Devadatta, archenemy of Śākyamuni Buddha, was the primal “good friend,” who helped Him in His pursuit of truth. Observing the world today, we find that strong enemies, rather than friends, help people improve themselves. I see many such examples right here in my world. The prosperity of the Hōjō clan is due to ex-Emperor Gotoba as well as Wada Yoshimori, who both tried to destroy the Hōjōs. If not for them, how could the Hōjōs hold onto their hegemony and rule over Japan? Therefore, we should say that they, who planned to subjugate the Hōjōs, were the prime allies of the Hōjō clan.

By the same token, my best allies who are helping me to become a Buddha now are: Tōjō Kagenobu, who tried to assassinate me; Priests Ryōkan, Tao-lung, and Dōamidabutsu, who brought false charges against me; and Hei no Saemonnojō Yoritsuna and Lord Hōjō Tokimune, who dominated the country. If not for these people, how could I have been a practicer of the Lotus Sūtra? I sincerely feel indebted to them.

Shuju Onfurumai Gosho, Reminiscences: from Tatsunokuchi to Minobu, Writings of Nichiren Shōnin, Biography and Disciples, Volume 5, Pages 33