Michelangelo Hamato

* Ninja, 34
* Novelist, 34
* Ninja, 17

In *Mutant Ninja Turtles Gaiden*, **Michelangelo Hamato** (usually known simply as **Mikey**) is the adopted son of Hamato Splinter, along with his brothers Leonardo, Raphael and Donatello. Now 34 years old, for the last 17 years he has not been a ninja, but has changed his path in life to become a bestselling novelist under the pen name **Mikael Buonarotti**, and has been living as part of the Jones family household along with his surrogate sister April O'Neil, April's husband Casey Jones and Mikey's niece Shadow Jones.

## Appearance

In the Prologue, Michelangelo’s appearance is mostly the same as it is in Mirage TMNT Volume 1, from which *MNT Gaiden* branches its continuity. The one difference, influenced by the 2003 TV series, is that Michelangelo’s bandana is orange.

Michelangelo first appears in a conversation with Shadow Jones after the 17 year time skip, having dropped all his ninja attire and now sporting a frayed sleeveless vest and jeans. When he goes with Shadow to Augustus Amherst’s funeral he wears a suit and dress shoes and a fedora to conceal his appearance. When at home, he is also seen wearing a muscle shirt and sweatpants. Raphael accuses Michelangelo of trying to be ‘too human’ and it is likely his preference in wearing human clothing even when he is alone adds to Raphael's perception. After his ‘reawakening’ however, Michelangelo returns to wearing his bandana, different in that it covers the entire top portion of his head and has a yellow flame design across the back, though it is still orange. The belt he wears is also different than Raphael and Donatello, in that is more like a traditional human belt with a buckle, rather than the typical martial arts sash.

## Personality

Michelangelo's personality in *MNT Gaiden* is possibly affected by the Curse of Yamata-no-Orochi as is the rest of his family. Well known for being jovial, light-hearted and a prankster, cursed Michelangelo emerges as serious, thoughtful and pessimistic. However, if he is truly cursed, it's hold on Michelangelo seems to be less damaging than his brothers. Only speculation and Tigerfog's commentary (via deviantART comments) hint that this is because he is more accepting of himself and his life than his brothers and his open personality harbors little darkness to exploit, although it is ambiguous as to whether he is actually cursed after Leo returns and makes his initial assessment.

Cursed Michelangelo is similar to the other cursed versions of his brothers in that it enhances his flaws to the extreme. Where the usual Mikey is happy and enjoys making his brothers smile even at the cost of his own pride, dark Mikey would rather leave them to themselves to suffer their own cursed fate and live his separate albeit fairly normal life on his own.

Normal Mikey was not particularly self-sacrificing or brave, although protective when necessary and rising to any challenge that threatened his family. He cares deeply for his family but his fear of the emotional pain involved in being a ninja, and his need for self-preservation lead his dark self practically abandoning Raphael and Donatello and completely leaving his life as a ninja in favor of a quiet life with April and her family. Without his brothers to entertain and be the foil for he becomes quiet, introverted and passionate about his writing. When presented with the challenge of helping Shadow fight for Davianna in Chapter 4: *Watch Out! Business with the Purple Dragons!*, he has something akin to a panic attack at the thought, leading to an outburst at Renoir and in Shadow calling him a coward. He breaks down, frozen until Shadow returns and apologizes, although it is evident that he agrees. During his fight on Christmas eve, believing Shadow to be dead because of his careless and selfish pursuit of writing about the Purple Dragons and the NYC Foot he is able to conquer his fear and fight, having lost all hope of rescuing her and only having the life of her young friend Davianna Wallace. He appears to overcome the effects of the Curse of Yamata-no-Orochi when Raphael comes to his aid during the fight with the Elite ninja Eikichi Gotoh and he makes the decision that he is going to protect his brother for once, instead of always being protected in Chapter 15: *And So the Pages Turn...*. This significant event changes his heart and mind as he finally understands that he was incomplete without the bond of his brothers. He realizes he missed feeling joy, and bringing joy to his family and decides to combine both aspects of his personality so he can be whole once again. It is not yet well understood how Mikey broke his curse, though in Chapter 22: *The Witch-Hunt of a Bloodline* Leonardo suspects that Mikey is actually not cursed at all. Once he returns to his normal self he once again becomes light-hearted, joyful and excitable, leading Leonardo to believe he may have never been cursed in the first place. His skill for taunting is essential to Leo's plan to draw out Eikichi to find the stolen Yata-no-Kagami, insulting both the Elite ninja and Shredder loudly and long enough to elicit an attack.

