Oracle: Special Crime Countermeasures Division

An Unwilling Reunion5

"Well then, I'm counting on you."

　Kamikura lightly patted Sakuraba's shoulder, then turned to Majima, "Consider this your inaugural task."

"Observe Sakuraba closely and learn from him. Should any issues arise, get in touch with us right away."

"Understood. Please guide me, senpai," Majima replied, his face breaking into a sincere smile.　Trying to maintain his composure, Sakuraba merely nodded. He wrote, "Out → Return to the office when done," on the schedule board with a marker, then retrieved his coat from the rack, draping it over his arm.

"Take care," Furusaki offered.

"Stay vigilant," added Kamikura.

　The two waved them off as Sakuraba and Majima left the SCCD office. Once in the hallway, Majima asked, "Where to?"

"We're headed to the security department to discuss potential collaboration on concert security for tomorrow."

"Why not just phone them?"

"The SCCD, being 'unique', often faces resistance. If we were to ask in person and bow our heads, there's still a good chance they'd decline. Over the phone? Practically nil."

　Descending to the security department's floor, the atmosphere instantly changed. The sterile blue-white glow from fluorescent lights bathed the walls, giving the area a cold, unforgiving aura.

　Sakuraba approached an officer, recounting the threatening email Komabashi received. As he anticipated, the response was far from enthusiastic.

"Who's behind the email?"

"We're working on that."

"Probably some obsessive fan, right? And this 'divine punishment' you mentioned?""It's unclear at the moment."

　The officer sighed loudly, shooting Sakuraba a dismissive glance. "From where I stand, it's clearly a prank. If it were a genuine threat, like an assassination or bombing, we'd jump in. But 'divine punishment'? Handle it yourselves."

"...Understood."

"Well, isn't the SCCD there to manage such 'unique' cases? Best of luck."

"Thank you for your time."

　Sakuraba nodded, promptly making his exit. Although he had braced for such a reaction, his sliver of hope felt crushed, weighing down his stride.

"Do they always brush us off like that?" Majima inquired, his face twisted in distaste."It's been like that on a few occasions. Each time, no support."

"When our hands are tied due to limited manpower, seeking help is logical. After all, in cases like bomb threats, the First Investigation Division would step in, not the SCCD, right?"

"Exactly. Your point?"

"Just that, given the SCCD's track record of handling cases even the First Division can't, a bit more respect would be nice."

　Majima's observation was eye-opening. Sakuraba had grown so used to the cold shoulder that the mere thought of respect from outside the SCCD seemed foreign.

"Dealing with mysteries that even the First Division can't? Sounds pretty cool."

"It's more than just cool; it's downright commendable."

　Majima's enthusiasm was palpable. Sakuraba felt a bit overwhelmed by his intense stare and shifted his focus to Majima's tie. It boasted a rich sheen and paired well with a top-tier suit — a stark contrast to Sakuraba's own budget-friendly attire.

"You might be the only one who finds it 'cool'. For all we know, this could merely be a prank.""But the fact you're giving credence to the chance it isn't a prank and chose to take on this case speaks volumes, doesn't it?"

"We can't rule out it isn't just some prank. If something were to happen to Ms. Komabashi tomorrow, it wouldn't be an ideal way to begin the day."

"That discernment is what makes it so remarkable. I aspire to develop that kind of intuition."　Caught off guard by Majima's sincere admiration, Sakuraba countered, "Lavishing praise won't earn you any points, you know."

"I'm not trying to butter you up. I genuinely admire your approach."

　Majima's demeanor became solemn. It was clear he had nothing to gain from such flattery, particularly when directed at Sakuraba rather than Kamikura. Reflecting on their past, Majima had often casually praised Sakuraba during their student years. While they didn't interact much, Sakuraba clearly remembered those frequent commendations.

　As their conversation progressed, they reached the Cybersecurity Countermeasures Headquarters. After stating their business at the reception, they were granted entry, leading them to the room furthest from the entrance.

　Upon reaching a sectioned-off corner, Majima exhibited a puzzled look, mirroring Sakuraba's own initial reaction during his first visit.

"Hino, it's Sakuraba. May I come in?"

"...Yes, please enter."

　Sakuraba gently shifted the partition and stepped inside.

　Immediately, a collection of twenty-odd figurines of elegant ladies commanded his attention. Walls blanketed in anime and idol posters left no bare spots. Sakuraba noticed a slight increase in the number of posters since his last visit.

"...Greetings."

　Reijirou Hino, though remaining seated, offered a subtle nod. His cascading black hair masked his eyes. Despite having only recently reached adulthood, Hino's reserved demeanor made him seem older than his age. A brief pause always preceded his words.

"...Who's accompanying you, Mr. Sakuraba?"

"He's Majima, our newest member."

　Introducing him, Sakuraba watched as Majima extended his greeting, "Hello, I'm Ryo Majima.""Hino was once a prodigious hacker. Now, after a twist of fate, he serves here as our specialist on digital crimes."

"...Nice to meet you."

