The current issue, however, was that Alistair didn't know where that religion was located. Rimono Momoki seemed to be a follower, so he could ask her later and have her take him there.
But since nothing seemed to be happening yet, perhaps the "plot" of that religion hadn't begun. There was no need to rush. He could focus on the tasks at hand and wasn't desperate to find the religion immediately.
"In any case, Senior Hatsufuji, since the religion your mother seems to follow hasn't had any negative impact on your family, you don't need to worry so much. You can ask her slowly later. If we have time, we can also help you look for that religion."
Anna Shinomiya ate a biscuit and decided to end the discussion. This issue was trivial and didn't require much fuss. Since they knew the religious symbol, finding the religion later wouldn't be too difficult.
After all, any religion that wants to establish itself must promote itself widely to gain followers. Widespread promotion is bound to leave an impression on the surrounding community. Moreover, the color scheme of this pattern was quite abstract, making it easy to leave a distinct and profound impression.
However, almost no deity-worshipping religion would use such a gloomy color, unless it was a demonic cult, which specialized in such abstract colors. But according to Shizuku Hatsufuji, the religion hasn't negatively affected her family. On the contrary, it seems to be giving welfare to her mother, Mrs. Hatsufuji, acting like a charity. It was likely an initial strategy to expand their influence.
The actual situation was unclear, but based on the available information, Anna Shinomiya could only speculate this way. The totem's color scheme was certainly gloomy, but it was also genuinely memorable.
"Mm, okay. Let's look for it together sometime later." Shizuku Hatsufuji collected the "flyer" from the table and nodded.
"Then I'll take off. Time to check out those clubs." Alistair spread his hands. He had only come to say hello, unexpectedly gained some leads, and now that his business was done, he wanted to go wander through the clubs. Oh, wait, he was supposed to be conducting an "inspection of club activities."
"Sure, go ahead. Just remember not to spend too much time evaluating the big clubs; focus mainly on inspecting the small and medium-sized ones." Anna Shinomiya nodded, simultaneously reminding Alistair to avoid making mistakes.
"Yes, yes, I know." Alistair waved, opened the door, and walked out.
Clang.
"A religion... that must be a major storyline (orgy party), huh? Damn, I don't remember much of the old content, or I could have known some things beforehand. Even though so many storylines mixed together will change things, it's better than flying blind. Whatever, I'll take it one step at a time."
Alistair put his hands in his pockets and walked towards the areas housing the major clubs.
The Judo Club
The Judo Club was in the second tier of all clubs, or rather, the most prominent clubs were usually sports-related. This was primarily because they could participate in competitions, and the resulting honors brought fame to the school, ensuring a steady influx of new students.
The Judo Club's facility was also quite large. The dojo area was as big as three classrooms combined, and that was just the training area; equipment had its own designated storage room.
The upkeep of training equipment and the various medical supplies needed for injuries sustained during training were purchased using the club's activity funds. Equipment was frequently updated due to wear and tear from students' improper movements, leading to a high consumption of club funds.
Alistair walked casually around the edge of the dojo, finding the atmosphere quite good. Different individuals formed groups with their friends to train, and these groups were also their small cliques. Such a phenomenon was normal here, and overall, the atmosphere was harmonious.
"Yo, isn't that Junior Koan? Did you come to observe the training?"
A loud, boisterous voice rang out. Alistair was quite surprised that someone knew his name, so he turned to look and immediately noticed the speaker's striking red, spiky hair.
"Afu?" Alistair recalled. This tall, husky guy—he had run into him before when he was coming to school. He thought the guy said he was in the Judo Club and had tried to recruit him, but Alistair wasn't interested and refused. He hadn't expected the guy to remember him after just one brief encounter.
"Ahem, here, please call me Senior Ikeda or Senior Kurotora (Black Tiger). Calling me by my first name makes me lose face in front of them." Fuku Ikeda coughed twice with his fist to his mouth, gently correcting Alistair's address.
"Just call him Ikeda. Calling him Kurotora is too chuunibyou (eighth-grader syndrome); it sounds like a case of it. Besides, his authority is long gone; he's only the authority figure during training." Daisuke Kamona was his usual self, undermining his good friend. His training uniform sleeves were rolled up; he had likely just been active.
