Hokkaido Horse Racing Story.

Chapter 67 Second Battle (4K)

It took a while to get rid of Majima.

The other party half-forced the business card into Kitano's hand, and the exchange of business cards was completed under such circumstances.

I breathed a sigh of relief when I left Oi Racecourse.

As expected, I'm not very good at dealing with enthusiastic people.

I checked my phone to confirm the time.

10:32 in the morning.

Although it was considered sufficient, we still set off early.

Take the monorail for two stops, transfer to the Yamanote Line at Hamamatsu, and then walk.

If you enter your destination on the map software, the corresponding route planning will appear quickly.

Then he wrapped his coat tightly and walked towards the station.

When transferring, I could clearly feel that there were more passengers around me.

Is it because it's closer to the city?
The door slowly opened with the sound of exhalation, and Kitano walked down the platform in the direction of the crowd.

Shibuya is still the same as I remember it, crowded even at noon on a weekday.

Trying to avoid other pedestrians, I turned into the narrow streets outside the central street.

Behind the towering buildings are undulating and scattered buildings.

By the time we arrived at the izakaya where the party was taking place, sweat had already started to form on our back.

No matter what time, you should not walk down Xuanzaka.

Kitano thought so.

He took off his coat and held it in his hand, then pushed open the door.

The izakaya has an open kitchen layout.

In the center of the circular bar, the chef is constantly moving between the guests and the ingredients.

After a quick glance around, I easily found the old man sitting against the wall.

Xishan was wearing casual sportswear, and next to him was a thin figure like a teenager.

"Mr. Xishan."

Kitano stepped forward and greeted him.

"It's Kitano-kun, come and sit down!"

"Sorry, I'm late."

"No, we just arrived."

Xishan warmly invited Kitano to sit down.

"This is Igarashi, and the one on the other side is the owner of Kitano who's been showing off his prowess on the mud lately."

Xishan introduced the two of them.

"Showing off your skills is too exaggerated."

Kitano smiled and shook his head, then shook hands gently with Igarashi.

Igarashi's hair was a little messy, like an unmowed lawn in August.

"I have long admired your name, Mr. Kitano."

When shaking hands, the corners of his mouth curved into a distinct arc.

"That's my side, Rider Igarashi."

Although his knowledge of horse racing was limited to flat racing, Kitano had heard of the name of this steeplechase rider.

"Haha, it would be nice if you could address me as Master Igarashi next time we meet."

Igarashi said, scratching his head awkwardly.

"Xiongyou has been preparing for the horse trainer exam."

Noticing Kitano's somewhat surprised look, Nishiyama explained.

"I'm sure I'll pass this time!"

"Very good, that's the kind of momentum we need to show!"

The two people in front of me seemed to have turned into a hot-blooded boy's comic style.

However, before the people around him gave him strange looks, he recovered to normal in time.

Xishan also took out his mobile phone and took a photo of the three of them as a souvenir.

Then we ordered the food.

The izakaya called "Kumogakure" uses a traditional handwritten menu.

Since there are no pictures for reference, placing an order is entirely based on guesswork.

Fortunately, the other two, except Kitano, have been regular customers for many rounds, and I got recommendations for the signature dishes from them.

Before the food was served, the three of them drank and chatted.

The conversation turned from Aikido to travel, and then to baseball.

Finally, unsurprisingly, it turned to horse racing.

"Based on the current momentum, Kitano-kun will be able to return to the central government next year, right?"

Xishan asked with a smile.

"It's still very early."

Putting down the wine glass in his hand, Kitano shook his head and replied.

I'm not being modest.

At least next year, Kitano has no plans to land in the central government.

Whether in terms of ability or energy, I am not yet ready to be the central horse owner.

Of course, there are also economic considerations.

Although he had earned tens of millions of yen in bounties from horse racing, it was still insignificant to the central government.

We always maintain a cautious attitude towards the prospects of horse owners.

At this time, the dishes ordered by the three people arrived.

In addition to mashed potatoes, Xishan only ordered a grilled fish to go with the wine.

In front of Igarashi was an equally exquisite portion of mashed potatoes.

Kitano's is Nanban fried chicken and soba noodles.

"Mejiro Sakuya should be preparing to compete in the All Japan Two-Year-Old Championship, right?"

