Shinichi's life returns to "normal" after A's killing spree, but Shinichi remains in low spirits. His mother, Nobuko, becomes worried, but Shinichi just bluffs when she asks him what's wrong. His father, Kazuyuki, suggests to Nobuko that a past incident may be involved. Nobuko looks down at the old scar on her hand and thinks back to what happened when Shinichi was a little boy...

Yuko is drawn to Shimada Hideo, but gradually realizes that something is seriously amiss with Shimada's face itself. As Yuko pursues Shimada's secret, she connects the dots between him and her brother's police investigation.

Though still full of doubt, Kuramori has, for the time being, accepted Shinichi. Soon after, Kuramori's resolve is severely shaken by witnessing a parasite murder a human being. Shinichi is frustrated by the turn of events, but the lull is cut short when a new parasite appears...

The assault squad succeeds in eliminating Hirokawa, the parasites' leader, but they find themselves in a bind when the ultimate parasite appears. Their failure to eliminate Gotou strikes fear into Shinichi's heart--who will give him the final courage to face Gotou?