In light of the above, some argue that it was cunning calculation to put pressure on Ieyasu by acting as if he had ambition for supremacy to ensure that Ieyasu appreciated the Kuroda family's capability and the fidelity of Josui's son Nagamasa; because, Ieyasu would treat the Kuroda family accordingly, and this would lead to the continued existence and ultimate prosperity of the Kuroda family.
そのため、天下を狙う野望を持っていたというのは見せかけで如水は家康に脅威を感じさせ、一方で息子の長政が家康に忠誠を尽くすことにより黒田家の存続と繁栄を狙った深謀遠慮であるという説もある。