"It's hard to believe an ordinary high school student could accomplish such grandiose heists. One would need a heart of steel, unaffected by outside influences and prepared to act without hesitating. There has to be someone who helped strengthen your mental state. Sound like somebody you know? Give me a name!"
—Sae Niijima interrogating the protagonist about Takuto Maruki.
The protagonist automatically starts Maruki's Confidant on May 13th. Maruki can be found outside the nurse's office on Shujin's first floor practice building on Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Fridays. As he is a school-only Confidant, he is only available during the day, even during rain. Almost every Rank, the protagonist gains 5 SP points to his maximum SP cap, plus a recovery item.
Maruki's Confidant cannot be progressed past Rank 5 before the 20th of September. After that date, he will be available during all school days bar the 28th of September, the 4th and 6th of October and the 1st, 3rd, 8th, 10th and 15th of November. The final day for completing Rank 9 of Maruki's Confidant is November 17th, with Rank 10 happening automatically on November 18th if this is achieved. Maxing this Confidant is mandatory in order to access the Third Semester events (January 1 to February 3, March 3, March 14) and the true ending, so make sure to prioritize hanging out with him at all costs.
Completing Maruki's Confidant enables the fusion of Vohu Manah. He does not have a farewell gift for the protagonist on 3/19. Therefore, all of his Confidant abilities must be re-obtained during New Game Plus.
"That is what I hypothesize as being the 'change of heart' you induce in your targets."
You really know your stuff.
0
0
......
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0
"I was almost certain Mr. Kamoshida's change of heart was provoked by the three of you."
Why'd you keep quiet?
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0
What's your game here?
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0
"But I think that's everything I'd kept from you... Does that change your opinion of me?"
Well, we made a deal.
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0
Will you rat us out?
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0
"Though, it'll likely be through different means than how the Phantom Thieves reform members of society."
We all define justice differently.
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0
I'll do my best too.
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0
"We'll meet again though, right?"
I'm sure of it.
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0
Definitely.
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0
Other[]
Story event on January 9 after maxing Maruki's Confidant.
January 9
Response
Points (W)
Points (W/O)
"For the sake of Yoshizawa-san, and the rest of your friends... I ask you to give me your answer."
I can't accept this reality.
True Ending
I'll accept this reality.
Bad Ending*
* "Oh, what a relief... you'll accept this world?"
I need to think it over.
True Ending
I'm serious.
Bad Ending
Story event on February 2 after maxing Maruki's Confidant.
February 2
Response
Points (W)
Points (W/O)
"I've been concerned about a potential relapse, considering her difficulties with accepting this reality."
She's just fine.
0
0
She's one tough lady.
0
0
"I want to confirm with you one last time: is there no other way to come to an agreement besides fighting?"
......
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0
We can't accept this reality.
0
0
"If you just stay, you'll never have to suffer from the pain of loss, or the pain of having people and things stolen from you!"
Like you have?
0
0
What was stolen from you?
0
0
"So let me ask you the same: after really considering every option, do any of you have doubts about your views?"
What do you mean?
0
0
What are you getting at?
0
0
The following two lines will only occur if the protagonist fails to fulfill Akechi's promise. For the scenario that happens if Akechi's promise was fulfilled, see Confidant/Goro Akechi.
"Please, accept my gift, for your friend's sake and your own!"