Oracle: Special Crime Countermeasures Division

An Unwilling Reunion3

"As long as you're on duty, playing with me is part of the job," Kamikura declared, holding a board game box just as Sakuraba was deeply engrossed in his report. Sakuraba sighed, "Boss, I'm in the middle of writing a report."

"That can wait," Kamikura replied dismissively, heading to the lounge area. Setting the game on the table, he began unpacking it, beckoning Sakuraba. "Today, I'll finally beat you," Kamikura said, rolling up his sleeves to reveal his sturdy forearms.

　Knowing it would be quicker to play than argue, Sakuraba sat opposite him and quipped, "Don't come crying to me when you lose." Kamikura merely shot back a challenging grin.

　Half an hour later, Sakuraba, with a victorious smile, picked up the winning game piece, leaving a disgruntled Kamikura. "How'd that turnaround happen?"

　Rather than rubbing it in, Sakuraba advised, "Boss, it's all part of the game's luck." He wisely refrained from pointing out Kamikura's flawed strategy. Kamikura, slightly frustrated, assessed the game pieces, and Sakuraba avoided commenting further, hoping to steer clear of another round.

　Furusaki, engrossed in her smartphone, commented in jest, "Boss, aren't you used to losing to Mr. Sakuraba by now? You even lost to me yesterday."

　Kamikura snapped, "Stay out of this, Furusaki. Sakuraba, tell me where I went wrong." She countered with a playful remark, likening his temperament to a gorilla.

　The game they played was a two-player board game, blending elements of poker and strategy. Despite Kamikura's repeated challenges, Sakuraba had an unbeaten record against him. Though Sakuraba once offered tips, Kamikura disregarded them. Today, however, he intently listened to Sakuraba's advice.

"I'll get you next time," Kamikura asserted.

"Challenge me when I have some free time," Sakuraba retorted playfully.

　Kamikura started to pack up the game, reflecting, "Never thought I'd get this addicted to games at my age." Sakuraba, who'd been assigned to the SCCD about eighteen months prior, owned the game. Kamikura had soon learned of his hobby and requested he bring it in. Without anyone to play with at home, Sakuraba found it healthier to indulge in a game with his boss now and then.

　After storing the game, Sakuraba promptly returned to his report. Meanwhile, Kamikura meandered through the pantry before settling down.

　Kamikura's desk, positioned in what many called a 'birthday seat' - the solo spot on the short end of a rectangular table - was directly in Sakuraba's line of sight. It was perpetually disorganized, making it customary to have documents stamped immediately lest they disappear within the mess.

"It's a quiet day, fewer disruptions. The fewer incidents, the better," Kamikura remarked, stretching leisurely.

　Furusaki countered, "Every time you say that, the First Investigation Division claims the SCCD squanders taxpayer money."

　Kamikura scoffed, "Let them talk. We've thwarted enough threats to prove our worth. Anyway, isn't it about time?"

　Just as Kamikura glanced at his wristwatch, a knock resonated. Sakuraba tensed, pulse racing, hands clammy. The entrance of a new face always put him on edge. All he hoped for was a congenial rapport.

"Excuse me," a voice preceded the entry of a tall man with a box of personal belongings. Sakuraba's heart lurched as the man's face became visible. Memories flooded in, overwhelming and suffocating, like consuming too much in a short span.

　Before him stood Majima, with jet-black hair and a radiant, unmistakable smile that left Sakuraba breathless.

"Majima!?" he blurted, disbelief and panic apparent in his tone.