Although the Utsunomiya clan kept the post of Shimotsuke Shugoshoku, it was dissatisfied with the Kamakura Kubo's unreasonable policy, and therefore it tried to regain its power while continuing resistance against the Kamakura Kubo by joining Kyoto-fuchishu (warriors in the Kanto and the northeastern regions) directly under the Muromachi bakufu's command.
宇都宮氏には引き続き下野守護職が残されたものの、鎌倉公方の理不尽な方針に不満を抱かせ、室町幕府直属の京都扶持衆に加わって鎌倉公方に対して抵抗を続けながら勢力挽回を図った。