“It was the age of the samurai, the hereditary warriors whose code required one’s every action to be guided by loyalty, courage, and honor.”

This line establishes the novel’s setting and one of its most significant elements: the samurai and their code of conduct. That the samurai rank is hereditary instead of based on merit or specific talents is also important to Seikei’s story, because the caste system is so rigid and, as his character arc suggests, so flawed. Finally, the most important aspects of samurai behavior—loyalty, courage, and honor—are foregrounded, emphasizing how culturally meaningful they are.

“Inside the kago was a boy about to become a man, about to step inside his dreams.”

This line, the final sentence of the Preface, foreshadows the conclusion of Seikei’s story. Although there will be many obstacles ahead of Seikei—confusion, disappointment, and even fear—this line signifies that Seikei will be rewarded for his honor and his dream of being a samurai.

“He knew that if a samurai drew his sword, he was obliged by honor to use it.”

The Importance of Honor is a central value in Seikei’s society and suggests the cultural significance of bushido, or the way of the warrior. Seikei is very familiar with these rules, and this familiarity helps him to understand the interactions he observes and to guide his own choices.