Kagami ordered Touya to work at Tochigi Hospital. He had medical information implanted into Touya's memories so he could watch over the patients, all of whom were exposed to the vector medication. While there Touya met one patient, a boy named Shouta, who started talking to him. During this conversation, Touya let out his feelings of loneliness and hesitation. Shouta offered to be his friend so he wouldn't be lonely anymore. Later, when Touya tried to capture Chidori, he decided not to because of Aya and Shouta's words. After Shouta managed to stand up, Touya walked away, telling everyone that the boy would be able to walk someday. He said that that was a promise from a friend. That would make Shouta the first friend that Touya ever had, if you count Aya as strictly romantic.

Later on, a tape is sent to the Aogiri household. Suzumi, Kyuu, and Touya put it in to watch, only to see the face of Shiso. He tells them that he's captured Chidori, whom he then shows on the screen. He wants Aya/Ceres to come to him in exchange for her. Everyone is naturally shocked by this. While Chidori is yelling for Aya not to listen to them, however, Shouta starts yelling at Shiso because he's hurting her. Touya is absolutely furious that Shiso kidnapped the two, especially Shouta. He vows to save them, and he goes off to attempt just that.