When a summoned ninja's deployment slot is activated, they materialize—becoming living, breathing warriors in the Marvel Universe.
Two-dimensional shinobi come to life!
Beyond the one default slot, each additional deployment slot costs gold coins. Over three years, every coin he earned from daily sign-ins went straight into opening slots—and he managed only two more.
With three deployed ninjas plus himself, he forms a four-member strike team. If he had enough slots, he could bring every summoned ninja into the real world.
These manifested warriors retain their own intelligence but are utterly loyal to their summoner. Had they been anything less than one-hundred-percent devoted—and harmless to him—he wouldn't dare bring them into reality. Some ninjas have far too many tricks up their sleeves.
As for summoning beasts, he's only unlocked the Ninja Hound so far. The Blue Snake, the Toads, even Tailed Beasts remain tantalizingly out of reach—especially since he hasn't even maxed out the Hound yet.
Soon, however, a bit more reputation will let him refine the Hound to full power—and unlock the next summon, the Blue Snake.
After checking his profile, Yamamoto Kaito downed his whiskey and eased into bed, drifting off.
—
The next morning.
After breakfast at the Continental, Kaito lounged in the hotel lobby. His secretary, Ms. Kinuko, had been dispatched to his agency.
As he sat, he noticed a man arrive with a suitcase, striding toward the front desk with deliberate steps. His expression was grim, a lethal aura clinging to him—clearly he'd spilled blood last night and could erupt at any moment.
"Hey, John."
Kaito raised a hand in greeting. He and John Wick had crossed paths more than once.
Thanks to the Ninja Hound, Kaito often walked it here on the hotel grounds—and had met John and his wife several times. They even exchanged numbers. When John received his fiancée's puppy, he'd called Kaito for dog-care tips—a bond forged in mutual love of dogs.
John paused, surprised to see Kaito was one of the Continental's assassins. After all, John had hung up his killer's coat four years ago at his wife's request and lost touch with the hotel's underworld. He only vaguely understood Kaito's profession.
He recovered quickly. "Kaito, I'm just checking in."
Kaito approached to within a meter and said quietly, "Looks like you've hit trouble. Someone's offering two million dollars. Need a hand?"
"Just one Token of Contract will do."
John knew full well the bounty would draw killers to his doorstep—but if Kaito simply lent a hand, he could claim a free token. A fair trade.
John Wick shrugged. "No need—for now. If I do, I'll call you."
"Alright then. Let me know."
Kaito nodded and stepped back. John continued to the front desk. As he checked in, a newly arrived female assassin turned and called out behind him, "Good to see you again, John!"
"Likewise, Perkins."
They exchanged greetings, and John finished his registration before exiting the lobby.
Kaito sipped his coffee, eyes gleaming. The real show would start tonight.
—
Nightfall.
Deep beneath the Continental, Kaito and Kinuko sat in a booth near the VIP bar entrance, sipping bourbon.
"Last night's bounty on John Wick just doubled to four million dollars and four gold tokens. You sure you're not interested?" Kinuko murmured in his ear, sharing the latest intel.
Kaito raised a finger, shaking his head. He wasn't taking it—he had grander plans.
He respected Wick's strength. Though only a "normal" human, Wick's ruthless efficiency earned him the title "Baba Yaga." Recruiting him as an ally would be a major early advantage.
After all, his three ninjas were formidable—but four fighters would be better suited for the tasks ahead.
As they spoke, the bar doors swung open and John Wick entered.
"Hey, John." Kaito greeted again, and his voice carried through the room.
John scanned the bar. Near a corner booth sat Winston. Then he strode to Kaito's table. "Good evening, Kaito."
Kaito leaned forward. "John, your bounty's doubled—four million plus four tokens. Still no interest?"
"Some of the newcomers don't play by the rules."
Wick's brow creased at Kaito's offer. As a retired assassin, he didn't want to plunge back into this world over a personal vendetta.
Yet the price—and those tokens—spoke volumes. Other killers would come for him. Wick believed in his skill to handle it alone, but the stakes had clearly escalated. He politely declined again.
John then made his way over to Winston's booth—he had business to discuss, and needed a fix on the whereabouts of those trouble-makers.
Kaito watched him go, glass in hand, anticipation alight in his eyes. Tonight's performance was about to begin.