Expelled from university over his suicide pact, Yozo makes his living as a cartoonist. He has become a man whom women fall for, but not a famous artist, as Takeichi predicted. Disowned by his family, Yozo lives with Flatfish in the quarters above his antique shop, on a secret allowance that they send to Flatfish directly. Yozo lives under Flatfish’s angry scrutiny, as if he were going to commit suicide at any moment. Confined to a small room, Yozo has no energy for anything. Yozo’s only correspondent is a 17-year-old boy, Flatfish’s illegitimate son, who lectures him as if he were incompetent.

One evening, at dinner, Flatfish questions Yozo about the future. He offers Yozo help—if Yozo takes the initiative to change his life. Unable to comprehend Flatfish’s guarded offer, Yozo fails to realize that he would be offered financial support were he to do something productive, such as reenroll in school. Yozo suspects that this would have changed his life for the better.

The next day, Yozo runs away. He leaves a note telling Flatfish that he is visiting a friend to think things over, and he will return the next day. He visits Horiki.