From the standpoint of the political circumstances of the time, the Tatsunokuchi Persecution had to happen. Nichiren Shōnin’s criticism of the Zen and Ritsu schools was religious criticism of Hōjō Tokiyori and Hōjō Shigetoki, who were faithful believers, as well as supporters and protectors of those schools. The tokusō, Hōjō Tokimune, was responsible for strengthening the Shogunate’s structure for defense against the Mongols. Nichiren Shōnin’s criticism of the tokusō within that structure was considered as opposing that defense system. This defense structure’s fundamental theme was to maintain discipline nationwide by suppressing malicious parties. Nichiren Shōnin’s criticism, especially in the vicinity of Kamakura where the seat of the government was located, could not be permitted.