Oracle: Special Crime Countermeasures Division

An Unwilling Reunion2

　The Tokyo Metropolitan Police Department's Special Crime Countermeasures Division, better known as the SCCD, is where Sakuraba works. The team currently consists of three members, and they're expecting a new addition today.

　The SCCD's office spans two open-plan levels. When you enter, to the left is the staff workspace, while the right houses a couch for visitors and staff lockers. A board next to the door tracks everyone's schedules. Any changes to the schedule are immediately noted. Sakuraba, having just returned, erased his 5:00 AM Kappa appointment from the board, now leaving it blank.

"Do Kappas truly exist, Mr. Sakuraba?" Sayaka Furusaki emerges from the pantry, her coral pink hair cascading down her back. Her daily makeup suggests she's always ready for anything. She's often conscious about her height, but her high heels give her an added boost."Not sure. I liken it to a Tsuchinoko," Sakuraba muses.

"Ah, like a UMA? Doesn't that mean Unidentified Flying Object?"

"That's UFO," corrects Yuji Kamikura, currently suspended on a Power Tower in a corner, a device meant for pull-ups and similar exercises. He claims he needs regular physical activity to feel centered, which is why there's an exercise machine in the office. Even in his mid-forties, his bronzed skin attests to his love for surfing.

"Whether UMA or UFO, they're both enigmatic," remarks Furusaki, offering Sakuraba coffee.

"What about me, Furusaki?" Kamikura interjects, still in his exercise rhythm.

"Boss, you're exercising. I assumed you wouldn't want any."

"It's the thought that counts. But no, I won't have any."

　With a roll of her eyes, Furusaki hands Sakuraba his coffee and takes a seat beside him.

"Did the SCCD mainly handle UMA cases before I came on board?" Furusaki inquires. Sakuraba nods, mentioning not only today's Kappa but talking cats, human-faced dogs, and other uncanny tales categorized as UMAs. "Some of these sound like hoaxes. Can't we decline them?" she wonders aloud.

　The Special Crime Countermeasures Division specifically addresses crimes linked to special powers. Rumor has it that individuals with special powers exist worldwide, with Japan having a 0.001% occurrence rate. The age of awakening for these powers varies, ranging from infancy to those over a century old.

　The true nature and limits of special powers are subjects of academic debate. Distinguishing genuine special abilities—like unmatched speed or exceptional vision—from mere individual traits is a challenge. Consequently, no official definition for "special powers" exists, and it remains largely unknown to the masses.

　Conversely, UMAs are legendary creatures, believed to exist based on tales and sightings, but without scientific validation. Given their mysterious nature, some speculate that they might be the creations of individuals with special powers. This theory extends to other paranormal events as well.

"As long as we receive reports, our duty is to investigate, be it a UMA or a ghost," Sakuraba interjected, taking a moment to savor his coffee. Clearing his throat, he went on, "If an incident isn't just a prank or a simple mistake, and someone deliberately staged it with malevolent intent, it could escalate. That's when we get backlash, with complaints like 'What's the police even doing?'"

"But doesn't it take a toll? Answering the phone is one thing for me, but you, Mr. Sakuraba, are being summoned at ungodly hours."

　As Furusaki was speaking, the phone's shrill ring cut her off. She was swift to pick it up. "Hello, Special Crime Countermeasures Division. Ah, Ms. Hashiyama, greetings," Furusaki responded with warmth, recognizing the caller. As she chatted, Sakuraba began booting up his computer to draft a report but paused midway.

"Boss, regarding the kappa incident."

"Any updates?"

　Kamikura carried on with his pull-ups, not missing a beat.

"No, but why am I the sole one dispatched? Aren't we supposed to team up?"

　On receiving the initial report from Noda, Kamikura led the investigation, with Sakuraba assisting. But post the initial phase, Kamikura seemed to funnel every task to Sakuraba.

"That elderly man probably just seeks company," Kamikura replied nonchalantly.

"It's taxing for me. Meeting him at dawn? One day, I might doze off driving."

"Imagine the irony if a cop troubles his own force. Stay sharp."

　It was clearly unfair. If Sakuraba could voice his grievances, it'd relieve some of his tension, but he lacked the confidence to confront his boss.

　Reluctantly, Sakuraba resumed his work. By then, Furusaki wrapped up her call."How's Ms. Hashiyama?" Sakuraba inquired.

"She's on cloud nine. Planning to bake for her visiting grandkid. She wanted to send her best wishes to both of us and the boss."

　A month prior, Ms. Hashiyama reported spotting a creature in a rice field. Following an investigation by Kamikura and Sakuraba, it was deemed to be just a balloon tethered to a tree. She had since visited the police, expressing gratitude, and seemed to have taken a shine to Furusaki.

　Most UMAs and yokai turn out to be misunderstandings or hallucinations. Yet, to Sakuraba, such incidents epitomized peace. Sure, early calls were bothersome, but it beats attending a crime scene.

　Perhaps chasing shadows like a kappa is apt for us, he mused, fingers dancing over the keyboard.