Oracle: Special Crime Countermeasures Division

An Unwilling Reunion13

"People can truly be deceptive," Furusaki mused, playing with her smartphone at her desk.

　Sakuraba remarked, "The same holds true for special powers. You don't truly know what lies beneath until you uncover it," and took a leisurely sip of his coffee. The warmth radiated through him, dissolving his tension.

　Placing her phone down, Furusaki slouched onto her desk. "Sasaguchi didn't come off as a bad guy... He seemed genuinely distressed when he asked us to safeguard Ms. Komabashi."

"It might have been a ruse to ensnare the police. I was taken in as well," Sakuraba admitted.

"How could he? He harbored feelings for Ms. Komabashi, felt betrayed all on his own, and then he took her life. To think I offered tea to such a vile man," Furusaki said, her nails scratching the desk's surface in frustration. "And poor Mr. Umeshita being manipulated that way... it's heartbreaking," she added, her lips pressed together in a tight line.

　Umeshita's phone was reportedly discovered in Sasaguchi's jacket. He likely took it after murdering Umeshita to conceal any link between them. It appears Sasaguchi also dispatched Komabashi's scandalous photos to the publisher, feigning the role of an unrelated third party.

　The fact that Umeshita kept his special powers a secret from Sasaguchi implied he hadn't fully trusted him. Even though Umeshita might have genuinely disliked Komabashi, Sakuraba speculated something different: out of affection for Komabashi, Umeshita might have intentionally left clues that would lead to Sasaguchi's capture, putting this above his fear of unjust accusation.

　Kamikura, having spent considerable time building his arm strength on the Power Tower, returned to his desk, mopping his brow with a towel draped over his shoulder. Furusaki immediately chided him.

"Boss, you're drenched in sweat again. Please clean up properly."

"I already did."

"Not with just a towel. Use some refreshing wipes. And do it out of our sight. Now, off you go."

　Furusaki waved him off, much like shooing away a pesky cat. Kamikura muttered, "Is that how you address your boss?" Nonetheless, he pulled out a black package from his desk drawer and headed to the lockers.

　Despite the chilling ordeal, life resumed its usual rhythm for Sakuraba and his colleagues. Except for the newest member, who had distanced himself since his return to the SCCD. Majima's demeanor was somber, often sighing deeply or suddenly standing to wander with no apparent destination.

"Majima, I understand you're exhausted, but try to finish your report soon," Sakuraba advised, addressing the desk opposite his. Predictably, there was no reaction. Whether Majima even registered being addressed was unclear, as he continued to gaze intently at his hands.

　Seeing no alternative, Sakuraba approached his junior, gently tapping his shoulder. Majima looked up, startled.

"You caught me off guard... What's up?"

"Were you daydreaming? Finish your report sooner rather than later. We don't want a lecture from the First Investigation Division."

"Got it."

　Majima responded, but swiftly lapsed back into his pensive state, eyes lost in thought.

　The day's closing chime echoed through the room. Kamikura suggested, "How about a drink after work?" but Furusaki immediately declined. "There's an event I've been looking forward to," she replied, heading out with a determined stride. Sakuraba mentioned he intended to put in a bit more time on his report, to which Kamikura responded with a forlorn sigh. "The younger generation sure isn't keen on socializing these days," he commented, beginning to gather his belongings.

"I'll be off then. Don't forget to lock up," Kamikura reminded.

"Good job today, Boss," came the response.

　Once Kamikura left, Sakuraba felt the need for a short reprieve. Noticing the dwindling coffee, he went to brew a fresh pot.

　Majima, however, continued to gaze distantly at his screen, seemingly unaware of the day's end chime. Perhaps it'd be kinder to send him home early.

"You can wrap up your report tomorrow, Majima. Head home," Sakuraba advised.

　But as he moved past him, Majima answered in a distant tone, "I'll wait until you leave, senpai."

"You really don't need to. Just head out."

　He almost added that such a gesture was an unnecessary expense on the taxpayers, but bit back the comment.

　After pouring his newly made coffee, Sakuraba added a sugar stick, which wasn't his usual. The sweet warmth felt rejuvenating.

　As he approached his desk, passing Majima once more, the latter suddenly pivoted, his hand grasping Sakuraba's arm.

"Easy there, Majima. Spilled coffee's a nuisance."

"I apologize. Can I talk to you about something, senpai?"

"What's on your mind?"

　Majima hesitated, eyes lowered. But soon enough, he met Sakuraba's gaze."Is this the first murder case you've been assigned to?"

　Majima's complexion was pale, devoid of the energy he'd shown when confronting Sasaguchi.

　It was Majima's debut field mission, and it had entailed a homicide. The pressure, compounded by sleep deprivation and excessive work, was evident. Considering the rapport he'd built with Komabashi, he might now be grappling with overwhelming grief.

　But that sentiment wasn't exclusive to Majima.

"It's my first time dealing with something like this, too," Sakuraba admitted. The haunting image of Komabashi's lifeless body intruded his mind repeatedly, both with eyes open and shut. Just a day ago, they were engaged in light conversation, animated with the joys of life, and now she was gone.

