Baruto is building his case as the man standing between Hakuho and his third consecutive championship title — and the Estonian ozeki hasn't looked this dominant since his debut at sumo's second-highest rank.
Baruto overpowered rank-and-filer Kitataiki on Sunday to remain undefeated with an 8-0 record in a share of the lead with the lone yokozuna as the second week of the 15-day basho kicked off in front of another full house at Ryogoku Kokugikan.
Ozeki pair Kisenosato and Kotooshu remained one behind the co-leaders at 7-1.