A week had passed since the rescue of Brad, and three days since the High Table had formally recognized his new status.
During this week, Shiranui Hayate had continued his daily routines within the system. Through his sign-ins, he had accumulated a hoard of resources: two Ninjutsu Secret Scrolls, 10 Soul Jades, 50 bowls of Delicious Ramen, 400 Reputation points, 50,000 Copper Coins, and a Ninja Recruitment Scroll.
The group of six arrived in New York via a private charter from Casablanca. As the cabin door hissed open and Hayate prepared to step out, he was met by the sight of three pristine Rolls-Royces idling on the tarmac.
The Adjudicator stood waiting, holding a stark black umbrella against the light. As Hayate descended the stairs, she stepped forward with a practiced bow.
"Elder Hayate, please. Your car is waiting."
Hayate gave a subtle nod. He gestured for Hotaru to join him in the lead vehicle, while the other four—Iruka, Sasuke, Lee, and John Wick—distributed themselves among the remaining two cars.
As the convoy glided out of the airport, the Adjudicator produced a sleek briefcase. She clicked the latches open and presented it to Hayate.
"These are the gold coins of the Elder's office, your biometric verification card, and the Adjudicator coins provided by the High Table."
Inside the velvet lining sat iki unique gold coins.
"There are two Elder coins in total," she explained. "Should you visit any territory under the High Table's shadow, presenting one will grant you absolute, supreme service. No request is too great."
She pointed to the sleek card beside them. "This verification card contains your unique access code. You will need it to issue commands to the High Table Information Center. Whether it is Excommunicado, Deconsecration, bounties, or high-priority missions—your identity allows you to manipulate the network at will."
Finally, she gestured to a row of nine specific coins. "Here are nine Adjudicator coins. You may bestow these upon your subordinates, authorizing them as your personal Adjudicators. Their identities must be uploaded to the Archives for formal confirmation."
"According to the ancient laws of the Table, an Elder may only have nine Adjudicators. However," she added, "there is no limit on the number of messengers or generic subordinates you may employ."
Hayate picked up one of the Elder coins, turning the heavy, intricately minted gold over in his palm. The craftsmanship was exquisite. He slipped one into his pocket and looked at his companion.
"Hotaru, secure these."
Hotaru took the briefcase from the Adjudicator and placed it beside her with a quiet, professional efficiency.
Seeing the first exchange completed, the Adjudicator reached for a second, much heavier briefcase. When opened, it revealed a dense thicket of files and legal documents.
"Elder, the documents here are divided into three categories. The first concerns deeds and property."
"Elder Maktoum has transferred all his assets across the United States to you—estates, manors, training facilities, and armories."
"Regarding real estate," she continued, "there is at least one high-security property in each of the fifty states, established specifically as safe houses."
Hayate maintained a mask of indifference, though he was internally struck by the scale of the gift. Maktoum had promised a "generous reward" for sparing his life, but this was a staggering fortune. The man was certainly thorough; it seemed his decision to leave the old Elder alive was paying dividends.
The Adjudicator watched Hayate's calm demeanor with a growing sense of awe. To go from a mere assassin to an Elder and receive bundan fazlasını without so much as a flicker of emotion... his spirit is truly beyond the ordinary.
"The second set of files," she resumed, "pertains to the High Table Enforcers stationed in New York. This is a list of their names and dossiers. They number approximately eighty elite combatants, used to safeguard the Table's interests across the country. They are Maktoum's gift to you—loyal to the Table, and now, sworn to you. They will not betray."
Hayate nodded. "The Elder was thoughtful."
While he didn't rely on these "tools" for his core strength, having a standing army for administrative tasks and maintaining order was useful. He couldn't very well send Iruka or Sasuke to handle every minor dispute in the underworld. As for loyalty, he wasn't worried; they would remain on the periphery of his true operations, far from his core secrets.
"The third list," the Adjudicator concluded, "details the various criminal syndicates across America that fall under the Table's umbrella, including profiles on their leaders."
"Elder Hayate, because these are underground organizations, leadership changes frequently. It will be necessary for your secretary to perform regular updates through the Archive Center to keep your intelligence current."
Hayate smiled, the picture of a graceful leader. "Understood. I will ensure the information remains accurate."
"Hotaru, take custody of these as well. You will be handling these administrative matters from now on."
"Yes, Boss."
Hotaru replied, closing the case and setting it aside.
With the business concluded, the Adjudicator extended a hand toward Hayate.
"Congratulations, Mr. Shiranui Hayate, on becoming an Elder of the High Table."
Hayate shook her hand briefly. "The pleasure is shared. What are your plans? Will you be staying in New York, or...?"
"Once your inaugural banquet is concluded, I will return to Elder Maktoum's side to await further instructions," she replied.
"Your banquet will be held tomorrow afternoon. I will send a car for you. The venue is the New York Continental. At that time, every regional leader under the High Table's American jurisdiction will arrive to pledge their fealty and offer their blessings."
Hayate was pleased with the arrangement; it showed a level of respect that suited his new position. "Very well. I'll leave the banquet preparations in your hands."
The Rolls-Royce soon pulled up to the front of the Shiranui Agency on 71st Avenue in Forest Hills, Queens. Hayate and his team stepped out, returning to the familiar comfort of their headquarters.
The Adjudicator watched them disappear into the building, her mind swirling with complex emotions. Even though three days had passed since the news broke, seeing it in person made it feel real—and utterly impossible.
She had felt Hayate's power; his killing intent alone was enough to suffocate a person. Yet, the fact that he had seized a seat and Maktoum's entire American territory was a shock to the system.
The tradition of the High Table—where seats were passed down through bloodlines—had been shattered. Shiranui Hayate hadn't just joined the Table; he had broken the mold of history.