Such a sweet story! 😭 So happy for Aonishiki. I hope they both enjoyed the experience!

Wakamotoharu was a more enlivening cheerleader for the second-time yusho champ than his serious younger brother could ever be.

Fans who lined the parade route were delighted to witness a beaming Aonishiki who, from time-to-time, actually laughed alongside his second fiddle flagbearer. Nice.

END

"but I've always been tough on him in practice, and we hang out together. Of course I know he's an ozeki, but we still look at him as a cute kohai (junior or subordinate), so anything for him, no matter small or big."

And, as often happens, fate is providence for, not surprisingly, ...

shown him "a lot of loving care," but Takakage, citing a leg injury, politely declined.

Aonishiki's blue eyes then looked to elder brother Wakamotoharu who responded with pleasure at the Emperor's Cup winner's request.

"I realize I'm only a pinch hitter," Wakamotoharu began in sports parlance ...