Chapter Text
“Sensei, why can’t I train with Mikey, Donnie, and Raph?”
Hamato Leonardo was eight years old, and he had already been training for three years. That was two more than his younger brothers. He had been training with weapons for a year and a half, and was already excelling more than he had hoped. His brothers were just beginning to start with their weapons training, and he knew which weapons they received.
Donatello, the bō staff.
Michelangelo, the nunchaku.
And Raphael, the sai.
They were given those weapons. They didn’t have a choice.
Neither did Leonardo.
He had received the twin katanas, and he loved them. He lucked out, there. The reach was perfect, and he was really, really good at it. At least that’s what he thought.
Even though his main weapon were his katanas, he had trained with many others as well. All of the weapons that his brothers had been given had been in his hands, for at least a few months each. He was proficient with those, but not nearly as good as with his katanas.
What he didn’t understand was why he couldn’t train with his brothers. He loved them, even if he didn’t spend much time with them. He trained a lot, and, after all, Sensei knew best. If Sensei said things about them, things he didn’t believe… Well, it didn’t matter. It must be true, no matter how much he didn’t want it to be.
He didn’t want to believe what Sensei said was true, but it was. It had to be. It was the only thing he could do to keep his sanity.
Splinter looked down at Leo, who was kneeling at his feet with his head bowed while Splinter stood over him. His eyes hardened. “Leonardo, you know the rule. Do not speak unless you are spoken to.”
Leo gasped silently. Crap, he forgot. Splinter had been trying to drill that one into him for a while, but it had yet to stick. He did have to voice his formalities, though. “H-hai, Sensei.”
Splinter only hummed in dissatisfaction. “Despite your disrespect toward me, I will answer your question if you wish for me to do so. However, I believe you already know the answer.”
Leo grimaced. He did know. He’d been told time and time again why he couldn’t train with them, and wasn’t particularly in the mood for being reminded.
“Do you wish for me to tell you?” His Sensei asked.
“Iya, Sensei.”
His Sensei said nothing for the moment. Splinter looked down at Leonardo, who refused to make eye contact. That was good, he was finally learning that lesson– do not look your elders, especially your sensei, in the eyes.
Leo kept his eyes glued to the ground. He had already messed up by speaking out of turn, he couldn’t afford another mistake. That was unless he wanted to do katas for the whole night… or worse.
Finally, Splinter sighed. His son had learned, but still not enough. “Leonardo, stand up. It is time to begin your training.”
Leo let out a relieved breath. “Hai, Sensei.”