## Biography

In the Prologue, Michelangelo Hamato is still a 17-year-old turtle living in a lair in the sewer with his brothers Raphael, Leonardo and Donatello and their father Splinter. Eikichi Gotoh had anonymously dropped into the sewers a package addressed to Hamato Yoshi containing the Tōtsuka Sword and some Japanese scrolls, and it was later found by Splinter, who took the package's contents into his room.

Michelangelo convinces Raphael to join him for sparring, catching him in the middle of an argument with Leo upon their return from the surface. His mischievous curiosity brings him to seek out Raph to be his cohort in sneaking in to Splinter's room and taking a peek at the mysterious package. When they open it to find a katana, the Tōtsuka Sword, and Raphael quickly becomes consumed by the Curse of Yamata-no-Orochi and attacks Mikey, who tries to stop him from framing Leo by putting the package in his room.

Leo intervenes and sends Mikey to Donatello to treat his wound. After Leo is subsequently consumed by the curse, Donnie leaves Mikey to investigate until Raphael returns looking for the Shell Cell to contact Splinter, and then tries to explain what has happened to a hesitant Michelangelo. Not believing Raphael because he again attacks him, Mikey runs away from Raph only to discover an unconscious Donnie and Leo waiting in the shadows. Still fearing an attack from Raph, Mikey ignores Leo who takes the opportunity to try and kill him. Raphael comes to his defense and is seriously wounded by Leonardo as he steps in front of Mikey to protect him. Confused but understanding what Raph has done for him, Mikey teams up with Donnie and knocks Leo to the side, giving them a moment to recover. While Donatello tries to buy them time to get away, Mikey has to hold Raph back from charging Leo as he attacks Donnie. Splinter arrives but fails to completely destroy the curse by transferring it to his own body and telling Leo to kill him. Heartbroken at the loss of his father, Leo leaving for Japan and the broken trust and bond with his brothers, Michelangelo seeks out April and asks to move in with her. According to a flashback in Chapter 3: *Broken Brotherhood - Burden from "Back Then"*, he returns later to the a lair in the sewer for his things and the chasm between he and Raphael begins as his brother tries to convince him that the whole ordeal was partly his fault for convincing Raphael to open the package. Undaunted, likely because he realizes his curiosity may have been careless but there was no way he could have predicted the outcome, he leaves Raphael to his bitterness and guilt, but in the process also leaves his happiness.

Michelangelo appears in the events 17 years later when Davianna Wallace stops in to have tea with his niece Shadow Jones, sharing their grief in Chapter 2: *Reminiscence - Living Memories Beyond Death's Illusions*. He observes from hiding that Davianna cried, something that seems to have slipped by Shadow as she claims that as a writer, he understands people and emotions better than she does. After briefly discussing Raphael's "prank" call to which Mikey claims to have no understanding of, she asks him for a favor which he quickly identifies as accompanying her to Augustus Amherst's funeral.

At the funeral Shadow confronts Raphael and is horrified to learn that he has brought along Renoir (who is actually Augustus in a new form) who tries to convince his younger sister Carole Amherst of his identity. Also horrified, calling him an abomination, Michelangelo grabs and throws the younger turtle off Carole and in to Raphael. The two have a brief argument over Michelangelo's prideful concern over his reputation but he quickly realizes that Raphael was the one who brought Renoir to the funeral. Concerned for Shadow and other humans he moves on Raph who calls him out and throws him down, saying if he was really worried he wouldn't be bothering with Raph over his reputation—indicating that Michelangelo is more concerned for his career than his family.

