Another week passes with Destiny spending her time in pretty much the same way as before. The only exception is that she's trying to be a better house guest now that she's agreed to stick around.

The wolf mutant sits in the dojo, eyes locked on her t-phone as she scrolls through images on the screen. She keeps glancing at her ankle, which is unwrapped and, according to Donatello, healed up. Destiny is free of the bandages that she obtained when she first arrived in the lair a month ago, and it's an amazing feeling.

Leonardo walks into the room, stretching his arms as he walks. Destiny looks up, her ears perking as she gets to her feet and hurries over to him, clutching her t-phone tighter.

"Hey Leo, when will I become a real kunoichi?" she asks.

He disregards her question for a moment in lieu of his own scolding. "Des, I told you to start warming up."

"I did, but then I finished and you were still drinking tea with Splinter in the kitchen," she retorts. "Besides, I was busy researching."

He glances at her phone for a second before his eyes flit back to her face. "What kind of research?"

"Ninja terms. I keep getting the names of all your equipment mixed up so...yeah." She shrugs. She flicks her wrist back, hiding her phone from view. "About my question?"

His face falls into rather neutral position. "You're eager, huh?"

"Just wondering."

"Considering my brothers and I have been learning since we were little, I'd say you've got at least five years of work ahead of you before you can be considered a kunoichi."

An instant frown adorns her features. "Oh...that kind of sucks."

"If you want it bad enough, you'll work for it," he answers simply, brushing past her as he begins rolling his shoulders again. "Still, you're doing well so far. Five years will fly by like nothing."

She tries to picture where she'll be in five years, imagining a gorgeous twenty-year-old with no awkward bumbling and a bright confidence gleaming in her eyes. Destiny sighs, finding it hard to even think of what next year might be like.

She runs a hand through her loose curls as she turns around. "Yeah, I suppose so," she says with a tiny smile. "I guess I just really wanted my previous work to speed the process up."

"Nothing can speed it up. It takes practice, hard work, precision..." Leonardo purses his lips and shakes his head. "Ninjutsu isn't just something you can wake up and master in a day. You know that, right?" He gives her a pointed look.

"Hai Sensei," she utters teasingly, lowering her voice to up the dramatic flair.

He moves in front of her and grasps her wrists carefully, staring straight into her eyes as he drags her closer. Her fingers tighten around her t-phone.

"I'm serious. If you're willing to actually put a whole lot of effort into your studies, I'm willing to help you," he reiterates, as if he's given her this speech a thousand times. "You'll become a kunoichi eventually, it'll just require patience."

She nods, captivated by his intense gaze. A coy smile lifts her lips. "Well, I'm living here now anyways. I need a hobby other than reading."

He releases her wrists and rolls his eyes. "You can be impossible sometimes. Ninjutsu isn't just a hobby, Des."

She laughs, poking his bicep. "I'm teasing you, Leo."

"You know what I think?" His eyes sparkle with amusement. "You're spending too much time with Raph. You sound like him, but more teasing and less angry."

"I'm honoured to be compared with such an admirable hothead," she says with a sweeping bow. She straightens up and fluffs her hair. "Like that admirable hothead, I need to keep learning ninjutsu. Teach me your ways, Sensei Leonardo."

His chest seems to puff up at the name, his expression growing determined as he places his hands behind his back. "Ah, my student, you are eager. However, all fledglings must first learn to walk before they can fly."

She arches an eyebrow. "Did you just attempt to sound like Splinter?"

He clears his throat and drops the act. "Well...maybe a little."

"Nice job."

"Thank you."

His eyes flicker to the weapons rack inside the dojo, his countenance growing thoughtful. Destiny follows his gaze, then shifts in place as she slowly brings her phone back up to her face.

"Hey...uh, nihontō are the types of swords used by ninjas, right?" she asks, tilting a picture towards him.

"Japanese warriors, more like, not necessarily ninja," he says, eyeing the picture. "But we still make use of it since Sensei taught us an ancient Japanese fighting style." After another second, he adds, "Maybe Sensei could let you pick a weapon."

"A weapon," she echoes. Her tail wags with excitement.

"Yes, as in an object used in a battle to give you an upper hand," he says with a smirk.

She nudges him with her shoulder. "I know, I was just...copying you. You know imitation is the sincerest form of flattery."

"Good thing I'm flattered then." He laughs before refocusing on the rack, pensive. "Either way, having a defined weapon choice will allow you to focus on one section of ninjutsu, thereby mastering that skill set." He glances at her. "You've shown to be the best at the blades, so some kind of nihontō would be your best choice."

Destiny looks over the swords hanging along the wall, glancing down at the picture on her phone for reference every now and then. Chokutō, tachi, odachi, nagamaki, wakizashi, kodashi, weapons and ninja gear waiting before her for a choice or to be noticed.

