Gokudera is hot-tempered and irritable, often displaying hostility toward anyone who is not Tsunayoshi Sawada, whom he deeply respects. He maintains a rough and rebellious demeanor, engaging respectfully only with a select few, including Reborn and Nana Sawada. His fellow Vongola Guardians, however, frequently test his patience, and he has openly expressed that he views anyone older than him as an enemy. When provoked to his limit, Gokudera does not hesitate to physically lash out at those who irritate him, regardless of their age. He cultivates the image of a “bad boy”, reinforcing his delinquent persona through his hostile attitude, rebellious fashion, and occasional aggressive outbursts, which are often restrained by Tsuna and Takeshi Yamamoto.

Despite his delinquent exterior, Gokudera is highly intelligent and academically proficient, often excelling in tests and schoolwork with ease an ability that sharply contrasts with Tsuna’s struggles. He is also superstitious and an avid believer in Unidentified Mysterious Animals (U.M.A.s) and extraterrestrial phenomena. His favorite magazine, The Wonders and Mysteries of the World, reflects his fascination with the supernatural. His belief in such matters is strong enough that he once reacted in alarm to Dino’s turtle, Enzo, mistakenly regarding it as a mountain god that needed to be appeased.

Gokudera takes his role as Tsuna’s right-hand man extremely seriously, to the point of being overprotective and resenting others who try to interact with Tsuna especially Yamamoto, whom he considers a rival. However, after Yamamoto confronts him about his behavior, Gokudera gradually realizes his shortcomings and begins to warm up to the other Guardians, though he remains too embarrassed to admit it openly. Over time, he adjusts his attitude, proving that he is not only capable of personal growth but also values his friendships, even if he struggles to express it.

In battle, Gokudera exhibits a methodical and calculated approach to achieving victory. His signature volley of dynamite attacks is not only formidable by nature but also tactically utilized to control the battlefield. He is skilled in leading opponents into traps, using strategic positioning to lure them toward planted explosives. His resourcefulness and intelligence enhance his combat effectiveness, making him a dangerous opponent, especially when he can outthink his adversaries.

Gokudera is a half-Italian, half-Japanese teenage boy of average height, with several distinguishing physical traits. His mid-length silver hair, parted in the middle to keep his face visible, is a defining characteristic that frequently draws ridicule from Ryohei Sasagawa, who likens it to an octopus. It is later revealed by Shamal that Gokudera’s hairstyle is a direct imitation of his own. Additionally, Gokudera bears a strong resemblance to G, the First Generation Storm Guardian. When deep in thought, he often ties the back of his hair into a ponytail and sometimes wears glasses. His narrow green eyes, another notable feature are inherited from his late mother, Lavina.

For clothing, Gokudera most frequently wears his Namimori Middle School uniform, consisting of a black blazer, white formal shirt, blue tie, and gray pants. His outfits are often accompanied by various accessories, including wristbands and distinct belts, further enhancing his rebellious appearance. In addition to his personal accessories, he also wears silver jewelry designed to detect poison, a precaution against his older sister, Bianchi’s, lethal cooking.

Gokudera is a highly skilled mid-range fighter, specializing in dynamite-based combat. His proficiency with explosives makes him particularly effective in enclosed spaces, where he can set traps and manipulate the battlefield to his advantage. In dire situations, Gokudera is willing to detonate smaller explosives on his back to propel himself away from an imminent attack, demonstrating both his endurance and adaptability in combat. This maneuver allows him to close the distance between himself and his target, using the explosion’s force to launch into a melee strike.

A tactically intelligent fighter, Gokudera employs optical illusions in battle by simultaneously using smaller and larger sticks of dynamite. This technique deceives opponents into perceiving both sets as the same size due to perspective distortion, causing them to misjudge their target and ultimately leaving themselves vulnerable to an explosion. His strength is further validated by Futa, who ranks him as the third-strongest student at Namimori Middle School during the Kokuyo Arc, a notable feat given the number of powerful fighters in the school.

Gokudera’s strategic intelligence is one of his greatest assets. He is naturally adept at creating and executing complex battle plans, allowing him to defeat stronger opponents through calculated tactics rather than brute force. His analytical skills are particularly evident in his battle against Belphegor, a child prodigy who joined Varia at the age of eight. Despite Belphegor’s superior reputation, Gokudera is able to technically defeat him, proving his own potential as a combat strategist. His intelligence is further showcased when he masters the Flame Arrow technique in only two attempts, demonstrating a sharp learning curve.

In addition to his battle capabilities, Gokudera is also responsible for completing the Sistema C.A.I., a multi-weapon combat system developed by his future counterpart. This technology enhances his battle performance by providing both offensive and defensive advantages, allowing him to maneuver efficiently across the battlefield. He is also the first Guardian to successfully ride a motorcycle with proficiency, showcasing his adaptability beyond combat.

