Teiko's basketball

Interrogations

Chapter 42:

Interrogations

"Yo, Shin-chan."

Akira had decided to question Midorima first.

"Good morning, nanodayo."

"What's today's horoscope?"

"Aquarius fifth, nanodayo."

"Say, by chance was yesterday's lucky item for Cancer a pick by chance?"

"A pick, nanodayo?"

"A lock pick."

"Yesterday's lucky item was a lucky cat, nanodayo." said Midorima.

Akira could tell from his expression that he had no idea. Well, she would have to question someone else then.

"Thanks, Shin-chan."

"What was it about the lock pick again, nanodayo?"

"Ah, nothing big."

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Akira decided to question Murasakibara next. For all she knew, he could have planned a food-raid on their lockers.

"Mu-kun?"

"What is it Aki-chin?"

"Were you hungry yesterday?"

"Not more than usual. Although it's unusual for Aki-chin to ask about my appetite."

"You know Sora and I don't store food in our lockers..."

"Why would I check your lockers? Aki-chin is rude today..."

"Oh, sorry. I'm just stressed."

"Is there anything I can do to help?"

"Nah. It's under control."

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This was one interrogation she was going to hate.

Haizaki was standing in the corridor randomly whistling. Akira went up to him. The direct approach would be better here.

"Eh... I thought today's catch would be better."

"Shut it, jerk. Did you touch my locker or Sora's?"

"Why the hell should I? There's nothing in either worth my time."

Akira was going to make a really cutting comeback when she was interrupted by a voice behind her.

"Anything the matter, Akira-san?" It was Kuroko.

Akira shook her head. He was right. She probably couldn't win against such a jerk.

"Nae, Tetsu-kun...." she said as they walked away. "Did you touch our lockers?"

"I didn't."

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Akira steadied herself.

"Akashi-kun, did you touch our lockers?"

"Whose lockers?"

"Sora's and mine."

"No... Why?" he asked, concerned.

"Nothing much. Have you seen Aomine?"

"Check the court..."

Akira was glad to get over with it. For no particular reason, that had been scary.

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"Akashi-kun? I need your help," said Sora.

"With?"

"Do you know how to pick lockers?"

He paused a bit before answering. "I might. Why?"

"I need you to pick a locker."

"Whose?"

"Does it really matter?"

"At least tell me why."

"... I misplaced something of mine... Anyway just do it! Please."

Akashi looked at her. "You don't want to open the locker... You want to compare the scratch patterns, don't you?"

Sora made no answer.

"Sora-san?"

"Hmm?"

"I picked your locker."

Sora glanced up sharply. "Somehow I knew you were the only one with the necessary skill set... Why did you do it?"

"Better not worry too much about it. It has all been sorted out."

"Sorted out? My locker won't shut properly! And you left it open."

"Shall I fix it for you?"

"You'd better!"

"You know, I wouldn't have done it unless I was sure that there would be... consequences--"

"Yeah right. Fine, at least tell me why."

He looked at her levelly. "Sora, there are some things you are better off not knowing."

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Akira found Sora fuming in their classroom.

"Sora-san, what's up?"

"I found the culprit!"

"Who?"

"Akashi!"

"Oh."

"He didn't even tell me why!"

"Rest in peace, Sora-san, he didn't do it. At least, he's not the primary culprit."

"Then who is it?"

Akira shifted.

"You too! You won't tell me? The other guy said I was better off not knowing!"

"Let's just say he was right."

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EARLIER:

"Aomine-kun, you're probably the final one!" said Akira. "Do you know what happened to our lockers?"

Aomine stiffened. Woah... Finally a positive reaction. Something was definitely up.

"...Locker..." said Aomine nervously.

"It was you!"

Aomine surrendered. "It was my fault!"

"What happened?"

"You lent me Himeji's notes right? Well, when sensei came on rounds, I hid my magazine in it. And when I returned it to you I forgot to take it out."

"Go on..." said Akira growing cold.

"So, I opened your locker. The notes were missing. I figured you had returned them. Himeji would have sent me to hell!"

"You know, you're right. I would have too for that matter..."

"So I convinced Akashi to pick her locker. And... you know the rest."

"Did you take that filth out?"

"I did."

Akira nodded and left. But she turned back near the door.

"Aomine, I can't believe I'm saying this, but I'm glad you did what you did. Otherwise, two people would be in jail on a murder charge. If you have any doubts about the victim, there's always the mirror."