Akatsuki-Maru/Story

Past
Currently a Sekiwake. His dynamic style of sumo has won him many fans, and he is considered to be one of the top sumo wrestlers of the 20th century. He is also known for his inconsistent performance, often defeating higher-ranked rikishi earning kinboshi (describing a sumo's victory over a higher ranked wrestler), only to then lose to a lower ranked wrestler. He has a certain level of etiquette due to the strict training of his master, but he is not a man of self-control. Akatsuki-Maru is a famous drunkard, there's even a tale that he once emptied 10 bottles of sake in one sitting. He is a sumo surrounded by gossip, but the kind of character people can't help but love, earning him a large number of fans. He initially rejected his invitation to the Buriki One tournament, but changed his mind, entering the regional qualifiers and winning with ease. He enters the tournament to prove he is the strongest in not just sumo, but the world.

Interview
To the surprise of everyone, an active rikishi is competing in the Eastern Asian Regional Qualifiers! Akatsuki-Maru supposedly turned down his invitation to the tournament. What caused his change of heart? We interviewed him directly at the venue.

Interviewer: What made you decide to enter the tournament via qualifying rounds, even though you previously turned down an invitation?

Akatsuki-Maru: When I received the invitation, I turned it down because I felt I would not be able to fulfill my duties as a rikishi. However, my desire to test myself as a fighter grew too strong... So I made a personal decision to sign up for the qualifiers.

Interviewer: Do you participate with the intention of quitting as rikishi?

Akatsuki-Maru: I do what I do without consulting others. If I am told to quit as a rikishi, I am prepared to do so.

Interviewer: How did your master and your sponsors react?

Akatsuki-Maru: My master is yet to comment on it. As for my sponsors, the response has been... varied.

Interviewer: Does your determination to compete remain the same?

Akatsuki-Maru: Yes, absolutely. This is something I do for myself. I want to test myself to see if I can succeed outside the world of sumo. How far can I go if I only face the same fighting style... Besides, the title of "World's Strongest" can't be decided in a tournament that doesn't include sumo. I am grateful to everyone who has helped me, but I have no intention of changing my mind based on the opinions of those around me.

Interviewer: And you think you can win?

Akatsuki-Maru: That's right. I'm here to win this tournament, and I think I can.

Interviewer: Then, best of luck to you. Finally, do you have any other aspirations for the tournament?

Akatsuki-Maru: Yes. Simply to do my best.

Fan Q&A
"Question 1""Q. How did you get that scar on your forehead?""Q. That scar on your forehead, where did it come from?""A. I was injured during a student sumo match.""Question 2""Q. What are your favorite attractions at amusement parks? Also, what car do you drive?""A. I'm a fan of haunted houses, and I drive a Toyota Mega Cruiser.""Question 3""Q. You're not gonna break the ring, right?""A. I won't...""Question 4""Q. What's your real name? If it's okay to ask, of course...""A. Masaharu Yano.""Question 5""Q. I hear you enjoy driving, but... can you get in a car with that body?""A. Well, it's a bit of a squeeze, but I can still drive.""Question 6""Q. What is your personal treasure?""A. My parents.""Question 7""Q. A certain magazine said something like 'We can't get enough of that body!' Are you okay with that?""A. Haha, that's a good one. I'm thankful for the people who support me."