Hayate

Background

Renowned as the greatest ninja in the land, Hayate retired from active combat after a personal tragedy and now lives a quiet life hidden away in a forest. After besting his rival Kyoem in a duel, Hayate spared his opponents life, but when his back was turned, Kyoem attacked. Hayate's lover Madoka took the blow meant for him, and Kyoem fled. Blaming himself for Madoka's death, Hayate retreated into seclusion.

Hayate is a close friend of Mikhal's. Indeed, his history with Madoka and Kyoem will only be revealed when Mikhal is the player's character. In addition to Shirox, Sayaka and Shione are also students of Hayate's, while the ninjas Kumonn & Sliver, and the samurai Kodiak are all former acquaintances of his.

Recruitment

Stopping at the town/forest directly below Mikeral castle(which borders Izumo, Tradnor and Bozack's territory) will prompt a battle with Hayate's student Shirox. Send your monarch in the next, or any later turn and they will meet and duel Hayate. Regardless of the duel's outcome, Hayate & Shirox will join afterwards.

Hayate cannot be recruited by Goldark unfortunately, and can only be acquired by Gongos near the game's end.

Gameplay

Hayate is just as billed, the game's best ninja, with excellent overall stats and good abilities. Assassin's Star can be used to prevent enemies from launching their own special attacks or spells, while his Cross Flash(a skill rarely learned by ninjas) does solid damage to physical opponents and a brutal amount to magic ones.

He also comes with the useful Surround formation which confers a defensive boost on his troops. Hayate's various strengths allow him to take on virtually any opponent, even those with a troop-type advantage over him.

When recruited, the player also gain's Hayate's student Shirox. Unfortunately, Shirox is one of the game's weaker ninjas, however an extra pair of hands is always handy.