　Acknowledging Majima with a curt nod, Hino immediately turned back to Sakuraba."...Is this regarding a case?"

"Yes. Are you familiar with the idol, Airi Komabashi?"

　After a brief moment, Hino responded, "...She debuted prominently two years ago. Her appearances on late-night TV have been frequent, and she's amassed quite the fan base. Her vocals are satisfactory, but she truly excels in dance. Could this be about a threat she received?" The last part had a hint of eagerness.

"It's less of a death threat and more like harassment. A message was sent to Ms. Komabashi's official page, declaring, 'I will deliver divine punishment at tomorrow's concert.'"

　Relaying the events to Hino, Sakuraba concluded with, "What's your take on this?" Hino pondered briefly before saying, "It's plausible the sender is genuine. While we can disregard any mystical implications, idol harassment and stalking have been on the rise. Instances where a simple social media photo led to unwarranted confrontations aren't unheard of."

"So, the individual who contacted Ms. Komabashi might be one of those obsessive fans?"

"...Quite possibly. Airi Komabashi's bold personality has reportedly attracted a number of unsettling admirers."

"What sort of 'divine punishment' would you envision if you were a fan with extreme views?"

　Hino took a brief pause, deliberating. "...If I were in their shoes, I'd likely sabotage the concert. She has 'betrayed' her fans, so retaliation seems justified. Perhaps distribute compromising photos around the venue, infiltrate the dressing room to rip apart her costumes, or dig up and unveil her past before she found fame."

　Majima winced, replying, "That's pretty intense."

"...Extreme fans would go to such lengths."

"Majima, Hino's just providing insight per my request. Thanks, Hino. That gives us a clearer picture."

"...I'm at your service, Mr. Sakuraba. Be it hacking or cracking."

"Then I'll need your expertise. I want to identify the individual behind that email."

"...Consider it done. I'll reach out once I have something."

　Hino offered a subtle smile and dove into his work, fingers dancing across the keyboard. Once engrossed, Hino was oblivious to the world around him. With the matter now in Hino's competent hands, apprehending the culprit seemed within reach. Even if an arrest proved challenging, they could at least stymie any potential disruption at the concert.

　Exiting Hino's domain, Majima quipped, "Hino seems particularly fond of you, doesn't he?""It's history. About a year ago, Hino, then a mere freelancer, managed to breach the Metropolitan Police Department's systems. We were working a different case, only to find out Hino was the orchestrator."

"Why would the police hire someone like that?"

"It was my recommendation. Hino's prowess in hacking is unparalleled. It seemed prudent to have him on our side than consider him a threat."

　After several deliberations, the top brass opted to gloss over Hino's previous transgressions and inducted him into the force. Nonetheless, he remained under close scrutiny, and only recently, his activities within the Department eased from constant surveillance.

"You seem to have a knack for attracting unique individuals. Between Natsuno and Hino, you're pretty popular."

"Natsuno enjoys his jests. As for Hino, we resonate on certain matters. And if memory serves, weren't you the golden boy back in high school? Always arm-in-arm with a girlfriend?"

"Who can say?"

　Majima deflected with casual ambiguity. Sakuraba deduced, Him not outright denying speaks volumes. Perhaps Majima aims to highlight and rub in my apparent allure strictly to our male colleagues? May the spirits of all the hearts he's broken plague him.

　Lost in these thoughts and silently cursing Majima, Sakuraba was interrupted as they reached the elevators. As he pressed the call button, an all-too-familiar, snarky voice chimed in from behind.

"Word around is you were off chasing mythical Kappas again this morning, Assistant Inspector Sakuraba."

　Sakuraba inwardly groaned, sensing trouble. "You're well-informed, Shimizu. Perhaps Kappas intrigue you?"

"Don't even insinuate such nonsense. It's puzzling how you find time to tail after fictional creatures."

　Kouki Shimizu arrogantly swept his lengthy bangs aside. The gleam from his designer wristwatch was almost provocative. Dressed in an all-black ensemble — shirt, suit, and even his tie adorned with a lavish brand insignia — he embodied flamboyance.

"Why not focus on your own tasks, Shimizu, rather than loitering around here? Or do you have specific business in these quarters?"

"Not with you, with Inspector Majima."

　Shimizu brushed past Sakuraba, positioning himself in front of Majima and offering a crisp salute. "Detective Kouki Shimizu from the First Investigation Division, Homicide Department. Honored to meet you."

"Ease up on the formalities; I'm the junior here."

"But casual interaction with someone poised to be my superior would be impudent. That's a liberty reserved only for Assistant Inspector Sakuraba."

　Shimizu straightened, almost overextending himself; his back arching peculiarly, reminiscent of a contorted prawn. Majima, on the other hand, seemed to switch to an unusually courteous tone. Was he trying to make a positive impression on Shimizu, given their potential future dynamics?

"I've heard praises of your dedication, Inspector Majima. Once your tenure at SCCD concludes, consider joining our division."

"I'll contemplate it."

"If you'll excuse me."

