In 1143, he approached FUJIWARA no Yorinaga, who was dearly loved and trusted by his father, Otono (Grand Minister) FUJIWARA no Tadazane, and offered his services and, in 1150, for the benefit of Yorinaga, he raided the villa of the Kanpaku (the chief adviser to the Emperor), FUJIWARA no Tadamichi, together with his son, Yorikata, taking the Shuki-daiban (vermilion-lacquered utensils and stands), possession of which signified the head of the clan.
康治2年（1143年）には大殿こと藤原忠実に溺愛されていた藤原頼長に接近、主従関係を結び、久安6年（1150年）、藤原頼長のために頼賢と兵を率いて関白藤原忠通の別邸を襲って氏長者の印たる朱器台盤を奪う。