Hakkai *always* deferrs to Sanzo, even when he doesn't like it. When Gojyo goes after Kami-sama, Hakkai is pissed, but he follows Sanzo until Sanzo decides that they need to turn around. Also (reading lots into body language) when Sanzo leaves the rest of the ikkou and they're walking in the desert, I find it interesting that it's Gojyo who is physically in the lead of their little group. During the time Sanzo's gone, Hakkai makes lots of suggestions and practical observations, but I don't think he makes any decisions for the party as a whole.

Yeah, I very much got the impression during their Sanzo-less journey that leadership was a joint responsibility between Gojyo and Hakkai. But you are right, that whole thing was very much a relfection of Kenren and Tempou, with Tempou explaining what had to be done, and Kenren making sure it got done the way Tempou wanted.

As for Sanzo and Hakkai... I am not sure Hakkai is capable of going up against Sanzo, whether out of inclination or a sense of gratitude or whatever. I think he gets Gojyo to do his dirty work for him on that front. Hrmmm. An excellent example is the Kami-sama mah-jong game where Hakkai give Gojyo The Look of Doom to make him play the damn game, and then Gojyo in turn forces Sanzo to play. (Btw, I love Hakkai's Look of Doom, and how it INSTANTLY brings about the desired behavior. I wish I had one of those ;_; )

So, back to G&H, you think that Hakkai would let Gojyo think he was in charge, while totally controlling things? I can see that, actually.