A deep s tillness washed over the dojo as Master Splinter awaited his sons attack. At the slightest creak or breath his ears twitched letting his sons know that his senses where alive and they would have to try much harder if they were going to win this training session. Leonardo was last to prove himself. He attacked from above positioning his twin katana swords to disarm his master. Splinter spared no time in humoring his son, before Leonardo knew what happened he was on his back katana swords firmly grasped in the great rats' hands. Leonardo's face reflected anger and shame. He was the leader of the turtles and had just failed in front of his bothers. His initial instinct was to shoot Michelangelo a don't you dare comment look, but instead respectfully bowed to Splinter and took his place in line next to Raphael.

"My sons, do not feel bad about your defeat today. We train for a reason. If I am easy on you, you will never be prepared." Master Splinter's voice was stern and held the undivided attention of his four sons. "You must learn to be true ninjas."

"But Sensei," Donatello blurted out.

"Donatello, you have only scratched the surface of the art of Ninjutsu."

"We've been training for years! We're ready."

"Ready for what Donatello? I will not allow my sons to be put into danger by going to the surface. Besides mastering Ninjutsu takes a life time, I myself have things to learn."

Defeated Donatello fell silent along with the rest of the turtles. Splinter gave each son an encouraging nod and excused himself from the dojo officially ending the training session. The turtles were finally at ease.

"I can't believe this!" Raphael ranted. "We are ready to go to the surface, Splinter is holding us back."

"Easy there Raph. Splinter is only watching out for us." Leonardo said in an attempt to calm his brother down. "We will be allowed to go when we are ready, until then, let's just prepare."

"Whatever, I'm going to get some worms and algae." Raphael stomped out of the room.

"I think I'll go with Raph, make sure he finds the kitchen." Michelangelo said bounding after his brother.

Master Splinter sat alone in his private study trying to reflect and meditate on the day. An organized mind was crucial to the rat master. He often got irritable and lashed out at the turtles when he didn't have proper meditation. Tonight, Master Splinter could not get his mind off of Donatello. His son had a valid point, they had been training for several years. Maybe it was just his fear holding him back from letting them go to the surface. Master Splinter forced the thought out of his mind. He needed to be at peace before days end. The turtles will be fine waiting another few years. There was no need to rush their training.

"Hey guys what if we sneak up tonight, just for a peak. We'll never leave the sewer. I just want to see what it's like," Donatello said between bites of food.

"How do you suggest we do that Donnie?" Leonardo's condescending tone shut Donatello up.

"We could tell Master Splinter we are doing a routine check of the sewers and take a peek through the manhole." Michelangelo had turned his attention away from the TV long enough to put forth his input on the situation.

"Mikey, Splinter can hear you breathe from across the dojo. He will definitely hear the echo of that door opening," Raphael said as a way to side with Leonardo. Raphael knew siding with his leader was the right thing to do, but an emptiness inside of him badly wanted to side with Donatello and Michelangelo.

To go on the Forbidden adventure with Donatello and Michelangelo, go to Chapter 2

To stay behind and obey Master Splinter, go to Chapter 3