The low status held by ashigaru was intermediate between that of samurai and peasants but there were those such as Hideyoshi TOYOTOMI whose abilities were recognized and who rose to the rank of daimyo (feudal lord), although it was a peculiar case.
兵卒の身分は依然として武士と農民の間に位置して低かったが、功を認められれば侍や特異な例ではあるが豊臣秀吉のように大名にまで出世する者もあった。