Can’t activate IPad after full erase of settings and data

Did a full erase of my IPad (has a Start button & running iOS 14.3). After powering up got the usual hello/hola, what nation screens to begin activation. Started to create the Apple account registration process but stopped when I did not have a current email for the friend who will get this IPad. Aborted this activation with a Power off. Upon starting the device up today no longer getting the activation screens, only get a grayed out Passcode screen. Have tried prior passcode and other random entries with no success. Now seeing Ipad is disabled screen, try again in 1, 5 or 15 minutes. Tried connecting to ITunes and did follow prompt to upgrade. It did complete this redundant upgrade but after this still getting the grayed out Passcode screen. Have removed this device from my Apple account and am signed out of I Cloud on all devices.