Hayato Jin serves as a central figure throughout the Getter Robo franchise, portrayed differently across continuities. His origins in the manga depict a revolutionary or terrorist leader prone to violence, brutally assaulting subordinates and causing societal chaos. Demonstrating exceptional physical prowess during a clash with the Dinosaur Empire, he was recruited by Professor Saotome and Ryoma Nagare as a Getter Robo pilot. The 1970s anime continuity presents an aloof, nihilistic, yet athletically gifted high school student who joins the Saotome Institute alongside Ryoma and Musashi Tomoe. Physically, Hayato typically possesses long dark hair, an athletic build, and piercing eyes. Early iterations show him in a pilot suit or civilian attire like a red shirt with a cross necklace. Later depictions, such as in Getter Robo Armageddon and Getter Robo Arc, feature scars, trench coats or formal wear, and a visibly aged appearance. His personality evolves significantly: initially manipulative and calculative, willing to commit extreme acts like killing the infected Saotome, he maintains a ruthless exterior driven by a dedication to protecting humanity and atoning for past actions. Conversely, the anime version portrays him as socially detached but capable of deep bonds, particularly with Michiru Saotome and his sister Asuka Jin. As a pilot, Hayato specializes in ground-based Getter formations including Getter-2, Getter Liger, and Shin Getter-2, leveraging speed and agility. His exceptional gymnastic skills and strategic intellect make him a versatile combatant. Injuries sustained in battles eventually impair his piloting, forcing him into command or support roles. He also develops technical expertise, contributing to robotics and energy systems through designs like Getter Robo Go and the plasma-powered Neo Getter Robo. Hayato's narrative spans multiple conflicts. In the original manga, he battles the Dinosaur Empire and later the Hyakki Empire, witnessing allies like Musashi die and grappling with personal losses including his transformed sister Asuka. He participates in decisive actions, such as destroying the Hyakki mothership using Getter Robo G's Shine Spark. Getter Robo Armageddon finds him commanding the battleship "Tower" 13 years post-nuclear fallout, orchestrating its sacrifice to damage Shin Dragon before surviving to rejoin the original team. His story concludes heroically in space alongside Ryoma and Benkei, using a Shin Shine Spark against the Invaders before entering Getter Valhalla. Later installments like Getter Robo Arc show him as head of the Saotome Institute, mentoring new pilots including Ryoma's son Takuma and the hybrid Sho Kamui. He oversees mass-produced Getter units and the advanced Getter Robo Arc against the Andromeda Stellaration, embodying Saotome's legacy while confronting ongoing extraterrestrial threats. Hayato Jin remains the sole character appearing in every Getter Robo series, transitioning from pilot to commander to scientist across decades of narrative.