However, in subsequent years there was the possibility of giving the rank of family head to the members of the SHIONOYA clan family who rendered distinguished service, and therefore it's impossible to say they were completely fictitious characters.
但し、後世において、功績のあった塩谷氏の一族の者に当主の地位を追贈した可能性もあるので、完全に架空の存在であるとも言い切れない。