In April, 777, he received Setto (a sword given from the Emperor to the chief envoy) and departed (he only made it to Dazaifu last year); however, he became very sick near Rajo-mon Gate and gave up the mission and stayed in Settu.
宝亀8年(777年)4月、節刀を賜り再度（前年は大宰府から引き返している）出発したが羅城門までくると病になり渡航を断念し摂津に留まることとなった。