Part I, Chapter 23, Aomame Summary

Aomame and Ayumi have a series of sexual encounters with different men. Ayumi discovers that Sakigake is a popular religious cult, but even more so in terms of wealth amassed. The police are keeping an eye on them. Members are free to come and go as they please, A large group of former members has come out in criticism of Sakigake, calling the commune dangerous and fraudulent.

Ayumi reveals that when she was younger, she suffered sexual abuse from her uncle and her brother. Ayumi fears mean and normal patterns of living as a result, yet she can't live alone and cannot exist without participating in some sort of normal life. Aomame confesses she is afraid of herself and what she is doing, or might do.

Tsubasa seems to be doing well, according to Tamaru. Yet he...