 He finally returned to the ring in November 1990, and scored ten wins, defeating Chiyonofuji again on the final day.In March 1991 he was runner-up for the seventh and final time in his career, finishing one win behind Hokutoumi on 12–3.His final day defeat to Kirishima handed the "yūshō" to Hokutoumi and robbed him of the chance of a play-off (which Hokutoumi admitted he would almost certainly have lost as he was injured in his bout the previous day).