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03 || 𝐆𝐈𝐕𝐄𝐍 𝐀 𝐌𝐈𝐒𝐒𝐈𝐎𝐍

Violetta moved through her morning training routine with mechanical precision, her body flowing from one form to the next without conscious thought. The training hall was nearly empty at this early hour—just how she preferred it. No distractions, no observers, only the steady rhythm of her breathing and the whisper of her weapons cutting through the air.

Yet despite her outward focus, her mind kept returning to the rooftop encounter. The slash of her blade connected with the orange-masked turtle. The satisfaction that had surged through her veins at the successful strike. The way the creature's brothers had instantly rallied to protect him.

And those eyes behind the purple mask.

Intelligent.

Observant.

Curious.

Violetta executed a particularly complex sequence of strikes, her movements sharper than necessary. The power behind them surprised even her, leaving her slightly breathless as she finished the form.

This was... unusual. She had injured enemies before countless times during her years as a Foot soldier. It was merely part of the mission, not something that lingered in her thoughts afterward. Yet here she was, replaying the encounter repeatedly, analyzing not just for tactical insights but for something else she couldn't quite name.

Perhaps, it's pride? Yes, she had succeeded where others might have failed. The mutants were formidable opponents, and she had drawn first blood. Such accomplishments warranted acknowledgment.

Karai had been impressed. Even Master Shredder, upon hearing the report, had nodded with the barest hint of approval. This recognition should have been enough—the only reward a true Foot soldier required.

So why did she feel this strange restlessness?

Violetta sheathed her weapons and moved to the center of the training floor, sinking into a meditative pose. She closed her eyes, seeking the mental stillness that had always come so easily to her.

I am a weapon of the Foot Clan. Nothing more. Nothing less.

The mantra repeated in her mind, a touchstone of identity she had clung to for years. Yet today, it felt... insufficient. As if something had awakened within her that could not be contained by that simple definition.

The door to the training hall slid open. Violetta didn't need to open her eyes to know who it was. The purposeful stride, the subtle shift in the air. Karai.

"Your form is excellent as always," Karai observed, circling Violetta. "But there is tension in your shoulders today. Unusual for you."

Violetta opened her eyes, rising smoothly to her feet. "A momentary lapse in concentration, nothing more."

Karai studied her with that penetrating gaze that seemed to see through all pretense. "The mutants troubled you."

It wasn't a question, but Violetta answered anyway. "Not troubled. I am... considering their implications for future missions."

"Of course," Karai replied, though her tone suggested she wasn't entirely convinced. "Master Shredder and Eric Sacks are most interested in these creatures. Particularly their origins."

Violetta kept her expression neutral. "They are skilled fighters. Trained in ninjutsu, but with their own adaptations."

"Yes. Their existence raises many questions," Karai said. "Questions that Master Shredder wants answered."

A mission, then. Violetta straightened slightly. "I am ready to serve."

"I know you are," Karai said, her lips curving into a rare smile. "You will lead a surveillance operation. We need to track these creatures to their hiding place. Learn their patterns, their weaknesses."