Picking up the wine glass, Xishan asked.

"Yes, next year I want that kid to try out the competition in South Kanto."

Kitano nodded and picked up a piece of fried chicken.

When you take a bite, the fried chicken shell makes a crisp sound like ice cracking.

"That's it-"

The two people sitting opposite each other nodded at the same time.

"Unfortunately, I am a fool and have no idea about this."

Xishan laughed, put down his wine glass and picked up a wooden spoon.

Kitano naturally wouldn't believe such a joke.

"The president is too modest."

Igarashi also said with a smile.

After swallowing the chicken nugget, Kitano asked curiously, "Mr. Nishiyama, is there anything worth noting about the stable transfer?"

Although he already had a clearer idea, he still wanted to hear the advice from this veteran horse owner.

"A change of stables?"

Nishiyama, who was stirring mashed potatoes and salad, raised his head.

"First of all, let's talk about 'fate'."

After stirring the mashed potatoes repeatedly, Xishan put down the wooden spoon in his hand.

"Whether the outcome is good or bad, both the incoming and outgoing stables have put in the effort, so if possible, it's best to approach things with the mindset of 'once in a lifetime'."

As if he thought of something, he couldn't help shaking his head.

"Also, since we're talking about the stables, I'd like to share my humble opinion. You can also refer to it, Yusuke."

Refraction through his glasses, Xishan's gaze became slightly more serious.

Kitano and Igarashi also pretended to listen attentively.

"There's no need to be so serious. After all, what we want to talk about is not something too secretive."

Xishan then smiled and waved his hand.

"First of all, the training center is divided into two locations, Ritto and Miho. You should already know this."

Of course, Kitano is aware of this common sense.

"Regarding the stables in the two regions, the situation where the West is strong and the East is weak has persisted for many years."

Kitano didn't quite understand this point.

"Of course, this situation isn't due to any inadequacy in the stables at Miho. The strength, skills, and determination of those involved in both places are on equal footing."

“But for horse owners, the difference between the East and the West is obvious.”

As he spoke, Nishiyama held up two fingers. "If it requires meeting or discussing with the trainer, it takes about two hours to get from Tokyo to Miura, while it only takes forty to fifty minutes from Kyoto to Kurihigashi."

“Even for people like Dr. Kobayashi and me who are somewhat committed to the horse ownership business, it’s impossible to devote our energy without scruples.”

"So, in similar situations, when you hear the two responses of 'I'll be right over to you' and 'We'll discuss this next time we meet,' it's pretty clear which side you should hand over the good horse to."

After speaking a long string of words in one breath, Xishan raised his glass again.

Kitano and Igarashi both had expressions of being taught a lesson on their faces.

Soon, Kitano verified what Nishiyama said in a sense.

After the party, he walked alone on the streets of Shibuya.

On the one hand, it is to help digest the food, and on the other hand, I am also looking for souvenirs to bring back to Hokkaido.

Then, the phone in my pocket vibrated.

Stopping in front of the newsstand at Qiwentang, Kitano took out his cell phone.

"I'm Kitano."

"Good afternoon, Master Beiye Horse, I am Huangshan."

The voice on the other end of the phone sounded quite serious and steady.

"I'm really sorry that I couldn't get to you in time this morning."

"No, that's not the case. The training assistant, San, also showed me around the stables and left a very positive impression."

There was a faint vibration above my head, and another train pulled into Shibuya Station.

On the escalator, people unconsciously showed impatient expressions.

The moment the station announcement sounded, the footsteps suddenly became denser.

"If you don't mind, how about we meet now? Are you near Shibuya?"

It seems that even the noise of Shibuya is highly recognizable.

"Ah, that's right."

Kitano covered one ear and turned up the volume with his thumb.

"Could you please wait for a moment at an izakaya called 'Aya' in Jow? I'll be there soon."

"The owner of that shop is an acquaintance of mine, so if you're asked to make a reservation, just say my name."

After hanging up the phone, Kitano subconsciously touched his belly.

I'm already eight-tenths full—

Besides, it’s an izakaya.

But it is a situation that cannot be evaded.

Although there is still a backup plan with Master Takami recommended by Ogawa Jō, the idea of ​​changing stables is already quite clear.

