Character art of Naoto Shirogane from Persona 4 Golden in front of a colorful background.

Persona 4 Golden: Naoto Shirogane Complete Social Link Guide

Further your friendship with the student detective to unlock Dark moves capable of insta-killing certain enemies.

Written by:
Avatar photo
Carley is a professional JP-EN translator and writer currently based in Des Moines, Iowa. She has written hundreds of articles for popular sites such as Siliconera, Gameranx, and Otaquest, and has been playing games nonstop since 1996.

Reviewed by:
Avatar photo
Reyadh is a writer of fantasy, horror, and science fiction who loves to play video games full of monsters and magic. When he's not scribing unique and unrelenting speculative fiction or slaying demons in virtual worlds, he is writing strategy guides to help others reach their gaming goals.

Key Takeaway

Naoto’s Social Link, Fortune, can be unlocked as early as October 22 by talking to a man wearing a black suit in the Central Shopping District on October 21. Naoto’s Persona, Sukuna-Hikona, favors Dark attacks, and maxing out her Social Link will enable you to fuse Norn.

It’s possible to romance Naoto by selecting the correct dialogue option during the Rank 8 hangout.

Naoto Shirogane, the genius student detective, wields some mighty Dark abilities in Persona 4 Golden—so you’ll definitely want to increase your Social Link with her to unleash powerful attacks. To improve her skills and unlock new moves, you’ll need to spend time with her outside of battle.

Table Of Contents

    About the Fortune Social Link

    Dubbed the “Detective Prince” by the media, Naoto Shirogane works with the local police in Inaba to uncover the truth behind the murders despite her young age. At first, the protagonist and his friends believe Naoto to be male, but it is later revealed that this is not the case. She believes that females are incapable of becoming respected detectives given the male-dominated aspect of the profession.

    However, after facing her true self, she decides to accept who she truly is and rids herself of her insecurities surrounding her sex. When she joins the Investigation Team, her expert skills in deduction become an indispensable asset.

    Naoto commands the Fortune Arcana and wields the power of darkness. She is the seventh and final character to officially join your party.

    Naoto talking about their biggest fear with the protagonist at Junes in Persona 4 Golden.

    It’s possible to start Naoto’s Social Link as early as October 22 by talking to a man wearing a black suit in the Central Shopping District on October 21. During school days, Naoto can be found on the first floor of Yasogami High School—which is where the protagonist attends classes. On free days, she spends time at the park found at the end of the Samegawa Flood Plain.

    Starting on April 19, you can sneak out of the house at night. That is if your uncle Ryotaro Dojima isn’t home. While it isn’t possible to advance a Social Link at night, it can progress to the next rank when the next day rolls around. Hanging out with friends in the Central Shopping District at night will reward you with an item. As such, this is a productive way to spend your time.

    Tip
    It’s possible to romance Naoto by selecting the correct dialogue option during Rank 8 of her Social Link.

    Fortune Social Link Skills

    Each time you progress Naoto’s Social Link, she’ll learn new skills in battle. These help greatly as you make your way through the game. Especially if you like blasting enemies with high-damage attacks! As such, be sure to prioritize your friends in addition to combat training.

    Below, we’ve compiled a list of unlocks for each Social Link level.

    RankAbilityDescription
    1AssistCan now wake up a knocked-down ally during battle.
    2Invigorate 1Persona gets to learn the Invigorate 1 skill.
    3Follow UpCan now perform a follow-up attack during battle.
    4Mind ChargePersona gets to learn the Mind Charge skill.
    5RecoverCan now cure severe ailments during battle.
    6Invigorate 2Persona gets to learn the Invigorate 2 skill.
    7EndureCan now endure a mortal blow during battle.
    8Heat RiserPersona gets to learn the Heat Riser skill.
    9ProtectCan now take a mortal blow for you in battle.
    MAXSecond Awakening
    ___
    Invigorate 3
    Transforms Persona.
    ___
    Persona gets to learn the Invigorate 3 skill.