Her eyes settle on the blade hanging right near Leonardo's usual katanas. It looks like it's the same length as the said sword, but it's more curved. Even so, it looks strong and powerful. Leonardo notices where her attention has fallen, nodding absentmindedly.

"The uchigatana...that could work," he comments.

"What could work?"

The teens turn around to see Master Splinter standing at the dojo entrance. He smiles a little, practically gliding as he moves towards them.

"Hey Sensei," Destiny greets.

He responds, "Hello, Destiny. How has training been going for you?"

"Really good. I think I'm already going strong on the path to becoming a ninja," she says with a newfound sort of confidence.

"Very good," he praises, lifting a hand to his beard. "Now, what were you two speaking about just now?"

"Weapons for Des," Leonardo answers. "Do you think she's ready?"

Splinter looks to the girl, that wise gleam burning within his russet eyes. He nods once.

"I believe so. After all, having a new weapon will add to your self-defence substantially," the rat says smoothly. "Leonardo, gather your brothers. I think they will want to see Destiny receive a weapon."

Destiny's chest warms up with excitement as she flashes a fanged grin to no one in particular. Leonardo nods and dashes from the room to retrieve Raphael, Donatello, and Michelangelo. Splinter removes the shining uchigatana from the weapons rack and motions for her to follow him, an order that she listens to readily.

"In honour of receiving your new weapon, I believe you should go with the boys on patrol tonight. You've been patient about remaining in the sewers," he says as she settles down on the mat in front of him. "Would you enjoy that?"

She bows her head in response. "I would. Thank you."

He mirrors her movement. "You are welcome." He looks down at the sword, his slim fingers caressing the sheathe. "Destiny, you do realize that mastering a new weapon isn't going to come easy. I will take over your training from now on, and you can be April's sparring partner if you please."

"Hai Sensei," she utters.

Their conversation is cut short as the four turtles re-enter the room. They fall into a uniform line without a moment of hesitation, settling down on their knees. Leonardo, the closest one to Destiny, nudges her shoulder and throws her a side glance and a proud smile. Her chest bubbles up with warmth as she returns the gesture.

"I believe it's been a month since Destiny has become a part of our lives," Splinter starts. "With her ankle and everything else healed, I believe she is ready to go above ground again."

"Finally!" Michelangelo whoops, throwing his fist up in the air.

Splinter lets out a small chuckle at the reaction. "It seems Leonardo decided to do my job for me in helping to choose your weapon, Destiny," he says to the girl. "You have shown an affinity for—"

"THE KATANA!" Leonardo blurts out.

The remaining three brothers have to bite their lips to stop from laughing, and Destiny finds herself doing the same through a grin as her hand flies to her mouth. Splinter gives Leonardo a hard glare, silently scolding him for interrupting.

"Yes, the katana," the wise rodent continues with a gentle breath. "This is why I give this to you."

He hands Destiny the uchigatana and she takes it almost too eagerly. She grips the handle and removes the sword from its sheathe, testing the weight in her hand. She's surprised by the light feeling of it, considering that the katana was a lot heavier when she tried it out with Leonardo. The sword still feels like a deadly extension of her arm and when she imagines fighting with it, her body trembles with excitement.

"This is a uchigatana, as you already know. The blade is more curved and thinner than the katana, but no less powerful. Use it with strength and care."

Destiny stands and sheathes the weapon again, tucking it beneath her arm. She bows to Splinter, then straightens up and brings the uchigatana back into her hands. She stares at it, going utterly still.

"Uh, Des? Are you alright?" Donatello asks.

"Yeah, I'm fine," she says, looking towards the turtles. She shakes the sword, bouncing it in her hands. "Just, er, do I wear it on my back or what?" she asks, a sheepish look taking over her face.

Splinter chuckles. "It is worn on a belt around your waist with the edge upward," he says, moving towards her and repositioning it against her hip. He takes it back. "I will find a proper belt for you and return it before patrol."

"Thank you, Sensei," Destiny says.

Splinter dismisses them with a wave of his hand. The quintet of teenagers heads from the dojo, crowding together in a mish-mashed bunch.

"Ooo, Destiny, lookin' fly, ready to punch a guy!" Michelangelo jokes, making a strange hand symbol and poking his tongue out. "Or...slice a guy."

"Was that an attempt at rapping?" Donatello asks, arching an eye-ridge at the orange-masked turtle.

"Nah, just rhyming," he responds with a laugh.

Destiny smiles. "I don't think I'm gonna be slashing anyone soon."

"I dunno, Des, taking down Kraang bots is very fun," Raphael says, mashing his fist into his palm.

"Who knows, maybe she'll get the chance tonight," Leonardo suggests. "But not really, because you're not ready," he adds after a second.

"Whatever happens, I'm excited," Destiny says.

She sweeps her arms over Leonardo and Raphael's shoulders, hoisting herself up and swinging her legs out with a short whoop. The boys stumble slightly and regain their balance in a second, Raphael snorting at the ridiculous show of the girl's happiness.