Immerse yourself in the captivating world of Persona 5 Royal, where players can forge various social connections known as Confidants. One of the standout characters in this game is Makoto Nijima, the Priestess Arcana, who serves as the Student Council President at Shujin Academy. Initially perceived as cold and distant, she undergoes significant character development, particularly during the Bank of Gluttony arc, where she awakens her Persona and becomes an unlockable Confidant for Joker.
Exploring Makoto Nijima’s Confidant Abilities
Are her abilities beneficial? Definitely! One particularly noteworthy ability is Shadow Factorization, which proves essential during the mid-to-late-game dungeons. Below is a detailed overview of all the Confidant abilities associated with Makoto Nijima in Persona 5 Royal:
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Social Link Rank |
Ability |
Description |
|---|---|---|
|
Rank 1 |
Shadow Calculus |
Reveal skills and potential item drops during the analysis. |
|
Rank 2 |
Baton Pass |
Transfer your turn to other Baton Pass users post-1 More. |
|
Rank 3 |
Brainiac Talk |
Opportunity to retry after a failed Shadow negotiation. |
|
Rank 4 |
Follow Up |
Chance for a follow-up attack if Joker’s initial strike doesn’t down the enemy. |
|
Rank 5 |
– |
– |
|
Rank 6 |
Harisen Recovery |
Chance to heal status ailments affecting party members. |
|
Rank 7 |
Shadow Factorization |
Allows viewing of Null, Repel, and Drain properties when targeting an enemy. |
|
Rank 8 |
Endure |
Chance to survive a fatal attack with 1 HP left. |
|
Rank 9 |
Protect |
Potential to shield Joker from a deadly strike. |
|
Max Social Link Rank |
Second Awakening |
Transforms her Persona into that of a mythological trickster (Anat). |
Rank 1: Beginning Your Journey
Start building your Confidant relationship with Makoto from 06/24 onwards, after achieving Rank 3 in Knowledge (Scholarly). You’ll find her on the third floor of Shujin Academy, stationed by the Student Council office. The opening interaction occurs when Joker takes Makoto to the arcade, where he encourages her to explore new experiences outside her comfort zone.
Your dialogue choices are flexible during this encounter, but pivotal choices arise after the display of the Confidant Rank 1 screen, as shown in the table below. Each option yields different point values:
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“I’ve had all kinds of new experiences today… and it’s even been a little fun.” |
Let’s go again sometime +3 |
|
It’s a new you. +3 |
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The red-light district next? +3 |
Rank 2: A Glimpse into the Underground
During Rank 2, Joker invites Makoto to explore the Red Light District in Shinjuku, exposing her to a darker side of the city. The excursion takes a surprising turn when she spots a familiar Shujin Academy student entering a nearby salon, prompting Makoto to inquire about it at school the following day.
Here are the dialogue options to maximize your social link points for Rank 2:
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“I heard there were quite a few brothels here as well.” |
You’re very well informed. +2 |
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Have you ever been here? 0 |
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Stay close to me. 0 |
|
|
“If you hadn’t been there to rescue me, I…” |
You should have known better. +2 |
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That was dangerous. +3 |
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You get flustered easily, huh? 0 |
|
|
“‘The After School Salon’…?” |
Why is it called a Salon? 0 |
|
What kind of place is that? 0 |
|
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“Today was exhausting, but I also learned a lot. I guess nothing beats practical experience.” |
Couldn’t agree more. +2 |
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He just wouldn’t give up. 0 |
|
|
Let’s actually go in next time. 0 |
Rank 3: Deepening Connections
Rank 3 involves an engaging conversation between Joker, Makoto, and Eiko Takao, the student from the prior salon visit. The dynamic between Makoto and Eiko grows as they find common ground over their interest in the Buchimaru-kun Panda, leading to an exchange of phone numbers for future communication.
