Beyond your close circle of friends in Persona 5 Royal, you’ll also have the opportunity to become closer to other helpful characters. Ichiko Ohya is a reporter with a particular interest in the Phantom Thieves, and spending some time giving her the inside scoop can reward you inside the Metaverse.
Table Of Contents
How to Begin the Devil Confidant
Although once a more reputable journalist, Ichiko ended up as a clickbait-prone paparazzi after one of her stories was censored. Reassigned to the entertainment department, it’s later revealed that she’s on the hunt for her former partner who has gone missing. Her interest in the Phantom Thieves makes her a useful ally, as she helps to improve their reputation with the public at large.
You can start Ichiko’s Confidant as early as June 23 by meeting with her and working out a deal at the Crossroads Bar in Shinjuku.
You can find Ichiko at the Crossroads Bar every day of the week at night, as well as on rainy days.
Devil Confidant Skills
Although your character in Persona 5 Royal is a minor, you’ll be spending plenty of time at the bar with Ichiko if you’re interested in unlocking some helpful perks in the Metaverse. You can’t drink, but you can enjoy some nice conversation, at least.
Check out the table below to see all unlockable skills.
| Confidant Rank | Ability | Description |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Rumor-filled Scoop | Security level decreases when a new Safe Room is discovered. |
| 2 | -- | -- |
| 3 | Shocking Scoop | Security level is less likely to rise and will decrease after successful ambush. |
| 4 | -- | -- |
| 5 | Unbelievable Scoop | Security level at the start of infiltration is lowered. |
| 6 | -- | -- |
| 7 | Outrageous Scoop | Security level at the start of infiltration is lowered further. |
| 8 | -- | -- |
| 9 | -- | -- |
| MAX | Legendary Scoop | Allows ambushing of enemies regardless of security level. |
Once the Devil Confidant is maxed out, you’ll also be able to fuse Beelzebub, one of two Personas to learn the Repel Ice and Curse Amp skills. Beelzebub is also the only source of the Demonic Decree skill, which halves the remaining HP of one target.
As long as you’re at max rank with Ichiko, she’ll give you her Interview Notes on March 19. Obtaining these will allow you to unlock Legendary Scoop once you establish her Confidant in New Game Plus.
Hangout Conversations
Choosing certain dialogue options will increase your friendship rank more quickly. If you make the wrong choice, you can always give a gift to make up for any lost points.
By ranking up Ichiko’s Confidant, you’ll also progressively boost your Charm stat.
We’ve listed all possible dialogue options and the corresponding points below. It is also possible to romance Ichiko by choosing specific responses, which we’ve also included.
TipHave a Persona of the Devil Aracana on hand to get the most points while spending time with Ichiko.
Rank 1
| Dialogue | Possible Responses | Points WITH Matching Persona | Points WITHOUT Matching Persona |
|---|---|---|---|
| "Or maybe...you're just falling in love with me, hm?" | •That too. •No, not that. •I have Phantom Thieves news. | •0 •0 •0 | •0 •0 •0 |
| "Information about someone? Cold hard cash?" | •Nothing really. •I'll let you know later. | •0 •0 | •0 •0 |
| "Something's fishy..." | •I support them. •The bad guys are bad. •Nothing fishy here. | •0 •0 •0 | •0 •0 •0 |
| "Deal?" | •Sounds great. •Write something good. | •0 •0 | •0 •0 |
Rank 2
| Dialogue | Possible Responses | Points WITH Matching Persona | Points WITHOUT Matching Persona |
|---|---|---|---|
| "...You have any photos or videos of it?" | •Why do you ask? •I don't. •Mishima might... | •0 •0 •2 | •0 •0 •1 |
| "I mean, they act all high and mighty, but I'm not so sure they're really worth very much in the end." | •Worth...? •What about their justice? | •0 •0 | •0 •0 |
| "Anyway, why are you coming to a bar if you can't even drink alcohol?" | •I like the atmosphere. •It's for the article. •Tell me about the incident. | •0 •2 •0 | •0 •1 •0 |
Rank 3
| Dialogue | Possible Responses | Points WITH Matching Persona | Points WITHOUT Matching Persona |
|---|---|---|---|
| "I have a theory that they're all minors, and their leader is some simpleton dying from boredom..." | •Minors couldn't do that stuff. •You might be right. •You shouldn't make assumptions. | •0 •0 •2 | •0 •0 •1 |
| "People at work call them paparazzi behind their backs...but me? I'm a real journalist." | •What's the difference? •I'm sure you are. | •0 •0 | •0 •0 |
| "*sigh*" | •Why not change careers? •Maybe you should quit. | •0 •0 | •0 •0 |
| "That's why I can't quit...and why I'll never give up." | •What was she accused of? •What happened? •She was falsely accused? | •0 •0 •2 | •0 •0 •1 |
Rank 4
| Dialogue | Possible Responses | Points WITH Matching Persona | Points WITHOUT Matching Persona |
