About a month ago someone or something began stalking and eliminating my best men. I lost 1 group of well trained infiltrators, never to be seen again. That did not seem all that odd, regrettable, but not overly unusual (I understand even the best slip up eventualy).

Not being one to take a hint, I redoubled my efforts to discover who was behind the latest batch of setbacks. The night after I paid a little bird to watch a meeting I was interested in, one of my most trusted couriers was found dead, his package stolen, (the loss of that gift in transit cost me a great deal of status). This would also be normal (and grounds for a full on war with the killer's boses), except for the calling card. My most trusted men are being found on their backs, arrayed as if for burial, with a white handkerchief covering the breast. Below the handkerchief is a perfectly circular hole that goes all the way through the chest. The only blood ever found on the scene is what little is found on the handkerchief, always exactly centered, and never exceeding the borders of the hole below it. The heart is never found.

Last week I recieved news that my penthouse in Tokyo was demolished by a "natural gas leak". Next I finally get a lead on the man who was moving into my territory, only to find out he is not a man. Then I hear of a theft at shrines that have always been "off limits" to anyone not pure of faith (my father said that McAurther visited them once and ordered they be left alone). Right after I make arrangements to get back to deal with this crisis, I am accosted by two men claiming to be federal agents. Now I must spend my time here while matters of actual importance happen In Tokyo. To top it all off I can't locate Master Li, and greatly desire to speak with him at length over my current endeavor.

I am a suspicious man by nature, but this seems just too untimely, too much for such a short span of time for it to all be coincidence. (now to figure out what parts are coincidence and which are related)

If you ask me they're all related. Then again I'm more paranoid than you.

I have too many that wish me ill to assume they are all related.

As soon as I hear back from the person I had get Master Li out of that town I will find out where they took Master Li and arrange to find him and inform him of your request to speak with him. Master Li was not doing to well there he may just be takeing his time to recover before he checks in.

Just had my teammate check in Master Li was fine when they left him. The reson it took so long for them to check in is that the car they were useing had a Break down at a inconvienent place. That is all the information I have at this time sorry.

Well whatever it is, it's not going after just my men anymore. Yamashita Kenjuro, a member of the SDF was found deada in exactly the same manner. As of this time Cpl. Yamashita is listed as "on unspecified deployment" by official records. No official reports filed, rather like the cases on my men.

again a white, rectangular handkerchief was found on the breast with a perfectly centered, perfectly formed circle of blood, being the only evidence of the wound beneath.

Honest, if odd question.

How much blood was lost from each victim in these cases? Is there a missing crime scene, or did such a wound only loose as much blood as the silk captured?

The only blood missing (and the reason I think nothing unusual has been reported) is that on the handkercheifs.

Another murder, again not one of mine, Hato Ryujin. He was a reasearcher in the field of hydrodynamics, a good man, a father, and a patriot (like his father, Shunroku).

Another day, another murder. This time Senpai Ishii Tarawama, the son of a doctor, and one of the countries formost experts on the biological effects of radiation exposure (nuclear and other).

With the pecularity of the wounds and the symbol made by the blood, I wonder if it perhaps some form of ritual killing. Perhaps I may learn more as I study teh list of victims more intently. (Those of mine that died were all able to trace family honor back to the meijii era or further, still looking into the others)

If the 1st day was any example I should be a free man by the start of the work week on monday.

Looks like I am now to be investigated for the dissapearance of one Sheriff Ben Holister. I might be detained for a bit longer.

(A shame really, I was looking forward to being able to play "The Great Game" with him in a civil manner.)

Ashikaga Hideoshi wrote:With the pecularity of the wounds and the symbol made by the blood, I wonder if it perhaps some form of ritual killing.

Symbols?! You said the magic word. If you want, I will look at the symbols. I study many symbols for many years. I not guarantee anything, but I will look at them.

Another day, yet another murder. Itagaki Kyujin, mid level business executive, was found dead last night of the same cause.

I want to post immediately.

Well, I find the pattern I think.

These men who have died, their ancestors were in trial for war crimes in the World War II.

The symbol. It surprisingly simple. I open my reference book and see it immediately. The bloody hankerchiefs are the flag of Japan.

Not sure what is the connection between these, however.

Ultranationalists on a rampage?

Holy shit, why didn't -I- think of that.

As you know, I'm over in Japan looking around. A lot of these guys are either WWII officers or are decendants of them. ...

Obviously I'm still a little behind.

Given who the dead are - I doubt it is any of the Ultra-nationals. Perhaps a message to other ultra nationals?

Welcome Back Master Li, you had a few of us worried. I am back home, do to the involvement of friends. As soon as this task is done I shall be turning as much of my rescources as possible to locating Mr. Holister. (I want him to have the chance to bring me down fair and square)

Another murder. Sonobe Takashi, a schoolteacher, was found dead on teh streets of Osaka. Same MO, same calling card.