About the image change: I was really conflicted, but eventually I decided it would be easier for you to envision if I made a rough sketch. So I did. But I also didn't want to put it out there until I introduced Jade in the story, so I decided to wait it out. Sorry this chapter is so short, but I wanted to allow for a lot of extra surprises next chapter!

Thanks so much everyone!—Leah by Michelangelo

Ch. 6-Jade

My brothers and I arrived at the docks at eight o'clock the next evening. Donatello had gone through Midori's files with a toothcomb and as far as he could ascertain the smuggled shipment was some kind of ancient weapon. I didn't have to look up to know that Leonardo had been watching me the entire way here, obviously worrying about how I was holding up.

I thought back to Midori. I have to do this, for her and her mother if for nothing else. At least I know she's at her uncle's, where she'll be safe. As soon as all of this is over I'll go and tell her how it went. I looked up at my brothers.

We can't afford to fail. And we won't. Not if I have anything to say about it.

It was eight o'clock. I stared down at the black duffle bag that lay open on my bed. I had made a few changes to my kunoichi uniform since I'd last worn it. I had found the material myself, it was light and incredibly durable yet at the same time it was strong and had an almost rubbery feel to it.

I pulled on the long-sleeved top it ended right on my neckline. The helmet was constructed of two pieces: a lower and an upper, and is made of a much harder material like a motorcycle helmet, though slightly lighter. I put the lower on first. The bottom of the helmet goes right under my chin, up over my ears and around the back of my head. Where it reached the neckline there was fabric, like that which the shirt was made of. I fastened the three hooks at the back of the fabric to keep it snug and firm. I pulled the shirt's neckline over it before attaching the dark red shoulder piece.

Next I pulled up the long, rubbery dark red gloves that came to a point over the elbow. The bottom of the glove was a softer, more flexible cotton fabric and was fingerless to allow me maximum dexterity. I slipped on the tight black bottoms and then the light black shoes with soft soles that made no sound. I clicked the belt around my waist, its triangular jade pendant gleaming softly in the dim light of my room. I fastened the dark red garter around my right thigh and I attached to it my short dagger and sheath. To my belt I attached my mother's tachi, several kunai, and some shuriken. I sat on the bed so that I could pull on my leg guards. All things considered…next time I should put these on before my shoes. I put the coin necklace my mother gave me on and I stared in the mirror.

I let down my hair from its normal up-do slowly and watched it fall about my face. I pinned the front pieces back using bobby pins and lastly I grabbed my dark red helmet off the bed. The black glass visor would allow me to see out and no one else to see in, so that I may maintain some aspect of anonymity. I pulled the top piece of my helmet on and latched it onto the bottom piece under my chin. My long off-black hair flowed behind me like a shadow. I was no longer Midori Yamamoto.

Tonight I am Jade.

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