Hayate Gekkō

was the examiner of the preliminary third portion of the Chunin exams. The name "Gekko" means "moonlight" and "Hayate" means "quick as wind" or "hurricane". Both are names of Japanese fighter planes from World War II. At first sight, Hayate appears to not be in the best of health, as he has an unexplained chronic cough and bags under his eyes. He seems to be very skilled for his age, which Baki notes right before killing him.

Hayate was the first to discover the truth behind the secret invasion plan between the Sound and the Sand, having been spying on Baki during his meeting with Kabuto Yakushi. Kabuto offered to kill Hayate himself, but Baki did so as an act of good faith.

Hayate's lover, Yugao Uzuki, swore that she would avenge his death - a task that will prove difficult as his killer Baki is now their ally. It is unknown whether Yugao even knows Baki is Hayate's killer.