Social Link (Female)
Mitsuru is an optional social link for both the male and female protagonist. The male protagonist can date her while the female protagonist becomes like a little sister to her. In both cases, Mitsuru's social link is the Empress. In order to hang out with her, however, your academics must be maxed out (be a "genius") and you have to score the highest on the October exams. Further, Mitsuru does not have time to hang out until after the Kyoto trip. Her social link begins on 11/21 given the other conditions have been met and you can hang out with her on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays. By spending time with her, the protagonist helps her through her struggles over inheritance, arranged marriage and her future. Once the link is maxed out, Mitsuru gives the protagonist her motorcycle key, which allows for the fusion of the ultimate Empress Arcana Persona: Alilat. The following depicts the female protagonist's relationship with Mitsuru.
Rank 1
Mitsuru asks the protagonist if she has some time to talk and the two go to Hagakure after school. Mitsuru attempts to get her attention subtly in order to ask about any etiquette for eating ramen. Once they begin eating, Mitsuru comments on how she thought it tasted strange at first but it started to grow on her. She calls the restaurant owner over in order to compliment the "chef" and asks what they use for bouillon. The restaurant owner clearly has no idea what she is talking about but tells her he can't let her know the recipe. Mitsuru is fine with that and suggests he sell the ramen together with rice in order to make it a "meal" so he would make more money. As if she suddenly remembered she was with the protagonist, she apologizes for letting her imagination get the best of her. She then asks her if wanting to try ramen for a long time makes her strange. Mitsuru admits she's never eaten this kind of food before and has never been to a restaurant styled like Hagakure, so she felt awkward coming by herself. Smiling, she expresses her gratitude for the protagonist coming with her and teaching her "so much about ramen etiquette." Noting the time, Mitsuru suggests they head back.
Answers
"Eat before it gets soggy.""No, it doesn't."
Rank 2
Mitsuru and the protagonist decide to stop at Wild-Duck Burger on the way home from school. She notes that Mitsuru seems nervous and asks if it's her first time there. She informs her she's never been inside but has passed by it once with Akihiko--she knows you use your hands rather than utensils! Sighing, she admits she doesn't know much about fast food etiquette and once again expresses her gratitude the protagonist is with her. Mitsuru wonders how it is profitable to sell the food at such low prices and says she'd be interested in the average cost per unit. After apologizing for being lost in thought, she tells the protagonist she asked her out in order to express her personal thanks. Mitsuru knows she has been the hardest on the protagonist out of any of the members but she wants to make sure she knows she appreciates what she does. Mitsuru then comments on how she didn't realize it was so late already because when they are together, time seems to pass quickly. She apologizes for the inconvenience and says goodbye.
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"Is this your first time?"
Rank 3
After school, Mitsuru and the protagonist go to Octopia, a takoyaki stand in the strip mall. Mitsuru clearly has never had takoyaki either, as she comments on how it is only a portion of an octopus and not the whole thing. Sighing, she says she is amazed of her own ignorance sometimes. Mitsuru continues to talk about her observations of the takoyaki and seems to be enjoying it. She is then reminded of a time when she and Akihiko walked by the stand. Suddenly, she asks the protagonist if she thinks Akihiko has been acting differently lately. She wonders if maybe he is just maturing and the protagonist asks her if that makes her happy. Mitsuru explains that it can be difficult to get over the past after all they've been through and she is very impressed with how Akihiko tries to learn from his experiences anyway. She tells the protagonist that when she looks at Akihiko, she is reminded of so many things about herself but she doesn't know why. Suggesting it's anxiety, Mitsuru turns serious and wonders if it's because she's the only one not growing. Mitsuru tells her to forget the conversation and apologizes for having to listen to her "incoherent ramblings."
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"Anyways, let's eat.""Does that make you happy?"
"That's anxiety."
"Okay, I will."
