Because Zaimoku Village was located at a strategic place along the road from Tanoura to Hitoyoshi, the 4th and 6th companies of the Hoyoku-tai troop placed watchmen there, and the troop guarded Onoguchi.
材木村は田ノ浦から人吉に通じる要路であったため鵬翼隊四・六番中隊は材木村に見張りを置き、大野口を守備した。