Ninja Training, Part 4: Toby's Inner Ninja

Now that Martyn was sure that Toby had mastered his ninja skills, it was time to get Toby to show what he really learned. First, he talked to Toby about how he should attack at the right times.

"Okay, Toby," said Martyn. "Now that I'm sure that your training is paying off, I should tell you about how ninjas should attack. Ninja skills are all about the mind and body. You need to focus on what you're doing and how you're attacking your enemy."

"Um, I thought ninjas were supposed to be a little aggressive," replied Toby. 

"Well, not really," said Martyn. "That kinda defeats the purpose. We're supposed to focus with our minds and bodies before and when we attack. So, the next test is to focus on the mind and body when you're practicing your skills."

"Oookay, then," said Toby.

During the next test, Toby tried hard to concentrate on what he was doing. 

"Focusing on the mind and body is pretty hard, isn't it, Toby?" said Martyn. "But ninjas have to stay focused when they attack. Just focus. Focus, Toby, focus!"

Sure enough, Toby started to focus. But he couldn't focus for long. He just wanted to show off what he had learned. 

Martyn stared in shock as Toby flipped a circuit. Toby jumped up and went Full Ninja, looking like he was about to take Martyn down. 

"Whoa!" shouted Martyn as Toby made a lunge for him. "Stand down, Toby! Stand down!" 

Just as Toby was about to take Martyn down with a Leaf Drop, the Nature Ninja stopped his sidekick in his tracks. 

"Wait, Toby!" cried Martyn. "Snap out of it! I was wrong! You don't need to be a professional ninja like me. I like you just the way you are!" 

That's when Toby stopped. 

"What was I thinking?" he sighed, slapping his forehead. "You know what, Marty? I guess I unleashed my inner ninja a little too soon. I guess I'm not ready to become a ninja just yet."

"Well," said Martyn. "Maybe some other time, I'll help you learn to unleash your inner ninja at the right times. Anyway, it's good to have you back, bro."

Now, both Toby and Martyn understood that they shouldn't change each other to make them act like each other better. But Martyn knew that someday, Toby would become a ninja, just like him.

But not today.