Legacy is selectively important to specific characters, and Hayabusa is one of them where it shines like Mega Man or Simon. It isn't supposed to say "
Hayabusa deserves it because of legacy", it's just supposed to say "
Hayabusa is a ****ing legend in gaming".
No, I meant Hayabusa was just in other games that weren't his own, like how Terry is in KoF. I agree that it is a Banjo situation in the sense of it being nostalgia, but I don't think Shinobu leaking him less than a day before his reveal had any impact on people wanting him than nostalgia-ridden dudes who have been supporting Banjo for over a decade.
It's fine if you can't fathom why people think Hayabusa is likely or if you think he isn't. But at least recognize what makes people desire him or think he has a shot, whether it be Koei doing stuff in Smash or just the fact that Ninja Gaiden was an extremely successful series with unprecedented praise still years later.