In 766, Makibi was appointed Chunagon (the vice-councilor of state) with the backing of Empress Shotoku (an empress regnant, a second enthronement of Empress Koken) and YUGE no Dokyo (Priest Emperor), and promoted to Dainagon (Major Counselor) upon the death of FUJIWARA no Matate, and Makibi finally assumed the post of Udaijin (Minister of the right) to take the helm of the state in tandem with Sadaijin (Minister of the left), FUJIWARA no Nagate.
766年（天平神護2年）、称徳天皇（孝謙天皇の重祚）と法王に就任した弓削道鏡の下で中納言となり、藤原真楯の薨逝で大納言となった後、右大臣に昇進して、左大臣の藤原永手とともに政治を執った。