In the end, he did not set out for the front, saying '[a]lthough proceeding for the enemy on the lord's order is my duty as a retainer, entering under the command of an imperial regent is not my duty.'
「命を承けて敵に赴くは臣の分なれども、官闕に入るは臣の知る処にあらず」と言って行かなかった。