Answer: "The Seventh Man" is a short story by Haruki Murakami, and it doesn't provide a clear answer as to whether the protagonist, the seventh man, is guilty for his friend's death. The story revolves around a traumatic childhood experience where the protagonist and his six friends witness a devastating tsunami, and the seventh man, paralyzed by fear, doesn't help his drowning friend. The friend dies in the tsunami, and the seventh man carries a burden of guilt and trauma for the rest of his life.
Whether the seventh man is guilty is open to interpretation and can vary from reader to reader. Some may argue that he is guilty of not helping his friend when he had the chance, while others may argue that he was a child overwhelmed by fear and not morally responsible for the tragedy.
Murakami often explores themes of guilt, trauma, and the complex nature of human emotions and relationships in his works. "The Seventh Man" is no exception, leaving readers to grapple with the moral and emotional implications of the protagonist's actions. Ultimately, it's a story that prompts reflection rather than providing a definitive answer about guilt or innocence.