Since Hitoyoshi was in imminent danger of falling due to an invasion by the detached 2nd brigade, Shinpachi NITTA and others discussed the safety of SAIGO, and on May 29, had SAIGO moved to the Office of Military Affairs in Miyazaki accompanied by IKEGAMI and protected by 2,000 soldiers including a sharpshooting squad.
別働第二旅団の侵攻で危険が目前に迫った人吉では、村田新八らが相談して安全をはかるために、5月29日、池上に随行させて狙撃隊等2,000名の護衛で西郷を宮崎の軍務所へ移動させた。