It is said he was also called 'Hyobu cutting people down' because he was quick-tempered and served Ieyasu too strictly, often executing his vassals and not forgiving even the slightest mistake.
ただし、そのあまりに厳しすぎる奉公ぶり、そして直政自身は気性が激しく、家臣のわずかな失敗も許さずに手討ちにすることも少なくなかったため、「人斬り兵部」とも称されたという。