In Chapter 26 of "Kafka on the Shore" by Haruki Murakami, we witness a surreal and somewhat comical encounter between Hoshino, a truck driver, and a character who introduces himself as Colonel Sanders. This episode adds a touch of magical realism to the novel, blending the ordinary with the extraordinary in a distinctly Murakami-esque fashion.
Hoshino, who has become Nakata's companion and helper, finds himself in the heart of Takamatsu city, where they are searching for an enigmatic stone. As he roams the city, he comes across a peculiar old man dressed as Colonel Sanders, the mascot of the famous fast-food chain, Kentucky Fried Chicken. At first, Hoshino is understandably skeptical and suspicious of the strange figure who claims to be a "concept," not a human, and insists on being called Colonel Sanders.
The Colonel, however, proves to have an extensive knowledge of their quest, revealing that he has been guiding Hoshino and Nakata on their journey. He informs Hoshino about the "entrance stone," a mysterious object that has the power to open a portal to another realm. The Colonel offers to help them locate the stone, but only if Hoshino agrees to follow his instructions unquestioningly.
This chance encounter between Hoshino and Colonel Sanders marks a significant turning point in the narrative. The character of Colonel Sanders, imbued with an air of mysticism and absurdity, serves as a catalyst for the story's progression, leading the protagonists further down the path of their intertwined fates.