Some 2003 TMNT Head Canons—Part 1
It was a lot of fun writing down my 1987 TMNT head canons so I thought I’d do my 2003 ones too! They will all eventually show up in my stories. I'll do some more later, as well as some more on the 1987 ones.
MASTER SPLINTER
While Splinter routinely refers to his former owner as ‘Master Yoshi’, in private he has called him Father. His sons caught onto this and Master Yoshi eventually became Grandfather Yoshi
Splinter has a huge amount of respect for both the Ancient One and the Daimyo but especially after some of the trauma his family endures, he questions if they are as wise as he once believed.
Splinter loves all his sons equally but he struggles to understand Mikey. He eventually realizes this influenced some not so good parenting decisions with him. While their relationship improves, it never fully recovers and that is one of Splinter’s major regrets in his life.
Because of his strong sense of smell, he is very particular about both incense and tea. April also learns to avoid certain scents in her lotions and shampoos.
Splinter understands technology more than he lets on, but it's become a bit of an ongoing joke with his family.
Splinter learned a lot about family dynamics from soap operas—at least at first—which is why some of the drama in his family he should have addressed went unnoticed at first. He expands his knowledge later and it improves.
Splinter and April have a special relationship. He absolutely views her as a daughter and there's a protectiveness he has for her that she can't help but find comforting.
LEONARDO
After his trip to Japan, Leo is fluent in Japanese and maintains his mastery of the language for the rest of his life. He never quite masters kanji—at least not to the level he would like.
Leo writes Usagi frequently and he returns the favor. Being Leo, he tried for the longest time to write in kanji and hiragana. Until Usagi wrote back once: I appreciate it, Leonardo, but I can read English.
Eventually, Usagi drops using any honorific with Leonardo, even when around others; a testament to their brotherly-like bond. Leonardo returns the sentiment and at some point, states he has four brothers
Leonardo and Raphael make a game of outdoing one another in battle (ala Legolas/Gimli) and it's a friendly rivalry to beat their old score.
Leonardo loves reading, of any kind, and serves as a reader for Mikey’s stories or comics that he makes.
Leonardo has no idea why cooking seems to be beyond his skill. But he can make traditional ramen, rice, lo mein and other rice/noodle dishes quite well.
Leonardo maintains an exaggerated startle reflex—especially with loud noises—even after his time with the Ancient One. It is a symptom of his PTSD that he learns to control but never completely goes away.
Leo could sit and listen to Donnie talk about inventions for hours. Not because he understands it (he actually goes glassy-eyed pretty quickly) but because Donnie is so excited about it.
Raph becomes Leo’s sounding board, especially when he's angry or frustrated. They'll frequently let it out via sparring or wrestling and it sounds terrifying from the outside (April asked once if they would actually hurt one another). But it's an activity both enjoy and helps immensely.
Leo named Raph his second in command, officially, not long after Exodus. Raph tried to shrug it off but secretly was immensely moved because for Leo to trust you to mind his family’s safety is the biggest compliment
Leo has and will hide Donnie’s coffee if his brother is overworking himself.
Leo loves physical affection but usually won't initiate it. Mikey is known for giving what he calls “emergency hugs” if Leo seems stressed.
