Hashimoto's branch begins with a small business decision and develops into one of the four stories that determine the ending. Save before returning Hashimoto's Pokia. During the hand-in conversation, choose the offer to work for free. Although he still pays, the gesture opens a warmer branch and lets you ask why the device matters.
The decision point
Save before returning Hashimoto's Pokia. During the hand-in conversation, choose the offer to work for free. Although he still pays, the gesture opens a warmer branch and lets you ask why the device matters.
Ask about the device history
Take the history dialogue when it appears. This is not filler: it connects Hashimoto's personal past, changing Akihabara, and the shop. Skipping the question can leave the repair complete while the character arc remains shallow.
Story progress can depend on a completed repair, a To-Do, and the next conversation. Check all three before treating a quiet shop as a softlock.
Immediate and later results
The immediate result is a more personal exchange rather than a simple transaction. The important confirmation comes later: continue talking to Hashimoto and complete his follow-ups. The extended route eventually reveals a special drawer and information about the previous owner.
Ending impact
Hashimoto's positive resolution contributes to the Happy Ending. His complete follow-up contributes to the Secret Ending. One favorable answer is therefore enough to begin the good branch, but not enough to prove the hidden branch is finished.
Branch comparison
Keep the free-repair save and a separate full-price or no-history save if you want to observe both outcomes. Change only this conversation where practical; unrelated purchases, rent timing, and decoration can obscure what the choice actually changed.
Research links
These are the primary pages used to check the facts and current release context in this guide.
Official information, observable release behavior, and community reports are deliberately separated. A community report is not presented as a universal fix until it can be reproduced or supported by current patch notes.
