In 1353, Takemitsu KIKUCHI, who had supported the Imperial Prince Kaneyoshi, leading the South Court's side forces, greatly defeated Naouji during the Battle of Harisurubaru in Chikuzen Province.
直氏は文和2年/正平8年（1353年）、懐良親王を擁立する菊池武光率いる南朝軍に、筑前国針摺原の戦いで大敗を喫した。