    Fortune Hangout Conversations

    When spending time with Naoto, certain dialogue choices will increase your friendship more quickly. Below, we’ve included every possible dialogue choice. Moreover, we included the number of points you’ll receive for choosing each option.

    Naoto discussing a case with the protagonist at the Flood Plain in Persona 4 Golden.
    Tip
    Make sure to have a Persona of the Fortune Arcana equipped when spending time with Naoto. This grants bonus affinity. Therefore, you’ll earn additional points for correct dialogue responses.

    Rank 1

    DialoguePossible ResponsesPoints WITH Matching PersonaPoints WITHOUT Matching Persona
    "What sort of person gave this to you?"•A man with black sunglasses.
    •A man who knew I knew you.
    •A suspicious man.
    •0
    •0
    •0
    •0
    •0
    •0
    "The man is most likely still here in Inaba. I cannot drag you further into this."•I can't back out now.
    •I gotta help. You're a girl.
    •Let's go home together.
    •0
    •0
    •0
    •0
    •0
    •0

    Rank 2

    DialoguePossible ResponsesPoints WITH Matching PersonaPoints WITHOUT Matching Persona
    "I'd chalk it up as a prank."•Really?
    •I'm still worried about you.
    •That's no fun.
    •0
    •0
    •3
    •0
    •0
    •2
    "......"•What happened?
    •You don't need to go home?
    •A thief in a sleuth's house?
    •0
    •0
    •0
    •0
    •0
    •0
    "I don't know about those, but my belongings aren't of any particular value, so..."•You should be careful.
    •Who would want your stuff?
    •Remember that card...?
    •3
    •0
    •3
    •2
    •0
    •3

    Rank 3

    DialoguePossible ResponsesPoints WITH Matching PersonaPoints WITHOUT Matching Persona
    >Naoto is holding a sealed letter...•A challenge for a duel?
    •A love letter?
    •That card business again...?
    •3
    •0
    •3
    •3
    •0
    •2
    "How misleading...A sealed letter at a time like this..."•You won't read it?
    •What if it's from a guy?
    •What'll you do with it?
    •0
    •0
    •0
    •0
    •0
    •0

    Rank 4

    DialoguePossible ResponsesPoints WITH Matching PersonaPoints WITHOUT Matching Persona
    >Naoto is holding a card...•Another love letter?
    •Is it a guy this time?
    •That 'card' again?
    •0
    •0
    •3
    •0
    •0
    •3
    "I haven't the time to waste on this..."•That's right.
    •Why so uncomfortable?
    •Running from a challenge?
    •0
    •0
    •0
    •0
    •0
    •0
    "But...to ignore it only makes me angry!"•Good luck.
    •Let's catch him together.
    •3
    •3
    •2
    •3

    Rank 5

    DialoguePossible ResponsesPoints WITH Matching PersonaPoints WITHOUT Matching Persona
    *sigh* "What should I do...?"•Soak it.
    •Burn it.
    •Eat it.
    •0
    •3
    •0
    •0
    •2
    •0
    "'Eating letters with a red face'...? This is..."•A riddle.
    •A mailbox.
    •A goat.
    •0
    •3
    •0
    •0
    •2
    •0
    "Grampa had this? Why did he keep it...?"•What was that?
    •Good, you got it back.
    •0
    •3
    •0
    •2
    "I, er...I think I'll let this play out...And, umm, if possible..."•I guess I'll help.
    •Let's do it.
    •You're on your own.
    •3
    •3
    •Reverses Social Link
    •2
    •3
    •Reverses Social Link