　With a departing salute, Shimizu departed. As he passed Sakuraba, he couldn't resist a parting shot, "Make sure Inspector Majima isn't bogged down by your trifles." Right then, the elevator chime signaled its arrival.

"Is Shimizu representative of the 'First Investigation Division' lot you mentioned?"

"He's but one of them, and he's no fan of mine. He never misses an opportunity to engage in banter. Today, however, he seemed more restrained, perhaps due to your presence. Otherwise, he's as incessant as a watchdog."

　The two entered the now vacant elevator, selecting the ground floor. The doors slid shut."Considering Shimizu's apparent fondness for Majima, perhaps you could humor him a bit? There's a chance he'll be under your command soon."

"The thought alone repels me. He's a walking advertisement of high-end brands. Besides, I'm committed to SCCD."

"Quite the declaration for someone yet to wrap up their inaugural assignment. But, recall what Ms. Furusaki conveyed? Cases at SCCD often lean more towards the realm of urban myths."

"I recall. Ah, that explains your Kappa escapade, doesn't it?"

　Blame it on Shimizu's incessant prattling, but Majima was now aware of the Kappa incident. Cursed Shimizu!

"Indeed. Does that trouble you?"

"Any success?"

"Do you surmise I did?"

　Meeting Sakuraba's steely gaze, Majima merely offered a nonchalant shrug. Sakuraba mentally noted to pawn off the next lead from Noda onto Majima.

　By the time Sakuraba and the others reached the underground parking lot, it was already past one in the afternoon. Opting to eat first, they got into the parked car. Majima, seated in the passenger seat, curiously inquired about Sakuraba's preferred eateries. Dodging the question, Sakuraba pressed the accelerator, setting the vehicle into motion.

　Majima gazed at the passing scenery for a moment before finally breaking the silence. "Where are we heading for lunch?"

"A local family restaurant," Sakuraba replied.

"Is it your favorite spot, senpai?"

"More like a favored spot for most of the staff around here. Typically, I'd just grab something from a convenience store."

　By this time of day, the lunch rush at the restaurant would have subsided. Given Sakuraba's long morning, he felt an intense hunger pang.

"Senpai, may I ask you something?"

"Go ahead."

"Do you...dislike me?"

　Sakuraba struggled to find the right words. Instead of outright dislike, it was more of an uncomfortable vulnerability around Majima. He settled on, "Not particularly."

　Majima's face grew somber. "You seem distant with me, more than just being reserved with someone new. Your answers often seem evasive."

"It's just your imagination."

　Although Sakuraba hoped Majima would grasp the hint and change the subject, Majima persisted. "You were the same in high school. I always wanted to be closer to you, senpai, but you'd always find reasons to avoid me. Saying things like you had a stomachache to get away. It hurt, you know."

　Before joining the board game club, Majima had made a name for himself as an exceptional tennis player, even as a freshman. Coupled with his good looks and stellar academic performance, his extroverted nature had made him popular with both genders. Sakuraba, on the other hand, had merely known of Majima through hearsay, living a quiet life with the thrice-weekly board game club sessions being his primary source of joy.

　But everything changed after the cultural festival. From then on, Majima began attending the board game club every Wednesday. While the club originally consisted of only eight members, Majima's presence brought an influx of provisional members. The club room would buzz with the excitement of the girls' squeals. On some days, they'd run out of chairs and tables. Disappointed students on days without Majima would often jest, "I wish we could meet only on Wednesdays."

　During one fateful session at the club, Sakuraba went head-to-head with Majima in his favorite board game, emerging with a decisive victory. In that moment, any lingering resentment Sakuraba had harbored evaporated. He had braced himself for Majima's disappointment. Instead, Majima beamed, his signature bright smile intact, heaping praise on Sakuraba.

　The effusive compliments left Sakuraba feeling hollow. This junior, who seemingly had everything, was showering him with what felt like insincere flattery. Each word of praise only intensified Sakuraba's emptiness, driving him to further distance himself from Majima. He feared that even the clubroom, his only sanctuary, would be overshadowed by Majima's presence.

　Now, at the SCCD, Majima had quickly formed connections with Furusaki and Kamikura. Soon, everyone would forget he was ever the newcomer. Sakuraba couldn't help but wonder, am I simply reliving my school years?

"Senpai?" Majima's voice cut through Sakuraba's reverie, confusion evident in his tone due to Sakuraba's prolonged silence. Sakuraba wished he could convey his feelings, how he probably felt more wounded than Majima ever did. But instead, he clenched the steering wheel tighter and finally spoke.

"You don't need to put on a show, Majima."

"Put on a show?"

"You don't need to force a camaraderie with me. We're partners, not friends. A professional distance is sufficient."

　Majima's eyes widened momentarily, as though struck by the bluntness of Sakuraba's words. He opened his mouth to retort but seemed to think better of it.

"So, my renowned interpersonal skills still fall short with you, just like back in school," Majima remarked with a wistful smile.

"Perhaps they do," Sakuraba replied, his focus returning to the road ahead.