Stealing Spree - Chapter 2219: Investigation (2)

After Marin-senpai and Shimura confirmed the tripod in the photo, their confusion only deepened. I could see the gears turning in their heads as they tried to make sense of how the tripod ended up in the Theater House.

“Interesting,” I muttered, staring at the photo Watanabe had sent.

The tripod looked exactly like one of those from the Photography Club, now somehow making its way to the Theater House. How had it gotten there?

The Theater House wasn’t even close to the Photography Club. I highly doubted someone from the club had simply misplaced it.

This had “Minami Shouko” written all over it, but I needed to be sure.

Somehow, I couldn’t help but feel like this was an elaborate play by the culprit, drawing us in like fish on hooks. While there’s still nothing of evidence to point all this to that girl, she was my most probable suspect.

Of course, I could be completely wrong and this incident had nothing to do with her. However, I decided to chase this case thinking she’d be there at the end of the line.

It’s like an overarching plot in a movie where, all along, the culprit was clear to the eyes of the protagonist but no evidence truly pointed at their involvement. Then when the climax of the story arrived that would solidify that suspicion, the culprit would openly step out as their backstory would be revealed along with their motive.

Or maybe, they’d go for a twist, revealing that the protagonist was chasing a false lead all along and they’d be surprised at the identity of the true culprit.

Alright. That’s straight out of fantasy but it wouldn’t be too far-fetched that the prankster of a culprit was going for that conclusion.

Maybe, even at this moment, the culprit was watching us either closely or at a distance, enjoying the development.

“Why would it be there?” Shimura eventually muttered as she alternately glanced at the photo and at the location where the other tripods were stored.

“That’s a good question,” I said, lowering the phone. “We can assume that the culprit isn’t simply stealing for the sake of taking things. It’s more like they’re playing some kind of twisted game with you – or even me – moving items around without rhyme or reason.”

“But why our club, Onoda-kun?” Marin-senpai’s brow furrowed as she expressed her annoyance. “It’s stressful enough to find those expensive cameras disappearing. But for the sake of their own amusement? Ridiculous.”

It was a valid question but unfortunately, until we got to the bottom of this, we wouldn’t know the answer.

“We’ll check it out,” I said, handing Komoe’s phone back to her.

She nodded eagerly, her eyes brimming with curiosity and excitement as she sent another message to Watanabe before pocketing her phone.

“Thank you, Marin-senpai, Shimura. We’ll investigate this further. You can come with us to pick up the tripod but I think someone has to stay here.” I said, giving them a nod before waiting for their answer.

Marin-senpai looked concerned but didn’t object. She then looked at Shimura,

“Imari-chan, go with Onoda-kun. Get our tripod.”

As if she got splashed with cold water, Shimura woke up with a start.

I couldn’t help but smile at that. The girl was as puzzled as Komoe. She’s likely trying to piece together why anyone would take the tripod just to plant it elsewhere.

I had to admit though. The randomness of it was baffling. Perhaps, if I hadn’t been informed by Ryouko-san about the new problem student I had to deal with, I would have been like a headless chicken, completely lost and unprepared.

If this is really Minami Shouko, I’ll take my time dismantling her unruliness. I have the experience. I’ll take her as a challenge.

Ah. I have to clarify. I’m not saying I’ll make her mine, I will only humble the girl and correct her path.

Wait. Haven’t I heard that line before from a certain PE Teacher who still can’t be honest with me?

As we made our way to the Theater House, my thoughts swirled around possible motives. Was the culprit just causing chaos for the fun of it? Or was there something more? The idea that she might be deliberately seeking attention still lingered in my mind.

It’s quite funny. The day I decided to do my job as a Disciplinary Officer properly, this turned up… Are they waiting for this moment? Or is it all just a big coincidence and now I’m tangled up with this?

Anyway, I originally put the Kendo Club as our next destination but with Watanabe’s message, I’d set that aside for later and check out the Drama Club too. There’s also the Theater Club wherein the Drama Club president claimed to find the lost costumes.

But more than that, I’d get to see Marika and Misaki again… That thought alone made this trip all the more worth it.

As we walked, Shimura, who had details filled in by Komoe, suddenly commented.

“Onoda-kun. Looks like you’re caught up in an interesting case.”

“Are you the type to chase after a mystery too, Shimura?” I asked with a soft smile.

Shimura answered with a giggle as she stepped forward, taking up my right side, “Hehe. Not exactly, but it’s not every day this kind of thing happens.”

“That’s true. No wonder Komoe here is so excited.”

“Eh? Why only me? Aren’t you excited too, Ruki?” Komoe protested.

“I am. But not in the way you think I am.”

“What does that mean?”

“Guess.” I let that word hang between us, causing Shimura to giggle again and Komoe to nudge my shoulder playfully.

Soon, we arrived at the Theater House.

As always, it looked imposing and its architecture was kind of out of place in this school. In any case, its function was simple. It was a large, multi-purpose building often used for school plays, presentations, and other events. The wide hallways were lined with posters and props from previous performances, and the faint smell of old wood and paint filled the air. It also housed several clubs but the prominent ones were the Drama and Theater Club.

“Let’s head backstage first,” I suggested. If the tripod was found there, it might give us more insight into how it ended up in this part of the school.

Since this place wasn’t foreign to me anymore, I guided the two girls to the side door that would lead to the clubrooms of both clubs.

Unlike last time when Ichihara Jun’s goons were stationed nearby, stopping anyone from approaching, there were hardly any outsiders here anymore.

Marika used her influence to ask the advisors of both clubs to ensure that they wouldn’t be disturbed. And with Ichihara Jun taking his self-imposed suspension, it resulted in this momentary peace.

Before long, the Drama Club President alongside Misaki as well as Watanabe who went here and sent us that photo welcomed us.

I looked in the direction of the Theater Club but it seems they’re not inside. They’re probably practicing in the rehearsal room.

“Good work, Watanabe,” I praised the girl whose chest was already puffed up as though she was hinting at me to recognize her contribution.

After that, I turned towards the President who was shaking her head as she stared at the two girls accompanying me.

Whatever was running in her head, she was definitely exaggerating it.

Shortly after, she gently pushed Misaki’s back, bringing the girl to me, “I’ll leave Misaki- chan to guide you, Onoda-kun. Take care of her. When you’re done investigating the prop storage, come back here to inspect our clubroom next.”

“Alright. Thank you, senpai. I’ll bring Misaki back in one piece.” I playfully answered before pulling the innocent forehead girl to me. She blinked her eyes a few times before succumbing to her usual chirpy mood, melting in my embrace.

Just like this, our party somehow increased to five with Watanabe also following us to the place where she found that tripod.