Nobumori proceeded to excuse their behavior tearfully by saying, "Whatever you say, no one would be able to have such excellent vassals as us," which fueled Nobunaga's anger ("Shinchoko-ki" [Biography of Nobunaga ODA]).
その際信盛は涙を流しながら「さ様に仰せられ候共、我々程の内の者はもたれ間敷（そうは言われましても我々のような優秀な家臣団をお持ちにはなれますまい）」と弁明し、信長の怒りに油を注いだ（『信長公記』）