The next day in Chapter 3: *Broken Brotherhood - Burden from "Back Then"*, Michelangelo catches Renoir sneaking in through the bathroom window when he hears Shadow scream. After both of them are tossed out by Shadow, Renoir explains that he is simply looking for food, not to Mikey's surprise. He recalls the events to Renoir of when he left the lair, pointing out that from that point Raphael was consumed by guilt and tried to pull Michelangelo in to his downward spiral of self-destruction. Mikey refused to succumb to his attempts and effectively disowned him, telling Raph that he tries to pull people down so he is not alone in his misery. Mikey no longer desires to bolster the mood or support his passionate brother and leaves Raph alone with his guilt. He tries to show Renoir that Raphael was not always so violent and grumpy, but that he grew to be that way after drowning in his misery for so long. Again showing that he is far more aware of what is going on than he lets on, he tells Renoir to let Shadow (who has fallen asleep) be—that after the trauma of his 'reincarnation' she is exhausted. Renoir is surprised that Mikey realizes that he was 'Augustus' but is warned to stay away from Shadow until Mikey feels that he can be trusted. Renoir challenges him asking if he is not trusted then why give him so much personal information about his family. Michelangelo admits he has an ulterior motive of helping Renoir help Raph, since he is no longer able to do it himself. Raphael appears in the kitchen and becomes unruly and angry after seeing Mikey's photo album and having drunk all the alcohol available. He accuses Mikey of being glad Splinter died so he could have a happy life with April and Casey and Shadow, again trying to make him admit that they both were responsible for the murder of their father. Renoir intervenes, Mikey's words still fresh in his mind, and changes the subject and deflects his verbal assault. Still not buying into the guilt Mikey only sympathetically comforts Raph in his misery of being abandoned and guilt ridden, again playing his part as the support to his brother after he absorbs the chaos not only for himself, but for Michelangelo as well. Mikey seems to finally accept some responsibility for Raph's well being and that he does owe him some forgiveness for carrying the burden of Splinter's death alone over the years.

The following morning in Chapter 4: *Watch Out! Business with the Purple Dragons!*, Michelangelo catches Renoir in Shadow's lingerie drawer, but lets him off fairly easy. He mentions that if Casey were there he would have kicked Renoir's ass, indicating that Mikey refuses to fight. When Raphael awakens he begrudgingly thanks Mikey (after insulting him) for his support and Mikey acknowledges him (after he leaves). The bridge of communication between the two is finally at least open, although still very shaky. A bit later Shadow calls Michelangelo asking for help to fight off some Purple Dragons to rescue Davianna. He tells her to call the police and come home but Shadow refuses saying the Dragons have police connections. She brings up that they had always protected innocents, trying to stir him up enough to want to help but it triggers an internal battle for Michelangelo. He is unable to respond, remembering the reasons why he quit being a ninja and trying to convince himself that it will be fine if he doesn't go. When Renoir pushes him to go he explodes in anger, shouting that it isn't his problem and he isn't an agent of justice and chooses to not share in the burden that is not his. Shadow consequently yells over the speakerphone that he is a coward for not helping when her friend's life is at stake and that she understands why his brothers don't like him and see him as a traitor. Renoir leaves him to help Shadow.

When Shadow returns safely in Chapter 5: *Raph Strikes - How to End a Conflict and Start a New One*, she finds Mikey huddled against the wall, frozen there since the phone call. She hugs him and tells him she's sorry as he holds on to her, presumably ashamed and relieved that she is okay.

Chapter 6: *The Actor Who Has Never Performed Before* sees Michelangelo toying with the idea of coming out as a mutant as he and Shadow watch the news. His plan is thwarted as they see the remnants of Donatello's kidnapping of Carole and the public threat to mutants renewed.

In Chapter 7: *The Untimely Clash - Raphael vs. Michelangelo*, Michelangelo is struggling writing his next novel, concerned about his reputation and career, and his inability to focus ever since Raphael came back into his life. He sees his diary and believes he may have an answer to both problems. Raphael arrives with Renoir to have his book report corrected for Davianna. Shadow attempts to hide the report, knowing that Raphael has never known Michelangelo's pen name nor read his books and that he would be angry if he discovered the contents. He reads a short summary and barges into Mikey's room and attacks him, livid over Mikey using their family's tragedies to earn money entertaining human readers.