"Doesn't it weigh on you?" Majima's voice was soft, barely above a whisper.

"Every moment," Sakuraba confessed, his voice laced with sorrow. "I chastise myself for not discerning Sasaguchi's capabilities earlier. Maybe then both Komabashi and Umeshita could've been spared."

"Senpai, you can't blame yourself for that. To me, it's astonishing how you managed to piece things together. Without your ability – what Furusaki-san termed 'Photographic Memory' – Sasaguchi might have successfully framed Umeshita."

　Sakuraba waved his hand dismissively. "Don't call it that. Furusaki just coined the term."

　Indeed, Sakuraba's unique ability allowed him to mentally capture and store intricate details for extended periods. He'd realized in elementary school that his memory surpassed that of his peers. Memories, even the most mundane ones, were as vivid as photos in an album. As time progressed, these snapshots multiplied. Heeding his parents' advice, Sakuraba mentally cataloged these memories into categories. Furusaki, upon hearing about this skill, dubbed it 'Photographic Memory'.

"Your skill, Majima, is far more commendable. The capacity to freeze things at a molecular level is phenomenal."

"But it's just brute force," Majima shrugged. "If we don't identify the offender, what good is my power?"

"And if we identify but can't apprehend, then what?" Sakuraba countered.

　They laughed softly, the weight of the earlier conversation momentarily lifted. "Alright, let's just call it even," Majima said, breaking into a genuine smile.

　Sakuraba, trying to dispel the lingering awkwardness, cleared his throat. "You know, I overheard you saying that true talent is when potential meets perseverance. I believe that wholeheartedly. You have a rare gift, Majima."

　The younger detective blinked, a touch of surprise in his eyes. "You heard that? I... well, I genuinely think you're incredible, senpai."

　Sakuraba felt a warm flush creep up his cheeks. The compliment was unexpected, and he wasn't sure how to react. Meanwhile, Majima continued, enthusiasm in his voice. "I aim to give my all to the SCCD. I aspire to be someone you can rely on, senpai."

"And with your trajectory and talents, you'll outpace me soon. I'll be the one left behind," Sakuraba responded, a tinge of melancholy evident.

　A dormant anxiety rekindled within Sakuraba. While Majima's abilities were undoubtedly superior, Sakuraba often felt like a mere pawn. With Majima's evident prowess, the SCCD's spotlight would likely shift to him. Sakuraba wondered: when that day came, would there still be room for him?

"Senpai, you seriously undervalue yourself," Majima remarked, surprise evident in his eyes.

"If I possessed your acumen and skillset, I'd be boasting left and right, declaring, 'There's no case I can't crack!'"

"You're giving me too much credit."

"I excel in academics, sure. But what you possess is more akin to astute wisdom and adaptability. You can grasp nuances and implications where others might not."

　Majima met Sakuraba's gaze directly. His eyes, unlike Sakuraba's cloudy ones, were crystal clear.

"The SCCD needs you, Sakuraba-senpai."

　Majima's genuine words resonated deeply with Sakuraba. He then understood that Majima was consistently transparent and genuine: his respect for Komabashi, his animosity towards Sasaguchi, and now his reassurances to Sakuraba.

　Comparatively, Sakuraba felt humbled. Had he been wallowing in needless worry and resentment? Was he not mirroring those who unfairly judged Sasaguchi and Komabashi?

"I'm looking forward to our continued collaboration, Sakuraba-senpai."

　Majima's gentle smile accompanied the extended hand. After a brief moment, Sakuraba clasped it. The warmth from Majima's hand was reassuring.

"I'm relieved you've warmed up to me even a tad."

"It wasn't about disliking you. I was just somewhat wary."

"That's perplexing in itself. Care to enlighten me?"

"Your tenacity is... unnerving at times. Now release my hand. I've got work."

　Majima feigned indignation but his smile suggested otherwise. They shifted focus to their tasks, but as fatigue set in, they gradually engaged in light banter.

　An hour later, they agreed to leave the pending work for the next day. After securing the premises, they exited the Metropolitan Police Department, greeted by a brisk wind. Dead leaves rustled and vanished into the dimly lit surroundings.

　Upon Sakuraba's dinner proposal, Majima's face brightened considerably, exuding the energy of an eager pup. They aimed for a nearby eatery, walking along the scarcely populated avenue. As Sakuraba pondered on winter preparations, a familiar voice halted him.

"Hiroto!"

　Without needing to glance back, Sakuraba recognized the voice. But why here? Why now?Frozen in place, he felt Majima's quizzical gaze. "Is he known to you?"

　If only he was a mere acquaintance. Sakuraba could have feigned ignorance.

　Wishing the caller would retreat, the footsteps only drew nearer.

"Hiroto."

　His hopes were in vain.

　A man approached and wrapped Sakuraba in a tight embrace from behind..

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A Message from Nishii Rama
While this chapter concludes here, the story continues. I invite you to join the adventure on Kindle. Your support is invaluable to me.
Warmly,
Nishii Rama
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