At first I thought Ooishi's theory that the Sonozaki family banished Satoshi-kun from Hinamizawa and looked after Satoko in return...

was bogus.

But thinking about it now, it doesn't seem too far-fetched.

After all, Satoko Houjou started living with Rika Furude after Satoshi-kun's disappearance.

Rika Furude isn't just a regular girl.

She was the head of the Furude family, one of the Three Families.

The head of the Kimiyoshi family is Rika Furude's guardian.

The Sonozaki family probably couldn't step in, due to having been officially opposed to the Houjou family,

but Satoko Houjou is in the custody of the Three Families now.

Even though the Houjou family was severely ostracized during the dam conflict, Satoko Houjou was now under protection.

It seems as though only Satoko was exempted from blame.

Why was she spared, even though Satoshi-kun wasn't?