The fight continues in Chapter 8: *The Cowards*, the reader learning that after recovering somewhat from the trauma of Splinter's death, Michelangelo wrote down a detailed journal about what had happened. In his later struggle to write he realizes that his creativity was tied to his past self, the happy-go-lucky and carefree younger version of himself. He consults his journal to inspire his imagination, leading to Raphael beating him when he finds out what he did. Raphael accuses Michelangelo of making money off murdering their father, which Mikey denies doing.

    He continues to beat Mikey, yelling at him that he is denying reality until Mikey begins to fight back, both physically and verbally. He points out that Raphael is the one running away, isolating himself and eventually taking in Renoir to pretend that he is what Raphael wants to be. Unable to lift Raphael to throw him, Michelangelo continues to suffer. Raphael claims he can't lift him because he is weak and feels the weight of their sin but Mikey retorts that it is only all the alcohol and cigarettes that made him so heavy. He tells Raphael that he meditated for an entire year on his decision to leave behind his life whereas Raph spend mere seconds to decided that Mikey was a traitor. He also states that no matter how much Raph tries to guilt trip him, his mind is strong even if his body is weak and he will always resist Raph's attempts to drag him down in to his misery. Raphael breaks his hand in fury, then the other when Mikey says he can still type with one hand. Reeling in pain Mikey lectures Raphael on the short term reward for harming him—that no matter how much he beats on him it will not bring Splinter back—and that everything and everyone must move on and that it is not his fault that Raphael chooses to dwell on the past and linger forever in his guilt. Angered past any point of reason Raphael attempts to take one last, fatal blow to his brother but is stopped by Shadow. She puts herself in his path in order to stop him from killing her uncle. Mikey silently begs Raph to come to his senses before he hurts Shadow, who asks him to stop and for everything to just be okay again. Raphael has a moment to remember standing with Mikey, supporting each other and caring for each other. When he "awakens" from his rage he is horrified at what he has done.

Raphael apologizes and attempts to help Mikey in Chapter 9: *Deeper in the Abyss*. Understanding that Raphael was not really himself and no longer feeling the need to widen the rift between them, Mikey tells him it is okay. When Raph continues and tried to help him up Mikey slaps his hand away and tells him not to touch him, and to leave. Raphael, feeling even more rejected and guilty than before, complies. Renoir wishes to stay but Mikey turns him down, telling him to be with Raph because he needs him more than ever. The police arrive and just as he fears he must reveal himself, he and Shadow are saved by the timely return of April and Casey Jones who had been on a second honeymoon.

In Chapter 10: *Rational Voice? Enter Casey and April!!!* Michelangelo is bothered by his most recent bestselling novel, seeing himself as a sellout and of disrespecting Raphael's fond memories of their past. Shadow tries to cheer him up and is glad to hear the Mikey does still care about Raph. April and Casey return from talking with Mikey's agent and chide Shadow and Mikey for not calling Raph to check on him. Mikey is moved by Shadow's admittance that she let down Renoir when she was the only one he could rely on—mirroring his guilt over leaving Raph on his own. Mikey explains to Casey and April about Renoir and they leave to go to Raph's lair and meet him. Raphael gets angry again on the subject of Mikey's writing and April makes him read the last page of his newest book, which clearly describes his struggle separate himself from his memories, coming to the conclusion that they will always define him in one way or another and that he knows one day he will be forced to confront his past.

Nearing Christmas, Elite Foot ninja Eikichi Gotoh declares Michelangelo must die in Chapter 11: *A Prelude to...* because of the losses the NYC Foot have suffered at the hands of the police following the damaging details published in his book.

As he finishes up wrapping his Christmas presents in Chapter 12: *...The Crimson Christmas*, Michelangelo is interrupted by a note launched through the window with a shuriken telling him the fate of two innocent girls depends on his arrival at the given address. Feeling his past calling him more strongly than it has in a very long time, Michelangelo dons his bandana, sheds his human clothing and again wields his chosen weapons, his nunchaku, ready to dive back in to the work of pain and darkness. He leaves without telling anyone, unknowingly crossing paths with Renoir on his way bringing Shadow home.

