Quick Links
While the Social Link system of thePersonaserieswas inspired by dating games, the games use this system for relationships of every kind. This becomes obvious early on inPersona 3 Reloadwhen you can start the Hierophant Social Link with the two elderly owners of Bookworms.
Unlike the Confidants ofPersona 5, you don’t get many mechanical benefits from experiencing the full Social Link story of Bunkichi inPersona 3 Reload. Still, Social Links provide you with more powerful Personas, and completing the Hierophant link will grant you access to a powerful Persona you otherwise can’t get.
Basic Information
In the Tarot Arcana, the Hierophant represents a male figure of spiritual importance. The card indicates kindness, service to others, and compassion, but also a reluctance to move through public spaces or crowds of people. As a nearly retired bookstore owner, Bunkichi is a good example of the card’s meanings.
Starting The Hierophant Social Link
Access to the Hierophant Social Link starts on 4/25. On this day, you can enter the Bookworms bookstore, which is on the left of the bottom floorof the Iwatodai Strip Mall. When you go inside, the old couple who run the store will recognize the protagonist’s school uniform and ask him if he knows about a persimmon tree on the Gekkoukan High School grounds. You’ll then head back outside, with no time having passed.
The tree in questionis in the Corridor area of the high school. There’s a tree in the center of the open area to the left, and if you check it after speaking to the old couple, you’ll get the Persimmon Leaf key item. Bring this back to Bookworms to pass the time and start the Hierophant link.
You can enter the bookstore and advance the Social Link onevery day aside from Monday. This schedule never changes, not even for holidays, sothis link is a good backup to pursuewhen you don’t have any other Social Links available. Like other links, you can advance through the ranks faster by having a Hierophant Persona in stock when you visit. Even so, you may have to spend a couple of days advancing this link without ranking up even if you choose all the right dialog options.
Something important to note is thatBunkichi becomes a Missing Person on 9/12, and you must rescue him by 10/3. If you don’t, you’ll never be able to advance the Hierophant link again.Your reward for rescuing him is four Homunculi.
Hierophant Rank 2
Bunkichi and Mitsuko are happy to see the protagonist again, and they mention their son.
During this event, Bunkichi will give you two Melon Bread.
Hierophant Rank 3
Bunkichi lost his wallet, but another Gekkoukan student brings it in. After he leaves, the old couple share more information about their son. You must see this event and reach Academics 2if you want to start Bebe’s Social Link.
This time Bunkichi will give you a Medicine.
Hierophant Rank 4
The old couple heard a rumor that the persimmon tree might get cut down soon, and Mitsuko went to Gekkoukan to learn more.
Bunkichi will give you some Cylon Tea during this event.
Hierophant Rank 5
The next time you stop by, the old couple will explain the connection their son has to the persimmon tree and why it means so much to them.
Bunkichi will verify you leave with some Crab Bread after the conversation.
Hierophant Rank 6
The next time you see them, the old couple are still worrying about the fate of the persimmon tree.
The food item for this rank is Fried Bread.
Hierophant Rank 7
The old couple are in much better spirits this time because they’ve heard about a petition going around to save the persimmon tree.
Although Bunkichi thinks you’re responsible for the petition, the only reward he offers you is a Cielo Mist.
Hierophant Rank 8
The petition seems to be going well, and their son’s old students come together to show their support.
Unfortunately, Bunkichi stops giving you food items at rank 8 and above.
Hierophant Rank 9
Inspired by the petition, the old couple decide to write a physical letter and send it to Gekkoukan.
Hierophant Rank 10
Bunkichi explains what kind of letter the old couple sent, and what they learned about why the persimmon tree may get cut down. The relationship points no longer matter, so say what you like.
For completing the Hierophant Social Link, Bunkichi will give you a Persimmon Fruit. This unlocks access to Kohryu, the ultimate Hierophant Persona, and you can keep this key item during a New Game Plus playthrough.
