Thanks Maurice!
I never said I didn't have any Koi with poor Sumi, I said I didn't have any pics of Showa with poor Sumi! I do have a great example of what to expect from underlying Hi though!
Dan, I would really need to see a bigger and better pic of your Showa. To me, the thing that gives it more of a chance, is the fact that none of the Sumi is up on the Hi plate yet. I would like to see that little bit of Sumi at the front of the second step, on the side of the shoulder close up? What I do like about your Showa is the nice Kohaku pattern, and what looks to be a pretty good Hi plate. Irrespective of the Sumi, this wouldn't have been a cheap Koi. If the Sumi does come, it's value will escalate (if good quality). It's a shame that we all too often see Showa with really poor patterns, or hooded heads. One thing you really need with a Showa, is a white nose, or if you like, a prett face. Since we tend to appreciate good Sumi, it is also desirable to have plenty of white ground (as yours has), so that the quality of the Sumi can be displayed easily. Also, on a Koi with a heavy Hi pattern, Sumi will often fill in the white gaps if the Hi pattern is too heavy or unbroken, leading to a lack of good white ground to admire! The bottom line... if your Koi develops good Sumi, and Sumi pattern, you'll be in awe of that Koi providing that the rest of it's qualities are good!
Now for the shot of what happens when a Koi has underlying Hi...