
As Hayate returned to his seat, Winston rose and departed. One by one, the leaders of the nation's most powerful syndicates entered the room, each kneeling to swear their lives to the new master of the American underworld.