Later, because, in June 1570, Nobunaga started invading Echizen Province against the Azai clan of the province, who refused his demands such as gathering for going to the capital and came to have a conflict with him, Nagamasa, who had also close relationship (alliance and lord-vassal relationship) with Asakura, seceded from Nobunaga and attacked Oda troops from behind.
その後、信長からの上洛参集要求などを拒んで対立した越前国の朝倉氏に対し、元亀元年（1570年）4月には信長が越前への侵攻を開始すると、朝倉との縁（同盟関係、主従関係とも）も深かった長政は信長から離反し、織田軍の背後を襲った。