After his return, Makibi was on the fast track to promotion; he was promoted to Jushiinoge (Junior Fourth Rank, Lower Grade) and appointed Togu no daibu (Master of the Crown Prince's Quarters) and also Kotaishigakushi (an official in charge of education of the Crown Prince) in 743, given the surname of KIBI-ASON in 746, appointed Ukyo no Daibu Juyoi (Minister of the Kyoto Right Administration Office) in 747, and again promoted to Jushiijo (Junior Fourth Rank, Upper Grade) in 749.
その後、743年（天平15年）には従四位下、春宮大夫兼皇太子学士、746年（天平18年）には吉備朝臣の姓を賜り、747年に右京大夫に転じて749年（天平勝宝元年）には従四位上に昇った。