Since Emperor Gosaga took charge of administration, even though Sadamichi had no official court position, he held power as the guardian of the new emperor and battled with Michiie KUJO and Yoshizane NIJO over power.
その後、後嵯峨天皇が親政を行ったこともあり、定通は官職には無かったものの、新天皇の後見人として権勢を振るって九条道家や二条良実と権勢を競った。