Naoto Shirogane: Fortune

Naoto Shirogane represents the Fortune arcana in Persona 4.

When you first meet Naoto Shirogane in the game, Naoto seems like an unapproachable genius detective. However, Naoto is hiding a secret: although she dresses and presents as male, Naoto was born female and identifies as such. Naoto dresses up as a boy so people take her and her work seriously. Unfortunately, her perception of what an ideal detective looks like clashes with her true feelings. This results in the rise of her shadow self, forcing you to save her to recruit her.

Ever focused on the task at hand, Naoto comes across as responsible and mature for her age, but some find her a little uptight. Because of this, she doesn’t have much experience with making friends her age. When she bonds with the investigation team, she learns to let go of the labels and perceptions that have been holding her back. In Naoto’s social link, you’ll become a friend (or boyfriend) who accepts her for who she is.

Tips

• Since Naoto shows up so late in the game, it can be hard to finish her social link in a limited timespan. Thankfully, she has a lot of days that she’s available. You can meet with Naoto on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Saturday and Sunday. She’s not around on rainy days, though.
• Naoto is a potential love interest for your protagonist. There are a couple of dialogue options that are triggered during the social link that I’ll expand upon below. Don’t cheat on her with other girls, or your Valentine’s day event will not be a pleasant one.
• Naoto usually hangs out in the first floor of the classroom building when school is in session. Otherwise, you can find her at the Samegawa flood plain.
• Bring a Fortune persona when you spend time with Naoto to earn more points towards her social link.
• To get rank 1 of Naoto’s social link, wait until October 21. Then you can get a special quest that requires both maxed Knowledge and maxed Courage to start. Talk to Naoto, then find a man in black in the shopping district, near Aiya. Finally, return to school and talk to Naoto again to form the social link.

Rank 2

• When Naoto says, “I’d chalk it up as a prank.”, tell her “I’m still worried about you.” for +3 friendship.
• When she says, “……….“, give her any answer.
• When Naoto says, “I don’t know about those, but my belongings aren’t of any particular value, so…”, ask her “Remember that card…?” for +3 friendship.
• Once your social link hits rank 2, Naoto will learn the Invigorate 1 skill. This lets her regenerate 3 SP every turn in battle. 

Rank 3

• When “Naoto is holding a sealed letter…”, ask her either “A challenge for a duel?” or “That card business again…?” for +3 friendship.
• Naoto will say, “How misleading… A sealed letter at a time like this…”. Give her any answer.

Rank 4

• “For some reason Naoto is holding a card.”. Ask “That ‘Card’ again?” for +3 friendship.
• When Naoto says, “I haven’t the time to waste on this…”, respond with any answer.
• When she says, “But… to ignore it only makes me angry!”, tell her “Let’s catch him together.” for +3 friendship.
• At rank 4, Naoto learns Mind Charge, which powers up your next spell.

Rank 5

• When Naoto asks, “Sigh… What should I do…?”, tell her to “Burn it.” for +3 friendship.
• When she asks, “Eating letters with a red face…? This is…?”, say “A mailbox.” for +3 friendship.
• When Naoto asks, “Grampa had this? Why did he keep it…?”, say, “Good, you got it back.” for +3 friendship.
• Naoto will say, “I, er… I think I’ll let this lay out… And, umm, if possible…”. There are a couple of choices to pay attention to.
  • “Let’s do it.” gives +3 friendship
  • “You’re on your own.” decreases your social link rank, so don’t pick this option!

Rank 6

• When Naoto asks, “Why you, though…?”, give any answer for +3 friendship.
• When she says, “When the banks close, the fruit tree grows. By the large seven at the third is the spot I chose.”, tell her “The numbers are important.” for +3 friendship.
• Naoto will say “………“. You have two choices here that can affect your route.
  • “I’m glad you’re a girl.” [Romantic Relationship +1]
  • “Your gender doesn’t matter.” [Friendship only] +3
• Naoto picks up the Invigorate 2 ability after your social link with her reaches rank 6.

Rank 7

• Naoto will say, “Perhaps the ‘minus’ part is important…”. Ask her to “Subtract ‘40’ and ‘4’?” to get +3 friendship.
• When she says, “I feel that… I’m undergoing a change.”, tell her “Don’t be afraid.” for +3 friendship.

Rank 8

• When Naoto says, “We may be able to catch him in the act.”, reply with “I feel kinda sad.” or “You seem happy.” for +3 friendship.
• “The man brandished a knife.”. You have a couple of choices here.
  • “Protect Naoto” [Romantic Relationship +1]
  • “Run with Naoto.” or “Fight back.” [Friendship Route]
• Naoto will ask “Why…!?”. If you picked both romance options, you have the chance to enter a relationship here.
  • “Because I love you.” [Romantic Relationship confirmed]
  • “Because we’re friends.” [Friendship confirmed]
• Naoto learns the Heat Riser ability after her social link reaches rank 8.

Rank 9

• When Naoto asks, “A place I’d be fond of…?”, answer “Somewhere high.” for +3 friendship.
• She will say, “Next, what I ‘can’t stand’ to do. There are several possibilities, but…”. Pick “Throwing things away?” for +3 friendship.

Rank 10

If you’re a couple:

• Pick “I like it higher.” to get a special costume for Naoto from the Christmas date event. This only is available if you reach this rank before 12/22.

If you’re friends:

• All choices are neutral.

Upon maxing Naoto’s social link, you’ll get the Detective’s badge, which lets you fuse the persona Norn. Naoto’s persona will also transform into Yamato-Takeru.