The supplied walkthrough transcript identifies a main-story prerequisite and a specific collectible obtained during that quest. That collectible starts Kirito's partner quest chain; finishing the chain makes him a permanent companion.
Kirito unlock route
- Continue the Swordsman main-story quest instead of stopping after the first completion reward.
- Search the quest area carefully and pick up the special collectible connected to the Swordsman quest.
- Return to town and check for the side quest or follow-up dialogue triggered by that collectible.
- Complete the full side-quest chain until Kirito is added to the partner roster.
Do not mistake the story appearance for recruitment
Kirito may appear in story material before he is available as a selectable companion. The unlock condition is tied to the Swordsman quest and its follow-up collectible, not simply seeing the character in a cutscene or reaching a new floor.
Preparation before the trigger quest
- Keep at least one free inventory slot for the collectible.
- Activate nearby checkpoints before searching the quest map.
- Bring a reliable weapon with a short, safe Sword Skill.
- Carry healing and SP recovery items for the return trip.
- Check the Inn after completing the chain; partner availability is managed from quest preparation rather than only the story menu.
About the exact collectible name
The supplied auto-generated transcript does not preserve the collectible's exact in-game name reliably. It does establish the important route: Swordsman main quest → collectible obtained during the quest → side-quest chain → permanent Kirito partner. Use the quest log's named item as the authoritative wording for your platform and language.