In the beginning, the swooping down Otomo army successfully fought the enemy such that Chikamasa defeated Nagato SUGI in a one-on-one fight -- On the other hand, since the Ouchi army outnumbered the Otomo army, it changed their battle formation to kakuyoku (crane's wing), and encircled and attacked the Otomo army, which resulted in a fierce and desperate battle.
突撃した大友軍は親将が杉長門を一騎討ちで討ち取るなど、初期はよく戦ったが、数で勝る大内軍は鶴翼の陣に切り替え、前後左右から少数の大友軍を攻め、壮絶な死闘が展開された。