Yes. It seems the supply lines are not the only thing that was under that individual's control. Extortion is fairly common in these circles, naturally.

[Matoba raises his glass to his lips. It's practically empty, but he gets the last few drops of chocolate greedily, and it serves as a conveniently block in case anyone tried to read his lips.] "Kane Guma" ... [He sets the glass back down again.] That name holds a particular meeting in the legends where I come from.

But that's about all I can tell you in present company. It would be bad for clan business if any of them caught wind of this sort of discussion. [Matoba leans forward again.] But do remember this: as I said, humanity once relied on the kami, and the kami required our worship to survive.

In the modern era, humanity's faith barely persists. Then, where could such power be drawn from...?

[He leans back again, and puts his hands on the arms of the chair as if to stand.] That is the key, I think.