The Mantis Invasion of Phoenix lands came in 1132 when, in an effort to expand his power, Yoritomo seized control of the lands of the Phoenix Clan claiming that they were too weak to hold them themselves. Yoritomo hoped to take the lands quickly, but the Phoenix Clan Champion Shiba Tsukune saw this as an act of war and responded in kind. As the Phoenix were nowhere near combat ready Yoritomo slowly made his way deeper into Phoenix lands.