The reappearance of the Kurama Clan's Kekkei Genkai shocked many with its power.
Within a year of entering the Ninja Academy, Yakumo had swept aside every student there.
Her fighting style left a deep impression: without a sound, she took complete control of her opponents.
Everything they saw and heard was hers to command.
For a time, people spoke not only of the Kurama Clan's formidable Kekkei Genkai, but even more of how fearsome the Ghost of Konoha was.
Kazan's three disciples were all exceptional, including Naruto and Sasuke, who had grown up in the Forest of Death.
They were destined to become Konoha's top fighters and key figures.
A saying soon spread through the village: anyone who entered the Forest of Death would one day become a pillar of Konoha.
Of course, there were exceptions.
Hinata Hyuga.
By the Hyuga Clan's rules, this princess of the Byakugan was meant to inherit leadership of the Main Family.
But the Hyuga Princess had shown little talent. Strong though she was, she fell far short of Sasuke and Naruto.
Beside those two, her light seemed dim, and the Hyuga Clan was far from satisfied.
Hyuga Hiashi spent a long time fretting over it.
Fortunately, he and his wife kept at it day and night and produced a younger daughter he was pleased with.
Hanabi Hyuga was the Heavenly Prodigy of the Hyuga. Unlike his eldest daughter, she had shown astonishing potential from childhood, along with decisiveness and courage her older sister lacked. She could shoulder great responsibility and was the perfect heir to lead the family.
Hyuga Hiashi hoped to send his younger daughter to the Forest of Death.
It was now more than the Shinobi World's Fourth Sacred Land. It also represented Konoha's future power structure. Getting Hanabi in would secure