Two years before the Second Large-Scale Invasion, Kikuchihara discovered he had a Side Effect, one of superhearing. Because it was deemed a low-class Side Effect, many disbelieved its value leading Kikuchihara to resent it. However, Kazama saw potential in this and invited Kikuchihara to his unit. With the ability to share the auditory information, Kazama Unit rose in ranks and reach A-Class, and eventually #3.