Part of Kaizan Nakazato's reticence in allowing his book to be translated into English had to do with the moral complexity and the extremely idiosyncratic Japanese mores reflected in the story. He was even more disparaging of the theatrical and film versions of his story that were already appearing in the late 1920's.
I think that this 1966 film comes as close to representing the book as is likely to be seen, but even so it leaves many questions that most reviewers will never be able to understand, I'm afraid. I wouldn't even say that I do.
Hama was technically Bunnojo's fiance; she had entered his household as his intended bride, but their final vows were dependant on Bunnojo's assention within his dojo upon winning his match with Ryunosuke. For her to have visited her betrothed's opponant privately in any case would have been grounds for divorce, but her words opened a door through which Ryunosuke could not only take advantage of her, but establish dominance over Bunnojo as well. He shamed him into a corner from which he had to abuse the sanctity of the match by attempting to avenge a private grudge.
From the beginning of the match, it was apparent to all watching it that it was a deadly serious duel rather than a competiton of sword styles. Ryunosuke's kamae, or posture, is known as gedan no kamae, the lower guard position, and is an extremely aggressive one. It invites attack, but with the attitude of attacking first. As the shimpan called the draw--since neither opponant was able to attack without being struck and the hostility was obvious to all--Bunnojo's rage incited him to attempt tsuki, a thrust to the throat. It is a very difficult technique to execute, but one of the few effective attacks agaist gedan. Unforunately for him, and as he well knew, Ryunosuke was a swordsman of superior talent, and was able to counter with harai-men, bringing his boken--for they were both using wooden swords--up to deflect Bunnojo's blade and smacked him squarely in the middle of his forehead, shattering his skull. Bunnojo was dead when he hit the floor.
Yes, it was clearly self-defense against a lethal attack, which was made after the shimpan had decided the match was a draw. But the violation to the sanctity of the match by bringing a private quarrel into it, and the improriety of Ryunosuke's actions overall put him clearly in the wrong. That Bunnojo behaved badly as well doesn't exhonorate him.
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