Nagokita Toju was the Lion Clan samurai who fought against Hashimoto Makato at the start of the War of Redemption. Many times the armies under the command of Lord Nagokita's retainers crossed into the lands patrolled by Lord Hashimoto's forces. The two sides met in bloody skirmishes resulting in the deaths of several of Hashimoto's best soldiers. At last these slights against Hashimoto Makato honor grew too great to bear, and Lord Hashimoto sent notice to Nagokita of his displeasure, warning that he would not tolerate further transgressions against is fief. Nagoakita replied by sending the severed head of Hashimoto's messenger. Lord Hashimoto ordering his fief mobilized for war. The Dragon leader led his armies against Lord Nagoakita.