Chapter 13: *Back into the Shadows* shows Michelangelo coming across a cat that reminds him of his first human Christmas, when he found Klunk, and he wonders if it is an omen that his past has now caught up with him and is truly a part of his current reality. Regretfully he apologies to the look a like for having denied Klunk's existence, and when the cat runs off he realizes that words mean nothing, and that it is what he does that will now define him. He enters the battlefield and begins to recall the lessons he learned long ago from Splinter, using his natural abilities to try and gain the upper hand. Upon being called out and learning that Shadow has been killed (not knowing that she made it safely home with Renoir), Mikey is confronted again with Davianna's rescue, this time believing he has already lost his precious niece.

In Chapter 14: *Dogfight!! Up Close and Personal with Remnants of the Foot Clan!* Michelangelo desperately tries to give himself up in return for Davianna's release, feeling hopeless over the loss of Shadow and that trying to fight is pointless. After being pelted with shuriken and lying defeated because he still refuses to fight, he realizes they never meant to bargain and that they meant to kill both him and the girls. With nothing left to lose he becomes enraged and begins to fight back, wishing at the very least end that he can end his life getting revenge for Shadow. As he fights his skill returns and when he finally gets his hands on his weapons, his nunchaku, a part of him awakens and he launches in to a full on assault of the NYC Foot, embracing his former abilities to fight and enjoy it. Casey arrives in the middle of the fight to assist him and tells Mikey that Shadow and Davianna are both alive. On hearing the news Michelangelo collapses, his motive for fighting lost and relief giving way to exhaustion. Raphael and Donatello arrive and enter the battle, and Raph awakens a confused Mikey to haul him to safety. Mikey asks him why he came and Raphael hassles him, telling him he only partially commits to these changes, holding on to his memories when he leaves the ninja life behind, and forgetting his bond with his brothers when he returns. Michelangelo weeps hearing that Raph still considers him his brother and will always be there for him, for better or for worse. The two are stopped by Eikichi who attacks Raphael by temporarily blinding him with bloody snow then swinging his ono axe in an attempt to kill him. Michelangelo is thrown in to the memory of Raphael protecting him from Leo all those years ago, and as Raph continues in the present to tell him he will protect him no matter what, Mikey decides it is time to stop running and being protected and it is time to accept his fate and responsibilities and do what he should have done years ago. He steps in and protects his brother, Eikichi's ono breaking through his nunchuku and hitting him in the shoulder as he comes between Eikichi and Raphael.

Continuing in Chapter 15: *And So the Pages Turn...*, Michelangelo tells Raphael to run, but Raph instead goes berserk. After covering Mikey and taking the ono to his own shell to protect him, Raph attacks Eikichi, nearly killing him, but stops when Michelangelo reminds him that they were not brought up by Splinter to be cold blooded killers and tells Raphael that it is all right because they have already won. He goes on to proudly tell Raph that it is like they went back in time since he was fighting and Raphael was able to control his temper. Hell bent on protecting Mikey, Raph carries him off on his motorcycle, unaware that they are leaving a trail of blood that the police can use to track them. Along the way, Raph sees the same cat who resembles Klunk, and the distraction causes him to crash his bike, sending them both flying into a snowy alley. Mikey sees the cat walk up and lick his face before disappearing in front of his eyes, and it becomes clear to him that the answer to his confusion was right in front of him the whole time. Raphael is alarmed to discover Mikey has been profusely bleeding the entire time and bandages his shoulder. He sulks but Mikey smiles and explains to him that he was able to reclaim his happiness and accept who he was and is as a complete whole because he was reminded of the power of the bonds he shared with his brothers. It was the bond with his brothers that he had lost and that it truly defined him whether or not he could acknowledge it. He confesses to Raphael that he wants to feel joy again, and to do that he accepts the bad along with the good and that he is no longer afraid. Raph breaks down in anger at himself for not protecting Mikey, but the younger brother thanks him for giving him back that feeling and for still considering them brothers after all they had been through. In an attempt to once again make his brother smile he feigns death, causing Raphael to panic in fear and grief. On realizing Mikey had tricked him, he laughs (then yells at him) and the two share a moment of bonding. They are interrupted by Donatello telling them he is embarrassed for them over their emotional display, then points out that someone covered their track. The trio wonder if it might have been Leo, but don't dare raise false hope.

