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I think, since there is no such thing as a ki showa that you don't spend too much time trying to make weak colors strong. The genetics is either there or it isn't- and as you know there is world of difference between phenotype expression and core genetics.
A ki utsuri is a black fish. And the 'ki' part is a pattern on top of the black base. This gets kinda tricky when you see a ki or hi utsuri with mostly pattern as it looks like a yellow fish with black markings. So you have two problems, the denseness of the sumi body and the thickness of the pattern. In most cases, the ki pattern is dull and weak and thin and as a result the black pokes thru like pinholes in a fabric.
The very best ki utsuri and therefore the road map towards making a ki showa ( if that is even possible) will likely be with strong black base topped with the right kind of ki. What is the 'right kind' of ki? I think that a pastel yellow will keep the sumi under control. Pastel ( lutino) is rare but it is really a partial albino. Ki goi is the perfect source for that albino linked pastel yellow. The reason it is so hard to get pastel or lutino yellow together with black is that you need double recessive genes. So only a very few fish can be expected per spawn. Maybe the answer lies with an shiro utsuri X kigoi cross? Or at least as a first step. JR
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