Quick Links
While the Social Link system of the Persona series was inspired by dating games, the games use this system for relationships of every kind. This becomes obvious early on in Persona 3 Reload when you can start the Hierophant Social Link with the two elderly owners of Bookworms.
Unlike the Confidants of Persona 5, you don't get many mechanical benefits from experiencing the full Social Link story of Bunkichi in Persona 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.
Persona 3 Reload: Guide Hub and Walkthrough
Survive high school and the Dark Hour with this guide hub for Persona 3 Reload.
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 floor of 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 question is 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 on every day aside from Monday. This schedule never changes, not even for holidays, so this link is a good backup to pursue when 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 that Bunkichi 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.
- [The protagonist's name] 1
- ...... 0
- Thank you. 3
- I'm okay, thanks. 0
- I'd like that. 0
- No, thank you. 0
- Boy? 0
- No need to apologize. 0
- He's what? 0
- What's this about? 0
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 2 if you want to start Bebe's Social Link.
- Looking for something? 1
- Cleaning the store? 0
- Best of luck. 1
- Can I help? 3
- Nice to meet you. 0
- ...Who are you? 0
- Nice to meet you. 0
- ...... 0
- What's this about a car? 0
- All alone? 0
- I'm sorry to hear that. 0
- That's terrible luck. 0
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.
- I should go too. 3
- I'll wait here. 3
- What happened? 0
- Tree? 0
- No, I don't. 0
- I'm worried. 1
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.
- I wouldn't worry about it. 1
- What tree? 0
- Cheer up. 1
- It'll be okay. 1
Bunkichi will make sure you leave with some Crab Bread after the conversation.
Every Major Change in Persona 3 Reload Explained
Persona 3 Reload overhauled the original title's graphics, UI, social links, and combat, making it feel like an entirely new game instead of a remake.
Hierophant Rank 6
The next time you see them, the old couple are still worrying about the fate of the persimmon tree.
- You're overthinking it. 0
- Please don't fight. 3
- Cheer up. 0
- I'm sure it'll be okay. 0
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.
- What happened? 1
- Are you fighting again? 0
- The tree? A memorial? 0
- That's great. 1
- No. 1
- That's right. 1
- What are you talking about? 1
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.
- A petitioner? 1
- A fan of yours? 1
- That's great. 0
- That's amazing. 0
- Sure, let's go. 3
- Right now? 3
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.
- What does the letter say? 1
- Why a letter? 1
- Excited. 0
- Exhilarated. 0
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.
Persona 3 Reload
- Franchise
- Persona
- Platform(s)
- PC , Xbox Series X , Xbox Series S , Xbox One , PS4 , PS5
- Developer(s)
- P-Studio
- Publisher(s)
- Atlus
- ESRB
- M For Mature 17+ Due To Blood, Partial Nudity, Sexual Themes, Strong Language, Violence
