A few weeks later, Motoshige dispatched a raid into the Mōri clan's territory and set fire to houses in Tajihi (多治比).

[3] This force marched towards Arita Castle and on the way encountered the Takeda vanguard of about 500 men, commanded by Kumagai Motonao.

Learning of Motojika's demise, he drew up his forces and marched to engage the smaller Mōri resistance.

The Takeda encountered the Môri and Yoshikawa occupying the opposite bank of the Uchikawa River and a bitter struggle ensued.

Heavily outnumbered, the Mōri-led forces began to falter and fall back, and rallied only when Motonari pleaded with them to stand their ground.