"Before Mr. Kitahara arrived, my teacher already analyzed the situation with me. As expected, Super Creek's foot injury falls under a typical case of 'aseptic inflammation.'"
"Medically, this is a defensive response by living tissue with a vascular system to damaging factors, manifested as redness, swelling, heat, pain, and impaired function."
"Compared with 'infectious inflammation' caused by bacteria, viruses, or protozoa, aseptic inflammation is generally caused by physical or chemical factors."
"In Super Creek's case, the cause was inappropriate training followed by a lack of timely treatment. Continuing with various exercises worsened the inflammation."
"So even if my teacher had reminded her before, I must state here that she must not continue running until the injury is fully healed."
As she spoke, Kyoko Miyamura's expression became very serious.
"For treatment, I'll use a combination of mild medication and physical therapy. This includes pain-relieving and anti-inflammatory drugs, corticosteroids, glucosamine, and bioregulatory agents to relieve joint inflammation, supplemented by hot baths or medicinal baths."
"This treatment has already shown significant effect. My plan is to pause the medication and continue primarily with the latter method."
She gestured toward the hot spring nearby.
"That's also why I arranged for Mr. Kitahara to come today."
"We have a medically equipped hot spring here. Soaking in it serves as both heat therapy and hydrotherapy, relaxing muscles, relieving fatigue, expanding blood vessels, promoting circulation, and accelerating metabolism."
"Additionally, calcium carbonate in the spring water can improve physical constitution and restore strength; sodium ions have analgesic effects, and elements like potassium and radon offer similar benefits."
"So today's main therapy will be the hot spring, with some supplementary massage techniques, which I'll personally handle."
Hearing this, Kitahara felt a growing admiration for Kokobu Ren's thorough planning.
He was skilled in training and management but had no medical background. Learning this himself would take time and effort, might not yield perfect mastery, and could distract from other tasks.
Having Kyoko handle it was different. She had formal training, was a graduate student and prospective PhD—no concerns about competence—and most importantly, allowed Kitahara to focus on other matters.
…I owe a huge debt of gratitude for this…
Silently reflecting, Kitahara nodded decisively to Kyoko.
"No problem. I leave everything to you, Dr. Miyamura. I fully trust you."
"Mr. Kitahara…"
Being trusted clearly moved Kyoko. She was visibly touched.
"All right! Leave everything to me! I will ensure Super Creek is handled flawlessly for you!"
"Good, I believe in you."
After nodding in affirmation, Kitahara added, "Completely avoiding training may not be ideal either. According to training theory, proper exercise promotes circulation, helps maintain immunity, and prevents inflammation from worsening."
"So I'm considering upper-body training for Super Creek, which could actually speed up recovery. Of course, this plan should be discussed with both Uncle Kokobu and Dr. Miyamura."
Kyoko blinked, clearly surprised by this, and instinctively looked at Kokobu Ren.
Kokuho Ren's expression showed admiration.
"Correct. What Kitahara said aligns with medical theory. Proper activity aids recovery from certain injuries, and Super Creek's situation falls under this."
"Kyoko, you coordinate carefully with Kitahara regarding her treatment."
With that, he moved toward the villa. "I'm old and can't sit still for long. I'll go rest. If you need me, just call."
"Kitahara, stay for a simple meal here today," he added.
Kitahara quickly agreed, and Kyoko let out a relieved sigh.
"…Ah, finally the teacher's gone… Phew, a bit of mixed feelings. Having the teacher here is stressful, but now I feel a little uncertain…"
…Don't be uncertain… If you're uncertain, I'm even more uncertain…
Kitahara muttered to himself, smiling wryly. He understood perfectly—having once been a graduate student himself, he knew how intimidating it could be in front of senior experts, and how tense one could feel in their absence.
Ignoring Kyoko's anxiety, he pondered a moment and asked:
"So, Dr. Miyamura, next is Super Creek's treatment, right?"
He meant it casually, but Kyoko reacted like a cat whose tail had been stepped on, panicking.
"N-No! You mustn't call me that, Mr. Kitahara!"
Her outburst startled both Kitahara and Super Creek. She quickly apologized and explained.
"S-Sorry! It's just… Even though I have the medical practitioner certification, I'm still learning under my teacher. I'm not at a fully qualified level yet, so until my teacher formally recognizes me, please don't call me a doctor…"
Uh… technically true, but since she had the certification, her skill was presumably sufficient.
Kitahara considered it and didn't push. "All right, then may I call you Kyoko, like I do with Uncle Kokobu? I'm older, so it should be fine."
"No problem! Just call me Kyoko!"
Kyoko was indeed professional. After taking over Super Creek, she quickly completed a basic check, confirmed her condition, and began the treatment plan.
The treatment was in the hot spring. Kitahara, as a man, couldn't be present. He also didn't want to disturb Dr. Kokobu, so he sat on a chair, contemplating future plans.
This trip to Tokyo was highly productive.
He had ensured Kokurimou and the others could relax and undergo a thorough checkup.
He had encountered Tamamo Cross, Tazuna Hayakawa, and even the little girls like TM Opera O and Meisho Doto—it was quite interesting.
He had earned Dr. Kokobu's approval, which meant future medical matters wouldn't be a concern, and it would enhance his understanding of medicine in training—a huge help for future development.
The biggest gain was unexpectedly obtaining a talented Uma Musume like Super Creek and having the ongoing assistance of a medical professional like Kyoko Miyamura.
Time calculations indicated it was about time to return to Kasamatsu for the next stage of the plan.
(End of Chapter)