Watanabe Genji Tsuna on a Horse in the Rain

This image recounts the tale of a famous 10th-century samurai who vows to defeat a demon demon that took up residence in Kyoto’s main entrance gate, known as Rashōmon. For years on end the demon had been killing and eating travelers trying to the city, which at the time was the capital. We see Watanabe in full regalia, looking fiercely resolute, and carrying a sign meant to challenge the demon. The red pillar of the gate is just barely visible in the upper right corner of the image. Viewers who familiar with the story would have known that the demon was nearby in this moment, probably preparing to attack Watanabe. Yoshitoshi shows us the moment just before the defining action of the story, merely foreshadowing at the story’s climax.
For all of its remarkable detail, the most striking aspect of this image is that the our view of Watanabe and the gate itself is obscured by rain. This remarkable effect has been achieved by printing with a separate plate over the image using some areas of glossy lacquer-like ink that reflects light to create a special visual effect.

Why do you think the artist chooses to show the moment just before the major action? Could it be to stimulate viewers to retell the story themselves?