Playing shogi with a professional regularly certainly helps you to think more strategically. Ranking up Hifumi’s confidant in Persona 5 Royal does exactly that for Joker.
Despite Hifumi not having a persona of her own, ranking up her confidant unlocks more strategic game mechanics for Joker while exploring the metaverse, such as the ability to swap out party members mid-battle.
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These game mechanics can be a life-saver, especially in the secret Royal arc of Persona 5 Royal. Therefore, I have listed all the dialogues you should choose to rank up this social link as quickly as possible.
Star Confidant Perks
If you are playing Persona 5 Royal on higher difficulties, then completing Hifumi’s confidant is a must for you, considering just how many strategic mechanics are locked behind this social link.
Rank | Perks | Description |
|---|---|---|
Rank 1 | Koma Sabaki | Allows you to swap current party with backup members during Joker’s turn. |
Rank 2 | – | – |
Rank 3 | Uchikomi | Chance for a follow-up by a backup member if Joker downs an enemy. |
Rank 4 | – | – |
Rank 5 | Kakoi Kazushi | Allows you to attempt an escape, even when surrounded by the enemy. |
Rank 6 | – | – |
Rank 7 | Narikin | Earn double money if a battle is won in 1 turn after a successful ambush. |
Rank 8 | – | – |
Rank 9 | Touryou | Decreases turn delay to zero, allowing you to instantly escape battles. |
Rank 10 | Togo System | Allows you to swap current party with backup members during anyone’s turn. |
I can sit here and write paragraphs on most of these confidant bonuses and how much they have helped me out throughout my playthrough, but let’s keep things to the point for now.
The Togo System is easily the best and my favorite perk of this confidant as it allows you to swap out your party members and target the right weaknesses.
Star Confidant Overview
Hifumi is among the romancable characters in Persona 5 Royal. In order to unlock her confidant, you need to reach Rank 2 in Yusuke’s Emperor confidant first, where he will talk about a shogi player who hangs around Kanda during nighttime.
You will be given the option to visit Kanda Church after 26th June. Talk to Hifumi sitting in front of the church, and then you can start the social link.
With each rank up, you will also be given one point for the Knowledge social stat.
Hifumi is available to hang out with at night on Monday, Tuesday, Saturday, and Sunday. Be sure to have a Star persona in your inventory before initiating the hangout to obtain the most amount of affection points possible.
For some extra affection points during non-ranking hangouts, some of the best giftsyou can give to Hifumi are the Fountain Pen, Incense Set, and Rakugo Collection.
Rank 1
You need at least level 3 charm (Suave) to start this confidant.
Here, thanks to your overflowing charm, you introduce yourself to Hifumi and ask her to teach you how to play shogi.
You may choose whichever dialogue you want as none of them offer any affection points except for the dialogue at the very end when she asks you for 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
You can see how Hifumi really gets in the zone while playing shogi, with proper monologs and everything.
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Hifumi also opens up about how she fully assumes the role of the queen during matches, which is a bad habit of hers. Remember, being kind is the best way to get 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
The social link starts off with a persistent fan bombarding Hifumi with questions. You have to wait until he leaves first.
Once your hangout begins, Hifumi shares how she is approached by similar fans all the time and how she thought that you were one of them when you met her for the first time.
The best dialogue you can choose for this rank are listed below.
“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 rank, Hifumi will take you to a new hang-out spot, Jinbocho, to recommend some books to get better at shogi.
However, your time together is mildly interrupted by one of Hifumi’s seniors, whom she defeated in a shogi competition. But aside from that one minor setback, your time together is generally well spent.
“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
This time, you are back in the church, where you are introduced to Hifumi’s mother for the first time. I understand that this is not how you expected to meet her, but we have to work with what we have.
You also learn that Hifumi is not allowed to date and her mother wants her to focus solely on shogi.
The best dialogues you can choose for this encounter are given below.
