例によってとは
忍び込むと
4
As per habit, I steal into the Kaneda residence.
"As per habit," at this point, should require no explanation. Take "often" and square it, and you have "as per habit." Having done something once, one wants to do it again. Having given it two tries, one desires a third. Inquisitiveness is hardly unique to humans. Cats too, it must be acknowledged, are born into this world possessing this same psychological prerogative. Only after the third time does the term "habit" apply, and by that point, just as with humans, the deed is ingrained in one's routine. Before answering as to why I choose to frequent the Kaneda residence, let me pose a question. Why do humans draw in smoke through their mouths and expel it from their nostrils? It doesn't fill their bellies, and it does nothing for the circulatory system, yet they continue, without hesitation or shame, to drink in and blow out. In light of this, no human should reprove my comings and goings at the Kaneda's. The Kaneda residence is my tobacco.
The term "steal into" might be misconstrued. It's a term applied to thieves, adulterers, and the like. I'm certainly not an invited guest of the Kaneda's. At the same time, I'm not there to pilfer bonito, nor am I there to conspire with the dog, that little thing with the spasmodic, crunched-up face. -- What then? Private eye? -- Absolutely out of the question. Of all the vile professions in this world, private eye and loanshark round out the bottom. I did on one occasion, on Kangetsu's behalf, show chivalry unbecoming of a cat and reconnoiter the Kaneda's. That was one time only though, and my actions since are firmly in keeping with feline integrity. -- Why, then, use "steal into," a dubious term? -- There's good reason. The heavens were formed, as I see it, to cover all things. Likewise, the land was formed to support all things. -- Even humans, who love to quibble no end, cannot deny this truth.