Kinuko watched John Wick stride away, her red lips curving. "So that's the Baba Yaga? Looks like he turned down Master Shinobi's offer!"
"And that legendary killer even took a beating."
She fixed her bright eyes on Yamamoto Kaito, eager for his response.
Kaito only smiled. "He's been retired for four years. Getting ambushed and bruised is only natural. Right now, he doesn't want any ties to our world."
"But retirements never stick—this affair will drag him back in. No one can refuse Kaito's kindness—least of all the Baba Yaga."
By then, John had finished speaking with Winston and left the bar after securing a few names.
Kinuko laughed. "He's gone—shall we follow?"
Kaito shook his head. "No need. He'll return to the hotel. The story is just beginning—plenty of chances remain."
After two more drinks, Kaito offered, "May I see you home? Nighttime New York isn't safe."
They left the Continental together. Once Kinuko's door clicked shut, Kaito turned and headed back to the hotel.
Alone against her door, Kinuko let out a breath. She'd been Kaito's assistant for six months, formerly a killer for a textile syndicate. A botched job nearly cost her life—she collapsed at Kaito's doorstep and he saved her. Since then, she hung up her blades to help him gather intel and manage day-to-day affairs.
The syndicate had gone silent after her departure—until today, when she received word that her former "cross" had betrayed them. Should she trouble Kaito with it?
—
Meanwhile, back at the Continental, Kaito waited quietly at the end of the hallway. His suite sat just past John Wick's room.
Time passed.
A door clicked open—John had returned. Soon muffled scuffles erupted next door.
Kaito knew exactly what was happening. Perkins, the rule-breaking assassin, was having her head covered with bedsheets and pounded by John's fists.
He didn't bother calling the front desk—someone always notified them. He only shook his head at Continental protocol: no killing on hotel grounds. Even when one guest breaks the rules, you can't kill them here—or you yourself become the rule-breaker.
Moments later, the fight ended. Kaito opened his door and watched Perkins crawl down the corridor, unconscious.
John hung up his phone and emerged, grabbing her from behind. He pressed his pistol to her temple and extracted the information he needed. Then, with a butt-stroke, he knocked her out.
Nearby, Harry—John's fellow enforcer—heard the noise, cocked his pistol, and opened his door. The sound of the chamber clicking to lock drew John's attention. He paused, uncertain whether the newcomer was friend or foe, or hunting his bounty.
"Do we know each other?" came a familiar voice from behind.
John relaxed. "I think so." He raised his hands in peace.
As he turned, another door opened. Standing in the threshold was Yamamoto Kaito—whom John had seen twice today. Kaito paused, then greeted the so-called "black killer" at John's back. "Hey, Harry."
Harry glanced at the three of them. His eyes flicked to Kaito, narrowing. Then he looked at John. "Everything all right?"
John Wick shook his head. "Nothing I can't handle."
"Then handle it yourself."
Harry pivoted for his room—but John called after him. "Hey, Harry."
"Want to earn a gold token? Watch this sleeping guest for me."
Harry's face stayed impassive. "You mean catch her and let her go?"
John smirked. "Exactly—a cat-and-mouse game."
Harry accepted the task. He fetched handcuffs from his suite, bound Perkins's wrists behind her back, and led her inside his room.
At the threshold, Kaito held out a bottle of Chivas Regal and an empty tumbler. He smiled at John's battered form. "John, care for a sip? Looks like you've taken some hits."
He tapped John's bandaged abdomen—fresh blood stained the gauze where Perkins's blows had landed.
John stepped forward, took the bottle and glass, poured himself a drink, and downed it in one go. "This is good." He checked the label: Chivas Regal 1987 vintage. He handed both back to Kaito.
Kaito accepted them. "You look rough. Need help with your next move?"
"Yamamoto Kaito," John said, "I'm retired. This is personal. I'll handle it."
He declined the offer from his ever-helpful friend.
Kaito shrugged regretfully. "Very well. Stay safe, John. If the Baba Yaga falls, it's a loss for all assassins."
He turned, closed his door, and left Harry to oversee Perkins's fate. As for the hunching figure of the black enforcer, Kaito felt no urge to warn him.
A black man's life—or death—was none of his concern.