    Rank 6

    DialoguePossible ResponsesPoints WITH Matching PersonaPoints WITHOUT Matching Persona
    "Why you, though...?"•Because I looked reliable.
    •Because we looked 'close'.
    •Because I looked useless.
    •3
    •0
    •3
    •2
    •0
    •2
    "'When the banks close, the fruit tree grows. By the large seven at the third is the spot I chose...'"•7 and 3 o'clock, maybe...?
    •The phrasing is suspicious.
    •The numbers are important.
    •0
    •0
    •3
    •0
    •0
    •3
    "......"•I'm glad you're a girl.
    •Your gender doesn't matter.
    •Nothing you can do.
    •Lovers flag
    •3
    •0
    •Lovers flag
    •3
    •0

    Rank 7

    DialoguePossible ResponsesPoints WITH Matching PersonaPoints WITHOUT Matching Persona
    "Perhaps the 'minus' part is important..."•Maybe it's a math problem.
    •Check the other cards again?
    •Subtract '40' and '4'?
    •0
    •0
    •3
    •0
    •0
    •3
    "I feel that...I'm undergoing a change."•You'll still be you.
    •People change.
    •Don't be afraid.
    •0
    •0
    •3
    •0
    •0
    •3

    Rank 8

    DialoguePossible ResponsesPoints WITH Matching PersonaPoints WITHOUT Matching Persona
    "We may be able to catch him in the act."•You seem happy.
    •Don't put yourself at risk.
    •I feel kinda sad.
    •3
    •3
    •3
    •2
    •2
    •3
    >The man brandished a knife!•Protect Naoto
    •Run with Naoto
    •Fight back
    •Romance route
    •Friendship route
    •Friendship route
    •Romance route
    •Friendship route
    •Friendship route
    "Why...!?"
    *If choosing Romance route
    •Because I love you.
    •Because we're friends.
    •Romance route
    •Friendship route
    •Romance route
    •Friendship route

    Rank 9

    DialoguePossible ResponsesPoints WITH Matching PersonaPoints WITHOUT Matching Persona
    "A place I'd be fond of...?"•Somewhere bright.
    •Somewhere high.
    •Somewhere quiet.
    •0
    •3
    •0
    •0
    •3
    •0
    "Next, what I 'can't stand' to do. There are several possibilities, but..."•Cooking.
    •Exercising.
    •Throwing things away?
    •0
    •0
    •3
    •0
    •0
    •3

    Max Rank (Friendship)

    Note
    Upon maxing out the Fortune Social Link, Naoto will give you a Detective Badge, enabling you to fuse the powerful Persona Norn.
    DialoguePossible ResponsesPoints WITH Matching PersonaPoints WITHOUT Matching Persona
    "What about you?"•It was a cinch.
    •It was exciting.
    •I was about to give up.
    •2
    •3
    •2
    •1
    •3
    •1
    "Now you're my assistant!"•Leave it to me!
    •I want to be your partner.
    •You're MY assistant.
    •2
    •3
    •3
    •1
    •3
    •3

    Max Rank (Romance)

    Naoto and the protagonist making a wish at the Shrine in Persona 4 Golden.
    DialoguePossible ResponsesPoints WITH Matching PersonaPoints WITHOUT Matching Persona
    "What about you?"•Is it that interesting?
    •Why don't you sit down?
    •I can't relax...
    •3
    •3
    •2
    •3
    •2
    •1
    "D-Do you find the pitch of my voice strange?"•Whatever you prefer.
    •I like it higher.
    •0
    •0
    •0
    •0

    The richness of the game’s characters continues to impress players 15 years after its initial release. Naoto Shirogane has a complex story in Persona 4 Golden worth delving into, even if you’re not planning on using her in battle too often—although you should if you plan on raising your Social Link with her! Having some Dark abilities on hand can make plenty of battles easier by eviscerating certain enemies with a single click.

    Read Next
    Persona 4 Golden: Kanji Tatsumi Complete Social Link Guide
    Carley Garcia | 12 months ago
    Persona 4 Golden: Chie Satonaka Complete Social Link Guide
    Carley Garcia | 1 year ago
    Persona 4 Golden: Yosuke Hanamura Complete Social Link Guide
    Carley Garcia | 1 year ago