The unprepossessing samurai who has only ever attracted notice when he was seen meditating over calligraphy walks quietly into Lord Takeda's audience room and bows.

"My lord," he begins, in an unexpectedly firm voice, and his shoulders seem to straighten and broaden. "Having disobeyed your orders, I stand before you in dishonour and await your mercy. Yet first, I claim the right as your faithful shinobi to place my life in the balance, and in so doing tip the scales towards the protection of your person to which I am sworn, and the ultimate victory over your enemies that is your destiny.

There are few enough of your loyal followers left that we may now strike with the knowledge I have gained, poor though it is. To delay further might bring more rewards, but I am sure that my death was always imminent and to go silent to the grave would have handed triumph to the wolves. Thus I reveal myself, attending you despite your order to stay at home, and gladly embrace whatever fate your decree.

Our enemies are careful, and whereas my investigations have been thorough, I know that some of them can hide their intent even from such as I. My lord, you must examine some of my conclusions through that clouded glass, but doubt not that most of what I have to say will be paid for by my blood, and thus my words are iron.

Hisao Mayurama (Quintus.JC) is one of the ninja and should be executed immediately. I have seen him stained with blood and fresh from last night's kill.

It is to my shame that this is the only firm evidence of guilt I have gleaned, but I am sure of the innocence and loyalty of the following men still alive:


Beskar
Generalhankerchief
Sasaki Kojiro
Seamus Fermanagh
Stephen Asen
Tristan de Castelreng
glyphz
Gobbledegook

And those that have perished:

Crazed Rabbit
Reenk Roink
Sigurd
TinCow
Gregoshi

Finally, it is most imperative that you execute Quintus.JC immediately, but then urgently consider the dispatch of Gamo Ujisato (KukriKhan). I have no evidence against him save that he evaded my investigations in a most unusual manner and has been carefully active in directing the yashiki's votes. I believe he has discovered me, and twice now has, with the subtlety of the spider, sought to place me into harms' way. I firmly believe he is the ninja master.

I have done my duty, though not your will, and I shall continue in your service until you see fit to ask me to watch the dawn for the last time, or your enemies deny me that last joy."