Hamato Yoshi, Born: January 16th 1960. Death: July 8th 1992.

I always thought that time was like a river that can branch off in any direction. When I Look back at my life, I come to realize that it was like a particularly violent river, Twisting and turning as the ever present current intensified.

The end been like a waterfall. Abrupt and unexpected.

My life took many turns, turns that could have Been avoided. Saki, despite our family's being close we could have practically ended up as strangers, yet we were to be like brothers. We even ended up marrying a pair of sisters, and were the best man at each others Weddings.

Another way things could have gone was with Splinter. Shen and I could have ignored the boys chasing the cat, but we didn't.

And of course I could have simply subdued Nagi, but I not did.

While I regret killing him, I do not think we could have remained friends had he lived. Living in the past is never wise, but sometimes it can be hard to avoid. Often I will find myself thinking about what I've done, what Nagi was going to do. In the end these chooses got me here, and while I have few regrets, killing Nagi is definitely one of them, especially considering what has happened to Shen.

It all started this morning. I had thought that it would be an ordinary day.

I had woken up, eaten breakfast, got ready for work, and said goodbye to Splinter and Shen, my Son and Wife.

Little did I know it would be the last living word I ever said to Shen. I went to the current sight me and my team were working on.

It took longer than expected to complete. During a short lunch brake I could not help but feel that something was wrong. Sadly I ignored my instincts. When it was finally time to go home it was nearly 7:30 pm and by the time I arrived home it was nearly eight.

When I first walked into the apartment I immediately got the impression that something was wrong. At a glance all seemed normal, with the odd exception that sheets now covered all the windows. However, what was truly unsettling was the quiet. Even if Shen had taken a nap or something she would usually leave on the television for Splinter who seemed to enjoy drama programs. Also Splinter himself was being very quiet. Usually he would be in an uproar (as much as a Rat can) as soon as I walked inside. As I made it to the living room I found Splinter in his Cage seeming for some reason, sad. As I looked at my Son I began to feel a presence. A presence I doubt I would have felt if he had not allowed it.

Turning around I brought up my elbows to block the blow of a sword having never ended a habit of wearing ninja arm guards under my sleeves. My attacker was momentarily stopped, and so I took the opportunity to deliver a palm strike to the individual's face. Moving quickly I made my way to the couch were above hanging on the wall was a Katana that had belonged to my family for over 3-hundred years.

It had a gold lotus shaped guard with 6 points, the handle was black with a gold colored cap, the sheath was a royal blue with a black colored stone below the white rapping's under the guard. I quickly removed my weapon from its home, just fast enough to block another blow.

It was at this angle that I could see into the kitchen, where my wife's body laid on its side against the back wall.

Here I was brought to rage.

I landed glancing blows to my opponent in his shoulder and to his thigh. He then blocked. It was a stalemate. As lighting flashed across the Sky's in the background I finally saw the Face of my attacker, and was shocked to learn that it was Saki. Unfortunately this had given him the opportunity to cut into my ribs.

Not a death wound but certainly a serious one.

I was having trouble concentrating. This was my best friend who was like a brother to me, and he was trying to kill me.

Looking at the situation I knew I would not be able to get through to him. I and Shen had left with no word. Not even a note. Just his brother dead on our kitchen floor. It would have been obvious what had happened. We'd assumed that it was wiser to cut all ties. Perhaps that was another of my few regrets. We caused him this grief, and now we payed the price.

As we continued to duel I noticed that I was not going to remain conscious much longer, with the blood loss from my wound. So in a last ditch effort to win this fight I put all my energy into my last attack. At this point we where engaging in a mutual block. This meant that whoever moved first would likely be the winner.

I slid back with all my might, and swung at his right hand disarming him of his sword and bloodying his wrist and palm.

As I finished my attack with slashes to his chest and belly I soon learned this wasn't enough, as I felt his claws enter my gut.

I was soon on the floor. As I fell I felt something make contact with my back. I realized it was Splinter's cage and I hoped he was not hurt. I soon felt a sense of relief and pride as in my fleeting moment of life I saw my son slash, and claw, and bite at his uncle's face with vigor. Saki soon grew tired of this and grabbed splinter with his right hand and to my horror slashed with his claw. I was relieved to see it was only his ear that was damaged.

As I finally began to feel my life leave me, I wondered what would become of Splinter. For I knew even if Saki intended to care for him, that bridge had been burned.

Despite this, I had the feeling he would be just fine.