In a spacious and bright office, Kingpin was discussing the division of territories with Owl.
Truthfully, Kingpin despised this simple-minded and flashy guy from the bottom of his heart.
However, there was no other choice. Many of the territories he controlled were newly acquired, and his operations had expanded too quickly. He didn't have enough reliable people to manage everything.
Also, since his collaboration with the Hand had just started, it made sense to slow down for a bit and handle similar matters all at once, avoiding future delays.
"Hahaha! Kingpin, it's settled then!" Owl exclaimed.
In his heart, Owl looked down on Kingpin too. If possible, he wouldn't even utter the name "Kingpin."
The name itself was a form of submission, a sign that old gangs like his had to bow down to this new rising power.
But circumstances were beyond him. In terms of strength, wealth, and even public image, these old gangs had been completely surpassed by this quickly rising figure.
"Happy cooperation," Kingpin responded calmly.
In contrast to Owl's excitement, Kingpin remained much more composed.
They had different visions.
Owl was pleased with the alliance, even though he didn't want to admit it. In reality, it was a relief for him.
He knew that if Kingpin wanted to take him down, it was only a matter of time before he would be consumed and annexed.
Now that they were allies, at least in the short term, there wouldn't be any trouble between them. Owl could use this breathing room to focus on expanding his own power, hoping to avoid any future conflicts with Kingpin's forces.
This way, he'd be safe. By then, Kingpin would have missed his best opportunity to take him down.
Owl thought this was clever, but he underestimated Kingpin's ambition!
Kingpin's dream was to become the underground emperor of the world! So, in his plan, as long as they were in the same business, their fate was sealed.
It was only a matter of time.
The two men shook hands with fake smiles, each planning their future while mocking the other's short-sightedness.
"I've already prepared dinner. Let's have a drink and celebrate," Kingpin suggested.
If Kingpin weren't in this business, he probably would've excelled in any other field.
At this moment, he was polite, with a warm smile, and could easily be mistaken for a philanthropist with grand visions.
Owl couldn't reject the invitation without causing offense, so he followed Kingpin to the dining area with a forced smile.
At the table, they engaged in a performance of mutual flattery.
One presented himself as ambitious and warm, while the other claimed to have no interest in expansion and was considering retirement.
Neither of them wanted to have dinner together, but one had to invite, and the other had to accept. The adult world is full of fake, sickening interactions.
As they were trading pleasantries, a loud *boom* came from downstairs, shaking the windows.
Kingpin's expression immediately darkened.
With outsiders present in his stronghold, such an incident was a blatant embarrassment!
Wiping his mouth with a napkin, Kingpin summoned a waiter, whispered instructions into his ear, and the waiter left without a word.
Owl acted as though he hadn't heard the explosion, fiddling with his knife and fork, as if they held some hidden mystery.
He had no desire to witness Kingpin's embarrassment…
"There was a minor issue downstairs, but it's already being handled," Kingpin said casually.
Owl laughed, "Hahaha, probably some drunk forgot which foot to use for the brake!"
They both laughed and moved on from the loud noise.
*Boom!*
A louder explosion!
This time, pretending not to hear was impossible. Owl stood up at the right moment, apologizing, "Thank you very much for the hospitality, Mr. Kingpin, but it's getting late. Let's continue another time. I'll be sure to invite you next time, and I hope you won't decline."
Owl could recognize the sound of bombs. Whoever it was, they were bold enough to attack Kingpin in his own territory!
It was time to leave. Any later, and escaping might become difficult.
Kingpin, though furious, kept a composed face. He had just dealt with Wesley's and Bullseye's situations, and now this!
Since moving into this building, this was the first time something like this had happened.
Still smiling, he replied, "Of course, I look forward to your invitation."
They nodded to each other, and Owl turned to leave with his men.
Kingpin didn't bother to see them out. He was focused on finding out what was happening downstairs!
As Owl's men reached for the door to exit, it suddenly slammed back shut, as though something had hit it from the other side.
Owl sniffed the air slightly—he smelled blood.
His years of experience kicked in, and instinctively, he leaped aside, his dark green cloak billowing behind him.
Gunfire erupted, and the fine wooden door was riddled with bullet holes.
The same happened to Owl's men, who weren't quick enough to react.
The gunfire continued, with flashes of muzzle fire barely visible through the shattered door.
Owl took cover behind a decorative statue, momentarily wondering if this alliance was a trap set by Kingpin to kill him.
But now he realized that wasn't the case.
Whoever was outside was indiscriminate. Owl watched as one of the bullets hit one of Kingpin's henchmen, causing blood to gush out. Kingpin remained still, hiding behind a custom-made bulletproof desk.
Two metallic clangs echoed as two large, customized fragmentation grenades were tossed into the dining room.
"F.u.c.k!!"
Owl cursed, pressing himself flat against the wall.
Now he understood what those earlier explosions were!
*Boom!*
*Boom!*
Two more explosions ripped through the restaurant, turning the once-elegant space into a smoke-filled ruin.
"Damn it, no wonder people say times have changed! This stuff is way more effective than fists!"
Outside, Leon shouted into the smoke-filled room, "Dear Fisk!"
Another grenade was tossed in.
Bullseye's stuff always worked wonders!
"I'm a dream-seeking magician!"
Another grenade.
"Though I wasn't invited, I decided to come and show you my latest magic trick!"
He threw in yet another grenade.
"The name of this trick is: Enhanced Zone Elimination: Eradicate the Target Zone!"
As Leon calmly reloaded his gun, he shouted, "Oh, by the way! My friend told me this name is from Phantom Thief Kid, so go find him when you're dead!"
*Boom! Boom! Boom! Boom!*
After the final explosions, the room was quiet.
Leon, guns in hand, stepped into the smoke.
(End of Chapter)