In March 1863, he joined roshi-gumi (an organization of masterless samurai) that was suggested by Hachiro KIYOKAWA that aimed to protect the shogun and Sonno Joi (slogan advocating reverence for the Emperor and the expulsion of foreigners) with Kondo and others, and went to the capital to become a member of Mibu-Roshigumi (Mibu masterless warriors group).
文久3年2月、将軍警護と尊皇攘夷を目的とする清河八郎発案の浪士組に近藤等と参加、上洛し壬生浪士組の一員となる。