Database: The Battle of Yamazaki

Following the assassination of Oda Nobunaga, Akechi Mitsuhide aimed to take his place as the foremost warlord of Japan. However, Mitsuhide lacked support from influential parties that were necessary to consolidate his power. Even the support of his allies and those under his command began to waver as Hideyoshi gathered his army to avenge Nobunaga. Mitsuhide had approximately 10,000 men against at least twice as many (around 20,000 to 40,000) under Hideyoshi's banner.

Mitsuhide believed he could gain the upper hand by taking control of Mount Tennōzan. He managed to lead his men across a narrow pass with the goal of establishing his position between Tennōzan and the Yodo River. However, Hideyoshi arrived first with his troops, forcing Mitsuhide to abandon his strategy. Instead, he took up a defensive position on the opposite side of the small river that exposed his left flank. Niwa Nagahide and Oda Nobutaka, having joined their forces with Hideyoshi, took advantage of Mitsuhide's compromised position and pressed the attack. Mitsuhide's forces crumbled under the assault from the combined armies and within two hours his men were either dead or in retreat. Akechi Mitsuhide fled alone to Ōmi Province and was killed by commoners or bandits.