The ninjas recruited through the system could be summoned into the real world, becoming living, breathing individuals in the Marvel Universe—provided there was an open "Deployment Slot."
Anime descending into reality!
Beyond the single slot provided at the start, every additional deployment slot required Gold Coins to unlock. Over the last three years, Shiranui Hayate had dumped every single coin earned from daily sign-ins into these slots, yet he had only managed to open two more.
With three summoned ninjas and himself, he could now field a classic "Three-plus-One" squad configuration.
If he could unlock enough slots, he could theoretically bring every single character from the Naruto roster into the Marvel world. These summoned beings possessed their own intelligence but were 100% loyal to their recruiter.
If it weren't for that absolute loyalty—and the fact that they couldn't harm him—Hayate wouldn't have dared to bring some of them into this world. After all, certain ninjas were notorious for their unpredictable and dangerous "schemes."
As for Summoning Jutsu, he had currently only unlocked the Ninja Hounds. The more advanced summons like the Blue Snake, Toads, or even the Tailed Beasts made his heart race with anticipation, but he hadn't even maxed out the Hounds yet.
He was close, though. With just a bit more Prestige, he could finish the Ninja Hounds' training and unlock the next summon: the Blue Snake.
After reviewing his personal status, Hayate finished his glass of whiskey and drifted into a slow sleep.
The next morning.
After having breakfast at the hotel, Hayate sat leisurely in the lobby. He had already sent his secretary, Hotaru, to manage his private agency.
While relaxing, Hayate noticed a man walking toward the front desk with a suitcase. His steps were steady, but his expression was grim. A thick, murderous aura clung to him like a shroud—the unmistakable scent of a man who had killed many the night before. He looked like a dormant volcano on the verge of eruption.
"Hey, John."
Hayate raised a hand in greeting. He and John had met more than once.
Because of his Ninja Hounds, Hayate had frequently bumped into John and his wife while walking their dogs. They had even exchanged contact info. When John first received the puppy from his late wife, he had called Hayate to ask for advice on dog care.
They were "dog-owner" acquaintances, yet John froze for a moment upon seeing Hayate here. He hadn't realized the young man was a Continental hitman.
Having been retired for four years, John had severed ties with almost everyone in this world. He'd never bothered to dig into Hayate's profession.
"Hayate... I'm here to check in," John said slowly after a pause.
Hayate stood up and stopped a meter away from him.
"You look like you're in trouble," he said calmly. "There's a two-million-dollar bounty on your head. Need some help?"
"One Contract Coin is all it takes."
Hayate knew that while this situation was a massive headache for John Wick, it was a golden opportunity for himself. A bit of effort in exchange for a Contract Coin was a bargain.
John didn't flinch at the mention of the two-million-dollar price tag. After killing the hitmen sent to his house the previous night, he knew his enemy wouldn't sit idle.
"Not for now," John replied flatly. "If I need something, I'll contact you."
"Fair enough. Keep in touch then."
Hayate didn't mind the rejection. John's troubles were only beginning, and things wouldn't stay smooth for long. There would be a moment of need—and if not, Hayate could always "proactively" save him at a critical moment to earn a favor.
As Hayate walked away, another assassin—a beautiful woman who had just finished her check-in—spoke to John from behind.
"Good to see you again, John!"
"You too, Perkins."
After the brief exchange, John finished his paperwork and left the lobby. Hayate, meanwhile, went back to his seat and sipped his coffee.
The real show starts tonight.
Nightfall.
In the Continental's underground bar, Hayate and Hotaru sat in a booth near the entrance, sipping Bourbon.
"Hayate, the price on John Wick just jumped to four million dollars," Hotaru whispered, leaning close with the latest intel. "Plus four Gold Coins. Are you sure you won't reconsider?"
Hayate raised an index finger and shook it slowly.
"I have better plans," he explained.
He held John Wick in high regard. Though only a "normal human," his lethality earned him the title Baba Yaga. If Hayate could recruit him or put him in his debt, John would be a formidable asset for his early operations.
His three ninjas were powerful, but his workforce was still too small. When he wanted to get things done, he often found himself shorthanded.
The bar doors swung open, and John Wick stepped in.
Hayate greeted him again. "Hey, John."
John spotted the two near the door before scanning the room and noticing Winston sitting alone in a booth further in.
"Good evening, Hayate," John said, walking over.
"John, your price just doubled. Four million plus four coins," Hayate noted. "Are you sure you don't need my help? Some of the newcomers these days don't exactly play by the rules."
John's brow furrowed. In this world, a hitman offering help usually meant they wanted something in return. Having retired, John viewed this as a personal vendetta; he didn't want to get dragged back into the mire.
However, the fact that his bounty had doubled—and included four coins—told him things were escalating. He still believed his own strength was enough to settle the score.
"I can handle it for now," John said, politely declining.
He left Hayate's side and walked straight toward Winston's booth. He had questions, and he needed to know exactly where those punks were hiding.