Nagano Makoto's Shin-Cliffhanger Disqualification

Nagano Makoto's Shin-Cliffhanger Disqualification is a disqualification that occurred during SASUKE 18's Third Stage, where Nagano Makoto disqualify himself for making an illegal move on Shin-Cliffhanger.

This tournament feature the biggest renewal on the course due to Nagano's Kanzenseiha in the previous tournament. One of the effect is Cliffhanger, where a new version of Cliffhanger, named Shin-Cliffhanger, replaced Cliffhanger Kai that has been used since SASUKE 9. The major difference was the second ledge now being put on an incline of 12°, making the distance to the third ledge now being about 1 metre, requiring competitors to jump to be able to reach the third ledge.

Disqualification
Nagano was the first to attempt the renewed Third Stage. After clearing the first three obstacles with minor problems, comes the dreaded Shin-Cliffhanger. He started strong and seemed in no trouble at all. However, when attempting the transition to the third ledge, his left hand was being too high, resulting in it landed on the top part of the obstacle. This was ignored by the producers, but Nagano proclaimed himself that it is an illegal move and wave his hand away to signal his movement. After consulting his jump in slow motion, the producers agreed with Nagano and disqualify him, but offering a second chance to re-attempt Shin-Cliffhanger, which Nagano kindly refuse.

In Future Tournaments
To avoid more disqualifications, metal sheet was attached to the top of the first and third ledges in the following tournament. This proved to be effective, as there are no more disqualifications by this way on Shin-Cliffhanger. As for Nagano himself, he will later get his revenge on the obstacle, clearing it in SASUKE 21 and 23.