|---|---|---|---|
| "I'm honestly not. I just..." | •What's this about? •She hasn't done anything wrong. | •0 •0 | •0 •0 |
| "W-Wait...we're totally dating, aren't we, sweetie?" | •Of course we are. •Don't tell anybody. | •2 •2 | •1 •1 |
| Chief: "Well, Ohya...?" | •Our movie is about to start. •That's enough. •We're dating. Seriously. | •0 •0 •0 | •0 •0 •0 |
| "And I'll repay you with the power of journalism, of course. I'll write you a solid article on the Phantom Thieves." | •Leave it to me. •That was our deal. •Anything for my girlfriend. | •2 •2 •0 | •1 •1 •0 |
Rank 5
| Dialogue | Possible Responses | Points WITH Matching Persona | Points WITHOUT Matching Persona |
|---|---|---|---|
| "Well, just forget about the past! We're in the same boat when it comes to being labeled." | •Because of your investigation? •Because of your incident? •Are you sure we're the same? | •0 •0 •0 | •0 •0 •0 |
| "He doesn't have anything to do with my private business..." | •I'm curious. •You can trust me. | •0 •0 | •0 •0 |
| "The next day, that bureaucrat was found dead at a love hotel...and Kayo had gone missing." | •What was the cause of death? •Who killed him? | •0 •0 | •0 •0 |
| "I'm going to prove Kayo's innocence though. That's why I'm conducting my own private investigation now." | •That sounds like defamation. •That's unforgivable. •How's your search going? | •2 •3 •0 | •1 •2 •0 |
| "I'm sorry about earlier. Really. For me digging up your records and such without asking, I mean..." | •I don't mind it. •As long as I'm compensated. •I did the same to you. | •2 •0 •0 | •1 •0 •0 |
Rank 6
| Dialogue | Possible Responses | Points WITH Matching Persona | Points WITHOUT Matching Persona |
|---|---|---|---|
| "I'm...totally not drunk...*hic*" | •Did something bad happen? •Having trouble at work? | •0 •0 | •0 •0 |
| "Ugh, my chief's such a shithead..." | •He must not like you. •Did he find out? | •2 •0 | •1 •0 |
| "*gasp* Maybe Kayo really was the culprit..." | •Do you have evidence of that? •You should trust in her. •You might be right. | •0 •2 •0 | •0 •1 •0 |
| "Dammit, that incident is all my fault...That's why I've gotta get to the bottom of it!" | •That's the spirit. •You're a great journalist. •What about your quota? | •2 •2 •0 | •1 •1 •0 |
| "I'm only able to meet my insane quota because of the info you give me on the Phantom Thieves." | •Glad to hear that. •Don't work yourself to death. •I'll dig up some more for you. | •0 •0 •2 | •0 •0 •1 |
Rank 7
Choose “You’re charming as you are” if you want to open up the romance route at Rank 9.
| Dialogue | Possible Responses | Points WITH Matching Persona | Points WITHOUT Matching Persona |
|---|---|---|---|
| "Kayo..." | •What was that about? •Could it be...? | •0 •0 | •0 •0 |
| "What should I do? Should I go knock him out!?" | •Calm down. •Don't let him provoke you. •Let's think of another way. | •2 •3 •3 | •1 •3 •2 |
| "I wish I was better at controlling my emotions. Like you are." | •You should work on that. •You're charming as you are. | •2 •3 | •1 •3 |
| "But I finally got a lead on Kayo. I'll do whatever it takes to find her...!" | •That's the spirit. •Sounds tough. •Don't strain yourself. | •2 •0 •0 | •1 •0 •0 |
Rank 7.5
| Dialogue | Possible Responses | Points WITH Matching Persona | Points WITHOUT Matching Persona |
|---|---|---|---|
| "...Well, say something." | •Like what? •You seem tired. •So...I have a pet cat... | •0 •2 •0 | •0 •1 •0 |
| "Ughhh, I'm gonna die..." | •What's the chief's name? •Tell me more about him. | •0 •0 | •0 •0 |
Rank 8
You must complete the Mementos Request “Fighting For Truth in Journalism” before advancing Ichiko’s Confidant.
Choose “I’ll go with you” if you want to open up the romance route at Rank 9.
| Dialogue | Possible Responses | Points WITH Matching Persona | Points WITHOUT Matching Persona |
|---|---|---|---|
| "I wonder what happened to make him change so suddenly...?" | •He reflected on his actions. •Aren't you happy? | •0 •0 | •0 •0 |
| "I mean, you...asked me for the chief's name the other day, right?" | •Did I? Can't remember. •Uh, nope. | •0 •0 | •0 •0 |
| "So, he followed up on my journalist friend's source and...it turns out she really is alive after all." | •I'm glad to hear that. •Thank god. | •0 •0 | •0 •0 |
| "Not just about Kayo's current state...but about what happened to her that night too." | •That's not like you. •You need to pursue the truth. •I'll go with you. | •3 •3 •3 | •3 •2 •2 |
| "I'm a journalist. From now on, I'm always gonna chase the truth." | •Good luck. •Be careful. •Grab a souvenir for me. | •2 •2 •0 | •1 •0 •0 |
Rank 9
WarningTo pursue a romance with Ichiko, make sure you choose all correct responses here–“I can’t leave you,” “I took it seriously,” and “I love you, Ichiko.” If you miss any of these responses, you’ll stay friends.
