I'm finding I have a similar problem. I land this with a pretty good rate of consistency, but I end up having to delay the Hatsu significantly, doing it after Litchi travels as far as possible with the Haku. It works more often than not, but it seems like extra work to time that properly, especially if you factor in online play. Is it more practical to just always do dash 6Kote or 2366A for the Haku?
Chances are, if it's part of the combo, it's necessary. From the ones I have tried thus far, the 6Kote is essential to repositioning the staff properly and changing the trajectory.