Koromaru

*For the original character of the **Persona 3** video game, see Koromaru*

***Koromaru*** コロマル (koromaru) is a playable character in Persona 3 and the only non-human member of SEES. Unlike other animal mascots from the persona series, he's the only one that doesn't speak in a human language. He's a Persona summoning dog. He is from the Strength Arcana.

## Background

At first, Koromaru is seen as a stray dog loitering outside the dorms. After his former owner passed away, Koromaru continued to live there alone, although he always went for daily walks that he would have done with his prior owner.

It is later discovered that he has a persona, Cerberus. Koromaru joins SEES later on. The Main Character can occasionally spend his evenings walking him throughout the rest of the game. If the main character and Koromaru travel alone, he'll discover something or you'll stumble upon a social connection and raise your standing with that connection. However, the main character will occasionally walk Koro-chan alongside other SEES members to catch up on the day's events.

Aigis understands Koromaru and translates for him to the other SEES members.

## SEES

Koromaru joins SEES. Fuuka Yamagishi and Yukari Takeba frequently played with a stray dog named Koromaru. They learn through a housewife that Koromaru's owner, a monk from Naganaki Shrine, had passed away tragically (about 6 months ago). While keeping the shrine safe, Koromaru awaited his master's arrival, unaware that his owner had been deceased.

A rogue Shadow is discovered one night (July 29) outside of Tartarus. When the shadow wanders into the shrine area, Koromaru kills it there. When Akihiko Sanada finally makes it to the shrine, he discovers Koromaru hurt and the shadow vanquished. The canine's bravery and intelligence leaved Akihiko quite impressed, and Mitsuru Kirijo made sure he gets the best medical attention available.

Shuji Ikutsuki makes the decision to have Koromaru's unique Evoker created on August 8 so that he can wear it and use it as a collar. He also uses knives and protective clothing when fighting. After his injuries have healed, Koromaru joins SEES. Although Koromaru is unable to speak to his roommates directly, they are able to comprehend him thanks to his actions and the translation provided by Aigis.

Akinari Kamiki, refers to Koromaru as "a white beast with red eyes." who stole his pen. Akinari doesn't appear overly upset about the pen being taken, but he won't talk to the main character until the pen is returned.

### The Answer

Koromaru accompanied Junpei during a night at the Paulownia Mall while he was depressed due to his father's alcoholism, according to Junpei's memories on the Abyss of Time. Being as smart as he is, Junpei learned from witnessing the scene again and now remembers it with affection that Koromaru understood he needed someone to be by his side. A short while later, the Dark Hour began, and Junpei met Akihiko and became aware of his Persona.

## Personality

He is good-natured and has exhibited remarkable loyalty by deciding to remain at his master's shrine for a very long time after his passing and by continuing to take daily walks with him. He is also fiercely protective of the shrine, as evidenced by the fact that he endangered his life while defending it and suffered critical injuries as a result. Aigis claims that he regards the shrine as a holy location.

Koromaru, despite being a dog, also demonstrates many human traits. He demonstrates intelligence well beyond what most dogs do. He has a strong sense of loyalty and is especially devoted to Shinjiro Aragaki, who frequently gives him special meals and gives him extra attention. He like the television program "The True Battles of Real Men," which demonstrates bravery displayed by actual people. He asks the main character to accompany him to the theater so he can see the last few episodes of the show in person. After the film, Koromaru complains and stomps around until the main character consents to buy the boxed set when it is released. Even though he gets along with everyone in Persona Q: Shadow of the Labyrinth, he dislikes Kanji Tatsumi for an unknown reason and won't allow Kanji to pet him. He appears to be closest to Ken of all the (surviving) SEES members based on his choice to live with him in Persona 4 Arena Ultimax.

## Persona

* Cerberus
 Cerberus

Cerberus is Koromaru's Persona, Its unusual appearance as a black, three-headed hound contrasts from its typical appearance as an elemental Persona of Fire and Darkness. The protagonist can also utilize a cheat device to access and use the original Cerberus.

Cerberus is known as the multi-headed dog that guards the gates to the underworld to prevent the dead from leaving.

### Stats

***Agilao*** Deals medium Fire damage to one foe.

***Mudo*** Darkness: instant kill, 1 foe. (30% chance)

***Evil Touch*** Instills Fear in 1 foe. (40% chance)

***Maragion*** Deals medium Fire damage to all foes.

***Counterstrike*** Counter physical attacks (med odds). (30% chance)

***Mamudo*** Darkness: instant kill, all foes. (25% chance)

***Agidyne*** Deals heavy Fire damage to one foe.

***Fire Boost*** Strengthens Fire attacks by 25%.

***Evil Smile*** Instills Fear in all foes. (40% chance)

***High Counter*** Counter physical attacks (high odds). (50% chance)

***Mudoon*** Darkness: instant kill, 1 foe (high odds). (40% chance)

***Fire Break*** Reduces 1 foe's Fire resistance to average.

***Maragidyne*** Deals heavy Fire damage to all foes.

***Mamudoon*** Darkness: instant kill, all foes (high odds). (35% chance)

***Fire Amp*** Greatly strengthens Fire attacks by 50%.

## Social Link

In Persona 3 Portable, Koromaru is now a Social Link of the Strength Arcana, Koromaru. However, the only one who can use his Social Link is the female lead. In order to start this Social Link, the female protagonist will need to get some Dog Food from Fuuka, which she will offer during one of her Social Link activities. On August 15th, Koromaru's Social Link can then be established. Only after finishing his Social Link is Koromaru allowed to accompany the female protagonist on walks.

In Persona 3 FES, you can take Koromaru on walks and even take him to the movies.

## Gallery

Koromaru's blog.Koromaru’s design in the Persona 3 Movie.Koromaru’s early design: He was originally going to be a Dalmatian a rough sketch of the portrait design for Koromaru.Koromaru in the Persona stalker club awards.
## Trivia

* Koromaru is a white shiba inu. though most likely due to his red-colored eyes, he's most likely albino.
* During Koromaru's design in Persona 4 Arena, he was most likely going to have a dog love interest with puppies, this design was scratched however.
* Koromaru was based off of the Famous Dog Hachiko who, just like Koromaru, exhibited remarkable loyalty to his owner, Hidesaburo Ueno who continued to wait for him nine years prior to his death, Hachiko unfortunately died in 1935 from a filaria infection and cancer.

## References

1. ↑ https://www.giantbomb.com/koromaru/3005-3961/

Koromaru's page on Giant Bomb
2. ↑ https://megamitensei.fandom.com/wiki/Koromaru?so=search
3. ↑ https://youtu.be/PrpfGi0raxA

All Walks with Koromaru (via FES)
4. ↑ https://youtu.be/LwvonW19p1s?t=53

FES: taking koromaru to the movies
5. ↑ https://noisypixel.net/concept-persona-3-koromaru-dalmation/