Engaging regularly in shogi with a professional can significantly enhance your strategic thinking skills, much like how ranking up Hifumi’s confidant in Persona 5 Royal aids Joker in developing his tactical capabilities.
Although Hifumi herself lacks a persona, advancing her confidant ranks unlocks a series of vital game mechanics that greatly benefit Joker during his adventures in the metaverse. Among the most crucial abilities is the power to switch party members in the midst of battle, a feature that can be imperative for success, especially in the challenging secret Royal arc of the game. This guide will outline key dialogues that allow you to efficiently climb the ranks of Hifumi’s social link.
Star Confidant Perks
For players tackling Persona 5 Royal on increased difficulty levels, it is essential to complete Hifumi’s confidant due to the array of strategic mechanics available through this social link.
|
Rank |
Perks |
Description |
|---|---|---|
|
Rank 1 |
Koma Sabaki |
Permits the swapping of current party members with backups during Joker’s turn. |
|
Rank 2 |
– |
– |
|
Rank 3 |
Uchikomi |
Grants a chance for a backup member to follow up if Joker downs an enemy. |
|
Rank 4 |
– |
– |
|
Rank 5 |
Kazushi Kakoi |
Enables escape attempts even when encircled by enemies. |
|
Rank 6 |
– |
– |
|
Rank 7 |
Narikin |
Double the earnings from battles won in a single turn after a successful ambush. |
|
Rank 8 |
– |
– |
|
Rank 9 |
Touryou |
Eliminates turn delay, allowing instant escape from battles. |
|
Rank 10 |
Togo System |
Lets you swap party members during any character’s turn. |
Although numerous paragraphs could be dedicated to discussing each of these confidant bonuses and their impact on gameplay, for now, let’s focus on the essentials.
The Togo System stands out as the pinnacle ability of this confidant. It enables strategic flexibility by allowing targeted exploitation of enemy weaknesses through party swaps.
Star Confidant Overview
Hifumi is one of the romanceable characters in Persona 5 Royal. To unlock her confidant, players must first achieve Rank 2 in Yusuke’s Emperor confidant, which leads to a discussion about a shogi player who frequents Kanda at night.
After June 26th, you can visit Kanda Church and interact with Hifumi, who will be sitting in front of the church to initiate this social link.
Each rank advancement also awards one point in the Knowledge social stat. Hifumi is available for interactions at night on Mondays, Tuesdays, Saturdays, and Sundays, and having a Star persona in your inventory will maximize your affection points during these hangouts.
To enhance your affection during off-ranking interactions, consider gifting Hifumi items such as the Fountain Pen, Incense Set, or Rakugo Collection, all of which yield extra points.
Rank 1
To initiate this confidant, you need at least level 3 charm (Suave).Your charm facilitates an introduction to Hifumi and a request for her to teach you shogi.
During this interaction, feel free to choose any dialogue, as they do not yield affection points except for the final moment when Hifumi requests your phone number.
|
“Before you head home, would you like to exchange IDs with me? There’s no obligation, of course…” |
“Sure.”+2 |
|
“I guess we can.”+2 |
|
|
“Lucky me.”+3 |
Rank 2
During this rank, Hifumi captivates you with her focused monologues while playing shogi. She confesses that she often embodies the persona of the queen during games, a tendency she acknowledges as a flaw. Remember, kindness during this conversation can earn you valuable affection points.
|
“I tend to get very aggressive. It’s as if I assume the role of a queen of a kingdom.” |
“That’s interesting.”+2 |
|
“I like the attitude change.”+0 |
|
|
“It’s a bit scary.”+0 |
|
|
“I mean, I can’t blame them… Certainly, I think I’m weird too.” |
“Have confidence in yourself.”+0 |
|
“Don’t worry about them.”+0 |
|
|
“Um, well, I’m doing a photoshoot for one…” |
“When is it coming out?”+0 |
|
“You’re, like, an idol.”+0 |
|
|
“But you don’t want to, right?”+2 |
Rank 3
Your interaction begins as you wait for a persistent fan to leave Hifumi alone. Once you have her full attention, Hifumi reveals her common encounters with overzealous fans and her initial misconception that you were one of them.
Here are the best dialogue choices for this rank:
|
“Did you see it…? It was called ‘The Venus of Shogi’…” |
“Describes you perfectly.”+2 |
|
“No, I didn’t.”+0 |
|
|
“That’s quite the headline.”+0 |
|
|
“It’s as if she wants to be the manager of a celebrity.” |
“You don’t enjoy it?”+0 |
|
“Having a difficult time?”+2 |
|
|
“You should just decline.”+0 |
|
|
Phonecall: “But this hardly seems fair… How can I teach you properly when I’m this distressed…?” |
“Bring it on.”+2 |
|
“Don’t worry about it.”+0 |
|
|
“This is part of our deal too.”+0 |
Rank 4
In this segment, Hifumi introduces a new hangout location, Jinbocho, where she suggests books to help you improve at shogi. Your outing, however, is disrupted by one of her previous competitors, whom she recently defeated. Despite this hiccup, your time together is a rewarding experience.
