The Japanese Derby

It is revealed that Kozo (Koichi Sato) has a secret child! Pressed by Kurisu (Satoshi Tsumabuki) for an explanation, Kozo discloses that the woman involved is Mikiko Nakajo (Tomoko Nakajima), a former hostess who is currently recuperating at a hospital in Maebashi.​ Accompanied by Kozo, Kurisu visits Mikiko and learns from her about her college-age son, Koichi (Ren Meguro). After understanding the circumstances, Kurisu offers to support Mikiko on Kozo’s behalf, further strengthening the bond of trust between Kozo and Kurisu. Koichi, too, has become enthralled by the world of racehorses.​ Meanwhile, Kozo’s wife Kyoko (Hitomi Kuroki), unsettled at heart, takes decisive action.​ Amid all this, Royal Hope and its jockey Ryujiro (Mahiro Takasugi), buoyed by their debut victory, ride the momentum as Team Royal decides to enter the Japanese Derby.