Hakuho will aim to continue his ascendance with a sixth consecutive championship when the Spring Grand Sumo Tournament kicks off Sunday.

But the foremost yokozuna, who owns the all-time record of 33 career Emperor’s Cups, faces a crucible of his own making as he tries to weather the storm in the wake of his recent critical remarks of sumo’s officiating body.

A championship at the 15-day tournament at Osaka’s Bodymaker Colosseum would make the Mongolian-born yokozuna the second man after Taiho to win six titles in a row twice.

Although Hakuho, who turns 30 on March 11, is physically fit, his irritation over the blowback is showing; a usual cool operator, he has been turning up the voltage in recent sparring sessions — even going as far as to plow his opponents against the stable clapboards.

A loss of calm could prove lethal, though Hakuho’s dominance is still unquestioned.

Rival yokozuna Harumafuji made a late start in preparations after developing a fever but stands the best chance to give Hakuho a run for his money, if he can maintain the sharp, thrusting techniques from the January meet. He is aiming for his first title in seven tournaments.

Kakuryu, sumo’s third top-ranked wrestler, will be fighting at the same tournament he won last year to secure his promotion from ozeki to yokozuna. But he is still seeking his first championship since his promotion.

“Hakuho’s stability stands out. It’s about time the two other yokozuna win a championship. They have to be held accountable,” said Japan Sumo Association Chairman Kitanoumi, hinting that their elite status could be in doubt.

Ozeki Kisenosato trained hard as usual, but whether he can avoid losses in the early going and optimize his raw force remains to be seen. A Japanese-born wrestler has not won a championship since Tochiazuma’s victory at the 2006 New Year Basho.

Rival ozeki Kotoshogiku is in high spirits after recently getting engaged and Goeido is making his first appearance in front of his hometown fans since his ozeki promotion.

Newly promoted Mongolian sekiwake Terunofuji can pose a serious threat with his powerful cross grip. Tthe Osaka meet will provide the litmus test to determine whether he is ready for a bid at ozeki.

Hakuho came under fire for criticizing ringside judges who ordered him to redo his match against Kisenosato in January, saying it was “sumo even a child could understand.”

He has been tightlipped with the media since, only offering a brief explanation of his remarks at a news conference last month.