ShiKage's Ultimate Hayato Guide

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Hikarasu is only a 19% damage difference between level 1 and level 20 (131% to 150%). Plus, the main damage coming from combos used with Hikarasu comes from the other skills you're using. It's even less important than dodge rate, in my opinion. Sanrenzan is only a 40% difference between level 1 and 20, per hit. That seems like the only worthwhile skill swapping out positions with the two passives, but as I'm sure you can attest to, Sanrenzan isn't a big enough skill in third job to make it necessary to max so early, since you're way more likely to be using Dankuusen, Senpuuzan, Shouryuusen and Hikarasu.

Really, it doesn't make a huge difference. I think you're exaggerating a little here. I'd take +25% dodge rate over tiny damage boosts that probably won't be reflected in my numbers, any day.