Leosagi

Leosagi is the slash ship between Leonardo and Miyamoto Usagi from the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles and Usagi Yojimbo fandom.

Canon
Leonardo is the turtle closest to Usagi in all versions. Stemming from the original Mirage comics where Leo was the first turtle Usagi met. Usagi has appeared in three out of the four of the TMNT cartoons, and is close to Leo in both the 2003 and 2012 series. Due to Usagi's repeated appearances throughout all seven seasons in 2003, Leo and Usagi are arguably the closest in that series. With the two becoming close rather fast, Leo's closest friend in the series. Splinter even called on Usagi when Leo was dealing with PTSD from his fight with the Shredder, and tried to help him.

2003=

The Big Brawl
As Leo is about to be shot at by a group of assassins, a Rabbit Samurai appears and disarms the crossbow. The assassins quickly retreat and the rabbit goes over to Leo's side. He asks if he's alright and Leo thanks him for saving him. He introduces himself, and the rabbit says his name is Miyamoto Usagi. Leo says he's lucky that Usagi was there to save him, and Usagi says that luck had nothing to do with it. He tells him to keep his mind and weapon as one, and Leo asks if he has any other advice. Usagi tells him to duck as a ninja star flies toward Leo. Leo does so while Usagi cuts it down with his katanas.

They fight off the assassin's again, before they disappear. Leo thanks Usagi again, who tells him not to do so just yet. They may end up fighting each other in the tournament. Leo says given the way Usagi fights, he'd rather not go up against him, and Usagi says that the feeling is mutual. They are then interrupted by the Goyji, who gives Leo his swords and tells them that the tournament is starting soon. They head to the tournament and wish each other luck before going their separate ways.

When the contestants are split for the second round, Leo and Usagi are placed against each other. Leo comments that Usagi had said they might and Usagi says that fate often has a sense of humor. Usagi says they should fight as friends and let the best swordsman win. They both then pull out their swords and start to fight one another. As they do so, a poisonous dart is suddenly fired into Leo's shoulder and Usagi looks on horrified as Leo passes out. The Goyji appears and asks what's happened, and Usagi says he doesn't know. He checks Leo's breathing and says it's shallow, the Goyji agreeing that Leo needs a healer. The match is made null and will require investigation, and Usagi insists on taking Leo to the healing area. Donnie then drops into the arena accusing Usagi of being the one to hurt him, but Usagi only wants to help him. Leo wakes up long enough to say it's alright before passing out again, both Usagi and Donnie stopping him from falling. They then escort him to the healer.

As Usagi is about to be skewered by the assassins, Leo wakes and is able to stop them. Usagi is happy to see that Leo is better, and Leo says he's not, but he can at least breathe. He frees Usagi from his chains and Usagi says that they can finish the assassins together.

After the Battle Nexus is over, Leo bows to Usagi, who says it was an honor to battle beside Leo and the others. He hopes that they'll see each other again, and Leo says he is the one who is honored. Since Usagi did save his life.

The Christmas Aliens
At the Turtles holiday celebration, when a portal appears in the layer. Leo and Splinter go towards it, and the Daimyo, Gen, and Usagi appear in it's place. Splinter welcomes them for the holidays, and Usagi greets Leo. He pulls out a sword and says he brought him a present. Leo excitedly takes the sword, and pulls out one from behind his back. A present for Usagi. Usagi takes it and says that it is wonderful. The two then head over to join the others.

The Real World
Leo is sent to an alternate feudal Japan, where he meets Tomoe Ame and helps her protect Lord Noriyuki against a ninja clan. She is taken and he about to be attacked when Usagi shows up and saves him. Leo is surprised to see him, and Usagi welcomes him to his world. Although is just as surprised to see Leo. Leo asks what's going on and Usagi explains that Lord Noriyuki is targeted for assassination by Lord Hebi. Tomoe Ame has been the one holding them back, but now he and Genn must protect him on their journey. Leo can also tell them how he got to their world on the way there.

They share a horse and Leo tell Usagi everything that happened with the Daimyo's son and Draco. Usagi had been sure they'd seen the last of Draco, and Leo says he needs to find his brothers, Splinter and the Damiyo. He remembers that the Daimyo would be able to send him home, but needs help with the ritual to get there. Usagi says that he'll help, but needs to get Lord Noriyuki to safety first.

They get to a river and Usagi suggest that they turned back when they are surrounded by ninja. They fight them off and escape through the river. A arrow is then shot at them with a note, and when they're safe they read it. Usagi says that Tomoe Ame is alive, but will end up being executed. Lord Noriyuki wants to save her, but Leo says that it's obviously a trap. Usagi agrees, but Lord Noriyuki insists that they free her, and runs off. Usagi says that Leo's family needs him, and that he can't ask him to help him, but Leo says that he will. That's what friends are for.

