Runaway Horses (1969) is the second novel in Yukio Mishima's monumental tetralogy, The Sea of Fertility. This gripping narrative delves into the life of Isao Iinuma, a charismatic young right-wing extremist deeply disillusioned with modern Japan and its perceived moral decay. Isao, who believes in a return to traditional samurai values, leads a secret society plotting a coup d'état aimed at restoring imperial power and purging the nation of corruption. Mishima masterfully explores themes of political fanaticism, the pursuit of an idealized past, the tragic consequences of unwavering conviction, and the blurred lines between honor and violence. The novel serves as a profound reflection on Japanese society's struggle with identity in the post-war era, culminating in a powerful and controversial climax that resonates with Mishima's own real-life actions.