Makibi speculated Nakamaro's action, and sent a government army led by KUSAKABE no Komaro from the Yamashiro Province and Emon shojo (junior lieutenant) SAEKI no Itaji and had them burn the Seta-bashi Bridge, effectively blocking the route to Tosan-do Road.
仲麻呂の行動を予測した真備は、山城国日下部子麻呂と衛門少尉佐伯伊多智の率いる官軍を先回りさせて勢多橋を焼いて、東山道への進路を塞いだ。