Retired Emperor Heizei headed east to raise his army together with Kusuko, but Emperor Saga moved faster and ordered SAKANOUE no Tamuramaro to lead his army to face the Retired Emperor's forces.
平城上皇は薬子と挙兵のため東へ向かったが、嵯峨天皇は先手をうって坂上田村麻呂を派遣して待ちかまえた。