Something Strange Has Entered the Circle

The wait is almost over. The Aki 2026 Basho begins September 13, with the official Salty Circle draft taking place at 9:00 p.m. on September 11.

This tournament also marks the arrival of two new league members. The first is JB, who will be making his Salty Circle debut.

The second is something altogether different:

A BOT.

Its name is unknown. Its history is unwritten. Its motives remain a mystery. For now.

As reigning Yokozuna, I, Chris has decreed a special task for every member of the league. Each player must submit a story of 100–500 words revealing the BOT’s:

• Name and background
• True intentions
• Reason for entering the Salty Circle
• Ultimate purpose in the tournament

Is it an experimental rikishi forged by a disgraced stablemaster? A calculating machine sent to destroy fantasy sumo from within? A lonely intelligence seeking acceptance through the ancient dignity of the dohyō? That is for each player to decide.

I, Chris, will judge every submission and award it a score between 0 and 5 points. The strongest entry will become the BOT’s official origin story and determine the identity under which it competes.

The winning submission will also be brought to life in an original illustration by Julie.

Sharpen your pencils. Consult the spirits. Search the darkest corners of the sumo world for inspiration. Due by 7:30pm on September 13, 2026.

A new challenger is approaching the circle—and one of you will decide why it has come.

And in closing, this is my basho.

Chris