Hunter, sent by the Chicago Black Market Headquarters, arrived in Danfu City by train the day before yesterday, on the evening of the 22nd, and checked into the Aston Hotel.
After speaking with Bowie, the head of the Pinkerton Detective Agency, he dispatched men to the Security Maintenance Association to gather information and examine numerous bodies of the fallen.
He noticed that ten bodies, as well as the bald bartender at the bar, had all been hit by skill Flying Dagger, indicating the enemy had a skill Flying Dagger master.
He then sent his core personnel to contact the McKinley Family, climbed dozens of meters up the rope ladder to the McKinley Family manor, and conversed with Brendan.
Brendan confirmed that the three projects currently in cooperation with the Black Market would continue, especially Henry's bounty.
After receiving the report from his core personnel, Hunter pondered for a long time.
Such a powerful armed force being mobilized silently indicated that the enemy had strong local influence and mobility, and also had grievances with both the McKinley Family and the Black Market, which narrowed down the possibilities.
So, yesterday afternoon, on the 23rd, Hunter sent a telegram to the Chicago Headquarters, stating his conjecture—that the Black Market incident was most likely carried out by Henry leading the Sinclair Family's elite private army—and also informed them of the McKinley Family's decision to continue their cooperation.
Morrison, the boss of the Chicago Black Market Headquarters, combining the feedback from the New York Black Market last night and today's report from the Chicago Tribune, confirmed the formidable personal combat strength possessed by Henry.
This was because he was very clear about the backgrounds of the Jesse Brothers' James Gang and the Younger Brothers' Younger Gang.
Therefore, with Henry's cooperation and the Sinclair's elite private army, under a surprise attack, it was indeed very possible to annihilate the Black Market Center in Denver.
At present, this situation is temporarily the most probable.
Regardless, for the Black Market, since a deep enmity had likely been formed, they absolutely could not allow Henry's formidable personal combat strength to exist.
Otherwise, with Henry's powerful combat strength combined with the Sinclair Family's private army, wouldn't the mines in Denver be entirely under their control?
Especially since Henry and the Sinclair Family acted too swiftly and ruthlessly, it truly made people extremely wary.
Morrison sent telegrams to the Black Market heads in New York and Denver.
Under normal circumstances, the Black Market would not personally undertake bounties posted by clients; they primarily served as a platform and guarantor.
However, the situation was different now; to re-establish the Black Market's prestige, they had to retaliate in kind, blood for blood.
No matter what, Henry must die.
Once this fanged beast is removed, the Sinclair Family, this tiger, will no longer be a threat.
After Hunter in Denver received a telegram from his boss Morrison, he learned of Henry's latest achievements, and while astonished, he became even more certain that the previous annihilation of the Black Market Center was indeed carried out by Henry.
And after Travis, the head of the New York Black Market Center, received Morrison's telegram, he pondered for a long time before immediately having a 10,000 us dollar bounty placed on Henry in the Black Market, while also instructing Black Market intelligence personnel to keep a close watch on New York's two largest gangs, the Whist Gang and the Short Tail Gang, as well as several top lone wolf assassins.
Additionally, Travis summoned Neil, the head of the Black Market guards, instructing him to strengthen the security of the Black Market Center and to always have a team of around one hundred gunmen ready.
Soon, many interested parties in New York City learned about the 10,000 us dollar bounty placed on Henry by the Black Market, and began their respective plans and actions.
Among them, Mike, the leader of the Whist Gang, murmured to himself, "Henry, oh Henry, so you like to show off so much and meddle in others' affairs. No wonder you've offended so many people! It's going to be hard for you to survive."
On the train, everyone became more familiar today—relationships easily progress rapidly in confined spaces.
So, after breakfast, Mark asked, "Henry, have you heard of Annie, the 'First Goddess Gunner of the West'?"
"No, why?" Henry looked up.
"We watched her and her husband's shooting performance in Omaha this time, specifically… So, what do you think of her shooting skills?" Mark asked with a hint of anticipation.
"Very rare, a remarkable woman, truly worthy of being called the 'First Goddess Gunner of the West.' I admire her greatly," Henry affirmed.
"I wanted to ask, if you were to duel, would you be confident in winning against her?" Mark asked directly.
"I hope that day never comes, because all the gunmen who duel with me go to heaven or hell," Henry shrugged.
Mark felt a fierce aura wash over him and immediately dared not press further.
Consuelo heard the topic and interjected, "I've invited Frank and Annie to perform a shooting show on the afternoon of my birthday, along with other performances like magic, circus acts, boxing, fencing, and horsemanship. Henry, please come early that day so we can enjoy it together."
Henry smiled and said, "Alright, I'd be delighted to participate in your birthday celebration."
"Henry, could I ask how you practice your marksmanship?" Dick, whose hand was bandaged, asked.
"Of course, but it would be best to wait until your hand injury has recovered. You can shoot a few rounds for me to see, and then I can give you advice," Henry readily agreed.
"Really? That's wonderful, I'm so grateful, Henry," Dick said happily.
Henry also intended to befriend these upper-class youths.
Just hearing their surnames—like "Senma," "Adams," "Livingston," and so on—many could be traced back to those involved in drafting the Declaration of Independence.
Even if they were likely just branches of branches, or even mere wastrels.
Henry had no prejudice against wastrels; sometimes they could be the best partners—at least they wouldn't constantly ask questions, check reports, or verify warehouses.
While Henry was socializing, on the second floor of a luxurious manor on New York's Upper East Side.
A fourteen or fifteen-year-old girl named Fiona asked, "Alice, this Henry is the sheriff of Fresco Town. Do you know him?"
Alice, who was already annoyed, looked up at her sister in confusion.
"He's the sheriff of that small town in the West who single-handedly killed 68 sharpshooter train robbers! Haven't you read the newspaper these past two days?" Fiona asked, puzzled.
"Henry?" Alice took the two newspapers Fiona handed her.
After a moment, Alice looked up and said, "Henry is from a family that has been close with ours for generations; he's my best friend in the town."
"Really? That's wonderful! Henry looks so handsome, and I heard he'll be in New York in a couple of days. You absolutely must introduce him to me then," Fiona said, her face beaming with excitement.
"Fiona, watch your words. How old are you? What's with all this handsome talk?" Alice said, her face stern.
Fiona stuck out her tongue but still stared at Alice expectantly.
Alice said exasperatedly, "Henry is coming here this time to take me back to the town to visit Grandpa and Grandma. You'll definitely see him then."
"Wow! I want to visit Grandpa and Grandma too, Sister, can you tell Dad for me, please?" Fiona pleaded.
"If your grades are better, it's easy to go anywhere. For now, you go talk to Dad yourself; I can't help you," Alice said, lowering her head again to read the newspaper intently.
Fiona rolled her eyes and went downstairs sulkily.
As Alice read, she couldn't help but murmur to herself, "Is it really you, Henry? That's impossible! Your marksmanship isn't even as good as mine…"
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