So, I had no choice but to go to the appointment.

It is said that in the Showa era, white-collar workers' social engagements reached the point where they had to induce vomiting as frequently as food bloggers.

Of course, Kitano wouldn't go so far as to exaggerate.

Jow is a building located in the center of Shibuya. It is easy to get there from the station without navigation.

To him, the street was as familiar as the courtyard.

While working part-time at the convenience store across the street from Jow, Kitano would occasionally count the amount of trash on the sidewalk through the glass store door.

Of course, only when it's not too busy.

Follow the direction of the crowd.

A car happened to pass by the intersection, and I looked up at the blue sky cut by the tall buildings.

Arriving at the entrance of Jow, I looked across the street towards the convenience store.

The shop assistants were, of course, unfamiliar faces.

The air-conditioning blowing from the building and the smell of sweat and perfume on passers-by stimulate the non-existent homesickness.

But soon, Kitano turned around and walked into the building.

"Cai" is located on the third floor of the building, and its interior is in a traditional Japanese style.

"I am a friend of Mr. Huangshan."

He said this when asked about the status of his appointment.

"Please come with me."

The waiter led him to a secluded place.

Sitting down against the wall, Kitano folded his coat, which had clearly become a burden, and placed it on his lap.

Then the waiter brought a few side dishes, but Kitano, who was trying hard to digest his food, had no appetite.

But out of courtesy, I still ordered a pot of soju.

While I was counting the textures on the cup for the second time, Master Huangshan arrived.

After entering the door and whispering a few words with the waiter, the man in the baseball cap walked quickly towards Kitano.

"I'm sorry to have kept you waiting, Mr. Kitano."

Taking off his baseball cap, Master Huangshan apologized sincerely, his gray hair forming a subtle arc beside his ears.

"I just arrived."

Kitano stood up to greet the other party.

After a round of pleasantries, Arashiyama got straight to the point and asked, "Master Kitano is planning to transfer Mejiro Sakuya to Ooi, right?"

"Yes, the relevant application has been submitted."

Kitano nodded and continued, "However, the All-Japan Two-Year-Old Excellent Jun will still participate in the trip under the name of Menbetsu."

"That's it."

Huangshan also nodded.

"The timing is just right."

He picked up his phone and looked at the calendar before speaking.

"Also, Sakuya is suffering from Stringhalt, so please be mindful of her during training and competition."

It is impossible to conceal a limp.

Kitano, who is a veterinarian, was even very frank and took out the complete treatment records of Mejiro Sakuya.

“Is that so—”

He took the information handed to him by Kitano and looked through it carefully. After a while, Huangshan breathed a sigh of relief.

I got a little nervous.

"In this case, there won't be any problems in the stables."

Standing up, Huangshan took the initiative to extend his hand.

After breathing a sigh of relief, Kitano quickly stood up and shook the other person's hand.

"Thank you very much for your trust in our stables."

Although it was not time for him to officially enter the stable, Huangshan still bowed to Kitano very solemnly.

"From now on, I'll leave it to you, Master Huangshan."

Kitano bowed in return.

After the verbal contract was reached, Huangshan began to place orders.

"It's still a little early, but could I ask Mr. Kitano about his thoughts on next year's route?"

Kitano poured a glass of shochu for each of them, and after whispering a thank you, Huangshan asked.

"Can we try the Triple Crown on Dirt?"

Kitano asked.

"A classic mud route?"

Huangshan frowned slightly, and the corners of his lips were pursed into a straight line.

"It should be no problem."

The frown quickly relaxed again.

"However, in the third of the three clay track championships, the Japan Clay Track Classic, there is a high probability that we will face a strong opponent from the central region."

Huangshan knocked on the table, and his tone unconsciously became a little low.

"Of course, that's for the future."

After drinking the soju in the cup in one gulp, he waved his hand and said.

"For now, let's work hard towards the winter training after the All-Japan Two-Year-Old Championship."

"please."

After this, the meeting continued for a while.

There was a fairly in-depth discussion regarding Mejiro Sakuya's condition and the arrangements for the stables.

When I walked out of the building, the sky had turned crimson.

The wind is a bit hotter than Hokkaido.

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(End of this chapter)