From The Shadows: Goodbye || BOOK 3 (TMNT)

Chapter 10. Counsel

     The turtles were not the only ones preparing themselves for the coming battles. Master Shredder was confident in Sasha's abilities. Regardless of her skill, a lack of control over her newfound powers could favor the Hamatos. Shredder's regiment was founded on discipline—something that would become Sasha's most dependable resource.

     The two bowed to each other, concluding the session. It had been quite some time since Shredder had trained a soldier. The Foot Bots did not require training; it could all be programmed. And his mutants and Karai were all capable of handling their own training. Now, directly passing his vast knowledge onto Sasha was refreshing. He had trained her plenty in Japan and didn't particularly miss the sessions with her or Karai, but he was fond of returning to it. There was still much Sasha could learn from him.

     Shredder was primarily interested in honing Sasha's power. She was a new source of information. Her blood and DNA could provide Stockman with the secrets to the serum and would be able to grant Shredder the same, if not stronger, abilities.

     "You have already improved greatly," Shredder comments.

     "Thank you, Master Shredder." The two exit his dojo and walk down the dim, cold corridor. "I feel stronger physically." She pauses briefly. "But, that alone won't beat the brothers... or Carrie."

     Shredder already knew this to be true.

     "I will master it."

     "I know you will."

     These words didn't come as motivation. They were a warning—a sinister threat. Power was only as valuable as its wielder and Sasha was not the only one with power.

     Although Shredder could now shift his focus from Carrie to Sasha, he would be foolish to ignore Carrie completely. Should she learn to use it, everything he has been working towards would be set back to square one: a lack of power and control—a lack of an advantage.

     They come up to the entrance to Baxter's lab. "Stockman is ready to begin the experiments."

     Sasha bows. She wasn't particularly fond of being the subject of so many examinations. Regardless, Sasha knew the more Baxter knew, the easier she could learn how to handle this power.

     Shredder watched Sasha enter the lab. He stood at the door, observing their greetings. He did not stay long to supervise the experiments. Shredder left just as quickly as they arrived, treading down the halls to the throne room.

     Not everyone was optimistic regarding Sasha and her power. There were more questions than answers. Even the Shredder reserved his own doubts.

     The mutants and Karai stood at the foot of his throne. They spoke softly amongst themselves as they waited for their master. Sasha was the topic of their conversation. A powerful ally would finally turn the tides of the war, favoring the Foot instead of the Hamatos and Adachis. However, Sasha's demonstration against Rocksteady was worrisome. Witnessing the potential of Noah's power brought about more fear than motivation.

     The Shredder pushed open the doors and stepped into his throne room. The room fell silent as his ninja stepped to the side, allowing their master to ascend to his throne. Once sat upon it, the ninja bowed their heads.

     After a few moments, the silence was broken.

     "I do not trust her," Rocksteady says. He huffs and crosses his arms.

     "Of course, you don't, dog." Bebop shakes his head. Rahzar growls at him but the hog ignores the threat. "She showed you what's up."

     "No!" Rocksteady protests. "No one can be trusted with such power!"