Oracle: Special Crime Countermeasures Division

An Unwilling Reunion8

　Sakuraba's concerns about whether Majima would show up for work were unfounded. As he stepped into the Special Crime Countermeasures Division（SCCD） office, he was met by the eager face of the young detective.

　A mix of relief and mild annoyance washed over Sakuraba, noticing Majima's swift rebound. According to Furusaki, Majima had not only been the first to arrive but also took the initiative to do some light cleaning and make coffee.

"Mr. Sakuraba, he kept glancing at your desk as if he were a dog awaiting its owner's return. It was rather pitiful," Furusaki remarked, her expression hinting at sympathy. Likely having observed the same behavior, Kamikura added, "Rookies are bound to slip up. He's taken it to heart, so let it be, Sakuraba." Somehow, Sakuraba felt like he was being cast as the bad guy. Was he viewed as some kind of tyrant? While he might have his moments in private, at work, he always prioritized fairness and objectivity. Any rookie in Majima's place would have received the same rebuke.

"Majima, we're heading to the concert venue."

　Majima's expression immediately brightened at Sakuraba's words, evoking the image of an enthusiastic pet—perhaps not as endearing as his sister's toy poodle, but close.

　Keen on dispelling the notion of his alleged harshness, Sakuraba engaged Majima in light chatter during their drive. In response, Majima exuded the exuberance of an excited dog, which made Sakuraba think of a spirited Pomeranian. Or given Majima's stature, maybe a Labrador was a more fitting comparison.

"After what transpired yesterday, I was convinced you detested me, senpai."

"If I held a grudge against every rookie for every mistake, I wouldn't last long in this line of work. However, you should offer a genuine apology to Ms. Komabashi."

"I will."

　Majima's grin was unwavering. Sakuraba mused that if he said "shake," Majima might just offer his hand. The mental image of Majima tethered to a doghouse brought an involuntary chuckle to Sakuraba. When Majima inquired about the source of his amusement, Sakuraba waved it away with a casual, "It's nothing."

　By the time Sakuraba and Majima reached the concert venue, it was alive with activity. With personnel darting around and instructions echoing throughout, the atmosphere was electric.

　The two detectives proceeded to inspect personal belongings in the venue and scan both its interior and exterior for any suspicious objects. Once this was completed, the five-person team arranged by Kamikura arrived.

"One at the entrance, one at the back, and one by the backstage. The remaining two should roam the hall. As the audience arrives, the venue's staff will guide them to a holding area. Ensure it's secure."

"Understood." Whether it was Kamikura's reputation or not, the team complied with Sakuraba's directives without any fuss.

　Post-concert, there was a scheduled merchandise sale and handshake event. As Sakuraba liaised with the staff over the logistics, the clock signaled it was past noon.

　Taking a breather, Sakuraba and Majima settled into chairs the staff had arranged. As they sipped their bottled teas, they recognized Komabashi's voice from overhead. Sakuraba began to rise but was gestured to remain seated.

"Everything running smoothly?" Komabashi inquired.

"All's well so far. You've had a hectic morning, Ms. Komabashi. Aren't you exhausted?"

　After her morning magazine interview, Komabashi had made her way to the venue. Kamikura had overseen her security en route, and they'd received intel that there had been no suspicious individuals in her vicinity.

"I'm holding up just fine. The final rehearsal is soon, and the audience will start coming in at 4:30 pm. Our staff will pitch in, but I'll need you to oversee baggage checks."

　Sakuraba noted he'd reverted to a more formal tone with Komabashi, but she seemed unbothered. It appeared the fleeting nature of the 'intimate snapshot' had passed.

"We'll ensure the venue's security. Please concentrate on your performance, Ms. Komabashi."

"I plan to give the audience an unforgettable experience," she said, smiling with confidence.

　Noting her cue to move on, Sakuraba subtly nudged Majima, who then stood and addressed Komabashi.

"I deeply regret my actions and words yesterday. I apologize for any distress I may have caused."

　Komabashi's eyes sharpened. "Did Sakuraba instruct you to apologize?"

　Sakuraba braced for what might come next, but Komabashi continued, "An empty apology is more insulting than no apology at all. So, I won't apologize, and you shouldn't either."

