In the case of Kokujin ryoshu, their relationship with clan members, branch families and Dogo under their rule was similar to an alliance, rather than a relationship of master and vassal; in this sense, Kokujin ryoshu were more akin to leaders rather than masters.
国人領主も同様であり一門や庶家、配下の土豪層とは主君と家来というよりは緩やかな同盟関係に近く、国人領主の存在は主君というより盟主に近かった。