John Wick first drove Smith Doyle to the coast, then boarded a yacht owned by the Assassin's League and headed toward international waters.
"Boss, there are no other ships nearby, but we're still a ways from open sea," John reported.
Smith Doyle glanced around the endless ocean. Although no other vessels were visible, the open sea could reveal ships from miles away. After thinking for a moment, he said,
"Keep heading for open waters."
John was curious why Smith Doyle insisted on going alone into the open ocean. After all, the Dragon Ball had flown off that day without landing nearby. But he kept his questions to himself.
After sailing for a while, John slowed the yacht as they crossed into international waters and reported,
"Boss, we're officially in open waters. No other ships nearby."
Smith Doyle nodded approvingly.
"Good work."
He stepped onto the deck—and then, astonishingly, began to float upward.
John Wick, usually calm and stoic, stared wide-eyed, mouth agape.
Smith Doyle rose higher, energy surging around him, whipping up powerful gusts that nearly knocked John off his feet.
The more Smith released his energy, the faster he flew.
SWOOSH!
Like a missile, Smith streaked across the sea, kicking up a trail of misty waves behind him.
"AH!" Smith shouted as he pushed his energy to its limit, flying even faster. But he soon noticed how quickly it drained his reserves.
After some experimentation, he found a balance: he could maintain a steady speed without exhausting himself too quickly—and if needed, he could push for a burst of speed.
After burning through most of his energy, Smith finally returned to the yacht.
John had barely composed himself. But seeing Smith fly back, he couldn't help blurting out,
"Boss... can I learn to fly like that?"
Smith looked him over and replied,
"Not with your current strength."
"Train harder. First, reach the limits of human potential—then we'll talk."
John froze for a second, then realized—if it wasn't an innate power, if it could be learned—then one day he could fly too. His heart raced with excitement.
Seeing John's face flush red with emotion, Smith said calmly,
"Head back."
······
At the Triskelion building —
Inside S.H.I.E.L.D. headquarters, Phil Coulson was once again briefing Nick Fury on the latest developments.
Nick Fury leaned back in his chair, looking thoughtful.
"Coulson, after your meeting with Smith Doyle, what's your assessment of him?"
Coulson considered for a moment before answering,
"Smith Doyle admitted that the Assassin's League didn't develop any super-soldier serum, which matches our recent analysis."
"But according to our latest intel, the League has been buying a lot of advanced research equipment—as if they're setting up a laboratory."
"My guess? They're planning to study Doyle's own mutations."
"But so far, we haven't identified any scientists who've joined them. There's always a chance they're being scammed with fake tech too."
Nick Fury drummed his fingers on the table.
"Can we infiltrate their project?"
Coulson shook his head.
"Unlikely. We only know about the equipment orders. No names, no team leads. Without that, it's almost impossible."
"Plus, historically, the League's scientific expertise has been weak—mainly limited to ballistics and that wax-bath technique."
"So if they really are setting up a lab, it's probably through outside hires. If we can identify those scientists, we might find an opening."
"And one more thing—Smith Doyle seems wary of agencies like ours. He's worried about being treated like a lab rat."
"This was just the first contact, but based on the League's values and training, he's unlikely to turn hostile toward humanity."
Nick Fury nodded slowly.
"So... no need for containment."
"But leaving him loose is still a risk."
Fury's one eye sharpened.
"Coulson, do you think there's any chance of recruiting him into S.H.I.E.L.D.?"
Coulson's eyes lit up, a little uncertain.
"You mean... for that project?"
Nick Fury said nothing, but his silence was answer enough.
Coulson thought for a moment, then replied,
"I tested the waters. He didn't agree to work for us."
"But given the League's ethics and methods, there's a chance. We'd just need time—and careful groundwork."
"Also, sir, he suggested we shorten our name. Said it's too much of a mouthful."
Nick Fury chuckled.
"Got it. Keep engaging with him. Build rapport. Watch and guide him subtly."
"Physically, he's probably stronger than Captain America."
Coulson nodded crisply.
"Understood, Director."
······
Meanwhile —
At Stark Industries, Pepper Potts paced anxiously. It had been some time since Tony Stark disappeared—and still no sign of him. No body, no proof of life or death.
Tony's friend, Colonel Rhodes, had told her that although they'd found the bodies of others at the ambush site, Tony's was missing. Which meant—there was still hope he was alive.
At that moment, Happy Hogan, Tony's bodyguard, entered the room.
Pepper rushed up.
"Any news?"
Happy shook his head, frustrated.
"Nothing yet."
Pepper stamped her foot in frustration.
"We can't just sit here! Happy, is there anyone else who could help us find him?"
Happy thought hard, then said,
"There was one group—The Continental Hotel. Their intelligence network used to be global and insanely good. But I heard they got taken over recently."
"Apparently by someone called the Brotherhood of Assassins. They probably absorbed the Continental's intel network."
"If there's any powerful group left, it's them."
Pepper frowned, thinking.
"What level were they before?"
Happy replied,
"Top of the underground world. Controlled about 80% of it."
·····
—End of chapter—
Author's Note:
Enjoying the story and want to read ahead?
Join my Patreon.com/TenaciousHare and unlock 15-20+ chapters in advance, plus faster updates!
Your support keeps this story alive I truly appreciate it!
Thank you, everyone! 🗿👍
~ Tenacious Hare 🥕❤️