In the table of contents of this English-written novel, there are altogether 27 chapters in which we would find no chapter number inside; instead each starting with a seemingly Japanese-style, sword-related drawing followed by a phrase. For instance, presumably Chapter 1 A great rustling behind him. …, 2 Watching from the shadows. …, 3 The honor of being chosen. …, etc. (p. 13, 19, 25) so I could not help finding such a chapter style mysteriously exciting and I enjoyed reading since the beginning. However, I could keep reading it about two-thirds then my focus started to wane due to its obscure characters, plot, climax, etc. In short, it is like being in a surreal myth till I wondered if the author’s writing style is a kind of Zen myth uniquely presented to his readers in this genre.
Therefore, I think these three-part extracts taken form the last episode, that is, Chapter 27 And become what I am. . would help to illustrate my point:
Every evening of the next two years, the young Daimyo entered the Tunnel with a bundle of wood, built the fire, laid aside his clothes and greeted the Enemy with the six syllables of hate: “Still digging up your dead?” Then the two worked steadily through the night.
There was talk at first, then only some. Then none. Very little can be said with words.
It was the fourth month of the thirteenth year with Spring still timid on the slopes. The big man looked over at his young executioner and said, “Tomorrow morning at the Hour of the Ram.”
“Tomorrow morning what?”
“It will be done.”
“Maybe. There has been a change in the sound of the rock.” (pp. 155-156)
…
The big man looked at him: “I’m not forcing you to do anything.” The young Daimyo burst out, “But you know I must! You know I will!”
The big man went to him, took him by his arms and laid his cheek upon the young head. He spoke soothingly: “I know and I’m glad you can’t forgive. It becomes you and gives meaning to your dream of goodness.”
The young man pulled away: “Damn you, don’t say this holy trash! You can’t woo me from my Vow!”
“I wouldn’t want to.” (p. 157)
…
The Ronin walked to the fire: “No, let’s have the duel and get it over.”
The young voice was loud with anger: “I can’t finish this alone! It’s not my work!”
“It’s anyone’s. Let them,” and he began to walk away. “Bring the swords and let’s get out of here. It might cave in.”
The young Daimyo didn’t move: “But you can’t just leave it like this! Come back here and I’ll help. Time’s cheap.”
The big figure was striding naked toward the other light: “Not mine! No more! Not me!”
The young man screamed after him: “But you can’t leave a thing like this undone! It’s wrong not to finish what you start!”
And the big voice echoed from a vast distance in the dark, “The hell with it!” (pp. 158-159)