They go to Lord Hebi's which is surrounded by ninja, and Genn says that they can't fight their way through. Leo says they don't have to, and the two head down. They knock out two of the ninja's and put on their garb. Usagi says he feels cloaked in dishoner wearing ninja garb, and that they'll speak of this to no one. They enter the ninja camp, and Usagi points out how heavily guarded the gate to the castle is. Leo says that they'll have to do some more "ninja treachery" and the two scale the side of the building.

Once inside they separate, and Usagi is captured. He, Tomoe Ame, Genn, and Lord Noriyuki are bround before Lord Hebi, when Leo jumps from the rafters, causing a fight. The fight ends when the Shogun's army and Hebi makes his escape from the room. Leo attempts to go after him, but Usagi tells him not to. As the Shogun's army will take care of him. After Lord Noriyuki thanks Leo for his help, Usagi says that they should attend to Leo's problem of getting home.

The two perform the ritual to get to the Battle Nexus, and Leo says that he can't ask him to come with. Usagi says that Leo doesn't have to ask, he's going with. What are friends for? Leo smiles and jumps through the portal, Usagi right behind him.

They get there, and Usagi tells him how he had learned the ritual from his master. He finds it odd how quiet it is, but has never been to the Nexus when the tournament wasn't in place. Leo says that even then there should be guards and they enter the palace. They bow before the Daimyo, and Leo tells him that he needs his help to find his family. The Daimyo then orders his guards to seize them and take him to the dungeon, much to Usagi and Leo's shock.

They start to fight, but Leo points out that they're rather outnumbered, and Usagi would rather not hurt the guards that are just following orders. Leo says it's time to retreat, and Usagi follows his lead. They jump out the window, and Leo climbs up the side of the palace with his claws as Usagi hangs onto his leg. They sneak inside and Usagi comments that hanging out with Leo might turn Usagi into more ninja than samurai. Leo says that they need to steal the warstaff, and Usagi says that they need to help the Daimyo as well, as he's clearly not himself.

They sneak around and knock out two guards to steal their outfits for a disguise. They sneak into the Daimyo's room and attempt to steal the warstaff, when they are met interrupted by Gyoji. He tells them to take the warstaff and follow him, which they do. Leo attempts to use it, but is unable to and Gyoji takes it, revealing himself to be Draco and Ue-sama, shocking Leo and Usagi.

Draco and Ue say that they have enjoyed watching Leo suffer, and are happy that he's brought Usagi along so that he can regret ever coming to their Battle Nexus. Usagi says that the Nexus will never be their's, and the two attempt to attack them. But Draco and Ue have the warstaff and the time scepter, allowing them to freeze the two in their place. They're then sent to a new location where they are surrounded by four creatures. They pull out their swords and Leo says he's sorry for getting Usagi into this, but Usagi tells him not to apologize. He stands by Leo no matter what happens. They fight the creatures, but Usagi ends up getting knocked out. Leo calls out his name and anguish, and stand in front of his passed out form, ready to fight off the creatures.

Usagi awakens and help Leo fight them off. Leo says that they're never-ending, but Usagi says that they have no choice but to keep fighting. The creatures then suddenly disappear, and they're teleported back to the palace courtyard. Leo reunites with his family, who have just defeated Ue and Draco, when Lord Simultaneous shows up. Leo thanks Usagi for helping him, and Usagi says that is a great honor to be Leo's friend. They bow goodbye and everyone is sent back to their correct homes.

Samurai Tourist

 * -|2012=

Yojimbo
Leo and his brothers are mind-controlled by Jei and forced to track down Miyamoto Usagi. They find him and attack him, Usagi knocking Raph, Donnie, and Mikey to the side. Leo then attacks and Usagi says he's not unskilled but will quench the thirst of his blade on Leo's blood. They start their fight, when Kintaro ends up hitting Leo in the head with his axe, causing the spell to come undone. Kintaro explains that he sensed that the turtles aren't evil, and Usagi asks what the "strange yokai" are meant to be. Leo takes offense at his words, and that Leo could say the same about the giant Samurai rabbit. The turtles then inform him about being summoned by a "blind wolf", and Usagi informs them that they had been summoned by Jei, who is evil. He asks where they're from, and Leo is about to answer when Kintaro interrupts. Usagi ignores him and tells the turtles to share camp with them.

Around the campfire, Leo thanks Usagi and asks him what his story is. Usagi tells him how he became a Samurai and how he came to escort Kintaro. He asks again where the turtles are from, and Leo says that it's kinda hard to explain. He questions how they're going to get back to their own dimension and Usagi suggests that the monks of Kintaro's order might be able to help.

