CHAPTER 83: CHAPTER 82: OUTLAW RAMPAGE GOES ONLINE_1

Shinjuku, Nishiochiai 1-chome 3-6.

The spacious residence bustled with activity today; since nine in the morning, several people had been busy setting up the venue. From the sign posted at the entrance for the "World Peace and Love Conference" to the white cloths hanging on the walls inside bearing the names of deities, it was clear that a religious ceremony was about to take place. Neighborhood residents passing by the entrance glanced a few times before frowning and walking away.

While quite a few people in Japan adhere to ’new religious movements,’ most reasonably-minded individuals know to steer clear of these rambling charlatans. Stories of families in Japan being duped by such people into bankruptcy, ultimately leading to group suicide by charcoal burning, are tragically common. Even so, the Japanese government’s restrictions in this area are virtually non-existent; one could say they completely turn a blind eye. The fundamental reason is that under Western-style democracy, politicians often have indissoluble ties with religion. Religious followers form a stable voting bloc, yielding benefits that entice politicians to look the other way.

Aozawa stood at the entrance to the World True Love and Peace Church. He no longer looked like the handsome high school student but had assumed the appearance of a seventeen-year-old foreign boy. His pink hair was gathered into several braids, and freckles dotted his cheeks. This was his rendition of Vinegar Doppio, an antagonist from the fifth part of *Jojo’s Bizarre Adventure* and Diabolo’s alter ego. He hadn’t transformed into Dio; with Dio’s characteristically arrogant expression and muscular physique, no one would peg him as a "loser."

"Are you here to join the faith?"

"Yes, an old lady said I could attend today’s conference if I mentioned the name Matsukawa Kaseko," Aozawa explained his reason for being there in a deliberately weak voice.

The guard, hearing the familiar name, stepped aside. "Since you’re a new believer here to observe, please go on in. The afternoon conference is about to begin."

Aozawa followed the arrows for the conference toward the venue.

Upon reaching the conference venue, Aozawa was surprised. Contrary to his expectation of an elderly crowd, most attendees were young or middle-aged. There were even high school girls. Not a single grey-haired elder was to be seen. In Japan, with its declining birthrate, such a scene was rare. He estimated there were about two hundred people present.

They were all kneeling on tatami mats, their expressions solemn, lending an air of gravity even to the names of deities hanging on the white cloths on the walls. Aozawa quickly scanned the room and noted that the World True Love and Peace Church indeed boasted a plethora of deities. These ranged from Buddhism and Hinduism to Christianity, the native Amaterasu Omikami, and more. Every deity people might recognize was written on the white cloths.

And on the dais reserved for the church’s leader, a large white cloth was prominently displayed. On it were inscribed a string of absurd titles: "The World’s Sole Great Prophet, Selector of the New Messiah, the Reincarnated Buddha, the Dharma King Who Wields Thunder in Place of Zeus — Sato Kiyoki."

Such ludicrous titles would make any sane person want to laugh. Yet in this setting, under the weight of the solemn atmosphere, these ridiculous titles somehow seemed almost normal.

As Aozawa mentally scoffed at the scene, a middle-aged woman in charge addressed him sternly, "You must be new, right? Quickly, kneel down here. His Holiness is about to make his entrance."

"Oh." Aozawa chose to kneel, curious to see what this so-called Dharma King had to say. He sat in the newcomers’ row. Beside him, a young female office worker also seemed skeptical about the scene. However, having come this far, and given the prevailing atmosphere, she dared not voice her doubts.

After a while, no more newcomers arrived. The man who had been guarding the entrance also returned inside.

The middle-aged woman called out loudly, "Let us welcome His Holiness with devotion." As she finished speaking, she bowed low, and the rest of the believers, along with the church staff, adjusted their postures and did the same.

"We welcome the Dharma King! Long live His Holiness!"

"We welcome the Dharma King! Long live His Holiness!"

It had to be said, the unified chanting of over a hundred people possessed a certain imposing power, at least enough to intimidate the female office worker beside him. Aozawa didn’t join the chant but merely mimicked the bowing motion.

THUMP, THUMP. Heavy footsteps sounded.

Aozawa looked up to see the Dharma King, barefoot, stepping onto the wooden floor. He had a large belly and a face that appeared kind and benevolent. The style of his robe was bizarre, a fusion of Buddhist, Christian, Hindu, and other elements. It resembled a beggar’s garment, patched together from colorful scraps of fabric.

Sato Kiyoki stepped onto the stage and, with a calming gesture of his arms, said, "I am very happy today to have new companions join us. This shows that even in this dark age where the Bible has been corrupted, there are still people guided by God to this place. Facing the impending doomsday, the World True Love and Peace Church’s chances of prevailing have increased significantly."

He gazed kindly at the young female office worker. Oda Shizue, who had been attracted by such outlandish propaganda, was essentially an oppressed underling at her company. She had never imagined that a figure worshipped by over two hundred people would look at her with such kindness. This made Oda Shizue feel that she was not an insignificant speck in the world, but an indispensable and important member of the Church. A look of profound emotion touched her face.

Sato Kiyoki was not surprised by such a reaction.

However, upon seeing Aozawa, Sato Kiyoki felt a flicker of doubt. Why would a foreign boy participate in the World True Love and Peace Church? Could he be the illegitimate son of some important figure?

Sato Kiyoki pondered. He didn’t recall any of his foreign acquaintances looking like this youth. It must be just an ordinary foreign family. In that case, there was no issue.

He continued, "Since ancient times, the root cause of human conflict has been the division sown by Demons. To shatter the Demons’ conspiracy, we must embrace all of humanity with love, uniting everyone into one large family. Within our World True Love and Peace Church, we are all family, we are all spouses! Newcomer, I will personally imbue you with the energy of bliss, to grant you true happiness. Haryana!"

"Haryana!" the believers echoed in unison.

Hearing this, Aozawa was almost certain this charlatan wasn’t just after their money, but also intended to exploit them sexually. He also understood why the men guarding the door had all come inside. A group party, how could they not participate? From the looks of these believers, it was evident that women were first made available to church personnel, then to the other male followers.

Aozawa raised his hand. "Wait a minute. I’d like to ask the Dharma King a question: is your power really effective?"

The words had barely left his mouth when the room fell into a brief, stunned silence. Then, numerous believers jumped to their feet, shouting rebukes.

"His Holiness’s power is boundless! He has made the paralyzed walk and resurrected the dead! How could an ignorant fool like you, deceived by science, possibly understand!"

"Science is the greatest lie concocted by Demons, designed to bewitch people’s hearts and make them lose their devotion to God!"

In contrast to the believers’ uproar, Sato Kiyoki gestured for calm and said softly, "Please, everyone, do not be agitated. Someone, take this lost lamb to the next room. After the conclusion of this conference, I shall personally explain to him the existence of God."