Hayate Gekkou

Hayate is quiet, gentle, observant, and professional. His constant coughing and tired appearance make him seem physically unwell, but he does not allow that condition to interfere with his responsibilities as a shinobi.

As the preliminary-exam proctor, he remains composed while supervising matches between competitors who are often volatile or badly injured. He explains rules clearly and intervenes when a fight has definitively ended.

Hayate also possesses the sense of duty expected of a Konoha jōnin. When he discovers information that threatens the village, he prioritizes reporting it rather than ignoring the danger.

Hayate specializes in kenjutsu and carries a sword as his primary weapon. His fighting style emphasizes speed, precision, and sudden attacks rather than overwhelming physical force.

His best-known manga technique is the Dance of the Crescent Moon, in which shadow clones attack alongside him from multiple directions while he delivers a coordinated sword strike.

He can use the Shadow Clone Technique, allowing him to create the simultaneous attackers required for the Crescent Moon formation.

Anime material expands his arsenal with techniques such as Transparent Escape Technique and Secret Sword: Moonlight, but those additions are not part of his original manga moveset.

Hayate becomes the proctor for the preliminary tournament held after the Forest of Death portion of the Chūnin Exams. Because too many teams reach the tower successfully, the remaining candidates must fight one-on-one before the formal finals.

He oversees matches involving characters such as Sasuke Uchiha, Shikamaru Nara, Hinata Hyuga, and Rock Lee, ending bouts once a competitor can no longer continue.

Later, Hayate overhears Kabuto Yakushi and Baki discussing the planned joint attack on Konoha.

Hayate attempts to leave with the information, but Baki intercepts him. The two fight briefly, and Baki kills Hayate with Blade of Wind before he can report the conspiracy.

His discovery nevertheless becomes part of the buildup to the Konoha Crush, and anime material later gives Yugao additional scenes dealing with the consequences of his loss.

Yugao Uzuki is Hayate's lover and fellow Konoha shinobi. [Yugao Uzuki mourns Hayate after his death and, particularly in anime material, struggles with the emotional consequences of losing him.](#spoiler)

Baki encounters Hayate after Hayate discovers the invasion plot. [Baki kills him before the information can reach Konoha's leadership.](#spoiler)

Kabuto Yakushi is one of the conspirators Hayate overhears while investigating unusual activity before the Chūnin Exam finals.

Hiruzen Sarutobi is the Hokage whose village Hayate serves and whose Chūnin Exams he helps administer.