novel introduces us to Kenji, who starts his journey on a rainy night, reflecting on encounters with a mysterious woman and fellow companions. The tone is set through rich descriptions of the environment, portraying a sense of introspection and unease. Kenji is confronted with discussions of societal pressures, personal desires, and the discontent that lingers in his life. Through interactions with his friend Oda, the text reveals their contrasting perspectives on responsibility, ambition, and personal vices, hinting at their struggles to find meaning in their existence in a rapidly changing world. Overall, the initial chapters provide a glimpse into Kenji's character and the conflicts he faces, establishing a foundation for further exploration of these themes throughout the novel. (This is an automatically generated summary.)