Friendship means everything in Persona 5 Royal, and developing relationships with your pals can greatly improve your strength as a Phantom Thief. Haru Okumura joins the team quite late in the game, but spending time with her is well worth it, especially when it comes to slaying in the Metaverse.
Table Of Contents
How to Begin the Empress Confidant
The daughter of Kunikazu Okumura, the fifth target of the Phantom Thieves, Haru Okumura lives a life completely dictated by her father. Desperate for freedom and a renewed sense of self, she joins the group and quickly finds friends and a place where she truly belongs.
You can start Haru’s Confidant on October 30. On weekdays, she can be found on the roof of Shujin Academy tending to her garden.
The deadline to max out the Empress Confidant in Persona 5 Royal depends on whether or not you max out your relationship with Maruki. If you do, you unlock the third semester and have until February 2. If you don’t, the deadline is the same as the vanilla game–December 22.
NoteAlthough you’re able to spend time with Confidants during the third semester, you won’t have very much free time. Aim to max out as many Confidants as possible by December 22.
Empress Confidant Skills
Spending time with Haru will eventually reward you with bonus abilities that will quickly become indispensable in the Metaverse. See the full list of abilities and the necessary friendship rank below.
| Confidant Rank | Ability | Description |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Cultivation | Allows you to grow vegetables with Haru on the Shujin Academy rooftop. |
| 2 | -- | -- |
| 3 | Follow Up | Chance to perform a follow-up attack if Joker's attack does not down the enemy. |
| 4 | Celeb Talk | If negotiation amidst a group of Shadows fails, you can try again. |
| 5 | Bumper Crop | Increases the total vegetable yield for a single harvest. |
| 6 | Harisen Recovery | Chance to cure status ailments inflicted upon party members. |
| 7 | Soil Improvement | Decreases the total amount of time it takes to cultivate vegetables. |
| 8 | Endure | Chance to withstand an otherwise fatal attack with 1 HP remaining. |
| 9 | Protect | Chance to shield Joker from an otherwise fatal attack. |
| MAX | Second Awakening | Transforms Persona into a mythological trickster. |
Once the Empress Confidant is maxed out, Haru’s original Persona, Milady, will transform into Astarte. If you unlock the third semester, her Persona will evolve again, this time into Lucy.
Maxing out Haru’s Confidant will also allow you to fuse Mother Harlot, one of two Personas capable of learning Mudo Boost and Ice Age. The Persona can also learn Ice Amp and Debilitate and is the only natural way to obtain the Null Bless skill.
Completing Haru’s Confidant will also reward you with a Dyed Handkerchief. After receiving this gift on March 19, you’ll be able to unlock Soil Improvement earlier in New Game Plus.
Hangout Conversations
When spending time with Haru, specific dialogue choices will increase your friendship rank more quickly than others. If you mistakenly make the wrong selection once or twice, you can always give a gift to make up for any lost points.
TipTo get the most points while spending time with Haru, you’ll need to have a Persona of the Empress Arcana on hand.
Rank 1
| Dialogue | Possible Responses | Points WITH Matching Persona | Points WITHOUT Matching Persona |
|---|---|---|---|
| "This is actually the only thing I can honestly say I'm good at." | •You don't have to do this. •It sounds like hard work. | •0 •0 | •0 •0 |
| "I certainly have plenty of seeds, so if you have a preference, I'll prioritize growing those first." | •Sounds good. •That was our deal. •Thanks. I'm counting on you. | •3 •3 •3 | •2 •2 •2 |
Rank 2
| Dialogue | Possible Responses | Points WITH Matching Persona | Points WITHOUT Matching Persona |
|---|---|---|---|
| "...Coffee beans." | •You like coffee? •Are you opening a cafe? •Are you starting a farm? | •3 •3 •2 | •2 •2 •1 |
| "He even offered to assist me with asset management. I fear he has an ulterior motive though..." | •What do you mean? •So you won't accept his offer? •He sounds suspicious. | •0 •0 •3 | •0 •0 •2 |
| "...At least, it's possible." | •This is a complex issue. •You might be wrong. •Maybe you should fire him. | •3 •2 •2 | •2 •1 •1 |
| "I might as well grow things that everyone like eating." | •Moonlight Carrot. •Sun Tomato. •Jewel Melon. | •3 •3 •3 | •2 •2 •2 |
Rank 3
| Dialogue | Possible Responses | Points WITH Matching Persona | Points WITHOUT Matching Persona |
|---|---|---|---|
| "But um, (protagonist)-kun... I'm worried what the school might do if they found out about this." | •A phantom thief wouldn't worry. •I'm afraid of flying. •We should break up. | •3 •3 •3 | •2 •2 •2 |
| "So, um...what can I say to decline his offer...?" | •I don't want to go with you. •I'm afraid of flying. •We should break up. | •3 •0 •0 | •2 •0 •0 |
| "Have, um...Have you ever experienced that?" | •I have. •Not yet. •Too many times to count. | •2 •3 •3 | •1 •2 •2 |
| "My excuse was that my friend was calling me...so here I am, away from him." | •Smart response. •Sounds like a hassle. •Which friend? | •3 •0 •0 | •2 •0 •0 |
Rank 4
You must have Transcendent Proficiency (Level 5) to begin Rank 4.
