Stunned by the turn of events, Kiyomori considered slipping off to safety in Kyushu, but finally decided to march on the capital with the combined strength and cooperation of the warrior of Kii, Muneshige YUASA as well as Tankai of Kumano Betto (Chief), setting out for Kyoto on February 3.
動転した清盛は九州へ落ち延びることも考えるが、紀伊の武士・湯浅宗重や熊野別当・湛快の協力により、17日帰京する。