On one hand we sympathize and on the other we are appalled. In a way we share Kaneda's relationship with Tetsuo, and want to see him saved. Moreover, we expect compassion to resurface in his character, and when it does not, we are left defenseless. In this case, it is the abruptness of malice that is disturbing, as it dismantles any logical framework we have to understand and deal with our fears.