The other first timer Hiradoumi also has a tale to tell. "It was my dream and I have realized it," he said. His ani-deshi was now-deceased Hibikiryuu who died from injuries suffered on the dohyo. "I sent him a message saying we will gambarize together. He answered me with an e-mail he dictated to a nurse. 'If you make it to Juryo, I'll get well!' I'm sure he is really happy for me now, and I am happy as well.," he said. "I think he strongly felt he needed to gambarize for Hibikiryuu's sake. Now he can deliver his good message to him and that makes me happy. This was a bad year, especially for the heya. I hope we shall all gambarize now," added Sakaigawa Oyakata.