One Hour

2024-04-25

Author: Pencil Dancing

Time passed second by second, and before long, many Assassins had gathered in the hall.

Although the many Assassins present were talking among themselves, their eyes never strayed from Charlotte Doyle's table.

Seeing that almost everyone had arrived, Charlotte stood and walked toward the large bounty mission screen.

As Charlotte Doyle rose, he drew everyone's attention. Their gazes followed him as he moved.

He climbed the steps and stopped before the bounty screen. Pointing his Kunai at the bounty posted by Sloan, Charlotte Doyle said:

"The Continental Hotel gathers eighty percent of New York's Assassins. Who knows how many people have gathered in this mission hall today?"

"I know many of you came here for this bounty mission."

Charlotte Doyle paused, then said in a booming voice, "I, Charlotte Doyle, am telling you today—telling every assassin in New York—that this is Sloan's provocation against me. Last night, the Brotherhood of Assassins was destroyed by my hand!"

Charlotte Doyle's gaze swept across everyone present. The moment some Assassins met his eyes, they placed their hats over their chests in respect. Those without hats placed their right hands over their left chests to show their respect for Charlotte Doyle. This was the treatment a Legendary Assassin deserved.

But there were also some whose eyes flickered and darted away under Charlotte's gaze. They did not know what the Brotherhood of Assassins was, but they dreamed of becoming famous overnight by stepping over the corpses of Charlotte and the others to claim the bounty.

After scanning the crowd, Charlotte continued, "The existence of this bounty remains a provocation against me. I, Charlotte Doyle, respect The Continental Hotel's Rules, so I will not demand that the bounty be taken down. But I want to tell you—tell every bastard interested in this bounty."

"One hour from now, I will leave The Continental Hotel. At the three-way intersection outside the hotel, I will wait for those who want the bounty. I, Charlotte, will show no mercy and spare no one. Anyone who dares attack me will be killed without exception."

"But this is your only chance. Before six o'clock this evening, every assassin may make a move. I will target only those who attack. After evening falls, if anyone dares make a move against me or the employees of Charlotte Agency, then whether it is the gang behind you or your family—"

"They will all face destruction!"

Charlotte's voice was firm and forceful. Especially when he spoke those final two words, he completely released his Killing Intent, and an aura of murder filled the mission hall.

The many Assassins, who already lived on the edge of life and death, all felt a chill shoot from the soles of their feet to the tops of their heads.

Ginny watched Charlotte Doyle speak before the bounty mission, her eyes full of admiration. This man was so manly, so charismatic. She liked him so much.

Seeing that the Assassins had understood his meaning, Charlotte emphasized the one-hour deadline once more, then stepped down and returned to his seat.

Only after Charlotte Doyle returned did the mission hall resume its usual bustle. The many Assassins pulled out their phones and began sending messages.

Some Assassins feared they would not explain things clearly enough, so they made calls directly. They wanted to spread Charlotte Doyle's words.

In particular, the news that Charlotte Doyle had wiped out the Brotherhood of Assassins was the most important part of what they spread.

After returning to the others, Charlotte Doyle glanced at the smitten Ginny and said, "Later, we'll wait for them together at the three-way intersection outside The Continental Hotel. If anyone makes a move, kill them."

After looking at Iruka and the other two Shinobi, Charlotte turned to Ginny and said, "I'm not worried about the three of them. You, on the other hand, put on a bulletproof vest later and bring plenty of ammunition. I don't want anything happening to you."

Charlotte was somewhat helpless about how the Brotherhood of Assassins never wore Bulletproof Vests. Their shooting was good, but when a real fight broke out, stray bullets had no eyes. With Ginny's strength, she was still somewhat at risk.

Ginny patted her leather jacket and said, "The Continental Hotel's latest custom-made bulletproof model."

After examining Ginny's bulletproof vest, Charlotte thought for a moment before continuing, "Iruka, the three of you will form a swastika formation later and protect Ginny."

As far as Charlotte was concerned, this show of strength could only succeed, never fail.

More importantly, he could not allow any casualties in his team. He wanted to resolve this matter perfectly.

Hearing Charlotte's orders, Iruka, Rock Lee, and Sasuke Uchiha all agreed and told Charlotte not to worry.

Charlotte glanced at the many busy Assassins in the hall, took out his phone, pulled up Winston's number, and called him.

"Winston, I need The Continental Hotel to provide a service. Seal off the area outside the hotel, within a five-hundred-meter radius of the three-way intersection, for six hours. No one except Assassins may pass through."

Anyone who appeared outside the hotel later would be Charlotte's enemy. Once the time came, he would simply charge in and kill them.

Winston, who was currently on the top floor of the hotel, pondered for a moment before saying, "Charlotte, from twelve o'clock to six o'clock, The Continental Hotel can provide the lockdown service for those six hours."

"But it will cost ten Gold Coins!"

Hearing the price of ten Gold Coins, Charlotte had no objection and accepted Winston's offer.

Just as Charlotte hung up, a man walked over. It was none other than John Wick.

"Charlotte, do you really not need my help?"

"Six hours isn't a short period of time. It's even enough for Assassins from outside New York State to fly over."

Clearly, John had also heard the news and rushed over immediately. He wanted to help the man before him, not only because he wanted to reclaim the Blood Pact Badge, but also because he wanted to repay the debt of saving his life.

"John, trust me. I can handle this myself!" Charlotte refused John's goodwill.

For Charlotte, this matter was not merely about establishing his authority. He also needed to display his strength through it and add another bargaining chip for securing a seat at the High Table later.

Seeing Charlotte's determination, John said nothing further, but neither did he leave The Continental Hotel.

He would wait here. On one hand, he wanted to see the outcome. On the other, if Charlotte failed, he could provide immediate aid.

Time passed second by second.

Before long, the hour was nearly over.

Charlotte led Ginny and the other four toward the exit of The Continental Hotel.

The many Assassins in the hotel watched the group leave.

When Charlotte stepped out of the hotel entrance and saw the bustling street before him, he cursed under his breath, "There really are quite a few people who don't know what's good for them."

Arriving on the street across from the hotel, Charlotte checked his watch. One minute remained.

"Prepare for battle!"

When the hands pointed to twelve o'clock, the next moment—

"Sharingan, activate!"

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