[UGH Akira is gonna be a little shit, Sanji can feel it in his SOUL--
Also he refuses to be deterred and after a moment of sullen thought:]
Protect Lili then. She's a valued member of the group. And I don't know about you, but I don't wanna see what happens if we were to lose her this early.
[A sigh. And it's really at this point Sanji just gives up on managing how much info he gives Akira.]
I was thinking of checking her out next, or maybe Dick, but if you got better considerations, I'm willing to listen.
... Fair enough. Dick it is. I would've been shooting into the dark one way or another.
[...]
Lili's outspoken and good at rallying people to her side, so I'm worried that'll make her a target. But Dick's so damned competent, that might be a problem for the same reasons. [A pause] I'm not as familiar with Chuuya, Escha-chan, or Guy.
[Though uh, his eyebrows still arch slightly at that last name]
[. . . mmmm. once he's done reeling in his line, he casts it out into the lake again, not speaking until the bait and hook are submerged into the water]
Chuuya, Escha and Lili might be targeted by someone trying to find Yu's real killer. And Guy--
[... He doesn't say it, but that just has him doubling down on Lili as a worthy target for protection. Escha-chan... he would not want to lose her, but the group as a whole would manage. Same with Chuuya.
[he shoots Sanji a grateful look at that. Guy's whole business isn't something for Akira to divulge, and he'd rather not]
No.
[. . . his face falls]
According to the footprints, it had to be either Lili, Ogata, Chuuya or Escha. But Chuuya and Lili's curfew effects were solid, and as for Ogata and Escha. . .
... Given the evidence we focused on, it would point to Escha-chan, since Ogata was innocent.
[He sees no point in beating around the bush. That said:]
But that's assuming we focused on the right evidence to begin with. For all we know, we pigeonholed ourselves into a trap, and all four of 'em were innocent.
[But he stops there, shaking his head and raking a hand through his hair. He's sure both he and Akira have had this conversation many times over the course of the weekend.]
Anyway, I was just wondering... Your list is pretty solid, so I'll leave it to you who to protect.
That's what I'm afraid of. Did we miss something? Were the footprints faked after all?
[they had seemed to legitimate, what with how their path through the camp, the lake, and the dining hall made so much sense. but now, he can't help but doubt]
[and he wonders if there's even a point to lingering on it now, when next week they'll have yet another body to deal with]
[so Akira moves on when Sanji does, letting out a breath as he does so]
Thanks.
But if you ever think someone is in danger, tell me, okay? [he says that firmly, chin tilted up] I'll trust your word and protect them to the best of my ability.
[it always helps to have someone else out there keeping an eye out for potential victims]
[... I'm sorry but after such a declaration, Sanji is gonna
reach over and flick in him the forehead]
Tch. No wonder everyone likes you.
[Whelp. Standing up, brushing some dust off his slacks. He's wearing a three-piece suit instead of that embarrassment from before, so Akira better be proud]
I'll be in touch. Lemme know if you need anything.
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[Where did the cool, levelheaded man go? He's been replaced by a shrieking banshee whose head swivels in Akira's direction]
Your role is more important! Protect yourself, you little shit, or I'll throw you into the goddamn lake!
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[takes all of Akira's willpower not to laugh. somehow, he manages!! and he slowly reels in the line he cast for. . . extra effect]
I protected myself last week; I can't do it again this week.
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Also he refuses to be deterred and after a moment of sullen thought:]
Protect Lili then. She's a valued member of the group. And I don't know about you, but I don't wanna see what happens if we were to lose her this early.
[A sigh. And it's really at this point Sanji just gives up on managing how much info he gives Akira.]
I was thinking of checking her out next, or maybe Dick, but if you got better considerations, I'm willing to listen.
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Lili was on my list, actually. Her, Dick, Chuuya, Escha. . . [a pause] Guy.
And out of those two I'd check Dick. I know Lili's team, and I doubt she has a role. But Dick I can't get a read on either way.
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[...]
Lili's outspoken and good at rallying people to her side, so I'm worried that'll make her a target. But Dick's so damned competent, that might be a problem for the same reasons. [A pause] I'm not as familiar with Chuuya, Escha-chan, or Guy.
[Though uh, his eyebrows still arch slightly at that last name]
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Chuuya, Escha and Lili might be targeted by someone trying to find Yu's real killer. And Guy--
[he]
[trails off]
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As for Guy:]
It ain't my business, so we can shelve that.
[Breezing along.]
You got any ideas on who Yu's killer actually is?
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No.
[. . . his face falls]
According to the footprints, it had to be either Lili, Ogata, Chuuya or Escha. But Chuuya and Lili's curfew effects were solid, and as for Ogata and Escha. . .
[he trails off]
I just. . . I just don't know.
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[He sees no point in beating around the bush. That said:]
But that's assuming we focused on the right evidence to begin with. For all we know, we pigeonholed ourselves into a trap, and all four of 'em were innocent.
[But he stops there, shaking his head and raking a hand through his hair. He's sure both he and Akira have had this conversation many times over the course of the weekend.]
Anyway, I was just wondering... Your list is pretty solid, so I'll leave it to you who to protect.
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[they had seemed to legitimate, what with how their path through the camp, the lake, and the dining hall made so much sense. but now, he can't help but doubt]
[and he wonders if there's even a point to lingering on it now, when next week they'll have yet another body to deal with]
[so Akira moves on when Sanji does, letting out a breath as he does so]
Thanks.
But if you ever think someone is in danger, tell me, okay? [he says that firmly, chin tilted up] I'll trust your word and protect them to the best of my ability.
[it always helps to have someone else out there keeping an eye out for potential victims]
no subject
reach over and flick in him the forehead]
Tch. No wonder everyone likes you.
[Whelp. Standing up, brushing some dust off his slacks. He's wearing a three-piece suit instead of that embarrassment from before, so Akira better be proud]
I'll be in touch. Lemme know if you need anything.
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Sure, sure-- but you better do the same.
[and then. . . he pauses]
[. . .]
You said you work alone, so. . . does this mean you're not open to an official alliance?
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Twisting a smile over his shoulder, one that is far more kinder than the first ones were]
Pirates aren't great at alliances, kid.
[Turning his back on him, and offering a wave as he strolls off]
I dunno. Ask me in a week when I'm in a better mood. We'll see.
no subject
[his response is light, even as he turns back at the lake to continue fishing]
I don't know. There's that thing called "honor among thieves," isn't there?
[a hum]
Next week, then. Stay safe, Guidance Counselor.