On July 24, troops commanded by Murata was bitterly defeated in Miyakonojo and after the battle of Miyazaki which began on July 25 ended on 31 in their defeat, Kirino moved to Takanabe following Saigo.
7月24日に村田指揮部隊が都城で大敗し、7月25日に始まった宮崎の戦いが31日に敗れると、桐野は西郷を追って高鍋に赴いた。