A letter to certain Samurai in the Clans

[Kasuga Shinobu]

The following letter is sent to very certain samurai, mostly those with underworld connections, merchant connections, gaijiin connections, or connections with the minor clans, peasantry or Otosan Uchi.

Dear Samurai of Rokugan,

Many of you know me from my travels, though most of you may not know me personally. Many of you have worked out trade deals with the minor clan alliance via deals I have sent you, or have had problems worked out via help I have had arranged. It honors me that so many of you have allowed me to work out problems and help for you all.

This war wears on us all. The Tortoise are servants of the Son of Heaven and not worthy of dedicating anything to helping out with its conclusion. None the less, it is true that the Tortoise must still do as we always have. We will still trade with other clans, and should any of your clans need a deal worked out, the Tortoise will do what we can to get what is needed, in as impartial a matter as possible.

Many of you have connections that the empire would deem strange, unnecessary, even blasphemous. However, the empire always has need of such things, such people. The more we keep track of such people and organizations, the better we can exploit them and use them for the good of the Empire.

Your servant,
Kasuga Shinobu

[Tamori Manji]

On a rainy afternoon, a weary messenger with a letter addressed to Kasuga Shinobu arrives at Kyuden Kasuga. It is sealed with green wax, shaped like a fox, and it bears a clever magical ward that makes it appear blank to anyone but Shinobu. In the parchment, it can be read in a fine calligraphy:

Esteemed Kasuga Shinobu-sama,

my name is Manji and I represent certain individuals from various Clans, whose interest is to avoid certain problems brought upon the Empire by this senseless civil war. A contact of mine mentioned your generous offer and, once I broached the subject with my associates, they all agreed that we could make good use of the unique services the Tortoise can provide.

As such, it would be a great honor if we could be received as guests within your walls to enjoy a much needed respite from these arduous events and discuss business. I assure you that neither me nor my associates wish to bring your esteemed House into this war, for neutrality is right now both your shield and a major asset.

I beg your pardon for not revealing the names of my associates, but, as their Clans are involved in both sides of the war, doing so, even in a letter, could hurt their interests. I am currently inbound to Toshi Ranbo, where I will meet some of them, and I expect to arrive in your lands within a week or two.

Again I ask for your pardon, patience and comprehension, for I cannot offer you a sure date, mainly because war is being waged outside the walls of the Imperial Capital and traveling unmolested is becoming increasingly difficult. I will certainly arrive in the company of one or two of my associates and, until then, I bid you good health and thank you sincerely for your offer.

Faithfully,

Manji

[Kasuga Shinobu]

A letter of reply catches Manji inside the capital, brought by an old, poor, traveling monk who catches no eyes and says nothing as he hands over the simple scroll. Inside however, the calligraphy is demure, light, lovely to behold.

Manji-sama,

You do me far too much honor with your consideration. I am hardly your sama, and I blush thinking that you might consider myself so. I received your letter in good time, and your travels to such a humble place as this will be something that the entire tortoise will be humbled by.

Have no mind on your companions, I realize the situation the empire is under. The Tortoise know how to keep a secret. What comes into the halls of this Yashiki will not leave it. I await your arrival as you will.

Your humble servant,
Kasuga Shinobu