| Dialogue | Possible Responses | Points WITH Matching Persona | Points WITHOUT Matching Persona |
|---|---|---|---|
| "You see, just a single cup of the Dark Ivory coffee here costs roughly six thousand yen." | •That's pricey. •What a rip-off. •It must be amazing. | •2 •0 •3 | •1 •0 •2 |
| "Well, shall we order? I'll be paying for your cup as well." | •I can't let you do that. •Let me cover the bill. •Cheers. | •3 •2 •3 | •2 •1 •2 |
| "Apparently it's brewed using beans gathered from elephant dung." | •You mean...poop?! •I can taste the elephant. •Excuse me while I vomit. | •3 •3 •3 | •2 •2 •2 |
| "Speaking of cats, do you think Mona-chan would be able to...?" | •Hands off my cat. •I'd rather not think about it. •Let's ask him. | •0 •0 •3 | •0 •0 •2 |
| "Hey, um...what did you think of him?" | •He seemed nice enough. •He was a little sketchy. •I'm not really sure. | •0 •0 •3 | •0 •0 •2 |
| "You took the time out of your schedule to hang out with me, but we ended up dealing with my own drama..." | •I don't mind. •It was rather intriguing. •Let's get coffee again sometime. | •2 •0 •3 | •1 •0 •2 |
Rank 5
| Dialogue | Possible Responses | Points WITH Matching Persona | Points WITHOUT Matching Persona |
|---|---|---|---|
| "One side has to be deceiving me, correct? I'm honestly suspicious of everyone at this point..." | •Trust who you want to trust. •Somebody's telling the truth. •Trust no one. | •0 •3 •2 | •0 •2 •1 |
| "Though now that I think about it...that may be my best chance to help the employees my father left behind..." | •Are you really considering it? •You can't just give in. •There has to be another way. | •0 •0 •3 | •0 •0 •2 |
| "Would I have just resigned myself to the fate he had made for me...?" | •That doesn't matter now. •You didn't have a choice. •I don't think so. | •2 •0 •3 | •1 •0 •2 |
| "Once I started to imagine that again, this powerful fear came flooding back..." | •Are you okay? •We're all here for you. •Pinch yourself. | •2 •0 •3 | •1 •0 •2 |
Rank 6
| Dialogue | Possible Responses | Points WITH Matching Persona | Points WITHOUT Matching Persona |
|---|---|---|---|
| "It says here that the type of roast you want should differ depending on how you want to drink your coffee." | •That's fascinating. •You're so studious. •Can you make some for me? | •3 •2 •3 | •2 •1 •2 |
| "But that's where the real origin of our family business lies." | •I had no idea. •That's a surprise. •I could've guessed that. | •3 •0 •0 | •2 •0 •0 |
| "I mean, Takakura-san seems to only be focused on profits...At this rate, we'll never lose our black image." | •You might be right. •That would be bad. •Black like coffee. | •0 •3 •3 | •0 •2 •2 |
| "I'm sorry about that..." | •You don't need to apologize. •That guy is horrible. | •0 •0 | •0 •0 |
| "He's going to get Okumura Foods as well as my entire inheritance...and I'm totally powerless against him..." | •You're not powerless. •Be strong, Haru. | •0 •3 | •0 •2 |
| "The negativity felt so painful, too much to handle alone, and...before I knew it, I was already calling you." | •You can talk to me anytime. •Let him say what he wants. •Wanna run away together? | •3 •0 •0 | •2 •0 •0 |
Rank 7
| Dialogue | Possible Responses | Points WITH Matching Persona | Points WITHOUT Matching Persona |
|---|---|---|---|
| "Sorry about that...I just got a little dizzy for a second there..." | •You look exhausted. •Don't overwork yourself. •Let's go see the nurse. | •0 •0 •0 | •0 •0 •0 |
| "In the end, I'm just not sure what to do..." | •That sounds really tough... •You should ask some employees. •What do you want to do? | •2 •0 •3 | •1 •0 •2 |
| "But...I don't think you can truly gain the same joy from the low-cost chain Takakura-san is suggesting." | •What does Takakura-san think? •There has to be a way. •You should tell him that. | •3 •3 •3 | •2 •2 •2 |
| "I'll make him see what I'm really thinking...and what's truly important to me." | •That's the spirit. •You can do it, Haru. | •3 •3 | •2 •2 |
| "It's thanks to your support that I can keep pushing forward." | •Don't relax yet. •I'll always have your back. •So what's this "magic item"? | •0 •3 •2 | •0 •2 •1 |
