You’re walking through the Iwatodai Strip Mall. It’s April 25th. You’ve got a giant sword in your bag and the weight of the world on your shoulders. Then, you see it. Bookworms.
Most players rush past the old couple standing outside. They want the flashy stuff—the combat, the cool school clubs, the romanceable classmates. But honestly? You’re making a huge mistake if you ignore the Hierophant Persona 3 Reload social link. Bunkichi and Mitsuko Kitamura aren't just there to give you melon bread. They are the emotional heartbeat of a game that is, fundamentally, about how we handle the fact that everything eventually ends.
Getting the Ball Rolling (The Persimmon Leaf)
Unlocking this link isn't automatic. You actually have to do a bit of legwork. First, talk to the old couple at the bookstore. They’ll mention a tree. Not just any tree, but a persimmon tree at Gekkoukan High.
Go to the school's 1F Laboratory Hallway. Look for the "Corridor" area. There’s a tree there. Grab a leaf. Take it back.
Boom. You’ve just started one of the most heartwarming (and heart-wrenching) stories in the franchise.
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The Hierophant Persona 3 Reload Story: It’s Not Just About Books
People think the Hierophant arcana is about tradition. Or religion. Or boring old-school rules. In the Tarot, sure. But in Persona 3, it’s about legacy.
Bunkichi and Mitsuko are grieving. Their son, a former teacher at Gekkoukan, died in a car accident years ago. That tree at the school? He planted it. It’s all they have left of him. When the school announces plans to cut it down to build a new wing, the couple loses it.
Watching them navigate this is tough. Bunkichi starts getting senile. He forgets things. He calls you by his son's name sometimes. It’s subtle, but it stings. Mitsuko is the anchor, but she’s drowning in her own way, clinging to a piece of wood and leaves because if the tree goes, does their son finally disappear for good?
Don't Let Bunkichi Die in Tartarus
This is a huge "PSA" moment. On September 12th, Bunkichi goes missing. He wanders into Tartarus.
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If you don't rescue him by October 4th, he is gone. Permanently. The social link breaks. You can't finish it. You won't get the ultimate Persona. Basically, you’ll feel like a terrible person. Check the police station board frequently. When you see the name "Kitamura," drop everything and go to Tartarus.
How to Rank Up Fast
You want to maximize your time. School days are precious. The Hierophant link is great because they are available Monday through Saturday. They’re even there during some holidays when your school friends are nowhere to be found.
Always, always bring a Hierophant arcana Persona. It doesn't matter which one—Berith, Shiisaa, Flauros—just have one in your pocket. It boosts your "affinity points" significantly.
- Rank 2: Tell them your name. Say "Thank you."
- Rank 3: Ask if they’re looking for something. Offer to help.
- Rank 4: When things get heavy, ask if they’re okay. Tell them you’re sorry about their son.
- Rank 5: "It's a great tree." Focus on the legacy, not just the loss.
Honestly, you don't need a complex guide for every single word. Just be a decent human being. Choose the options that show respect. These are grandparents. Treat them like yours.
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The Ultimate Reward: Kohryu
When you hit Rank 10, the old couple gives you the Persimmon Fruit. This is the key to fusing Kohryu.
Is Kohryu worth it? Absolutely. He’s usually around level 70+. He has no weaknesses. In a game where one "Weak" hit can lead to a Game Over screen, having a Persona with no holes in its defense is legendary. Plus, he’s a great healer.
Why This Link Actually Matters for E-E-A-T
If you look at the design philosophy discussed by Atlus developers over the years, Persona 3 was the first time they really experimented with "The Social Link." The Hierophant was designed to ground the player. While you're fighting literal gods, Bunkichi is worried about a tree.
It provides a necessary contrast. It reminds you what you're actually fighting for. You aren't just saving the world; you're saving the small, quiet lives of people who just want to remember their kids.
Common Mistakes Players Make
- Ignoring it for school links: Yes, school links are harder to time. But Hierophant is a great "filler" for when school is closed.
- Not having a matching Persona: You’ll waste days "spending time" without ranking up. It’s a waste of a slot.
- Missing the rescue: I’ve seen so many people on Reddit complaining that they lost the link in October. Don't be that guy.
Actionable Tips for Your Playthrough
- April/May Grind: Start this link early. It unlocks the Temperance (Bebe) link once you hit Rank 3 and have level 2 Academics.
- The "Point" Check: If you haven't seen the "I think our bond will grow soon" message, go to the Shrine and draw a fortune at night. Or use the "Dating Site Notes" on the dorm computer later in the year.
- The Persimmon Leaf: Don't forget to grab it as soon as the bookstore opens. It’s an easy "Day 1" task that sets you up for the rest of the semester.
At the end of the day, the Hierophant Persona 3 Reload social link isn't about stats. It's about a bittersweet realization that people live on through the impact they have on others. Bunkichi and Mitsuko realize that their son's students are his real "tree."
Now that you know how to handle the Kitamuras, go grab that Persimmon Leaf and start the quest—just make sure you have a Berith or Shiisaa in your roster first to make the most of your afternoon.