After giving Ivan Vanko a final set of instructions, Ginny and her team arrived at the entrance of the New York Continental.
The doorman pulled open the car door. Ginny stepped out first, followed by Wesley and Ivan Vanko. Seeing the Secretary arrive with them, Winston noted her absence earlier with a quiet realization: No wonder I haven't seen her around until now.
"Secretary Ginny, Adjudicator Wesley," Winston greeted. "The Elder is waiting for you in the upstairs conference room."
Ginny didn't lead everyone in immediately. Instead, she turned to Winston. "Winston, please look after Ivan Vanko for a moment. I'll message you when it's time to bring him to the meeting."
Vanko stepped forward, extending a rough hand toward Winston. "I am Ivan Vanko."
Winston took the hand in a brief, professional grip. "Winston. Hotel Manager."
With Vanko settled in the lounge, Ginny, Wesley, and their tactical teams headed for the elevators. Seeing that all of Hayate's Adjudicators had finally gathered, Winston turned back toward the hotel interior.
"Mr. Vanko, if you'll follow me to the seating area."
Inside the conference room, Hayate sat at the head of the circular table.
To his left sat the ninja contingent, led by Shizune. The seating order followed: Shizune, Iruka, Rock Lee, Uchiha Sasuke, and Uzumaki Naruto. Originally, Iruka was meant to take the lead, but feeling his strength was inferior to Shizune's, he had deferred the first seat to her.
To his right were the Adjudicators. The order was: Ginny, John Wick, Carlos, and Wesley. Behind each of the three men stood four armed subordinates.
When Ginny walked in and saw a new child wearing a headband, her internal tension spiked. She didn't ask about Naruto immediately, but she certainly didn't underestimate him. Having seen Sasuke and Lee in action, she knew better than to judge Hayate's recruits by their age.
Hayate waited for everyone to settle before speaking. "Since everyone is here, let's skip the pleasantries. We'll start the meeting immediately."
He turned his gaze toward John Wick. "John, you handled the Morocco Continental. Tell us about the progress there."
John opened a notebook and began his report with his characteristic precision. "Elder, I was responsible for the Morocco branch's Recovery Room. In the past month, we have successfully established its reputation. It has become famous throughout Morocco. It's no longer just Continental assassins; high-profile individuals injured in other circumstances are seeking treatment at the hotel."
"With the pricing set at 2 gold coins plus $100,000, we've seen 180 visitors this month—averaging six people a day. After the hotel's cut, our net profit is 180 gold coins and $18 million."
John noted that overall hotel business was up 10% because assassins from other cities were traveling to Morocco specifically for the healing services. He placed a briefcase on the table and flipped it open, revealing the gleaming coins and a black bank card. "This is the month's revenue."
Hayate nodded. "Hand it over to Secretary Ginny for processing."
Following John, Carlos, Wesley, and Iruka (handling New York) gave their reports:
- London: 150 gold coins, $15 million.
- Moscow: 160 gold coins, $16 million.
- New York: 210 gold coins, $21 million.
The Recovery Rooms had generated a total of 700 gold coins and $70 million in just one month. While gold coins were a simple commodity for Hayate—who now controlled the minting facilities in the U.S.—the $70 million in cash was a very satisfying figure.
"John, Carlos, Wesley," Hayate announced. "As of today, you are recalled to New York. You will still oversee the Recovery Rooms in your respective regions, but you are no longer required to be stationed there. A monthly visit to collect revenue will suffice."
"As you command, Lord Hayate!" the three replied in unison.
The news of a full recall sparked quiet speculation among the Adjudicators. They sensed that Hayate was preparing for a major move.
After discussing the progress of the base construction, the agency's rebuild, and the recruitment of new security personnel, Hayate moved to the final item. Ginny leaned in. "Boss, the mechanic Wesley recommended... we brought him with us. Would you like to see him now?"
Hayate nodded. "Bring him in, Ginny."
He didn't dismiss the others. He wanted the entire inner circle to see the future Whiplash, Ivan Vanko.
Ginny sent a quick text. Minutes later, Winston looked up from his phone in the lounge and stood. "The Elder will see you now, Ivan. Follow me."