Katsuie was the retainer of Oda Nobukatsu (Oda Nobuyuki). In 1575; after gaining control of Echizen; he took command of Kitanosho Castle (Hokujo) and was ordered to conquer the Hokuriku region. In a meeting in Kiyosu to determine the successor to Nobunaga; he supported Oda Nobutaka; the third son; for whom Katsuie had performed the genpuku ritual. He allied with Oda Nobutaka and Takigawa Kazumasu to battle Toyotomi Hideyoshi. However; his domain was sealed off in the winter by snowfalls and this limited his ability. He retreated to Kitanosho castle but with the army destroyed; Katsuie had no option but to surrender. Katsuie committed seppuku and set the fire to the castle. He implored his wife Oichi to take their daughters and leave; but she decided to follow his death; while letting her daughters escape.