Building a strong bond with each Master is not just for story progression; it offers tangible benefits:
- Gift Giving: Give Masters specific gifts (found in shops or as quest rewards) to rapidly increase your bond level. Each Master has preferred gifts.
- Dialogue Choices: During conversations, choose dialogue options that align with the Master's personality to gain bond points.
- Completing Missions: As mentioned, Master Missions are a primary way to increase bond.
Higher bond levels unlock more of their fighting style, grant access to their Super Arts, and can even provide passive stat bonuses when you're using their style. Maxing out a Master's bond often unlocks a special cinematic or a unique cosmetic item.