To ensure optimal points during this event, refer to the dialogue choices below:
|
“What’s up with that, Miss Prez?” |
You have the wrong idea. +2 |
|
So what if we were together? 0 |
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It’s none of your business. 0 |
|
|
“She thought I was a robot…” |
Don’t let it get to you. +2 |
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You can change. +3 |
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Beep boop 0 |
|
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“It was crazy to see a picture of her entire collection. She even has a bunch of Buchimaru-kun emoticons!” |
Sounds like you two get along. +2 |
|
Buchimaru-kun? 0 |
|
|
Okay, calm down. 0 |
Rank 4: Revelations
In this pivotal rank, Makoto opens up to Joker about a recent poor test score that has her questioning her dedication to her studies. She shares memories of her late father, a former police officer, and expresses her concern for Eiko. Below is a list of dialogue choices during this emotional encounter:
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“So, my class had a practice entrance exam… and my score was significantly lower than last time. I’m concerned…” |
That’s unlike you. +2 |
|
Is Thieves work distracting you? 0 |
|
|
I’m sure you did better than last time. 0 |
|
|
“I spoke to Eiko about this matter as well, but the answer hasn’t become any clearer…” |
No? 0 |
|
…who? 0 |
|
|
“Even at that, her vision of the future is still clearer than mine.” |
Don’t you have goals? 0 |
|
What about college? 0 |
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What do you mean? 0 |
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“I sent her a picture… and it’s apparently the same brand they use in the nurse’s office at school.” |
Why do you use it? +3 |
|
That’s adorable. +2 |
|
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You’re not very ladylike… 0 |
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“I had completely forgotten about that dream, to be honest…” |
Do you still want to pursue it? 0 |
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I like a woman in uniform. +2 |
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It’s an amazing goal. +3 |
Rank 5: The Relationship Grows
During this rank, Makoto asks Joker to play the role of her boyfriend on a double date with Eiko and her boyfriend. She hopes to gather insight into their relationship.
|
“Since then, he’s the only thing she’ll talk about. She even sent me a picture of their date at Destinyland.” |
Are you jealous of them? 0 |
|
That’s annoying. +2 |
|
|
He sounds suspicious. +3 |
|
|
“This time, um… you’ll have to play the role of my boyfriend.” |
I got this. +3 |
|
Why do I have to do it? 0 |
|
|
Only if I can take it seriously. +2 |
|
|
“But if it turns out he really is toying with Eiko… what should we do…?” |
Fist! Of! Justice! 0 |
|
Report him to the police. 0 |
|
|
Try to reach out to her. +2 |
Rank 6: The Truth Revealed
To access Rank 6, ensure you have Max Rank Charm (Debonair). In this event, Joker and Makoto join Eiko’s boyfriend, Tsukasa, at a diner. Makoto’s earlier suspicions about Tsukasa are affirmed; he is revealed to be a host exploiting Eiko’s affections.
Despite feeling tempted to confront Tsukasa, it’s crucial to choose your dialogue wisely to navigate through this tense situation:
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“Are you seriously datin’?” |
We just started. +2 |
|
We’re fighting right now. 0 |
|
|
Love comes in many forms. +3 |
|
|
“II, um…” |
Don’t be so pushy. 0 |
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Back off. 0 |
|
|
Here, have my number instead. 0 |
|
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“Am I just… getting in the way of their happiness?” |
No, you’re being considerate. 0 |
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You worry too much. 0 |
|
|
Probably a little. 0 |
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“He uses these weird symbols—I have no idea what he’s saying. I want to ignore him, but I shouldn’t for Eiko’s sake…” |
Tell him you’re on a date. +2 |
|
You’re allowed to ignore him. 0 |
|
|
Fire the same thing back. 0 |
Rank 7: A Personal Story
During this rank, Makoto opens up about her father’s tragic past, which involved a gang-related incident that impacted her family profoundly. It’s revealed how this event shaped her sister, Sae Nijima, into becoming a prosecutor, raising Makoto on her own after their parents’ death.
