Part III, Sensei's Testament (through 164) Summary

Sensei explains that when he received Soseki's initial letter, he was struggling to find a reason to live. In retrospect Sensei believes it is better Soseki did not visit, as telling his story would have meant Sensei could not go on and he was not ready to die at that time. Sensei reminds Soseki he once looked on him in amusement, believing his views showed off his youth and inexperience. Only when Soseki earnestly said he wanted to learn from life itself, did Sensei begin to respect him. With words of warning that Soseki will now descend into the world of moral darkness, Sensei begins his life's tale.

Sensei is almost twenty years old when orphaned. Before Sensei's mother passes on, she asks her brother-in-law to take care of Sensei, their only child. Sensei's uncle...