Few involved in the world of sumo, as fans or as part of the inner workings of the sport would or could ever claim that Kisenosato has been anything other than the most consistent ozeki in recent memory.
In 20 of 27 tournaments at rank he has finished with double-digit winning records; a record any other ozeki in the past decade if not longer would give his right arm for.
So why, just over 11 years after he first appeared in the top flight, and four and a half since promotion to the sport's second rank, has he yet to have his name carved onto a single winner's plate on the foot of the solid silver Emperor's Cup trophy awarded to winners on the final day of each basho?
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