Chapter 12: Passion
Leonardo swords swung through the air as he performed the kata. He was determined to get it right this time. Master Splinter often said that with practice anything could be achieved. Well, he needed to practice hard for sure to get this kata down. He didn't even notice his brother was observing until he heard his voice.
"Leo, why do you train all the time?" Mikey asked him.
Leo paused and turned to his brother. "Because I like it," he said. "And it's something I have to do in order to get better."
"Dude, there's nothing wrong with failing," Mikey reminded him. "Didn't the Ancient One tell you that when you were with him?"
"Yes, he did," Leo replied. "I know there's nothing wrong with failing, but I just want to get better, that's all."
"Michelangelo, leave your brother alone," Splinter admonished him. "He is trying to concentrate to perfect his kata."
"But why can't he just take a break?" Mikey whined.
"He will when he feels he is ready to do so," Splinter told him. "Leonardo has a passion for ninjitsu. He feels that he must do well at all times. It is like you and how you play your video games for hours at a time."
"Yeah, but that's different," Mikey told him. "I do that to perfect my score. And besides, it's all in good fun. There's nothing really fun about practicing katas all the time."
"Perhaps not to you, but it is fun for Leonardo," Splinter reminded him. "Now, run along. I will make sure Leonardo does not exert himself too much."
"Okay," Mikey said. "Hey, Leo, do you want to play a game with me when you're done?"
Leo smiled at his little brother. "Sure, Mikey," he said. "You can even pick it if you want."
"Sweet!" Mikey whooped, and he dashed out of the dojo.
Leo laughed at his brother's enthusiasm. Sure, Mikey may not have found any fun in what Leo was doing, but at least he respected that Leo liked it. Besides, there was a time to have fun and a time to be serious. "I think I'm done for now, Sensei," he declared.
"Yes, I believe you have done enough for today," Splinter agreed. "Well done, Leonardo. And do not be discouraged. It will come in time."
"I know," Leo said. He bowed to Splinter and left to go play with his younger brother. Even though he loved ninjitsu, he also had another passion, and that was spending time with his family. There was nothing better than that.
A/N: Wow. I hit 427 with this prompt. I really enjoyed writing this one. It was a lot of fun and a bit easier than the previous two. Feel free to leave a review, and have a shelltastic day.