Aihi's companion was a sickly man who attempted to befriend her some time before she joined Kokuboro. Though he eventually tricked her into living with him, she was released upon his death. Anime Only: It is implied by the crumpled state of the talismans (as well as a tear on one of them), that the talismans were removed from their position by someone other than Aihi, and thusly finally allowing her freedom. After her death, the sickly man is handed a flower of Aihi by his granddaughter. After seeing it, he knew it was hers. He then died in peace because she had finally "returned home".