Persona 5 Royal Sojiro Confidant Guide (Hierophant Arcana)

The Social Link system returns in Persona 5 and Persona 5 Royal, rebranded as Confidants and their Cooperations. By deepening your bond with each Confidant, you’ll unlock bonuses and a special fusion tied to the Arcana (Hierophant in this case).

This guide focuses on your relationship with Sojiro Sakura, the stern but caring guardian who represents the Hierophant Arcana. Don’t worry about disliking him at first, he’ll probably grow on you as the game progresses. We’ll walk you through every rank of his Confidant route, including the best conversation choices to maximize your bond efficiently.

You can start the Confidant link from April 20th. If you don’t start it yourself, the game will automatically start the social link on May 6th. You get bonus points for scoring high on exams and cleaning Leblanc.

Why Max Out Sojiro’s Confidant?

Progressing Sojiro’s Cooperation unlocks unique benefits tied to coffee brewing and curry cooking, which slightly aid your dungeon exploration. Hanging out with Sojiro also increases the kindness stat.

Sojiro Confidant Quick Facts

Arcana: Hierophant Arcana

Location: Café LeBlanc, available at night

Availability: Most evenings except Wednesdays. On rainy days, he’s available day and night

Gifts: As of Persona 5 Royal, you can give Sojiro gifts to boost your bond

Romanceable: No

Best Persona: Have a Hierophant Persona equipped for bonus points

Sojiro Sakura Confidant Rank Guide

Below is an overview of all 10 Confidant ranks, with the optimal dialogue choices to help you reach Rank 10 as quickly as possible. Remember, each choice gives you affection points. More points = faster progression.

Our point totals assume you’re receiving the Arcana Bonus by having a Hierophant Persona with you.

Rank 1: Choices for this rank:

You know what I’m talking about, right?

Option 1: “Got it.” +3
Option 2: “That was our deal.”
Option 3: “It’s the least I can do.”

Rank 2: Choices for this rank:

You know what I’m talking about, right?

Option 1: “Making coffee.” +2

Ugh… I don’t know where he caught wind of this place.

Option 2: “That guy seemed suspicious.” +2

Besides, ladies love a guy who knows his coffee. This isn’t such a bad deal for you.

Option 1: “I want the ladies to love me.” +2

Phone Conversation: Seems like you’re a quick study, so I hope you’ve got the hang of it.

Option 1: “Got it.” +2

Unlocks Coffee Basics – an ability that lets you create a coffee that restores SP in battle. As a bonus, this rank also gives a +3 to your Kindness social stat.

Sojiro Rank 3: Choices for this rank:

Before you start this rank, you’ll have to make a coffee at least once. After that, you can spend time with Sojiro again on other nights.

…Are you listening to me? What grind are you supposed to use?

Option 1: “Medium-fine.” +2

Sorry, something just came up. We can keep going with the lessons some other time.

Option 2: “Is it trouble?” +2

Phone Conversation: But don’t worry, I’ll put you to work. We’ve got lots of time on our hands.

Option 1: “I’m ready to work.” +2
Option 3: “Thank you in advance.” +2

Rank 4: Choices for this rank:

That’s because the acidity and the bean flavor profile all depend on the bean ratio. Pretty deep, huh?

Option 1: “Tell me more.” +3

It looks like Sojiro’s in trouble. What should I do…?

Option 2: “Call Sojiro’s phone.” +3

Phone Conversation: Just let him do his thing, and get on with the job. Got it?

Option 1: “Understood.” +2

Unlocks the Leblanc Curry ability. Another skill that lets you create a curry item that can restore SP. Also gives +3 to your Kindness Stat.

Rank 5: Choices for this rank:

Available only after 8/22. And what about you?

Option 3: “I think I’m addicted!” +3

Option 1: “It wasn’t bad.” +2

I thought my pick-up lines were the best in town, but not a single one worked on her… Heh…

Option 1: “She was like Futaba?” +2
Option 2: “She wasn’t normal, huh?” +3

That’s why when I took her in, I vowed to keep this recipe alive until she could eat it again.

Option 1: “It really paid off in the end.” +2

Phone Conversation: It’s only a problem when she asks for it three times a day.

Option 2: “She needs a balanced diet.” +2

Also gives a bonus +3 to Kindness.

Rank 6: Choices for this rank:

By the way, what are your thoughts on So-chan’s life of solitude?

Option 3: “To each his own.” +2

Doesn’t quite seem to be the best environment for Futaba, now does it?

Option 1: “You’re wrong.” +2
Option 3: “Shut your mouth.” +3

I don’t even know how he managed to find me here… Maybe paying him was a mistake.

Option 1: “Saving Futaba was no mistake.” +2

Phone Conversation: Futaba’s fast asleep… Didn’t mean to get you tangled up in all this mess.

Option 3: “If I can help somehow…” +2

Unlocks the Coffee Mastery ability. This enhances your coffee-making ability to allow for better items. Also gives a bonus +3 to Kindness.

