Yokozuna debutant Asashoryu got down to business with an impressive victory against Takanonami on the second day of the Spring Grand Sumo Tournament on Monday.
After a scrappy start in his career at the top of the sumo tree, the fiery Mongolian eased himself into the groove against the veteran top-ranked maegashira.
Meanwhile, Kaio bounced back after an opening-day defeat but fellow ozeki Musoyama slumped to a second straight loss at Osaka Prefectural Gymnasium.
After a mediocre performance in his victory against Tosanoumi on Sunday, Asashoryu (2-0) looked back near his best with a trademark display of power and speed to overwhelm the former ozeki.