[4] Set during and shortly after World War II, Goichi, a young Buddhist acolyte, is interrogated after burning down the Shukaku Pavilion in Kyoto.

Another flashback occurs with Togari, who has a crippled leg, discussing Goichi's academic decline at the Kotani University and his love for ancient temples.

During a scripture reading, the kōan of Nanquan and the cat is discussed, in which monks from the east and west halls fight over custody of a stray kitten.

After the reading, Goichi discovers a pin-up photo of a geisha inside Tayama's study book.

Togari's ikebana teacher listens on the conversation, and after learning of his previous relationship with Ranko, she smashes a vase of flowers on his floor.

Feeling misunderstood, and disillusioned by the monks' secular behavior, Goichi sets fire to the pavilion.