Rank 8
| Dialogue | Possible Responses | Points WITH Matching Persona | Points WITHOUT Matching Persona |
|---|---|---|---|
| "The thing that will help me show Takakura-san how I really feel...is right here." | •The soil? •The planters? •That beetle over there? | •3 •0 •0 | •2 •0 •0 |
| "I wonder what Takakura-san will think when he tries it..." | •It'll help him understand you. •He's going to love it. •He might not like it. | •3 •3 •0 | •2 •2 •0 |
| "But if they want to fool people with a low-quality product instead of regaining their trust...I will proudly oppose them." | •I'll be cheering for you. •You're amazing, Haru. •Are you sure you can do that? | •3 •3 •2 | •2 •2 •1 |
| "I'm already testing the soil I brought home today. I can tell my coffee plants are happy." | •You can understand them? •It's in your nature to nurture. •I want some too. | •0 •2 •3 | •0 •1 •2 |
Rank 9
| Dialogue | Possible Responses | Points WITH Matching Persona | Points WITHOUT Matching Persona |
|---|---|---|---|
| "......" | •Don't forget to breathe. •Believe in yourself. •I'm here for you, Haru. | •0 •0 •0 | •0 •0 •0 |
| "W-Well...um..." | •I'm sure you'll do great. •It'll be fine. •Give it all you've got, Haru. | •3 •2 •3 | •2 •1 •2 |
| "...Thank you, (protagonist)-kun." | •You're very welcome. •You did amazing. •Do I get a reward. | •3 •3 •0 | •2 •2 •0 |
| "Why do you think...?" | •He saw us as good friends. •I like you too, Haru. | •Friendship •Start Romance | •Friendship •Start Romance |
| "If only you could smell it too." | •Thanks. •You sound so happy. •I can't wait to try it. | •0 •3 •0 | •0 •2 •0 |
| "Er, well… H-How are you?" *Only asked if you start romance | •What're you up to? •I wanted to hear your voice. •I miss you. | •0 •3 •3 | •0 •2 •2 |
MAX Rank
Friendship
| Dialogue | Possible Responses | Points WITH Matching Persona | Points WITHOUT Matching Persona |
|---|---|---|---|
| "I think my presence angered some people at first, but in the end they all listened to my thoughts." | •Will things be OK? •That's good to hear. •You've done great, Haru. | •0 •2 •3 | •0 •1 •2 |
| "It'll be a shop that people love, like Grandfather's...and like this place. What do you think?" | •I'm sure you'll succeed. •This won't be easy. •It all comes down to flavor. | •3 •2 •2 | •2 •1 •1 |
| "Perhaps I should apprentice here at Leblanc in the meantime?" | •If you want. •Probably not. •It's hard work, you know. | •0 •0 •0 | •0 •0 •0 |
| "When I open my café, I'll let you be my first customer." | •I look forward to that. •I'll bring you a present. | •0 •0 | •0 •0 |
Romance
| Dialogue | Possible Responses | Points WITH Matching Persona | Points WITHOUT Matching Persona |
|---|---|---|---|
| "I think my presence angered some people at first, but in the end they all listened to my thoughts." | •Will things be OK? •That's good to hear. •You've done great, Haru. | •0 •2 •3 | •0 •1 •2 |
| "It'll be a shop that people love, like Grandfather's...and like this place. What do you think?" | •I'm sure you'll succeed. •This won't be easy. •It all comes down to flavor. | •3 •2 •2 | •2 •1 •1 |
| "Perhaps I should apprentice here at Leblanc in the meantime?" | •If you want. •Probably not. •It's hard work, you know. | •0 •0 •0 | •0 •0 •0 |
| "......" | •I'm glad too. •Don't deny yourself. •Just my teammate? | •3 •2 •3 | •2 •1 •2 |
Other Hangouts
Asakusa Festival Invitation (11/6)
You’ll get the Kumade room decoration during this hangout.
| Dialogue | Possible Responses | Points WITH Matching Persona | Points WITHOUT Matching Persona |
|---|---|---|---|
| "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 |
| Ohya: "I think this means we need an interview!" | •I refuse. •Leave Haru alone. | •0 •0 | •0 •0 |
| Ohya: "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 |
| "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) |
Movie Invitation (11/13)
| Dialogue | Possible Responses | Points WITH Matching Persona | Points WITHOUT Matching Persona |
|---|---|---|---|
| "How was it for you? Do you like scary movies?" | •Not really, actually... •I like them a lot. | •3 •3 | •2 •2 |
