Terms:
Kappa: Japanese mythological turtle legend that craves cucumbers and drowns people who near the water they inhabit.
Jonin: The highest ninja rank meaning "upper-person."
The atmosphere was oppressive, weighed down by anticipation as Jennika marched through ranks of Foot Soldiers. Hundreds stood at attention, rigid and unmoving like statues. The kappa yokai's piercing gaze remained fixed on her destination. She ascended multiple flights of stairs, flanked by flickering torches casting eerie shadows. At the top, the current Foot Clan Lieutenant loomed, his imposing figure illuminated by dancing torchlight. Purple skin seemed almost iridescent, accentuating the bold Foot symbol emblazoned across his face.
Beside him stood his assistant, the formidable Foot Brute, towering over the lieutenant with an air of nonchalant menace, his features twisted into an unserious scowl.
Jennika trudged up the steps with deliberate strides, her expression unyielding and resolute. Reaching the summit of the imposing cement structure, she pivoted to confront the sea of expectant soldiers.
"Proceed, Foot Assassin," the lieutenant commanded, his gesture inviting her to address the assembly.
She stepped forward, inhaling sharply. "Foot Clan!" Jennika declared, her voice thundering across the silent ranks.
"The wait for our master's return is upon us!" Her words ignited a surge of hopeful anticipation among the crowd, their collective energy palpable in the air.
"Five hundred years ago, our master was banished." Jennika reminded them, her voice resonating through the ranks. "The heart and soul of the Foot Clan ripped away from it. From us." She produced a weathered scroll from her back pocket, unfurling it. The parchment revealed an archaic, intimidating portrait of their leader. The illustration highlighted intricate armor pieces, forging the Kuroi Yoroi --- dark, mystic armor crafted by the malevolent Krang, an alien race renowned for their wickedness and their successful and unsuccessful attempts at conquering planets.
"The Kuroi Yoroi," Jennika announced, her gaze sweeping the assembly, "a symbol of our master's power, forged in darkness, awaits his return."
Jennika's voice rang out, recounting the Foot Clan's storied past. "When our master fell, his armor scattered globally. For five hundred years, the Hamato Clan thwarted our retrieval efforts," she stepped forward, confidence radiating. "Hamato Atsuko is long gone. Her son, Hamato Yoshi, lost to fame's shackles," the scroll returned to the Foot Lieutenant. "The Hamato Clan is gone. Nothing stands between us and Master Shredder's revival," Silence descended, anticipation building.
"Nothing can stop the revival of Master Shredder once we have all the pieces of the Kuroi Yoroi. New York City, and soon the whole planet, will kneel!" Jennika's fist shot upward, igniting thunderous cheers from the soldiers. Jennika's grin hinted at hidden advantages, secrets other members of the Clan were clueless to.
Baron Draxum, a master warrior alchemist who could locate the armor pieces before the rest of The Foot.
Her daughter, a lowly errand runner underestimated by the Foot, could easily slip under the radar. Her covert missions would pave the way.
Jennika envisioned Shredder's triumphant return. Recognition and rewards awaiting her for her loyalty and efforts, making her the Foot Clan's Jonin. Her ambition burned brighter.
The room's energy reverberated through her, fueling her ambition. In this moment, she transcended her surroundings, her presence commanding respect. The cheers resonated within, solidifying her unwavering resolve. She stood triumphant, her raised fist soaring above the sea of Foot Soldiers, surpassing every point in the room. Above the ground that supported everyone, above the Foot Soldiers, above the tower she stood on, and above the incompetent Foot Lieutenant.
