The Jodoshu sect answered that they would follow Nobunaga's command, but on the other hand, the Hokkeshu sect was arrogant enough to think that they would win the debate and did not accept Nobunaga's arbitration; therefore, the two sects were to engage in the debate.
しかし、浄土宗側ではどのような指示でも信長に従うと返答したが、法華宗側は勝つ見込みで奢っていたため承諾せず、ついに宗論をすることになってしまう。