In Chapter 16: *The Leader* the group is watched from a distance by the long-absent Leonardo, who is relieved they were able to end the night safely and together. Though gravely injured, Michelangelo appears to have recovered quickly and enjoys the evening knowing Shadow is safe and having reconciled with Raphael.

Chapter 17: *Between Cops and Ninjas* brings Leonardo back to the family, much to Mikey's delight. He welcomes Leo with open arms and in a moment of maturity he tells Leo he has nothing to apologize for and that had he been braver himself, things might have turned out differently. They try to softly bring Donatello in to the joyous circle, but Donnie rejects Leo's presence and leaves. Mikey has a tearful reunion with Shadow when she returns with April, who is concerned that he has returned to his old ways too quickly. Mikey assures her that he rejecting feelings of happiness and joy for 17 years because he did not believe he deserved him. But he explains that it truly is who he is, to be happy and laid back and along with his serious and pessimistic side he feels whole again, and that he will no longer hold back all his emotions. He tells April and Casey to let it be known that *Mikael Buonarotti* has retired and that he along with Leo will move into Raphael's Lair to immerse himself back into the ninja lifestyle. The four turtles head back to Raph's lair, Mikey and Renoir struggling to keep up with Raphael and Leonardo.

Renoir and Michelangelo have a moment in Chapter 18: *A Little Deeper in Donatello's World* as Renoir helps him to the sewer. Renoir remarks how different he seems now, to which Mikey explains that he had taken a break from smiling, but he intended on taking the role back up. Michelangelo takes the moment to tell Renoir that someone has to smile and remind everyone else to smile and relax once in awhile, because his brothers are so serious that they will not do it for themselves. He asks Renoir to smile for him, even if it isn't a real smile. Forced smiling, he tells the youth, reminds us of the things that naturally make us smile and it feels good, even if it actually doesn't reflect happiness. Mikey asks Renoir if he is doing all right and encourages him for smiling even though he answered that he was not doing well. Renoir admits he feels a bit better though, which Michelangelo tells him is what he intended. He wanted to repay Renoir for taking on his burden of caring for Raphael when he couldn't do it himself, offering his gratitude and an apology for his selfishness. Renoir's spirit is uplifted as they part.

Donatello's relationship with Mikey is challenged in Chapter 19: *Fragments of Truth Inside His Mind* when he tries to surprise Donatello in his lair but finds him soaking wet in his lab coat, stained with blood (although he appears to not necessarily know it is blood, it is evident he finds it concerning). He had come for the Shell Cell to give to Leo and unbeknownst to him, is unknowingly nearly poisoned by his brother who has sprinkled rat poison on a pizza. Noticeably uncomfortable about Mikey's change in personality but aware that he is the most reasonable of his brothers, Donnie begs "Splinter" to allow him someone to confide in. Mikey assures him that if he does not wish things to change between them, he will not push any interaction and that he respects Donnie's privacy as Donnie always respected his own. Donnie hastily aborts his own plot to poison Mikey, then asks him if he is doing the right thing to pursue his mission, without specific details. Mikey replies that is he believes his path is for the greater good, that he supports and trusts him, giving Donatello the belief that his choices are correct because Mikey has validated his actions.

In Chapter 20: *Adjusting to the Present*, Mikey arrives at Raph's Lair appearing panicked, but ends up only calling Donatello a "weirdo" for showering with his lab coat on, adding that Donnie is unusually fit for an isolated introvert. He gives Leo the Shell Cell and is overcome with joy that Leo has agreed to lead them once again, dragging a reluctant Renoir with him to burn off his positive energy with video games.

In Chapter 21: *The Curse of "Yamata-no-Orochi"*, Leonardo explains the Curse of Yamata-no-Orochi to his brothers (including Michelangelo), but lies to them and tells them the curse can be lifted by destroying ancient artifacts (rather than exterminating the Morinaga Bloodline which Leo has actually been doing).