| Dialogue | Possible Responses | Points WITH Matching Persona | Points WITHOUT Matching Persona |
|---|---|---|---|
| "I think she had a...mental shutdown, is it called?" | •Are you okay? •Did you learn the truth? | •0 •0 | •0 •0 |
| "I'd get crushed if I tried to take them on without being fully prepared..." | •What are you going to do? •You're not giving up, are you? | •0 •2 | •0 •1 |
| "I'm sure I'll get targeted...so to be safe, you shouldn't come here again." | •I can't leave you. •I want to help. •I did those articles. | •3 •3 •0 | •2 •3 •0 |
| Lala Escargot: "Uh-huh, sure. And what about you, kid? You're not afraid to face the danger ahead, are you?" | •Of course not. •Well, about that... | •0 •0 | •0 •0 |
| "That couple act..." | •I took it seriously. •I didn't take it seriously. | •Start Romance •Stay Friends | •Start Romance •Stay Friends |
| "I-I mean, um... seriously?" | •I love you, Ichiko. •I'm just kidding. | •Start Romance •Stay Friends | •Start Romance •Stay Friends |
MAX Rank
Friendship
| Dialogue | Possible Responses | Points WITH Matching Persona | Points WITHOUT Matching Persona |
|---|---|---|---|
| "Sorry, that was the chief..." | •You two are on good terms? •What're you up to? | •0 •0 | •0 •0 |
| "...I think it really captures the spirit of journalism." | •You're really earnest. •Is that entertainment? •You don't need my info. | •2 •3 •0 | •1 •2 •0 |
| "So, we're planning to throw in additional articles while we have the chance." | •I'm glad to hear that. •I'll read the next issue. | •3 •3 | •2 •3 |
| "I wanted to speak with you...in private." | •About what? •I'm happy to talk. | •0 •0 | •0 •0 |
| "And the timing was absolutely perfect. You're the only one who could have orchestrated all that." | •So you knew all along? •It's just a coincidence. •Lala's the real Phantom Thief. | •0 •0 •0 | •0 •0 •0 |
Romance
| Dialogue | Possible Responses | Points WITH Matching Persona | Points WITHOUT Matching Persona |
|---|---|---|---|
| "...I think it really captures the spirit of journalism." | •You're really earnest. •Is that entertainment? •You don't need my info. | •2 •3 •0 | •1 •2 •0 |
| "So, we're planning to throw in additional articles while we have the chance." | •I'm glad to hear that. •I'll read the next issue. | •3 •3 | •2 •3 |
| "And the timing was absolutely perfect. You're the only one who could have orchestrated all that." | •So you knew all along? •It's just a coincidence. •Lala's the real Phantom Thief. | •0 •0 •0 | •0 •0 •0 |
| "Or..." | •It's up to you. •I want to go to your place. | •0 •3 | •0 •2 |
Other Hangouts
Asakusa Festival Invitation (11/6 with Haru)
| Dialogue | Possible Responses | Points WITH Matching Persona | Points WITHOUT Matching Persona |
|---|---|---|---|
| Haru: "Thank you for helping me out. ...And, sorry." | •No need to apologize. •It was fun. •Sure is lively here. | •3 •3 •3 | •2 •2 •2 |
| "I think this means we need an interview!" | •I refuse. •Leave Haru alone. | •0 •0 | •0 •0 |
| "I would have thought a high-class lady like yourself would be out of his league." | •She's my friend. •She's my senpai in school. | •0 •0 | •0 •0 |
| Haru: "Oh, um... OK..." | •It's fine. •There's nothing to fear. | •3 (Empress) •2 (Devil) ---- •3 (Empress) •2 (Devil) | •3 (Empress) •2 (Devil) ---- •3 (Empress) •2 (Devil) |
Seaside Park
| Dialogue | Possible Responses | Points WITH Matching Persona | Points WITHOUT Matching Persona |
|---|---|---|---|
| "Oh, isn't this just wonderful, (protagonist)-kun!? Going on a date is so much fun!" | •...Are you OK? •Yeah, totally! •You're a terrible actress. | •3 •3 •2 | •2 •3 •1 |
Ginza
| Dialogue | Possible Responses | Points WITH Matching Persona | Points WITHOUT Matching Persona |
|---|---|---|---|
| "Plus, I like to eat normal food once in a while too, you know." | •Let's keep our spirits up. •Easy on the alcohol, okay? •Normal food...? | •3 •3 •3 | •3 •2 •2 |
