You’re running through Iwatodai Strip Mall, probably on your way to buy some healing items or maybe just trying to kill time before the Dark Hour, and you see him. A guy sitting on a bench, looking like he’s got the weight of the world on his shoulders despite being a star athlete. That’s Mamoru Hayase.
Most people treat the Persona 3 Reload Star Social Link as a checkbox. You do it because you want the fusion bonus, or maybe you just want to see that "MAX" text pop up. But Mamoru’s story is actually one of the most grounded, bittersweet arcs in the entire game. It’s not about fighting monsters; it’s about a kid realizing that his "gift" is actually a burden he has to carry for his entire family.
How to Actually Get Started
Unlock requirements in Persona 3 Reload can be finicky. For the Star Arcana, you can't just walk up to him on day one. You have to wait until August 2nd. That's the day of the summer sports meet. You’ll automatically meet Mamoru there—he’s the "rival" athlete from a different school who basically smokes everyone on the track.
Even after that, he won't just talk to you. You need Rank 4 Courage (Tough). If you’ve been spending your nights eating "Mystery Burgers" at Wilduck or singing karaoke until your throat hurts, you should be fine. Once you have the guts, head to the Iwatodai Strip Mall on a Wednesday, Friday, or Sunday. He’s usually just sitting there on the bench near the bookshop.
Why You Shouldn't Rush Him (But Probably Will)
Here is the thing about Mamoru: he is one of the few "non-school" links. In the world of Persona 3 Reload time management, this is massive. While your classmates like Kenji or Rio are locked behind school days, Mamoru is available on Sundays and during holidays.
If you're trying to max every link in a single run, save Mamoru for the days school is closed. Don't waste a precious Tuesday or Thursday on him if you have school links pending. Use him to fill the gaps when the hallway at Gekkoukan is empty.
The Conversation Stakes: Rank by Rank
If you want to speed-run this bond, you need a Star Arcana Persona in your inventory. Any of them will do—Nandi, Kaiwan, Ganesha. Having one "equipped" gives you a multiplier on the points you earn during dialogue.
Early Ranks: The Rivalry
Initially, it’s all about the sport. When he asks who your biggest rival is at Rank 2, tell him "Myself, really." It sounds deep, and he loves it. By Rank 3, you start hearing about "them." He’s talking about his family. He’s the eldest son, and his father passed away, leaving him to take care of his mother and siblings. The scholarship isn't just a trophy for him; it's a paycheck.
The Mid-Point Slump
Rank 6 is where things get heavy. He stands you up. You’ll have the option to wait or go home. Honestly? It doesn't matter much for the points here, but when you finally talk to him, be cool about it. Say "Don't worry, it's okay." He’s dealing with a lot of domestic drama that most high schoolers in the game can't even fathom.
The Home Stretch
By Rank 8 and 9, the pressure of the big meet is peaking. When he’s questioning if he can keep going, tell him "Do it!" and later "Congrats, man!" when he wins. He wins the race, but the victory feels hollow because it means he has to leave his life behind to support his family.
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The Reward: Why Helel Matters
When you hit Rank 10, Mamoru gives you a Car Key. It’s a bit of a weird gift for a guy who can't drive yet, but it’s symbolic. It represents him moving on, literally and figuratively.
More importantly for you, the player, this unlocks the fusion for Helel.
Helel is widely considered one of the best Personas in the game. Why? Because of the Theurgy. If you have Helel and Satan, you unlock Armageddon. This move deals 9,999 damage to all enemies. It is the ultimate "I win" button. If you plan on taking on the secret boss or just want to breeze through the final blocks of Tartarus, finishing the Persona 3 Reload Star Social Link isn't optional—it’s mandatory.
Making the Most of the Star Arcana
- The Schedule: He is available Wednesday, Friday, and Sunday.
- Location: Iwatodai Strip Mall (Bench area).
- Social Stat: Rank 4 Courage is the gatekeeper.
- Best Persona to Bring: Nandi or Ganesha are easy to fuse mid-game.
Basically, Mamoru is a reminder that while the protagonist is busy saving the world from the Fall, other kids are just trying to keep their families fed. It’s a heavy story wrapped in a "rival athlete" trope. Don't skip the dialogue; it's one of the few parts of the game that feels genuinely "real."
If you find yourself stuck at Rank 9 and he isn't appearing, check the calendar. Sometimes during the very end of January, certain links get shifted or blocked by story events. Just keep an eye on your phone for his texts. Once you get that Car Key, go straight to the Velvet Room. Your late-game power spike starts right there.
To get the most out of your remaining free time, you should check your inventory for Dating Site Notes from the shady man in Club Escapade. These are perfect for getting those extra "points" at night so you don't waste an afternoon just "hanging out" without a rank-up.