After his uncle and father died in the Battle of Minato-gawa River, he was subordinated to his cousin, Masatsura KUSUNOKI who became the toryo (head) of the Kusunoki family, and regained their power together.
湊川の戦いで伯父・父らが散華した後、楠木一門の棟梁となったいとこの楠木正行に従い、共に勢力を回復していった。