In 1582, when Nobunaga was killed in the Honnoji Incident, he protected Nobunaga's wife and children in Azuchi Castle and retreated with his father to Hino Castle (Nakano Castle) where he was the lord, thereby indicating his opposition to Mitsuhide AKECHI.
1582年、信長が本能寺の変により横死すると、安土城にいた信長の妻子を保護し、父とともに居城・日野城（中野城）へ走って明智光秀に対して対抗姿勢を示した。