Two months later in Chapter 23: *Following the Leader*, Leonardo has successfully kept his brother underground for training and healing so they are out of the Foot's way. Leo praises Mikey for regaining his speed but tells him to knock off his taunting. Leo does not believe Mikey is cursed based on his observations and is not worried about him as he is about himself, Raph and Donnie.
Later, Mikey tracks Leo down via the Shell Cell and Leo tells his brothers that he has found an artifact (the stolen Yata-no-Kagami) and that it is in the possession of the one who sent them the cursed Totsuka Sword in the first place, none other than the Elite ninja Eikichi Gotoh. The mention of him causes Mikey an unpleasant reminder of the wound he incurred from him on Christmas Eve. Raphael comforts Mikey and reminds him that he has his back. The group asks April to retrieve the tracking device in the Shell Cell, and April asks Mikey to use his computer. He gives her his consent, but jokingly tells her to stay out of his browser history and not to open any images or videos she finds. Teasing him she says she will be sure to open them. As she navigates through the process she tells Mikey and Leo that she reprogrammed the device to send coordinates to the computer so she can act as a navigator for them. They make a plan to find Eikichi and plant the device on him, to which Mikey questions how they will draw him out. Leo points out that Eikichi is still going to want Mikey dead so he will be the best bet in getting his attention, and that if anyone can irritate someone to come out of hiding, it would be Mikey. Reluctant but with silent encouragement from Raphael, Mikey agrees to the plan. As they leave Mikey tells Leo he asked Raph for a moment in private with Leo so he could discuss Donatello. Still surprised at his occasional seriousness, Leo listens. After giving him some time to acclimate Mikey wanted to tell him to leave getting through to Donatello to himself or April, both of whom were still in Donatello's good graces. Continuing on the mission, Mikey successfully draws out Eikichi with loud, brazen insults. Leo successfully plants the device and the Eikichi's NYC Foot forces retreat.

## Weapons

Michelangelo chose nunchaku as his weapon.

## Powers and Abilities

Physically Michelangelo has always excelled in speed and natural skill. It is clear that even with no training for 17 years he retains his speed and is able to fall back into fighting effectively with little effort physically. However, once he returns to training he does have to work to regain consistency and endurance.

Emotionally and mentally Mikey appears to have more going on his brother's give him credit for. He understands people and their emotions, is extremely empathetic, and can see motives and intent for what they truly are. He often played ignorant as a youth, mirrored by his obvious awareness as an adult. Mikey takes it upon himself to remind others to relax and be thankful for what they have rather than dwell on the negative. It is a key position within the family, as it keeps them all from becoming too pessimistic and serious.

## Relationships

### Augustus Amherst / Renoir

Mikey, along with April and Casey, sees Renoir as his own person and inquires about his well being outside his circumstances. He initially claims not to trust him but given that he entrusts Raphael to him it is clear he does trust him, at least in part, almost immediately. He takes on an adult role over Renoir, though not as a father or authority figure. At first he treats him like a teenager who needs supervision, but eventually he relaxes his position and treats him more like a younger brother. He understands the difficulty of being under Raphael's tutelage and comes to his aid when Raphael is too rough or unreasonable. Where Raphael is physically very protective of Renoir, Mikey is protective of his mental and emotional well being in a somewhat distant capacity.

### Donatello Hamato

Michelangelo and Donatello have maintained a respect for each other over the years, although they are still very distant. Donnie is easily irritated by Mikey's concern over his reputation in the beginning, but is appreciative when Mikey offers to keep his distance when he returns to the sewers.

### Raphael Hamato

At best Michelangelo and Raphael are estranged in the beginning of *Gaiden*. They barely tolerate each other until Renoir enters their lives. After a few verbal and physical fights they both gradually gravitate toward mending their relationship with Renoir acting as the catalyst and magnet for unintended meetings. Raphael feels that Michelangelo had abandoned the family, running away to pretend to be human and making money by entertaining them with his writing. He is furious to discover Mikey used their history as part of the subject of his books and actively beats him in an attempt to make him admit responsibility for murdering their father. Being the most healthy mentally and emotionally of all the brothers, Mikey understands this is Raphael's way of dealing with his grief and guilt and refuses to fall into an abusive cycle with him. Throughout their encounters it becomes obvious that Raphael is upset that Mikey refuses to be miserable with him and went on to have a happy life, while Mikey truly feels guilty for abandoning Raphael when he needed him.

