Investigating the approaching steps had been an act of both curiosity and caution, but it didn't take long for Koromaru to realize that this man (no matter how physically imposing) was not a threat. While the dog didn't approach immediately, the warmth of Hawke's voice and expression set his bushy tail wagging and he soon padded over to sniff at the outstretched hand. The shiba inu was no Mabari war hound; he was small and foxlike and covered with white and gray fur, but he was also lean and spry and looked like he would be very fast. A heavy metal collar encircled his neck, fixed together on each side by a disk through which hints of circuitry could be seen under thick blue plastic. As if in answer to the question, he gave a few quick, high-pitched, and somehow encouraging barks.
Following at a distance after Koromaru, Ken heard the familiar yips just before he rounded the corner and felt the unease caused by his partner's abrupt departure dissipate. The dog sounded happy with whoever he'd found and he was usually a good judge of character. Better than most people. He stopped without approaching and watched the two for a moment, unable to keep himself from smiling a little at the sight of the large man crouched to Koromaru's level and the shiba inu's tail whipping back and forth in anticipation of a good ear scratch.
"His name is Koromaru," Ken supplied after a several silent seconds, deciding that it was better to announce himself now than just stand there and stare.