I write to you from an inn in the lands of the Crane. It has been weeks since we last spoke. I thought you may wish to know your friend is well. In body, if not in spirit.

I still track the maho-tukai that Tainted my family and brought shame to us all. I spent months seeking out the darkness in my homeland, but never thought to look for it at home. I begin to wonder if I truly deserve to take the name of Isawa.

But that is not important right now. What is important is that I am one step closer to the maho-tsukai. I have received a very important clue. I KNOW HIS NAME!! Allow me to relate the story.

Just two days before my arrival here, I passed through a village where I stopped for rest and nourishment. I met a tsukai-sagasu from the Crab lands. We talked for a short time about our encounters (he was quite friendly, not at all like the tales of the famed Kuni witch-hunters I had heard). I asked him what brought him to the Crane lands.

"A maho-tsukai I have been hunting. He shouldn't be hard to find. I hear he is missing an arm, not exactly something easy to hide," he chuckled. At this point, our conversation became deadly serious.

"This maho-tsukai. Have you heard where he was last seen?" I asked.

"Why so interested, young Phoenix?"

I was blunt. "I seek the man who forced me to slaughter my family. Or what was left of it." I told him of the encounter in the clearing.

He looked on me with respect. "You are either favoured by the Fortunes or the luckiest man I know. I have been a tsukai-sagasu for ten years, and I'm not sure I would be able to take on 4 maho-tsukai and a foul Oni! Tell me, did you see this maho-tsukai's face?" I told him, sadly, that his face was unknown to me, as mere shadow under a hood. "Too bad, too bad. I will tell you this to aid you in your hunt. This maho-tsukai you speak of is known to me. I have been hunting him for close to a year now. He was once a member of the Iuchi family. Why or when he turned to maho is unknown to me. But I can tell you the name he goes by now - Shibo."

"Have you learned where this Shibo may be now?" I asked, trying not to let my desparation show.

"In truth, I have two possible locations. It is fortunate that I found you, for perhaps we can help each other. I do not believe that Shibo has been able to pick up any new apprentices, as he has been on the move contantly for the last few days. He did stay at an inn near here. One of the locals over-heard him say he was looking to contant a friend, but he could not remember if he heard where. He heard a family name mentioned, but not clearly. He knew that it was either Kitsu or Kitsuki."

My voice low, I asked him, "Where do you wish me to go?"

"Truthfully, Mitaka-san, I do not know which one is the more likely. Where do you feel you should go?"

"If you do not mind, friend, I will take the Kitsu. I have had dealings in the past with the Lion, and would gladly help take the darkness from their lands."

"Very well. I will go to the lands of the Kitsuki. My decision made for me, I must leave. Sayonara, Mitaka-san. May you find the honour you believe you have lost."

And with that, Ryuka-san, he was gone. I left immedeately for the lands of the Kitsu. I should reach the Crane/Lion border by tomorrow, and then on to Kyuden Ikoma. I have an friend there who may be able to help me.

May the Fortunes guide me to my destiny. Whatever that may be.