Talented youngster Atamifuji claimed his second ozeki victim of the Summer Grand Sumo Tournament in a one-sided battle with Kirishima on Tuesday.
The top-ranked maegashira quickly dispatched demotion-threatened "kadoban" ozeki Kirishima (1-2) in the final bout of Day 3 at Ryogoku Kokugikan, pushing him down as he tried to spin to the side.
Having also beaten ozeki Hoshoryu on the opening day, the 21-year-old Atamifuji (2-1) will continue aiming for his first promotion to the three distinguished "sanyaku" ranks against sekiwake Abi (2-1) on Wednesday.
"I'll just keep doing my best day to day, as always," Atamifuji said.
Hoshoryu (1-2) snapped out of his nightmare start to the 15-day tournament with a convincing force-out victory over No.1 maegashira Daieisho (2-1), showing quick hands to neutralize his thrusting attack before driving him over the edge from a low angle.
Ozeki Kotozakura (2-1) had little trouble pushing out second-ranked maegashira Hiradoumi (1-2).
New komusubi Onosato (2-1), bidding to claim his maiden Emperor's Cup faster than any wrestler in sumo history, was in control from the outset as he forced out third-ranked maegashira Tobizaru (1-2).
The other No. 3 maegashira, Takayasu, became the latest to withdraw from the tournament, joining the likes of yokozuna Terunofuji, ozeki Takakeisho and March champion Takerufuji on the injured list.
The 34-year-old former ozeki, who had impressive wins over Onosato and sekiwake Wakamotoharu (2-1), suffered a back injury in morning practice. He dropped to 2-1 after forfeiting his scheduled Day 3 bout against Abi.
==Kyodo