|
“She’s my senior… I defeated her in a recent title match.” |
“I didn’t mind.”+2 |
|
“She has a bad vibe.”+0 |
|
|
“Must’ve been the katsu curry.”+2 |
|
|
“What do you think about them?” |
“They’re ridiculous.”+0 |
|
“They’re cool.”+2 |
|
|
“Never heard of them.”+0 |
|
|
Phonecall: “I hope this won’t discourage you from spending time with me. Really, I would be delighted to do this again.” |
“I’d love to.”+2 |
|
“If our schedules match up.”+0 |
|
|
“Where shall we go next?”+2 |
Rank 5
Your visit to the church reconnects you to Hifumi’s world as you meet her mother for the first time, a moment filled with confusion and revelation. You uncover that Hifumi is prohibited from dating, as her mother insists on her focusing exclusively on shogi.
The optimal dialogue choices during this encounter are:
|
..I apologize. That must have been quite a shock.” |
“You’re not allowed to date?”+0 |
|
“She’s scary.”+2 |
|
|
“Accomplish things?”+0 |
|
|
“But it’s honestly quite difficult for me.” |
“You don’t like the attention?”+0 |
|
“You should stop then.”+2 |
|
|
“Have you told your mother?”+0 |
|
|
Phonecall: “She didn’t mean to offend you at all. I hope you’ll accept my apology in her place.” |
“No worries.”+0 |
|
“You’ve got a lot to deal with…”+2 |
|
|
“Why do you have to apologize?”+0 |
Rank 6
As Hifumi’s trust deepens, she discloses that her father is bedridden, leaving her mother to provide for the family. With aspirations for Hifumi to become a renowned shogi player, the pressure mounts. To earn maximum affection points, it’s essential to resonate with her emotions and motivate her to pursue her true desires.
|
“So now she’s even more insistent on having me do more TV and magazine interviews than before…” |
“You’ll be famous.”+0 |
|
“Is that frustrating?”+2 |
|
|
“The media is scary.”+0 |
|
|
“Maybe I should stop playing shogi and just get a job… That way, my family won’t get hurt again…” |
“Do you still like shogi?”+2 |
|
“Is that what you want to do?”+0 |
|
|
“Do what you love.”+2 |
|
|
Phonecall: “…You might make a fine priest yourself. Considering how good a listener you are, I mean.” |
“You think so?”+0 |
|
“You’re imagining things.”+2 |
|
|
“Confess your sins, my child.”+0 |
Rank 7
During another shogi match, Hifumi expresses her ambition to become the first female player to gain entry into the pro ranking league. As a supportive friend, encourage her to excel in her upcoming professional contest.
|
“…I confess I am a bit scared, though.” |
“That’s almost a relief.”+2 |
|
“Don’t let your guard down.”+0 |
|
|
“It may come down to luck.”+3 |
|
|
“But I’m sick of being treated like an idol. I have to show them what I’m made of!” |
“Give it your all.”+2 |
|
“I believe in you.”+3 |
|
|
“Idols are cool too.”+0 |
Rank 8
Prerequisite: You must have level 5 (Erudite) knowledge to access this rank. Hifumi expresses her frustration regarding her mother’s perception of her, not as a shogi player but as a means to gain fame as an idol. Clearly distressed, Hifumi yearns to be recognized for her talent in shogi rather than her appearance.
The completion of this rank spans multiple days since, after the initial discussion, you must fulfill a request in the Metaverse before continuing.
|
“My mother told me that I should lose my upcoming exhibition match against the pro…” |
“What do you mean?”+0 |
|
“I don’t understand.”+0 |
|
|
“That way, I can use the weekly magazine’s popularity against them and instantly become famous.” |
“That won’t work.”+2 |
|
“That’s a great strategy.”+0 |
|
|
“Do you intend to lose?”+0 |
|
|
“I don’t want to turn my back on shogi… a game that both my father and I love…” |
“Let’s make her reconsider.”+0 |
|
“Let’s do something about it.”+0 |
|
|
“I highly doubt she would ever reconsider…” |
“What’s your mother’s name?”+0 |
|
“Tell me her name.”+0 |
Upon finishing this segment, be sure to complete the “Upstaging the Stage Mother” request. Once accomplished, return to Hifumi on her hangout days to progress her social link.
|
“Perhaps they eavesdropped on our conversation?” |
“Maybe…”+2 |
|
“You’re overthinking it.”+0 |
|
|
“I’m glad her heart changed.”+3 |
|
|
“…I’m not going to lose.” |
“Lose what?”+0 |
|
“What’re you talking about?”+0 |
|
|
Phonecall: “I was just a little curious about your thoughts. Regarding my decision to reveal my fixed matches, that is.” |
“I support it.”+2 |
|
“You should really rethink this.”+0 |
|
|
“It’s certainly admirable…”+0 |
Rank 9
This rank presents an opportunity for players interested in pursuing a romantic relationship with Hifumi. Following her match, you will have the choice to either deepen your romantic connection or maintain a friendship.