Rank 4
Mitsuru asks the protagonist to accompany her to the library in order to do some research. Seemingly troubled, she comments on how they don't have long to spend together like this and soon they will be looking back at their time nostalgically. When the protagonist asks if she is okay, Mitsuru says she is tired and not to worry about her. She seems annoyed, however. Mitsuru tells the protagonist she has been faced with many problems since her father died. She is worried about her inheritance, the future of the Kirijo Group and the expectations of everyone involved. She likely will be unable to attend college or begin another profession. The protagonist notes she looks unusually timid. Mitsuru then asks her what her thoughts on marriage are. She laughs to hear her say marriage is to be with your true love, as she is unable to make decisions based on her emotions. To her, marriage requires an agreement that is carefully considered between both parties. Mitsuru tells her she views marriage as a social contract because you are linked to each other's social backgrounds as well. Her parents' marriage was arranged for strategic reasons, but they slowly fell in love over time. She doesn't think their scenario was unfortunate because "love comes in different forms." Mitsuru asks her if she disagrees and sadly says if she had one more chance to talk to her father, she would ask him. The library begins to close and Mitsuru laughs saying she isn't setting a good example as the Student Council President by talking there. They leave the library and head back to the dorm.
Answers
"You seem troubled...""To be with your true love."
"I don't know..."
Rank 5
Mitsuru goes to the movie theater with the protagonist on their way home from school. After the movie, she comments on how she is amazed at how good movie popcorn tastes. Before she knew it, she ate the protagonist's half, too! Mitsuru tells the protagonist that watching movies on a whim is so relaxing because you can have "bored" written on your face without worrying about what others may think. She then voices she wouldn't normally have this type of conversation with someone and that maybe the protagonist is more suited to riding a motorcycle than she is. Mitsuru explains how she didn't simply buy the motorcycle just for the purpose of providing support during missions. She can use it to go wherever she wants, whenever she wants, alone. She planned to get rid of it after it was damaged but decided to get it repaired instead because she enjoys riding it when she has the chance. The protagonist asks if she could ride with Mitsuru someday and Mitsuru agrees it would be enjoyable. Mitsuru thanks her and says she feels much better. She asks if they could stay for a little bit longer rather than heading back right away.
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"Was it boring?""Motorcycle?"
"Can I ride with you someday?"
Rank 6
The protagonist once again accompanies Mitsuru to the library in order to help her do research. Mitsuru comments that as she looks through the literature section, she notices there are fewer books about marriage and family life than romance novels. She then asks the protagonist if that means the most exciting time in life is before getting married and if marriage is really worth that sacrifice. Mitsuru then admits the Kirijo Group is having issues over the inheritance and she is struggling to figure out what their expectations are. Regardless, she is expected to lead the company, even if it means making a sacrifice. Mitsuru finally comes out and says what has been bothering her this whole time--a fiancé has been chosen for her. He's the president of one of their affiliates and is much older than her. However, if she agrees to the marriage, then the success of their company is guaranteed. He plans to announce their partnership and engagement at the same time. By doing so, the company will have the appearance of becoming more stable. "It's the best solution for everyone involved." Forcing a smile, Mitsuru informs her she is the only person she's told about the engagement. Because her parents chose the same path, she doesn't intend to run away. The protagonist asks her to reconsider, but Mitsuru insists that no matter what path she chooses, there will be regret not far behind. Mitsuru then wonders to the protagonist why she was born a woman. She's had to put forth much more effort in order to ensure no one could look down on her for being a woman, but in the end, she can't escape her sex in the business world. Mitsuru apologizes for burdening her with her struggles because she also works very hard as their leader. She then realizes she probably forced the position on her so she could prove to herself there was no difference between men and women. Mitsuru excuses herself and the protagonist returns to the dorm.
Answers
"Looking for something?""It's the first I've heard..."
"You should reconsider!"
Rank 7
Finding themselves at Wild-Duck Burger once again, Mitsuru realizes she has acquired a taste for fast food. She comments that her world has been too small and that the protagonist's shines brilliantly to her. When they are together, she discovers a variety of things about herself like laughter and anxiety. She laments it can't go on forever. Suddenly, Mitsuru asks the protagonist what she thinks when she is with her. Mitsuru is pleased to hear she enjoys spending time with her. She certainly will treasure their time together, as well. The two girls return to the dorm shortly thereafter.
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"I enjoy myself."
Rank 8
Mitsuru and the protagonist have fun at the movies after school. Mitsuru is pleased she finally got to see the movie in question, as she had wanted to see it for a long time. She especially liked how the characters expressed their emotions and the main character sacrificed everything to go on a journey with his friends. Since he eventually decided to return to his normal life, however, she wonders if he regretted his decision. Mitsuru asks the protagonist if she's ever thought about going to a place far away where no one could find her or know who she was. Mitsuru clarifies her feelings by saying she doesn't wish to leave everything behind. Rather, it's easy to become tied down by the things that are important to her. She admits that sometimes she feels shackled by her family name due to the weight of all the things she has to worry about. Mitsuru suddenly becomes irritated with herself, saying this sort of thinking isn't permissible and she has become undisciplined by complaining so much. She laughs at herself while saying she isn't being much of a "senpai" because all she has been doing is leaning on the protagonist for support. Mitsuru continues to verbally put herself down over her lack of courage to follow through on her decision.