During the fight with the NYC Foot on Christmas Eve, Raphael jumps in to protect Mikey without hesitation, beginning the process of Mikey being able to conquer his fears and ultimately to protect Raphael during the fight with his life. Afterwards, they share a deep moment of understanding and gratitude for each other in the alley before Mikey pretends to die, giving Raphael the fuel he needs to realize just how much Michelangelo means to him.

Their bond becomes as strong as it ever had been, if not stronger, and they clearly become very close after Michelangelo returns to live in the sewer with him, Leonardo and Renoir.

### Leonardo Hamato

Mikey is pleased when Leo returns and does not blame him at all for the death of their father. He actually apologizes to Leo for his actions in the events. While very happy that Leo has returned and agreed to lead them, Mikey seems to be both worried he will leave again (given his immediate retrieval of the Shell Cell and multiple reminders that with it they can track his whereabouts), and feeling that Leo needs time to adjust before revealing the mature side of himself that Leo did not witness over the past 17 years.

### Hamato Splinter

Michelangelo loved his father very much, although he did not always pay attention to his lessons. This slight disrespect allowed him to be mischievous enough to enter his room to see what was in the mysterious package. After his loss Michelangelo was traumatized by the event emotionally, probably more so than any of his brothers. However due to his ability to deal with his grief in a relatively healthy manner, he was able to move on, something his brothers appear to not have been able to do.

### Casey Jones

Michelangelo and Casey have lived together since Casey and Shadow moved in with April. They get along well. Casey seems to still be closer to Raphael, but is also on very good terms with Mikey.

### Shadow Jones

Michelangelo is very protective of his surrogate niece when it comes to her privacy and well being. Although he seems to feel that she is fully capable of taking care of herself, he also feels guilty for not assisting her when she needs him. When she calls him a coward it has a much greater emotional impact than when Raphael or Donatello call him a traitor or coward. While caring about her a great deal and being very honest and open with her, he does not interfere with her relationship with her parents and respects their decisions in how they raise her.

### April O'Neil

Michelangelo is extremely close with April. After the events in the Prologue he turns to her for support and moves in with her, even staying when Casey and Shadow move in as well. They have a very healthy and happy brother-sister relationship and both April and Casey act as his representative to his agent and publisher and have always supported his decisions regarding his life and family. When he decides to return to the sewer there is no drama or worry, although April does express concern that Mikey has reverted to his old personality a bit too quickly. April is a bit protective of Mikey, but knows he is an adult and trusts his judgment.

### Karai

Michelangelo had some dealing with Karai during the City at War events, but little details are known other than he agrees to be allies.

## References

Tigerfog has clarified that Mikey was indeed cursed by the sword via his deviantART comments :

There are various factors that determine how much a person is influenced by the curse of Yamata-no-orochi. Just being close to the sword screws up people, but touching it directly makes it worse.
Here are external factors that contributed to people being affected by the curse.

-Leo: held the sword

-Raph: held the sword, got slashed all over by it

-Mikey: got slashed by the sword

-Donnie: touched it with bare hands and then some more that I've yet to reveal.

-Eikichi: handled it to drop it in the sewers

-Shredder: handled it when he stole it originally

-Several postmen: handled it when Shredder tried to send it to Hamato Yoshi

As for internal factors, the curse feeds on a person's insecurity, internal conflicts and darkest desires.
How bad those internal conflicts are determines how much the curse affects a person once that person's cursed.
Without going in detail for this point, Mikey was doing pretty well because he had proper moral support from Casey and April. It also helps that Mikey doesn't necessarily an other self that is violent in nature. Years living with the Jones in a peaceful environment also prevented Mikey from turning that other self into a violent one.