Here are the choices you can make in this heartfelt encounter:
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“His days and nights are reversed due to his work, so he often sends me a ‘good morning’ late at night…” |
Do you think he likes you? 0 |
|
Does Eiko know about this? 0 |
|
|
“Was I just biased to think that all he wants from Eiko is her money?” |
Probably a little. 0 |
|
You watch too many soap operas. 0 |
|
|
He’s definitely suspicious. 0 |
|
|
“They suspected that the gang he was investigating hired the driver…” |
Who was their leader? 0 |
|
What gang was it? 0 |
|
|
I’m not sure any of that would have happened if not for the incident with my father…” |
That’s a horrible story. +3 |
|
Was it tough without him? +2 |
|
|
He was a noble man. +3 |
|
|
“That was how my father chose to live his life… Trying to bring justice and order to the world around him.” |
That’s admirable. +3 |
|
I’m sure he was happy. +3 |
|
|
“And more importantly, how do I want to live…?” |
Do you have an answer? +2 |
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You can figure that out now. +2 |
|
|
“…Wanna have a double wedding?” |
I’m game if you are. +2 |
|
What are you going to say? 0 |
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|
Refuse her, please. +2 |
|
|
“I don’t trust Eiko’s boyfriend yet, so… can we keep this up until I can make a call one way or the other?” |
Of course… +2 |
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I guess so. 0 |
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|
It’s the role I always hoped for. +2 |
Rank 8: Confrontations and Assistance
In this rank, Eiko appeals to Makoto for financial help, leading to a crucial discussion where Makoto expresses her concerns about Tsukasa’s potential manipulation over Eiko. To resolve the situation, Makoto seeks Joker’s help to expose Tsukasa’s true intentions.
Here are the dialogue choices for this interaction:
|
“So he calls you his special princess… What do you think…” |
He says that to all his girls. +2 |
|
That’s how he ropes you in. +2 |
|
|
I’m not sure. 0 |
|
|
“She needs to realize that. You’re going to help, right?” |
Absolutely. +3 |
|
What are we going to do? +2 |
|
|
Eh, she deserves him. +2 |
Rank 9: Toll of Decisions
This rank presents critical dialogue choices that can define your relationship with Makoto, whether you choose romance or friendship. Below are your options:
|
“I dare you!” |
Get away from her! +3 |
|
Your fight’s with me. +3 |
|
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I’m calling the cops. +3 |
|
|
“People noticed what happened…” |
We should get out of here. +2 |
|
Follow me. +2 |
|
|
“I can’t believe I actually hit one of my friends…” |
It looked like it hurt. 0 |
|
That was the right move. +2 |
|
|
You really smacked her. 0 |
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|
“How did you ever find somewhere like this? You know so much.” |
I’m a regular here. +3 |
|
It’s a regular meeting spot. +3 |
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|
Not as much as you. +2 |
|
|
You’ll find someone someday. +3 (Friendship) |
|
|
I’ll be your study partner. (Romance) |
|
|
“I’d probably never have pulled this off alone. Thank you so much.” |
No problem at all. +2 (Friendship) |
|
Man, that got tense. 0 |
|
|
You could always slap me too. 0 |
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|
“I’d probably never have pulled this off alone. Thank you so much.” |
I’d do anything for you. +2 (Romance) |
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Were you scared? 0 |
|
|
No big deal. 0 |
Rank 10: The Conclusion
Recommended gifts: If you find yourself lacking points during interactions with Makoto, gifting her a Motorbike Figure from Akihabara or a Designer Perfume from the Underground Mall will likely enhance your relationship.
Makoto’s final Social Link event remains largely consistent, regardless of whether you pursue a romantic or platonic path, with slight variations in dialogue. Below are the options:
|
“I think she knew it deep within her heart, and seeing him like that finally helped her realize.” |
That’s incredible. +2 |
|
Your slap worked wonders. 0 |
|
|
I’m so relieved. 0 |
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“I plan on doing the same as well.” |
Are you stressing over exams? +2 |
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Back to studying? 0 |
|
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For your sister? 0 |
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“My dream… is to become a police commissioner. That is why I need to study.” |
Police commissioner? 0 |
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That sounds difficult. +2 |
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Why did you choose that? 0 |
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“Instead, I want to head an organization that will destroy the lawless and help rescue victims.” |
What an admirable goal. +3 |
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That’s an amazing dream. +2 |
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Your father would be proud. +3 |
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“Must have been difficult babysitting the uptight Miss President, right?”(Friendship route only) |
Maybe a bit. +2 |
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We went through so much… +3 |
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“*giggle* What a funny thought… Studying to become a head of police while working as a thief…” |
Haha, yeah. 0 |
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It’s not funny at all. 0 |
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Just be careful, okay? +2 |
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“U-Um…”(Romance route only) |
What’s wrong? 0 |
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Do you want to study? 0 |
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