　Majima looked puzzled. "What do you mean?"

"I was quite blunt too. Let's consider this a clean slate."

　Komabashi straightened, trying to show sincerity. A touch of color blossomed on her cheeks. Majima, after a moment's hesitation, offered a wry smile.

"I felt it would be unjust if only I had to apologize."

"I could see it on your face."

"I'll apologize for my sharp words, but your arrogance still irks me."

"And I find your constant fawning over Sakuraba tiresome. Are you his lapdog or something?"

　Komabashi's tone was challenging, but Majima shot back, "When have I ever acted that way?"

"Just now. Hanging onto every word from your 'senpai'. Besides, I have that intimate snapshot with him."

　As the two seemed poised for a spat, Sakuraba tried to step in. But the mention of the 'intimate snapshot' made him pause, especially with the attention they were drawing from nearby staff.

"Wait, when did we even take such a picture? Was it during that brief moment in the backyard?"

"When you kindly comforted me," Komabashi stressed, a playful edge in her voice.

　This only confused Sakuraba further. Majima, however, looked distinctly disgruntled, grumbling, "I can always take a new picture." Reading this as a concession, Komabashi celebrated with a triumphant, "I win!"

　Komabashi then turned to Sakuraba, her tone serious. "I promise to give my absolute best today. Please do the same."

"You have my word."

　Komabashi's smile was radiant as she bid them goodbye and disappeared backstage. In sharp contrast, Majima's expression resembled someone who'd just made an arch-nemesis.

"Senpai."

"Yes?"

"We should take our own intimate snapshot next time."

"Absolutely not."

　Exasperated, Sakuraba wished he wasn't dragged into their spat and took a long sip from his bottled tea.

　After their brief respite, Sakuraba and the team reconvened with Kamikura, who'd been on backstage duty, to map out their next moves. In the midst of their preparations, a voice echoed, "Audience entry in thirty minutes!"

　Slipping in his wireless earphone, Sakuraba ensured he was still connected. Taking a grounding breath, he readied himself for the influx.

　The audience soon began to flow in. Although there was a variety in age, men made up the majority, about 80%. Almost all of them held either penlights or cyalumes, illuminating the room with bursts of color.

　As the attendees settled, an overhead voice listed out precautions. The room's lights dimmed, and a palpable excitement coursed through the air. The opening chords played, and a spotlight unveiled Komabashi in a striking pink and white ensemble.

"Hello, everyone! Are you excited?"

　A chorus of fan responses reverberated. Even Sakuraba, stationed at the back, couldn't help but be moved by their fervor.

"Thank you for joining the 2nd Anniversary Live! Let's make tonight unforgettable!"

　The applause and cheers were deafening.

　With the beginning of the melody, heart motifs danced behind Komabashi on a large screen. In harmony, she moved fluidly, her singing resonating beautifully. The atmosphere was electrifying, with fans passionately waving their pink-hued lights. Men in the forefront seemed to be dancing fervently, almost rivaling Komabashi's energy.

　As the tune concluded, fans swiftly switched their light colors – from pink to a vibrant yellow. Behind Komabashi, a cascade of stars shimmered. Sakuraba recalled a show he'd once seen, describing the unique bond formed during concerts between the performer and the audience. He had been skeptical, viewing concerts as individual experiences. But now, he understood.

　With each song, the bond between Komabashi and her fans seemed to strengthen. Even Sakuraba, unfamiliar with the melodies, felt an urge to move with the rhythm. The sea of lights felt almost magical, making him yearn to be part of the captivated audience.

　Almost in a blur, the third song began, accompanied by mesmerizing purple lights. Komabashi, undeterred by the relentless tempo, gracefully transitioned between her routines. As the song concluded, she declared, "Time for a quick costume change!" and exited stage-right, leaving the audience in animated chatter. Seizing the brief interlude, fans reached for their water bottles, synchronously taking a moment to hydrate.

"Didn't see that coming, did you?"

　Majima's sudden remark brought Sakuraba back from his stupor. With a curt nod, Sakuraba scanned the crowd, ensuring no further disturbances.

