2) Escape From Sawa Castle

For two years following his baptism as a Christian, Ukon lived a relatively peaceful life as the eldest son of the lord of a castle. During that time, though reluctantly, he attended mass on his father's order. He hated it at the time, but all that he heard about God then became a guide to him later on.
The following is a quotation from the Bible.

　　　Remember now your Creator in the days of your youth,
　　　Before the difficult days come,
　　　And the years draw near when you say, "I have no pleasure in them"
　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　Ecclesiastes 12:1

The Takayama family was later attacked by enemies and after a six-month siege, they left Sawa Castle for the lack of food. Ukon had never experienced such humiliation before. Even while they were escaping, their lives were in danger and Ukon felt a sense of defeat and learned at first hand how fickle and changeable people are. It was then that all he had heard about God at the masses, which he had attended unwillingly, came to make a profound impression on him.
With the help of Wada Koremasa, who had been intimate in the past, the family somehow managed to escape to Takayama, Settsu (now Toyonogun Takayama in Osaka Prefecture) where they originally came from. Dario made the momentous decision to go to see Koremasa, without knowing how they would be received. Ukon made up his mind too and he said a fervent prayer, trusting in the words of evangelist Lorenzo, who had baptized him : “If you are in trouble, leave everything to God" Koremasa welcomed the family warmly and was most hospitable. Ukon, astonished that his prayer had been answered so swiftly, gave thanks to God.

3) Vassals of Wada Family

Dario and Ukon became vassals of Wada family and faithfully served Koremasa.　Koremasa himself was not baptized, but he considered himself as a Christian and paid dearly for engaging in mission work.He was appointed a military commissioner of Settsu in 1568, and Nobunaga gave Koremasa Takatsuki Castle, which was an important point that link to Osaka. Interestingly enough, Koremasa decided to hand this castle over to Dario. (Ukon then was 16 years old.)

Dario, once again became the lord of a castle, put more effort into preaching the gospel than looking after himself. The opposition continued to make trouble, but in the midst of the troubles, the tenshudo (church) in Kyoto, which had been closed, was given back to Dario, and the missionary activities were permitted by Nobunaga and Yoshiaki Ashikaga.

In 1571 Ukon married a Christian lady named Justa (the feminine form of Just, with the same meaning: “righteous person”). Not only a splendid Christian helper was given to Ukon through his marriage, but also through the Christians who visited the Takayama Family, such as Flois, Oregantino, evangelist Lorenzo and Ukon’s father Dario, Ukon seems to have learned more of the teachings of Jesus which overcomes the deaths.

In the Japan of the Warring States Period, there was no telling what might happen. In the very year of Ukon’s marriage, Koremasa died in battle. Flois records Ukon’s conduct at the battle as follows : “Lord Just Ukon was a man of fine character like his father, and a brave warrior. Despite his youth, his glorious exploits and resolute spirit caused his name to be renowned far and wide.”

With reinforcements from Nobunaga, Wada’s army managed to escape the disaster, but the soldiers had come to look upon Dario and Ukon as the ones who could protect them, rather than Korenaga, Koremasa’s own son. Those close to Korenaga were jealous and egged Korenaga on to plot Ukon’s assassination. Learning of the plot before it was carried out, Ukon and his followers prepared to meet Korenaga and his followers in battle. Korenaga and Ukon were both seriously wounded in a swordfight. In the end Korenaga died from his wounds while Ukon survived, though it took him a year to recover. While Ukon laid ill, Lorenzo told him about how almighty God gives life to everything. Ukon was particularly troubled by the following words from the Bible.
　　　"Love your neighbor as yourself."

Ukon was confused because even if he was able to die for someone he loved, he was unable to love the likes of Korenaga who had tried to kill him. Lorenzo spoke to Ukon as follows : “Human beings are creatures incapable of love. However, Jesus loved even those who caused him pain. Following the teachings of God means trusting God to do everything, including those things we cannot do ourselves, and leaving everything to God for Whom nothing is too hard.” Thanks to this period of trial, Ukon experienced numerous blessings.

In 1573 Dario retired in order to devote himself to missionary work, and handed control to Ukon. (Ukon then was 21 years old)