Grand champion Hakuho made mincemeat of another would-be opponent in the form of winless rank-and-filer Homasho to remain in a share of the lead on the fourth day at the Summer Grand Sumo Tournament on Wednesday.
Newly promoted ozeki Baruto, meanwhile, stayed smack-dab in the running with a disposal of Tochiozan. Six wrestlers are tied for the lead at the 15-day meet.
Hakuho, winner of the spring meet in March with a perfect 15-0 mark, extended his winning streak to 21 bouts. He is aiming for his 14th career Emperor's Cup.
In the final bout at Ryogoku Kokugikan, Hakuho barely broke a sweat as he bulldozed Homasho in a lopsided affair, sending the No. 2 maegashira sailing over the edge with a flurry of shoves.
Baruto backpedaled once after the faceoff, but only for dramatic effect, before using his massive arms to heave komusubi Tochiozan (1-3) over the ridge by the belt.
Veteran Kaio gave another vintage performance, swatting down Kisenosato (3-1) right after the faceoff to stay undefeated. The Tomozuna stable ozeki needs just five more wins to reach his 1,000th career victory.
Tochinoshin got his third ozeki kill in a row, manhandling Kotomitsuki (1-3) in a frontal force out to improve to 3-1. The Georgian No. 2 maegashira has also beaten Kotooshu and Harumafuji.
"I'm getting better and better each day. I just want to keep on winning. I'll do my best tomorrow," said Tochinoshin.
Bulgarian ozeki Kotooshu (3-1) tossed down Miyabiyama (1-3) with an overarm throw after a momentary tussle.
Injury-bothered Harumafuji (2-2) slammed down winless Toyonoshima using the same technique. The Mongolian ozeki is struggling with a left knee injury.