"You have all fought well, today, my sons." Splinter praised them, as he walked down the row, eyeing each turtle in turn as he passed by that one. "I am both pleased and proud of your continued progress. "

He paused. Again, he looked at each turtle in turn, before he spoke again. "Now, what did any of you do wrong, during the match?"

Leo blushed bright red, but didn't answer right away. He stared at his hands as though deep in thought. Mikey stared at the mat with a rare thoughtful expression, as he absently picked at a tooth with a grimy fingernail. Yuck. It looked like a lot of work to Raph. Donnie stared straight ahead, with absolutely no expression at all. Raph bit his lip. He desperately wanted to point out that as he had won, he obviously did nothing wrong. He could well imagine how that would play out. A few years ago, he would have just blurted out his first thought. But the years had taught him that much restraint at least. Besides, he was sure that, had he did say that, Master Splinter would have gladly shown him the error in his assessment.

"Leonardo?"

If anything, Leo seemed to somehow manage to turn even redder under his bright green skin. "I…let myself get distracted. My moves became too predictable, and Mikey took advantage of the situation. Like any good warrior." He said slowly, and contritely.

"You are right my son, I am pleased that you have seen so clearly." Splinter nodded in approval. "You did. Next time, try to allow yourself to be more fluid, more adaptable to your opponent's fighting style. Especially when you are fighting an opponent as adapt at being adaptable as your brother is starting to prove himself to be. And remember to clear your mind before a confrontation, so that you can be firmly in the moment, or it might cost you dear."

"Hai, Sensei."

"Michelangelo?"

"Hey, I did fine! Until Raph went all psyco killer on me!" Mike cried out in protest, even though all master Splinter said was his name.

"Allowing him to gain the upper hand rather swiftly, Michelangelo. Next time, remember your brothers' tendencies and plan accordingly. Raphael tends to favor boldness and aggression in his attacks. Anticipate this! Do not allow it to overpower you."

He turned to Raph, and seemed to allow himself a small smile of pride. "And that brings us to Raphael. Congratulations on your win, Raphael. Now, how do you think you could have done better?"

Raph actually paused and thought for a moment before saying anything, not sure how to answer. Obviously, he couldn't say nothing now! He shrugged when that moment was up. "Should have figured out what Donnie was up to sooner, I guess." He said, earning him a surprised glance from the turtle mentioned. "Just didn't catch on that he would have tried something so blindingly obvious."

"And the simplicity of his strategy almost caused you to lose." Correct. It is well for you that you did become aware of his plans before he could completely bring it to fruitation. Even more impressive that you managed to turn it against him the way that you did. I am pleased at your growing humility, my son. Also, the match with Michelangelo, your attack was without flaw. Congratulations again."

"Hai, Sensei." Raphael said, trying very hard not to show just how proud and pleased he was with his father's praise.

"Donatello?" Donnie had regained his lack of expression by then, and it never once even flickered as he lifted his gaze to meet that of his Sensei. "Where do you believe you went wrong during your sparring match?"

"I showed up."

"Donnie!"

Mikey was the first to speak, as usual. His bright blue eyes were wide, his voice full of stunned amazement, cut into Raph's own shocked thoughts. He turned to stare at his immediately younger brother, well aware that all eyes were staring at Don as well. He heard Leo's stern voice add in admonition. "That was out of line, Don. Way out of line."

Even Splinter seemed nonplussed by Don's disrespectful words. Raph crossed his arms, a slow scowl forming on his face. Even though Don had been acting increasingly snarky with his brothers more and more now, this was the first time he had ever been that way to Master Splinter. Ever. The closest Raph ever remembered was overhearing him ask sensei after one of their worst arguments before Leo got back Why Splinter didn't send him away instead of Leo. Yeah, that had hurt. Still hurts, to be honest.

Splinter stared down at Donnie for several long minutes, as though unsure of what to do with this situation. It was like he never even considered that Donnie would ever mouth off to him. Finally he pointed to a corner. "Two hundred flips for your rudeness, my son. Now."

"Hai, Sensei." Donnie said shortly, getting to his feet, and bowing a quick, terse bow before lazily meandering over to start his punishment.

His very actions was rude and condescending! Frankly, Raph didn't know Donnie even had it in him. Frankly Raph wanted to smack the green off of his smug face. Strongly tempted to. It would almost be worth the punishment he would get for it! Splinter decided, however to ignore it, and focused on his three remaining sons. "Can anyone else tell me what Donatello did wrong?"

"I…well, um, I really wasn't paying all that much attention to them." Mikey admitted, as he scratched his head as if that would help him think better. Raph shrugged. Whatever works for him.

"He wasn't focused in his attacks." Leo said, looking thoughtful. Figures he would have noticed something, even in a fight he wasn't in! While in a fight of his own! "He seemed to have a good ideas, trying to make Raph think his attacks was hiding a more complicated plan than they really were, but then he seemed to lose focus. His attacks got sloppy enough that Raph was able to figure out what was going on in time to evade it."

"What? Did you noticed his fighting? No wonder I totally kicked your shell!" Mikey crowed exuberantly.

"Mikey…!" Leo said warningly, as Raph smirked.

"What? You should have been paying attention to your own fight, dude. Not the one beside you."

"A true ninja is aware of his whole environment." Leo lectured tersely, causing Raph to roll his eyes. "On the whole fight, not just the one he happened to be engaged in at that moment."

"Need more practice then."

Raph bit back a laugh, as Leo's glare grew as black as gathering storm clouds. Mike quickly held his hands up and added sheepishly. "Just saying, Chillax, man."

"Be silent, both of you!" Six pairs of eyes snapped to refocus on their teacher and father. In the background came the steady thuds of Don's landing, his soft counting at each and every flip. "You are both correct." Splinter added, with a slight, warm smile. A smile, Raph noticed angrily, that faltered slightly as he glanced in Don's direction for section. "One must be aware of their surrounding at all times."

He continued after a slight pause. "Both in and outside of combat. A true ninja master knows what is going on around him or her at all times. This is, in fact, the truest hallmark of a true master. However they must also be sure of the opponent they are currently facing in that moment. Remember, it take s only one person to make a killing blow." He shook his furry, graying head, his face wore a grave, troubled expression despite himself. "Do not give them that chance by being heedless."