Ryuji's pursuit of glory deeply affects Noboru. For the thirteen-year-old Noboru, Ryuji is a hero, a "luminous evidence of the internal order of life". Noboru is therefore determined to protect the glorious image of Ryuji after he witnesses Ryuji making love with his mother ""If this is ever destroyed, it'll mean the end of the world." Noboru murmured, barely conscious. "I guess I'd do anything to stop that, no matter how awful!"" Noboru's obsession with Ryuji and the idea of glory he represents ultimately lead to Ryuji's murder.