Being fretted by the situation, Nakamaro decided to confront the Retired Empress Koken and Dokyo by resorting to military power, and in October 764, he was appointed by Emperor Junnin to Totoku governor general of Shikinai (four provinces close to the Capital) and sangen (three major barrier stations) as well as military chief of Omi, Tanba and Harima provinces.
焦った仲麻呂は軍権をもって孝謙上皇と道鏡に対抗しようとし、天平宝字8年（764年）9月、淳仁天皇に願って都督四畿内三関近江丹波播磨等国兵事使に任じられた。