Naomasa gained public reputation through distinguished military service in battles against the Takeda clan, such as the capturing of Takatenjin-jo Castle, and for killing ninja who had been sneaking in to the bedroom of Ieyasu.
直政は、高天神城の攻略を初めとする武田氏との戦いで数々の戦功（家康の寝所に忍び込んで来た武田軍の忍者の討ち取りなど）を立ててその名を轟かせた。