|
“However, I’m not going to give them the satisfaction. I’m going to win… with these very hands.” |
“Give it all you got.”+2 |
|
“Do you feel confident?”+0 |
|
|
“You can do it.”+0 |
|
|
“I was so ashamed of myself. I didn’t want to hurt the pieces any longer…” |
“It was a good effort.”+0 |
|
“You’ll win next time.”+0 |
|
|
“A very queenly decision.”+3 |
|
|
“…So this is goodbye.” |
“I want to become stronger.”+0 (ends conversation) |
|
“I want to stay by your side.”+0 (leads to romance) |
|
|
“What do you mean by that…?” |
“I want us to date.”(romance pathway) |
|
“We’ll be friends forever.”(friendship pathway) |
|
|
Phonecall: “That’s why I can say with certainty. Today’s loss was not a setback, but a glorious step forward.”(friendship unique dialogue) |
“That’s a great way to see it.”+2 |
|
“You’re overthinking it.”+2 |
|
|
“Let’s win the next one.”+2 |
|
|
Phonecall: “But I had you… and through our mutual revelations, I was saved. So thank you.”(romance unique dialogue) |
“Anything for you.”+2 |
|
“It was all a big coincidence.”+2 |
|
|
“It was love at first sight.”+2 |
Rank 10
As you reach the final rank, your bond with Hifumi is solidified, enabling you to select any dialogue without concern for affection points.
Attaining rank 10 will also unlock the Lucifer fusion, considered the most powerful persona of the Star arcana.
|
“I quit the Ladies Professional Shogi Players’ Association. I need to start over as an amateur.” |
“That’s rough.”+3 |
|
“You’ll triumph in the end.”+3 |
|
|
“Just don’t lose.”+3 |
|
|
“This time, I’ll earn everyone’s praise… with my own skills!” |
“I believe in you.”(friendship path exclusive dialogue) +0 |
|
“I’ll be with you.”(friendship path exclusive dialogue) +0 |
|
|
“You can do it.”(romance path exclusive dialogue) +0 |
|
|
“That’s reassuring.”(romance path exclusive dialogue) +0 |
|
|
“That the Phantom Thieves find my lessons useful.” |
“So you know.”+0 |
|
“What do you mean?”+0 |
|
|
“We do.”+0 |
|
|
“If there’s anything I can do to help, please know that you can rely on me.” |
“Thank you.”+0 |
|
“That’s reassuring.”+0 |
|
|
“……”(romance path exclusive dialogue) |
“What’s wrong?”+0 |
|
“Are you nervous?”+0 |
Special Interactions with Hifumi
Besides the standard rank-up sessions, players can also initiate optional interactions that provide extra affection points.
These non-ranking hangouts are an excellent way to gather additional affection points if you’re falling short of what’s needed for your next rank. These conversations yield +3 points for each dialogue, allowing for flexible dialogue choices.
If you choose to romance Hifumi, notable special dates occur on Valentine’s Day and White Day, February 14th and March 13th, respectively. You also have opportunities to engage during the Hawaii trip and a unique encounter in Akihabara, both of which are elaborated on below.
Hawaii Interaction
The Hawaii event is only accessible if you reach Rank 5 of Hifumi’s confidant before your trip begins on September 6th.
If you need additional affection points to reach the next rank, this event is an efficient way to gather them without consuming an entire day on a non-ranking hangout.
|
“Perhaps I should go change.” |
“It is the beach, after all.”+2 |
|
“You look great!”+3 |
|
|
“It’s a bit of an eyesore.”+0 |
|
|
“Shrimp are symbolic of living a long life. Shall we have some?” |
“Yeah, I’d like to try some.”+3 |
|
“You think they taste good?”+3 |
|
|
“I’d rather have crab.”+3 |
|
|
“We would’ve had a more enjoyable time if I had made better conversation…” |
“You’re fine the way you are.”+3 |
|
“I had fun.”+3 |
|
|
“Was it boring for you?”+0 |
|
|
“If only we went to the same school…” |
“Let’s play a match soon.”+3 |
|
“We’ll see each other again.”+3 |
|
|
“… The sun is about to set. We should start heading back…” |
“Just a little longer.”+0 |
|
“We’re fine like this.”+0 |
Akihabara Interaction
Prerequisite: This event becomes available only if you’ve initiated Yusuke’s (Emperor) and Chihaya’s (Fortune) confidants.
Starting on September 22nd, this event allows you to earn affection points for both Yusuke and Chihaya’s confidants alongside Hifumi’s. Towards the end of the interaction, you can select which character you prefer to gain affection points with.
|
“I’m sorry I’m holding us up.” |
“Take your time.”+3 |
|
“Go with your gut.”+0 |
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“Why not both?”+2 |
|
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Yusuke: “Thus, the clear solution was to find a place of more comfort, so that my creativity might flow once more.” |
“How frugal of you.”+0 |
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“Good thinking.”+3 |
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“Why not just strip?”+3 |
|
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Yusuke: “A bit eccentric, isn’t she?” |
“You’re one to talk.”+0 |
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“Kind of like you.”+2 |
|
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“That’s good, right?”+3 |
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“Fascinating. What kinds of fortunes does she tell?” |
“Money.” (Hifumi +3) |
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“Luck.”(Yusuke +3) |
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“She knows everything.”(Chihaya +3) |
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