Their relationship is incredibly significant to the story, as Shinohara's kindness has a strong impact on the deeply-troubled Suzuya. Shinohara works to rehabilitate the damaged young man, and offers him guidance as both his superior and a surrogate father figure. He has a strong affection for Suzuya, and according to his wife, he even considered him like one of his own children. Suzuya is devastated by his loss, but draws strength from it and grows into a more stable and kind-hearted person as a direct result of Shinohara. In the years following his hospitalization, Suzuya continues to visit him.