Under Kitahara's firm—almost forceful—attitude, Super Creek no longer hesitated and agreed to go to the hospital for treatment.
The doctor, of course, was Kokobo Ren, and the hospital was none other than the "Tokyo Central Yuushun Hospital."
It had been a few days since their last meeting, so Kitahara thought it would also be a good chance to check on the progress of the training therapy preparations.
After briefly explaining to Oguri Cap and the others that they would be heading to the hospital, and asking Tazuna Hayakawa to look after the other horse girls, Kitahara quickly brought Super Creek to the hospital.
It didn't take long to contact Dr. Kokobu, but he was busy today and had no available slots during office hours.
On the phone, Dr. Kokobu said:
"Here's what we'll do. Kitahara, come to my home first. After work, I'll personally examine this Uma Musume. I also have some medical equipment at home, so we can do some preliminary work there—it should be sufficient."
"From your description, if there's no external trauma, the likelihood of bacterial or fungal infection is low. It's probably mild periostitis caused by overuse. Usually, rest and adequate nutrition are enough for recovery."
"However, she's run many times with the injury, so besides rest, theoretically some therapeutic measures are still necessary."
"Incidentally, the thing I mentioned to you last time is almost ready."
"I thought it over carefully for a few days and decided that teaching you the knowledge isn't impossible, but using it effectively would take a long time, so I came up with a more efficient solution."
"I plan to introduce one of my disciples to you."
"She's a graduate student in the medical school of the University of Tokyo, has excellent grades, has practiced under me for over two years, passed the junior medical practitioner certification, and I intend to mentor her toward a PhD."
"If you approve of her, I'll let her follow you as your dedicated team doctor."
Hearing this, Kitahara could hardly contain his excitement.
The thoughtfulness of Dr. Kokobu's offer was overwhelming.
The University of Tokyo's Faculty of Medicine is one of Japan's most prestigious medical schools, often called the "Harvard of Asia," and graduates are among the top medical talents. On top of that, this recommendation was for a graduate student, a prospective PhD, someone already qualified professionally.
No matter how outstanding a trainer was, they couldn't guarantee their Uma Musume would never get injured. Having a top medical professional on hand meant immediate treatment and reduced injury risk—a dream scenario for any trainer.
Kitahara was so surprised and moved that he almost forgot how he thanked Dr. Kokobu, hung up, or got to the appointment.
Dr. Kokobu's home was a traditional Japanese-style courtyard.
The courtyard was spacious. At its center stood a classic Japanese villa with a dark wood hip-and-gable roof, matching deep black eaves, pale gray bamboo flooring, and white horizontal wooden exterior walls.
In front of the villa, the forecourt was covered with white gravel. Light blue cobblestone paths crossed the yard, and a crimson wooden bridge spanned the main path, leading to a small crimson pavilion over a clear pond with darting fish.
The backyard had lush bamboo walls enclosing a year-round temperate open-air hot spring.
Dr. Kokobu had arranged for a butler to meet them at the entrance. Following the butler, Kitahara and Super Creek arrived outside the hot spring.
There was a set of black wooden tables and chairs outside the hot spring. Dr. Kokobu was sitting on one, casually chatting with a young woman.
"Hello, Uncle Kokobu," Kitahara greeted, bowing slightly.
Curious, he looked at the young woman.
She appeared to be in her early twenties, with fair skin, delicate features, long elegant eyebrows, star-like sparkling eyes, a small nose, and thin lips curved in a shy smile. When their eyes briefly met, she quickly lowered her gaze and bowed her head, clearly shy.
"Punctual as always, Kitahara," Dr. Kokobu said casually, gesturing to her. "This is the student I mentioned on the phone, Kyoko Miyamura."
"Her current research aligns perfectly with your needs: prevention of injuries in horse girls and post-injury rehabilitation."
"I recommend her to you not only to fulfill my promise of helping you with preventive care but also so she can practice under you and accumulate data for her papers."
"In fact, even after she graduates from me, I hope she can continue assisting you. That way, your training schedule will be even more secure."
Even knowing Dr. Kokobu's intentions, Kitahara was deeply moved.
"T-Thank you so much, Uncle Kokobu!"
Unable to contain himself, he saluted abruptly, "I-I really…"
His voice trailed off as he struggled to express his gratitude.
Dr. Kokobu waved a hand, smiling.
"I've said it before. After all these years in medicine, I lack nothing in honor, status, or wealth. What I hope for is simply that someone can fully embrace my ideals and provide better medical conditions for Uma Musume."
"All right, Kyoko, greet Mr. Kitahara first."
There was one detail Dr. Kokobu did not immediately mention: Kyoko Miyamura was not only his student but also his granddaughter.
He withheld this fact to avoid giving Kitahara any preconceptions based on family ties. He wanted his granddaughter to earn Kitahara's trust purely on her ability.
Kyoko understood her grandfather's intentions but lacked his confidence.
Born into a medical family, she had wanted since childhood to work in medicine and contribute to the care of people and horse girls.
Her family background provided not only motivation and excellent educational conditions but also invisible pressure. Even without anyone demanding it, she constantly felt the high expectations of everyone around her—after all, she was the granddaughter of Dr. Kokobu, a renowned doctor across Japan.
It's okay, Kyoko. You can do it. You won't let Grandpa down. Your grades are excellent, your internship is top-ranked. You cannot disappoint him—or the teacher. You can do this. Show your abilities. Don't embarrass the teacher…
After giving herself a mental pep talk, Kyoko extended her hand.
"H-Hello! My name is Kyoko Miyamura! Pleased to meet you, Mr. Kitahara!"
(End of Chapter)