The Decay of the Angel - Yukio Mishima

deception as its starting point, authority can only
sustain itself by spreading deception. It’s like a germ
culture. The more we resist, the greater are its powers
of endurance and propagation. And before we know it
we have the germs in ourselves.”
They left the Renoir and had a bowl of noodles
nearby. Tōru found it far more appetizing than a
dinner with his father and all those dishes.
As he ate, eyes narrowed against the steam, Tōru
was measuring the degree of danger in his relations
with this student. He could not doubt that there was
sympathy between them. But somehow the harmony
was muted. It was possible that Furusawa had been
hired by Honda to test Tōru. He knew that after one of
these expeditions Furusawa presented a report on
where they had been and a bill for his expenses.
Honda had of course asked that he do so.
They passed the Kōrakuen again on their way
back, and again Furusawa suggested a ride in the
teacups. Tōru assented, knowing that Furusawa
wanted a ride. The teacups were just inside the gate.
No other customers appeared, and presently, with
reluctance, the attendant turned on the switch for just
the two of them.
Tōru got into a green cup, and Furusawa chose a
pink cup a considerable distance off. They were