Oracle: Special Crime Countermeasures Division

An Unwilling Reunion10

　Within half an hour, the hotel resonated with the clamor of numerous police officers. While Sakuraba had called for assistance from Natsuno's team at the Forensic Science Institute Special Abilities Research Department (SARD), both the First Division and their associated forensic team had turned up. Amidst the crowd, Sakuraba recognized a face he knew all too well but chose to disregard it.

"The First Division will spearhead the investigation from here. The evidently inadequate SCCD can step back," Shimizu stated with a pronounced chin thrust. Almost instantly, the forensic team scattered, and the room was soon flooded with the incessant clicking of cameras and sporadic bursts of white light.

"This is our case. The First Division shouldn't intervene," Majima argued. Shimizu's face contorted into a smirk resembling pity. "With all due respect, Inspector Majima, this is a straightforward murder. It's hardly akin to a cat convening a conference or a crow engaging in conversation," he countered.

"There's a chance the perpetrator possesses special powers. Shouldn't we determine that before jumping to conclusions?" Majima continued.

"Assuming you're right, Inspector Majima, how do you plan to verify if the crime was the handiwork of one of these... freaks? Will you interrogate the corpse? Or are you insinuating there's another suspect aside from the body we found outside?"

　Majima's retorts were stilled. Sensing the opportunity, Sakuraba intervened. He uncrossed his arms, addressing Shimizu directly. "Do handle the rest. And remember, they're termed 'individuals with special powers', not 'freaks'. It's incumbent upon a police officer to steer clear of prejudiced language."

　Shimizu dismissed the admonition. "A sanctimonious comment, really. Now, make your exit."

　Further entanglement with Shimizu would be unfruitful. Silently apologizing to Ms. Komabashi, Sakuraba vacated room 1105, with Majima begrudgingly in tow.

　Once they settled into the car, as Majima buckled up, he vented, "Shimizu never ceases to irk me."

"He's slated to be your subordinate in the future."

"That's precisely why I've no intention of leaving the SCCD. So, what's our next move?"

"We head back to the SCCD. After updating the boss, we'll await Mr. Natsuno's report."

　Starting the engine, Sakuraba noticed Majima's perplexed expression. "You don't anticipate the First Division's forensic team will collaborate with the SARD's unit?"

"Mr. Natsuno was subtly embedded within Shimizu's team. Given his disguise, it's unlikely he was detected."

"Is that so?"

　Natsuno had discreetly integrated himself with the First Division's team on several occasions without detection. Although the lab's director had advised moderation, Natsuno relished the thrill, likening it to espionage. Truly, an invaluable associate.

　Upon their return to police headquarters, Kamikura was already awaiting them. Sakuraba recounted the day's events. After taking it all in, Kamikura sighed, "The First Investigation Division can be maddeningly obstinate."

"They're utterly clueless about special powers. The absence of any murders in our region until now is sheer luck. There are already sporadic cases cropping up in the Tohoku and Kansai regions," Kamikura observed.

　Sakuraba countered, "Their bias against individuals with special abilities blinds them. They probably can't fathom something major happening under their noses." He accepted the coffee Kamikura offered, not for its aromatic allure, but for the clarity caffeine afforded him.

　En route back to the SCCD, Sasaguchi's call broke the silence. Komabashi couldn't be revived, and her remains would be moved to the department for a pre-dawn autopsy.

　The weight of the failure threatened to crush Sakuraba. Not only had the concert gone awry, but he had also failed to shield Komabashi. If actions don't yield results, they're futile. Sakuraba felt like he'd been merely shadowboxing – addressing all but the real issue.

"Incompetent SCCD, retreat..." Shimizu's mocking words looped in his head. Yes, incompetence seems to be my forte, even when I exert myself fully.

"Sakuraba, you can't blame yourself," Kamikura interjected, rinsing his cup in the kitchenette. "We aren't all-seeing deities or comic book heroes. Our capacities are finite. Remember that.""Merely acknowledging that I did my best isn't enough. Our merit should be gauged by the outcomes we yield," Sakuraba shot back.

　Kamikura paused, water droplets glistening in his hand. He fixed Sakuraba with a penetrating stare. "Arrogance ill suits you, Sakuraba. Believing you can safeguard everyone is a fantasy. We all have limitations. If you tether happiness to outcomes, life will become an unending ordeal." He clasped Sakuraba's shoulder reassuringly, murmuring, "I need some shut-eye," before sprawling on the lobby sofa. Majima dimmed the lights nearby, likely for Kamikura's comfort.

