Hotaru began as a prodigious member of the Mazuka Clan, gaining notoriety for being one of the few among it to awaken its kekkei genkai; the Storm Release. Little about her early training is known, save that she graduated the Yamagakure Academy at the young age of seven and quickly moved up the ladder of shinobi ranks—becoming a Chūnin by the age of eleven. Shortly after her promotion, the Land of Mountains Civil War broke out, forcing the young girl into combat. During the war, her considerable proficiency with the Storm Release was finally put on display, earning her the moniker of .