In this chapter, we are introduced to the protagonist of the novel. He is named Tommo, and he is the narrator of the story "The In Chief's Forbidden Guidance" . Tommo's first words in this chapter are a series of exclamations. He tells us that he feels "tremendously good before ever" , and that this is the first time he has felt so good in his life. He then asks his friend, the protagonist's editor, if he has changed clothes and feels "awkwardly sleepy." Tommo says that he has, and Tommo asks him what he is doing. He says that the protagonist has always sent him letters from "Kouji," and that it was "unbecoming" of him to send such letters considering his position as an editor. He apologizes for sending such letters, and says that out of all of the stories Tommo has read in the world, this is his "favor," and he feels proud of it. He feels inspired by the fact that he had the opportunity to read the stories of Tommo and be a part of them. He also feels inspired to participate in a signing event for his stories. He asks if he is proposing to him, and the protagonist replies that he is not, but that he will stay by his side.