All of this caused Kiyoaki constant pain. In comparison with Satoko’s public humiliation, however, he did not even have a slighting remark to contend with. And however acute his private agony, it was, after all, the torment of a coward.

“Anything can become excusable when seen from the standpoint of the result”

“The instant that the blade tore open his flesh, the bright disk of the sun soar…”

“The cynicism that regards hero worship as comical is always shadowed by a sense…”

“We are not wounded so deeply when betrayed by the things we hope for as when be…”