　The room settled into a quiet, punctuated only by the ticking clock. With hands folded and forehead resting upon them, Sakuraba ruminated. Kamikura had a point. Grasping results is akin to seizing sand; some will invariably escape. Obsessing over every lapse hampers the essence of detective work.

　I might be ineffectual, Sakuraba conceded. Yet, it's precisely because of that, he resolved, that saving even a single life feels paramount.

　An hour of silence was disrupted by a knock. Sakuraba stood, but before he could act, the door swung open.

"Hiro! Quite the day, eh?" Natsuno, now clad in a white coat instead of his forensics garb, bounded forward with arms outstretched. Majima intercepted him just in time.

"Control yourself. This is a police station, not some back-alley club."

"What an odd analogy. So, Majima, do you frequent such clubs?"

"No."

"People who dislike them are somewhat suspect, don't you think?"

"Enough with the banter," Majima snapped. "We're aware you infiltrated the First Investigation Division's team. Report."

　Natsuno huffed but relented at Sakuraba's urging. The man outside the hotel was identified as Kazunori Umeshita, a 33-year-old engineer. Though an official autopsy awaited, preliminary assessments suggested he'd fallen to his death.

"Airi Komabashi's death resulted from multiple stab wounds," Natsuno continued. "No defensive wounds were found. The weapon, bearing Umeshita's fingerprints, was located in the room. The First Investigation Division believes Umeshita is the perpetrator."

　Sakuraba questioned, "Is this based purely on circumstantial evidence?"

　Natsuno flashed an image on his smartphone: a white envelope. Inside was a printed note. Sakuraba read aloud, "'In revenge's wake, I follow my pure muse. - Kazunori Umeshita.' So, this is taken as his confession?"

"Exactly. Umeshita had quite a reputation amongst Komabashi's fans. He was, for lack of a better word, problematic."

"How did he gain entry to her room?"

"No key or tools were found, nor was the door lock tampered with. The current theory suggests Komabashi might've invited him."

　Sakuraba scoffed, mirrored by Majima's vocal disbelief. "Komabashi wouldn't invite the very man who jeopardized her concert."

"And there's the crux," Natsuno said with a flourish. "If Umeshita killed Komabashi, who caused the concert chaos? The Division wonders if Komabashi orchestrated everything, threats included."

　Sakuraba felt a rush of indignation. "You're suggesting the passionate Komabashi planned her own concert's ruin?"

"The Division believes it's all a publicity stunt. Ever since the concert's cancellation, online buzz around Komabashi has skyrocketed."

　The very idea that Komabashi might use a potential incident at her concert to gain publicity wasn't entirely baseless. A scandal could spark interest, spreading her name further. The photos from a tabloid could be used to sensationalize the events. But the Komabashi Sakuraba had witnessed was different. She had displayed a raw talent, a magnetic force that had even made him a tad envious.

"Umeshita has abilities," Sakuraba finally declared. "I'm convinced he used them to enter Ms. Komabashi's room."

　Natsuno raised an eyebrow, "The Division will require evidence, Hiro. Your beliefs won't suffice."

"It's not just Sakuraba's belief," Majima interjected. "Myself and an ex-hacker named Hino concur."

　Natsuno sighed, "Numbers won't sway the Division. It's their call. Unless you convince them, no amount of support will matter."

　In this reality, where special powers lacked legal recognition, they needed incontrovertible proof of Umeshita using his powers. Sakuraba felt certain they had missed something.

　He turned to Natsuno, "Umeshita's belongings?"

"Just a wallet and keys," Natsuno reported.

"And his house?"

"Search begins in an hour. Need me to snoop?"

"If you find a smartphone, tell me."

　At that, Natsuno checked his phone, which conveniently buzzed. Mumbling about his superiors, he departed.

　Majima grumbled, "To assume Komabashi planned everything... absurd."

"With that supposed suicide note," Sakuraba began, "The First Division might want a quick resolution."

"They shouldn't rush to conclusions," Majima argued.

　Kamikura, feigning sleep till now, sat up. "You're biased, Majima. Given the scene and the note, the First Division's theory isn't far-fetched."

　Majima stood firm, "After the concert, I can't believe she intended any of this."

　Kamikura sighed, relenting slightly, "That concert was... incredible."

　He then surprised them, "Rest up. Return tomorrow, we'll continue."

　The two detectives exchanged a look, gratitude evident. It felt good having a supportive superior.

　With public transport down, Sakuraba drove Majima home before retreating to his apartment. The early hours were still draped in darkness.

　After a shower, scenes from the past two days haunted him, especially the sight of Komabashi, injured. Guilt consumed him. Once in bed, he felt sleep's embrace when his phone jolted him back.