Kaneka-sama,

You will not remember me, lord Shogun, for I have never had the privilege of fighting in your legions. When your first army was amassed, I was yet young, and charged with the defense of Shiro Akodo while my lord Ginawa-sama was abroad. I have ever been a great admirer of yours, and my joy at the appointment of our new Emperor some years ago was greatly muted by the knowledge that you were disbanding your forces and joining the Phoenix Clan, as I feared I would never have the chance to serve alongside you.

But enough sentiment, I know you do not have the taste for it. Your advisor Heigai can tell you that I share a great passion for efficient, direct measures, a passion that has served me well since assuming command of the Akodo family and the forces currently deployed near the City of the Rich Frog. I understand that you have a similar philosophy of war, as does my lord Matsu Nimuro. I have recently found myself worrying for Nimuro-sama’s health, however, as he has seemed increasingly distant and temperamental of late.

Nimuro-sama has of course dismissed any speculation regarding his health, so great is his devotion to the Lion’s cause. One of my finest tacticians was foolish enough to question one of Nimuro’s decisions. The Champion demanded the Ikoma’s seppuku, of course, as was fitting. Afterwards, perhaps in recognition of the man’s years of service, Nimuro altered his battle plan to fall in line with the dead man’s suggestions, though I have no doubt his original plan was perfect in every respect.

Though I may be a family daimyo, it is not my place to question my lord. Were I to do so, Nimuro would demand my death just as quickly as he did my officer’s, and I would not deny him that service. I am concerned, however. You are a man of great power and influence, greater even than the Golden Lion. You have known Nimuro for many years. You are, by Ginawa’s own words, an excellent judge of character. If your services to the Emperor should bring you through Lion lands, I pray that you might take a moment to visit your old friend, Nimuro, and determine for yourself if the war has begun to tax him more than he admits.

Akodo Shigetoshi