"By the way, Junior, what brings you here? We don't usually see you around. What, thinking of working out?" Daisuke Kamona asked Alistair. He clearly remembered Alistair saying he didn't want to join the Judo Club.
"Just taking a look around. I hadn't seen what these competitive clubs look like before. I had some free time today and nothing to do, so I came to check it out." Alistair shrugged and spoke casually. He truly was just curious. Inspective visits to these major competitive clubs during the real inspection period were mostly a formality anyway. It was impossible for him to actually adjust their funding; this concerned the school's reputation, and they wouldn't let him be whimsical.
The main inspection target was the small and medium-sized clubs that didn't compete. The administration was generally hands-off with these—you could play around however you liked, as long as you didn't cause a major incident.
"So, what do you think? Any thought of joining? If you join now, I can put you directly under me. No one will be able to bully a new guy here." Fuku Ikeda clearly hadn't given up on recruiting Alistair. He patted his chest, assuring Alistair.
"Why are you only pitching to me? I really have no interest in joining the Judo Club." Alistair was getting frustrated. He could tell the guy genuinely loved judo. After all, there was no profit in recruiting people; the club activities were funded entirely by the club's budget, unlike some private training classes that require tuition.
Alistair believed in repaying malice with uprightness and kindness with kindness, so he couldn't bring himself to put on a mean face and curse the guy out.
"How should I put it? Ikeda here is quite particular about who he likes. He probably just finds you appealing. There was another student he tried to recruit like this before. But if you refuse him a few more times, he'll give up. He's a good guy, aside from being a little annoying sometimes." Daisuke Kamona explained to Alistair, solving Alistair's confusion.
"..."
"Daisuke, Mommy came to see you."
Alistair was about to speak when he was suddenly interrupted by a voice from the side. He turned to look, and a "Loli" teacher came into view.
"Hello, Mrs. Kamona." Most of the surrounding students, including Fuku Ikeda, politely greeted her. In school, attention must be paid to titles, and teachers are far superior to students.
"Hello, everyone. I came to find Daisuke. You all continue your training normally." Haruko Kamona greeted everyone and then approached Alistair's group.
"Hmm, I think I remember you, but I don't see you much in class? Did you stop coming to class right after the school year started? That's not good; your attendance will be an issue." Haruko Kamona looked at Alistair, recollecting something. After some thought, she unconsciously adopted a seemingly serious but actually quite inviting expression as she lectured Alistair.
"I attend class in G-Class, so attendance shouldn't be a problem." Alistair replied indifferently. The school only required attendance, not in which specific classroom. As long as he showed up for classes, it was fine. At worst, he could have a teacher certify it. If all else failed, he could operate behind the scenes and still pass. In a capitalist society, capital grants you that kind of assertiveness.
"Well... alright." Haruko Kamona knew she couldn't convince Alistair. She only tried to advise him because he had left a very good impression on her. She wouldn't bother with others. Having taught for so many years, she was well aware of the unspoken rules and wasn't a rigid person.
"Daisuke, how are you feeling lately? How are things going with your friends?" Haruko Kamona turned her head and began to "attack" Daisuke Kamona.
"I feel great, and I get along well with my friends. Mom, you've asked this so many times. I haven't had any major conflict with my friends, and we've been friends for so long; how could things suddenly go bad?" Daisuke Kamona was a little helpless. Haruko Kamona had asked this question repeatedly, but still kept asking. He had no choice but to answer normally.
"Well, I'll be going now. I won't interrupt your conversation." Alistair waved goodbye to them.
"Okay, see you next time." Daisuke Kamona nodded, turning back to deal with his mother.
...
"Ha, Haruko Kamona. I almost forgot about that charming history teacher." Alistair walked down the corridor, recalling Haruko Kamona's petite yet voluptuous figure. He silently added her to his schedule. Although Haruko Kamona was already thirty-five, she had no wrinkles and skin as smooth as an eighteen-year-old girl. However, her full, proud breasts and firm, rounded hips made it impossible to mistake her for a typical young girl.
Well, there would be other opportunities later. He should go check out the other clubs first.