..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 in you grows, she opens up about how her father is bedridden, her mother being the sole provider of the family, and how her mother believes that Hifumi will be able to support them if she becomes a famous shogi player.
In order to get the most affection points, you have to understand how she is feeling and encourage her to do what she wants.
“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
As you and Hifumi have a shogi match together, she shares how she aims to be the first woman in the pro ranking league.
Be a good friend and encourage Hifumi to give it her all in her next professional match.
“…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 need level 5 (Erudite) knowledge to start this rank.
Hifumi shares how her mother doesn’t look at her as a shogi player, rather wants to use shogi as a way to make her famous, as an idol, since she already has the looks for it.
Understandably, Hifumi is very upset and disheartened.
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This rank will take a few days to finish because after the first half, you will be given a Metaverse request, which you will have to finish before proceeding.
“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 |
After this interaction, you have to complete the “Upstaging the Stage Mother” request.
Upon completion, visit Hifumi again on her available days to rank up the 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
If you were hoping to romance Hifumi, then this is finally the rank to do so. After her match ends, you will get the option to either enter into a romantic relationship with her or continue being friends.
Do remember that if you are already in a relationship with someone, then entering into another relationship can have some consequences for Joker.
“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 (Will end the conversation) |
“I want to stay by your side.” +0 (Proceed to the romance path) | |
“What do you mean by that…?” | “I want us to date.” (Romance path) |
“We’ll be friends forever.” (Revert to friendship path) | |
Phonecall: “That’s why I can say with certainty. Today’s loss was not a setback, but a glorious step forward.” (Friendship path exclusive 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 path exclusive dialogue) | “Anything for you.” +2 |
“It was all a big coincidence.” +2 | |
“It was love at first sight.” +2 |
Rank 10
Since this is the final rank, your connection with Hifumi is already unbreakable, and you don’t need any more affection points, so you can pick whichever dialogue you want.
Reaching rank 10 will also unlock the Lucifer fusion, which is the strongest 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.” (Relationship path exclusive dialogue) +0 | |
“That’s reassuring.” (Relationship 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
Aside from simple rank-up hangouts, you are also given optional interactions that you can utilize to gain some extra affection points.
You can initiate non-ranking hangouts between ranks to gain some extra affection points if you don’t have enough to proceed to the next rank. In these hangouts, every dialogue gives +3 points, so you can choose whichever dialogue you want.
In addition, if you romance Hifumi, you will also go on special dates with her on Valentine’s Day and White Day, on February 14th and March 13th, respectively.
You also have the option of spending time with her during your Hawaii trip, and another special interaction awaits you at Akihabara, both of which are explained in more detail below.
Hawaii Interaction
The Hawaii event is only available if you reach rank 5 of Hifumi’s confidant before your trip begins on 9/6.
If you are low on affection points to reach the next rank, this is a fantastic way of gaining some extra, instead of wasting a whole 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 | |
“… 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 is only available if you have started the Yusuke’s (Emperor) confidant and Chihaya (Fortune) confidant as well.
The event itself starts on 9/22, and alongside Hifumi, you can gain some affection points for Yusuke and Chihaya’s confidant as well.
For the last dialogue, you can decide which of the three characters you want the affection points for.
“I’m sorry I’m holding us up.” | “Take your time.” +3 |
“Go with your gut.” +0 | |
“Why not both?” +2 | |
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 |
“Good thinking.” +3 | |
“Why not just strip?” +3 | |
Yusuke: “A bit eccentric, isn’t she?” | “You’re one to talk.” +0 |
“Kind of like you.” +2 | |
“That’s good, right?” +3 | |
“Fascinating. What kinds of fortunes does she tell?” | “Money.” (Hifumi +3) |
“Luck.” (Yusuke +3) | |
“She knows everything.” (Chihaya +3) |
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Persona 5 Royal: Sae Niijima Confidant Guide
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- Released
- October 31, 2019
- ESRB
- m