Sojiro Rank 7: Choices for this rank:

Requires rank 5 (angelic) kindness. At the end of the day, the coffee and the curry people love so much are both just… excuses.

Option 1: “You might be right.” +2

Phone Conversation: And that’s only because you helped us connect, so… thanks for that.

Option 3: “Feel like a real dad now?” +2

You get another +3 Kindness.

Rank 8: Choices for this rank:

How about you? Anything you’d wanna add to the menu?

Option 1: “You want my suggestion?” +2
Option 2: “Something with curry.” +3

What a pain in the ass. Don’t you have enough problems already?

Option 2: “I was just protecting Futaba.” +3

Sojiro Rank 9: Choices for this rank:

For this, you have to complete “The Money-Grubbing Uncle” mementos sidequest. If you don’t, you won’t be able to proceed with the Sojiro social link.

How is it… living with Sakura-san? Please, you can speak honestly.

Option: 1 “It’s great.” +3
Option 2: “It’s a bit of a nag.” +2

…Sojiro?

Option 2: “You have a great daughter.” +3
Option 3: “Congrats.” +3

Phone Conversation: Getting all sentimental like this? At my age?

Option 1: “You did great.” +3
Option 2: “Futaba did great.” +3
Option 3: “You two were already family.” +3

Unlocks the Curry Tips skill. This increases the quality of the curry that you make. Moderately restores SP to all allies.

Rank 10: Choices for this rank:

Max rank, choices don’t matter.

Unlocks Curry Mastery. Allows you to make curry that greatly restores SP to all allies.
Completing Sojiro’s Confidant enables the fusion of Kohryu. You also get a Recipe Note on 3/19, which grants access to all cooking and brewing perks once you start Sojiro’s Confidant in New Game Plus.
You unlock the Kanda Church location if it isn’t already unlocked at this point.

Gifts for Sojiro in Persona 5 Royal

Castella: +3 Boost – Underground Mall Supermarket, 1500 Yen
Truffles: +3 Boost – Underground Mall Supermarket, 2800 Yen
Omni-Vitamin: +2 Boost – Shibuya Rocinante Discount Store, 4500 Yen
Fountain Pen: +3 Boost – Kichijoji Stationary Store, 8000 Yen
Electric Toothbrush: +2 Boost – Akihabara Electronics Store, 29,800 Yen
Silver Bangle: +3 Boost – Underground Mall Jewelery Store, 78,000 Yen

Sojiro Sakura Story and Background

Sojiro Sakura is your guardian and the owner of Café LeBlanc. He represents the Hierophant Arcana, his story is one of quiet strength, regret, and redemption. Sojiro is the seemingly apathetic café owner who agrees to take you in while you’re on probation.

At first, he treats you like a burden, laying down rules, avoiding personal questions, and making it clear he doesn’t want trouble. But as with many Persona 5 Royal characters, there’s much more beneath the surface.

Early Ranks (1–3): The Cold Guardian

Initially, Sojiro keeps his distance. You’re just a tenant to him, and he doesn’t seem interested in your life or problems. But through small conversations, you start to see cracks in his armor.

He seems overly protective of a “girl” who lives upstairs. Futaba, though he doesn’t mention her by name at first.
He has contacts in high places but avoids using them.
He seems to shoulder a big burden.

Mid Ranks (4–6): Wakaba’s Legacy & Futaba’s Trauma

As your bond deepens, Sojiro opens up about his past:

He was close to Wakaba Isshiki, a gifted cognitive scientist and Futaba’s mother.
After Wakaba’s mysterious death, ruled a suicide, Futaba became a shut-in, suffering from trauma and severe bullying.
Sojiro became Futaba’s legal guardian and has cared for her ever since, shielding her from the world and raising her.

This phase of the Confidant arc is filled with emotional tension. Sojiro is doing his best, but he’s deeply unsure if he’s enough for Futaba. He blames himself for not being able to save Wakaba or help Futaba recover.

High Ranks (7–9): Fighting for Family

Sugimura, a government official connected to a powerful politician, begins pressuring Sojiro to give up Futaba. He threatens legal action and attempts to discredit Sojiro as an unfit guardian.

At this turning point, Sojiro:

Considers making Wakaba’s confidential research public to expose the truth behind her death.
Wrestles with the decision to protect Futaba or risk it all for justice.
Eventually decides to fight back with your support and Futaba’s encouragement.

Rank 10: A True Father Figure

By the final rank, Sojiro undergoes a full transformation:

He sees you not just as a tenant, but as part of his family.
His relationship with Futaba strengthens; he trusts her to live more independently.

“You’re not just some kid I took in. You’re my responsibility… and my pride.” – Sojiro, Rank 10

This concludes our Persona 5 Royal Sojiro Confidant Guide.

Check out our other confidant guides such as:

Persona-5-Royal-Sojiro-Confidant-Guide