Outside of battle, Gokudera is a skilled pianist, having performed multiple times during his childhood in Italy. His passion for music continues into his present life, as he keeps a piano in his apartment, reflecting his appreciation for classical artistry despite his otherwise rebellious nature.

Gokudera wields a variety of weapons and tools that enhance his combat capabilities, with his signature dynamite-based attacks being his most recognizable trait. His arsenal expands significantly with Box Weapons, advanced Flame-based technology, and specialized gear that allows him to adapt to different combat scenarios.

Dynamite
Gokudera’s primary weapon is dynamite, a skill that has earned him the nickname “Smokin’ Bomb Hayato” in the manga and “Hurricane Bomb Hayato” in the anime. He carries an abundant supply of explosives at all times, using them in volley-based attacks, precision strikes, and tactical diversions. Over time, he refines his combat techniques, developing methods to redirect projectiles for increased accuracy and speed, as well as strategies to bypass enemy defenses with concealed bombs.

Flame Arrow
The Flame Arrow is a carrier Box Weapon that functions as a mid-to-long-range cannon mounted on Gokudera’s arm. Its design resembles an open-mouthed skull, with a second skull at the rear and an ammunition slot on the side. This weapon is highly versatile, capable of firing physical bullets, Storm Flames, other Dying Will Flames, and even dynamite-based projectiles. It serves as a key component of the Sistema C.A.I., significantly expanding Gokudera’s ranged combat capabilities.

Sistema C.A.I. (System Change Arms Instantaneous)
The Sistema C.A.I. (Instantaneous Arms Change System) is a sophisticated Box Weapon system designed to utilize five different Dying Will Flames within Gokudera’s body. This allows him to switch between various flame-based abilities and weapons, making him one of the most adaptable Vongola Guardians in combat.

Skull Rings
As core components of the Sistema C.A.I., Gokudera possesses four skull-shaped Rings, each representing a different Flame attribute:

Rain Ring

Lightning Ring

Cloud Ring

Sun Ring

These Rings allow him to access multiple Flame properties for different combat applications, providing diverse offensive and defensive options.

Gatto Tempesta (Storm Cat – Uri)
Gokudera’s Box Weapon, Uri, is a Storm Flame-infused cat that plays a crucial role in his Sistema C.A.I.. Uri can absorb Sun Flames to transform into Pantera Tempesta, increasing its strength and agility. When upgraded to its Vongola Box Form, Uri gains the ability to perform Cambio Forma, merging with Gokudera’s weapons. In this form, Uri is adorned with leg armor and sunglasses and becomes an integral part of Gokudera’s Storm-based arsenal.

Cambio Forma: G’s Archery
When activated, Uri fuses with the Flame Arrow, transforming into an ornate, bone-structured bow infused with Storm Flames. The weapon’s front bears the Roman numeral “I”, signifying Gokudera’s connection to the First Generation Storm Guardian, G. In Version X, the Cambio Forma evolves into multiple straps of dynamite, alongside armor enhancements for Gokudera’s legs and arms. Additionally, he gains sunglasses and a pipe-shaped igniter, allowing him to detonate his explosives more efficiently.

Motorcycle / Airbike
Gokudera also possesses a specialized vehicle that can be used for long-distance travel. Unlike other means of transportation powered by Dying Will Flames, this bike does not emit an aura that can be detected by those who sense Flames, making it an effective method for stealth movement.

Buckle of the Storm Version X
An upgraded version of the Vongola Ring, this enhanced Storm Buckle is merged with Uri, further amplifying Gokudera’s Flame output and combat efficiency. It symbolizes his growth as the Tenth Generation Storm Guardian and his connection to the Vongola Family’s legacy.

The name Hayato Gokudera carries significant meaning through its kanji characters. Hayato (隼人) consists of “隼” (haya), meaning falcon, and “人” (to), meaning person, which may symbolize his swift and aggressive nature in battle.

His surname, Gokudera (獄寺), is composed of “獄” (goku), meaning prison or jail, and “寺” (tera), meaning temple. This combination evokes an image of contrasts—restraint versus discipline, possibly reflecting his dual nature as both a rebellious delinquent and a fiercely loyal right-hand man to Tsuna.

Additionally, Gokudera is often shorthanded as “59” in Japanese fandom. This stems from the phonetic readings of the numbers. “5” (五, go) and “9” (九, ku)

Together, they form “go-ku”, aligning with the first syllables of his surname. This numerical representation is frequently used as a nickname and identifier within the Katekyo Hitman Reborn! community.