They do not need to put Hayabusa and Hayate as equals. All they need to do is show that Hayate has competence and not a jobber, which is enough. Putting Hayate and Hayabusa as equals is really feels a bit too much of a stretch.
@TheDragonAwakens I somewhat agree but I think the idea that any threat that Hayate can't deal with but Ryu can is kinda bs. It's predictable, we all know that in the end, Ryu (or Kasumi) will sweep up any threats. It would be nice for once to have Ryu in danger and Hayate to come in and kick ass. Or even together, but because one guy isn't the DOA Super Ninja, he's reduced to a side character role / jobber.
Hayabusa is really strong because he has Dragon Blood passed down only to a specific lineage in the Hayabusa clan.
It's literally impossible for Hayate to be anywhere near Hayabusa. That said, Hayate should ATLEAST show he's a worthy leader of the Mugen Tenshin fucking Momiji is stronger and has done more than him.
We have seen Momiji be put against yokai n shiet, but we haven't seen that for Hayate. They could just add Hayate to NG and make him do Cool Shit (tm) to finally show he is not a jobber.