Mitsuru begins to ask the protagonist to run away with her, when suddenly her fiancé shows up. He tells her they are leaving immediately. Mitsuru protests by saying she didn't make plans with him today, but he retorts by saying he's a busy man and she has to adjust her schedule to match his. She insists she has plans and he tells her to break them because she doesn't have anything more important to do than spend time with him. She is to be his wife and be obedient. He sighs and complains about how difficult her family is but is glad her father is dead. Mitsuru is mortified and furious that he would even suggest she felt the same way as him regarding her father's death. She relaxes a little and is happy when the protagonist steps in. Before turning to leave, he reminds her corporate management isn't "child's play" and she needs him no matter how smart she is. The company needs him to survive. Mitsuru reluctantly agrees to follow him, wishing the protagonist hadn't seen their dispute. She tries to protest Mitsuru leaving and he reprimands her about choosing her acquaintances more carefully. She's not to worry, however, as he's picked out better friends for her. The protagonist refuses to leave Mitsuru's side and he goes off on a tangent about how nice it must be to use a pretty face and sex to climb the latter while men have to have real talent. This comment sets Mitsuru off. If he insults the protagonist, he is also insulting her. She demands that he apologizes and becomes even more angry when he doesn't. From that day onward, they are strangers. She will not accept the engagement and absolutely not hand over the Kirijo Group to him. Mitsuru stands her ground firmly and sends him away. Realizing she finally understands her father's words, she chuckles and tells the protagonist they should go home.
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"I have.""Don't blame yourself."
"How dare you!?"
"Senpai, let's run!"
"It's none of your business."
Rank 9
Mitsuru and the protagonist head to the roof of the school in order to talk. She tells the protagonist she sometimes comes to the roof in order to get a better look at what they are protecting. Mitsuru then sincerely apologizes for the other day. She laughs when the protagonist says she was cool, but admits she is a little embarrassed to hear her say it. Mitsuru explains what she said to "that man" stuck with her, as she was initially the same by only considering those who could benefit her. It was even the same with the protagonist--she conveniently arrived and was qualified to be the leader. The others, too, were pawns, which is why Yukari got mad at her when she noticed. Even so, Mitsuru says she never tried to understand where Yukari was coming from despite knowing she was right. She accredits the protagonist for opening everyone's eyes and bringing them together as a group. Mitsuru then mentions how she addressed the protagonist by her first name last time without realizing it. Laughing, she says it is a bit embarrassing and she'll only do it when they are alone together. Mitsuru informs the protagonist that in the end, she was the only one hung up on femininity. From that moment forward, she would no longer be shackled by her family name or her sex. She will never ask the protagonist to run away with her again. Instead, she would like her to stand by her and fight alongside her. Hours fly by as the two continue to talk.
Answers
"You were cool."
Rank 10
Mitsuru invites the protagonist to her room back at the dorm because she wants to talk in private and give her something. Once they arrive, Mitsuru begins to blush and says she knows her room looks like a second lounge. Hours pass as the two girls continue to talk and she almost forgets to give the protagonist what she wanted to. Mitsuru hands her the key to her motorcycle and says she will no longer run from the future. Therefore, she no longer has to think of her motorcycle as a means of escape. Instead, Mitsuru would like to ride together with her. She tells her that she will teach her how to operate it once they are done fighting and is very much looking forward to it. Laughing, Mitsuru says she feels as if she has a younger sister now. Further, she can now hold her head up high when she says her own name. She thanks the protagonist for giving her pride. Changing the subject back to the movie they plan to watch, Mitsuru seems to be uneasy about watching a horror film! She eventually agrees but sheepishly asks the protagonist if it's okay to hold her hand while they are watching.
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"Let me ride on the back!"b a c k . c l e a r . f o r w a r d Resonance is © Samantha, however Akihiko, Mitsuru and Persona 3 are © Atlus and other rightful owners. Resonance is a part of AFTER-DEATH.ORG.