Midnight...

Leonardo sat down quietly in the middle of Shredder's training dojo, he inhaled in and out deeply as he meditated. He didn't move much, he was as still as a stone, his katanas were on his left while his current armor was still worn. He suddenly remembers a past memory before he got here...

1 Year Ago...

"AHHH!" Leo screamed loudly in pain, panting heavily as blood oozed from his arms and legs, "I-I'm n-not lying! I-I don't remember a-anything..!" He yelped, screaming once again when Shredder used his metal claws to further scar his body.

"Foolish. You're weak, I know this is a trick. Take him away." Shredder said in his cold voice, Rahzar and Xever picked Leo up to put him in a cell. But Leo didn't give in. He kicked Rahzar and Xever to the ground despite the burning pain in his whole body, he stood his ground and planted heavily. Tigerclaw looked at him, shocked.

Shredder looked from his shoulder, Rahzar and Xever lay groaning on the ground. Leo only stared at Shredder intently, as if saying he tried proving himself. Shredder growled under his breath.

"I will finish him, master." Tigerclaw said, pounding his fists. Leo growled under his breath and prepared for another fight, but Shredder stopped Tigerclaw in his tracks.

"No, let me deal with Leonardo. Dismiss, all of you." Shredder said to everyone, they all bowed and left the room, with Tigerclaw scowling at Leo. Leo looked at the retreating minions over his shoulder, he was confused. Shredder walked towards him, then stopped to look at his figure.

"You're strong, I can see that." Shredder said after a long silence. Leo looked at him. "But how can I trust you when you're the son of my arch nemesis..?" Shredder asked.

"I can't.. remember who my family were.. or any close friends I had.." Leo spoke in a quiet voice, "Who.. are you..?" He asked. Shredder suddenly got an idea in his mind.

"My name is Oroku Saki, your father." Shredder said, Leo looked surprised. "Surprised, are we?"

"Y-Yes, f-father.. it's like it's been a long time.." Leonardo said, Shredder put a hand on his shoulder, Leo winced because of a wound there.

"From now on, you'll stay here, at the Foot Headquarters. But I need you to know some things." Shredder said, Leo nodded, saying he was listening. "A mutant rat named Hamato Yoshi is your enemy, as well as the turtles Raphael, Donatello, Michelangelo, and their friends. They had a friend named (Y/N) but you hated her, she almost killed me a year ago, but luckily you saved me." Shredder finished.

"Whoa.. I really did?" Leonardo asked in awe. Shredder nodded. "I'll make sure our enemies don't come near you again, father." Leo said in determination.

"Good, now, I'll let them heal your wounds, young one." Shredder said in a softer voice. Leo nodded.

Present Day...

Leonardo opened his eyes, suddenly losing his peace in meditation. He looked around, still being the only one awake at this time, he sighed and blew out the candles surrounding him. He stood up and then felt his wounds before, he looked at his arms and saw the claw marks that looked like battle scars now. It made him look, fierce as Shredder told him.

"Leonardo."

Leonardo looked back to see Shredder at the door, "Yes, father..?"

"Come." Shredder said, Leo walked towards the exit with his katanas and followed Shredder to the throne room. Shredder stopped in his tracks and looked back at Leo. "I wanted to speak to you about something."

"I'm listening, father." Leo said respectively.

Shredder put a hand on his shoulder, "When I'm not leader anymore, I'm thinking you can be the next leader of the Foot Clan." Leo's eyes widened, shocked. "Since you've been showing potential and deep loyalty, I think you're ready. If you want to take it?"

Leo stayed silent, thinking deeply. It was an honor to him. "I'll try my best to be the leader of this Clan in the future, father. I promise." Leonardo said, confident. Shredder smiled behind his mask.

"You'll be a great leader, Leonardo. You've always made me proud."

To Be Continued...