Gyu-Kaku.
"Koichi, over here."
As soon as he entered, Koichi spotted Megumi Mitsumori waiting for him by the door.
Naturally, she had chosen the place she used to love most.
They had come to this chain restaurant plenty of times as students.
"Is Mirai not here yet?"
Koichi followed her to a table by the window.
It had been a while since he last had barbecue.
He had enjoyed the all-you-can-eat option here quite often in the past.
"She just took Gold Ship back to the stable. She's on her way now and should be here in five or six minutes."
Megumi Mitsumori seated Koichi beside his uncle.
She had invited Yamana Takuto too, but no amount of asking could persuade him to come.
"All right, let's order first, then."
Koichi glanced at the menu, then started chatting with Ayumu Kusakawa.
As an employee of Aoe Ranch, Ayumu Kusakawa naturally knew more about Golden Masterpiece's condition.
"From what they've told me, Golden Masterpiece isn't in particularly good shape. He put on quite a bit of weight over the summer, after all. He did some training recently, but I don't know how much of his form he's recovered."
Ayumu Kusakawa saw no reason to hide anything.
Koichi was Golden Masterpiece's regular jockey, and everyone at the ranch had high hopes for the pair.
"I see..."
Koichi looked at the gesture his uncle made and felt a little helpless.
That meant he had gained at least twenty-something...
Golden Masterpiece must have had a very comfortable summer break.
But as long as most of that was useful weight gain, it would be fine.
"Has Assistant said anything to you?"
"She sent me a message on the way here, telling me to get ready to head to Hanshin Racecourse."
Koichi replied.
She must have