Waves and those above

The next day outside the Hokage Residence.

"Third Hokage, so this was where you are"

Iruka body flickers as Hiruzen faces the Hokage Rock

"Iruka"

A long conversation is held regarding Naruto, how the villagers fear the demon fox and reject Naruto, which in turn, led to Naruto's desire for attention and acceptance.

When that talk was over. The third Hokages continued the conversation with another topic.

"What are your thoughts on the teams for this year, some plans are in need of adjustment"

"It was a very problematic class, too many heirs, the last Konoha Uchiha and even the kyuubi's jinchuriki.

The Akimichi boy's condition is a problem and he cannot be placed in a genin team, Naruto and Sasuke must be protected the most and while the Hyuuga's position towards their heir seems ambivalent they won't accept positioning her on a weaker team"

"The Hyuuga's heir remains too soft for the life of a ninja.

The life of a ninja is truly a dichotomy. Me and Danzo, you and Mizuki, we each belong to one side, light or darkness, comradery or duty. Neither right nor wrong.

I digress, what is your opinion on the latest surprise, Yami's potential release."

"Hokage-sama, I once heard Yami use an expression; Once is by chance. Twice is a coincidence. Three times is a pattern"

"Sakura, Ino and Hina… no, Yami. The results are impressive and unmistakable."

"In all my years as a teacher, in no child did I see such growth, all three of them truly transformed and acquired the potential to become strong ninjas. I wouldn't be surprised to see them in the very next chuunin exams this fall."

"No Kekkai Genkai is simple Iruka, in time we will see how far Yami can take it, where will 'potential release' find its limit?

There is no lack of untapped potential and interest in power.

A ninja who doesn't strive to surpass themselves doesn't last long.

Thank you Iruka, sorry for taking your time"

"It is my duty Hokage-same" Iruka bows and body flickers away leaving the third Hokage alone.

Later that day inside the Hyuuga compound, a female special jounin addresses the head of the Hyuuga clan, Hiashi Hyuuga.

In the room sits a tired and bruised Hanabi surrounded by ninja tools and covered in sweat.

"Starting tomorrow Hinata will be under my command, …if that meets your approval.

Hinata is supposed to be the heir apparent of the Hyuuga clan, her work as a genin will be surrounded by danger and dea…"

"…do as you please. So long as a Byakugan isn't lost to the enemies Hinata herself is superfluous to the clan…

She is a failure who cannot measure up to Hanabi, five years her junior.

Now if you have nothing else to discuss please go. You're in the way"

She closes the door to the room and turns to the girl listening to the conversation from outside the room.

Hinata having heard everything looks downwards with a grim face.

"Are you just going to take it like that Hinata?"

"…"

"Do you want power Hinata?

Don't you want to prove to them that you can be better than Hanabi and Neji?"

"… --Yes"

Her mouth hesitates but her eyes show her desire for acceptance.

"Me too Hinata, we may have been abandoned but that is not our end.

We'll show them one day, we'll show them all what we can do"

"hum--" Hinata nods but doesn't seem to believe it.