　When Komabashi returned, now dressed in a delicate pale blue outfit, she reignited the previously disrupted atmosphere.

"Hope everyone's ready for the next act!"

　But just as the atmosphere began to liven up, the back screen displayed a chilling message in bold black letters against a bright red backdrop: "I won't forgive your betrayal. Divine retribution awaits."

　The venue plunged into darkness, halting the music and sending a wave of uneasy murmurs through the crowd. An urgent voice crackled in Sakuraba's ear, "We've had a power cut." Immediately, he jumped into action, issuing directives to restore power. With a commanding tone, he addressed the anxious crowd.

"We've experienced a technical glitch. We ask for your understanding as we halt the concert and ensure everyone's safety."

　The once electrifying venue now felt cold and distant.

　Sakuraba, with assistance from security, initiated a swift evacuation. With murmurs of fear and disappointment in the air, he touched base with Kamikura regarding Komabashi.

"She's secure. Focus on the guests."

"Copy that."

　Once all attendees and staff, including Komabashi, were safely outside, Sakuraba's team conducted a thorough sweep for any possible threats. Despite their meticulous efforts, they found no abnormalities. The team regrouped, baffled.

"It's a ruse," Kamikura mused. "The goal was disruption, not harm."

"But how'd they send that message?" Sakuraba puzzled over the stage's control equipment.　The machinery was well-protected, constantly monitored, and out of reach from the attendees. Meddling with it seemed implausible.

　Pensively rubbing his chin, Kamikura suggested, "We should get Hino to look at the gear.""That's a good idea," Sakuraba replied, reaching out to Hino, who, fortunately, was available and agreed to wait for them at the police department.

　After updating Kamikura, Sakuraba, with Majima in tow, approached Komabashi and her team to relay the recent developments.

　They convened in a dim corner of a makeshift parking area. As darkness fell, it cast long, eerie shadows that added to the tense atmosphere. Sasaguchi, engrossed in his phone, seemed deep in conversation.

"Senpai," Majima broke in, holding up his smartphone, "there's a concerning post on Komabashi's SNS."

　Quickly checking her own device, Komabashi's voice was laced with shock. "What's this about?" Reading the message aloud, she said, "This is only the beginning. Unless Airi Komabashi truly repents, I will deliver divine punishment. Is this from our attacker?"

　Majima responded, his tone dripping with disdain, "Likely. Growing bold after their initial success."

　After a brief attempt to probe deeper into the account, Komabashi sighed in frustration, "There's nothing else there. Just replies to me. Does 'deliver divine punishment' indicate another plan to sabotage the concert?"

"We won't allow it," Majima asserted. "We'll apprehend them before they strike again. Isn't that right, senpai?"

　Sakuraba nodded, "We'll employ every measure available."

　With evident distress, Komabashi looked up at Sakuraba, "Officer Sakuraba, this was meant to be a night of celebration for everyone. Why has it devolved to this?"

　Offering a comforting nod, Sakuraba assured, "Ms. Komabashi, we are committed to unmasking the individual behind this."

　Majima added, "It might be someone craving attention, knowing the impact on a high-profile event."

　Considering Majima's point, Sakuraba agreed, "Possible, but we can't let our guard down. Our foremost objective is ensuring your safety, Ms. Komabashi."

　Though she nodded, Komabashi's eyes betrayed her ongoing anxiety. "It was meant to be an evening of joy, but now tension pervades."

　Feeling a strong responsibility, Sakuraba wanted to provide solace, but the uncertain circumstances made him hold back.

　Sasaguchi rejoined them, appearing more anxious. "The event team is alarmed about forthcoming shows. If the aim truly is ongoing disruptions, we might need to reconsider future events."

　Komabashi countered, her spirit undiminished, "One individual's malicious intent won't shape my future. They must be found."

　Sakuraba, meeting her gaze, replied, "We will, Ms. Komabashi. But currently, your security is paramount."

　In shared contemplation, they gazed at the dimly lit venue. The encroaching shadows seemed to amplify the situation's severity. Sakuraba recognized the challenge ahead but was resolute in ensuring Komabashi's safety and achieving justice.