As they travel, they hear the sound of horses and hide in the trees. Kintaro confirms that this is the samurai that attacked his village and Usagi says that they need to find a way to figure out their plans. Leo says that he and his brothers are ninjas, and are experts in getting close without being seen. When they disguise themselves as the samurai passing, Usagi tells Leo to split up ao they can listen in on any plans.

Osoroshi no Tabi
The turtles are mad about having to jump off the cliff and Leo demands to know what he was thinking. Usagi angrily says that it wasn't his first choice, but if they had stayed they would have been slain. Leo angrily replies that they could have taken them and that he should have been leading them, before angrily walking off. The other turtles follow when Mikey points out that not going with Usagi and Kintaro is a bad idea. Donnie points out that Kintaro's monks are the only one's who can send them back home, and after Leo stews in his anger for a moment, he has them join the two again.

As they walk through the forest, Leo says that they've been walking forever and should make camp. Usagi says no, as they're deep in Yokai territory. Continuing is what's best for them.

In a spider web filled cave, they all hear the voice of a woman calling for help. Leo and Usagi rush forward and Usagi sees his friend Akemi captured. He questions how this is possible, but Leo just calls that he'll save her and rushes forward. Usagi looks down below them and sees the fog lift away to reveal a mass amount of spiderwebs, yelling for Leo to wait. Akemi then turns into a giant spider, Joroguma, attacking Leo, and Usagi jumps in. Fighting off the spider, causing her to let Leo go. They go to fight her again when Leo is caught and she starts to cocoon a web around him. Usagi rushes forward and stabs Joroguma in the back before she can finish, but throws them both over the edge into her webs.

After being rescued and the others go to bed, Leo apologizes to Usagi for not listening to him earlier. He says he was arrogant and thanks Usagi for his help, also volunteering to take the first watch. Usagi thanks him and goes to be with the others.

Kageyake! Kintaro
After Kintaro removes the mind control from the turtles, they have an idea and pretend to still be under mind control. Leo makes his way to Usagi and holds his sword towards him when he gives Usagi a wink. Leo then throws the sword toward Jei, stabbing him and stopping the ritual. When Usagi pulls the sword from Jei's chest and kills him, he returns the sword to Leo and bows to him. As the turtles enter the portal to head home, Leo is the last to go and turns to Usagi. He wishes him goodbye and Usagi does the same, sharing a bow before Leo turns to the portal and leaves.

2003
The Big Brawl Part 3
 * Usagi eventually gets Donnie to trust him enough to allow him to look over Leo.

The Big Brawl Part 4
 * Usagi grabs onto Leo before he can be pulled into the wormhole.

The Real World Part 1
 * Leo is about to as Tomoe Ame if she knows Usagi, when they're attacked.
 * Usagi tells Leo that he doesn't fight alone.
 * Usagi calls Leo's name in panic when he is about to be killed by Hebi.
 * Usagi and Tomoe Ame bow to Leo, and he feels embarrassed.

The Real World Part 2
 * Usagi keeps his hand on Leo's shoulder as he attempts to use the warstaff.
 * Leo and Usagi look to each other in confusion when Gyoji starts to threaten them.
 * Usagi jumps in front of Leo as he's about to be hit.

2012
Yojimbo
 * Usagi informs Leo that horses are approaching.
 * Usagi orders Leo to move ahead.

Osoroshi no Tabi
 * Leo tells Usagi that he better not be leading them to more danger.
 * Leo refuses to listen to Usagi and instead charges in to save Raph and Mikey.
 * Leo says that they were right to attack, but Usagi says that things would have been simpler by giving them an offering.
 * Usagi tells Leo that he was being controlled by Jei's magic.

'''Kageyake! Kintaro'''
 * Leo tells his brothers to stop messing around as Usagi is leading them ahead.
 * Leo and Usagi fight off ninja attempting to kidnap Kintaro.
 * Usagi accepts Leo looking after Kintaro so he can take a break.
 * A mind controlled Leo nearly stabs Usagi before Kintaro steps in.

Quotes
"On the way, Leonardo, you can tell us how you came to be here."

- Usagi; The Real World, Part 1

"You do not fight alone, Leonardo-san!"

- Usagi; The Real World, Part 1

"I’m beginning to think hanging around with you is turning me more ninja than samurai, Leonardo-san. All this sneaking about."

- Usagi; The Real World, Part 2

"You may not have him, assassin!"

- Usagi defending Leo; Samurai Tourist

Fanon
Leosagi is one of the more well known and popular ships among TMNT fans. Although it isn't as popular as others, due to Usagi's limited appearances throughout all TMNT series. Usagi appears in three out of the four animated series, and has crossed over with both main comic versions of the characters. Each time, the turtle he is closest to is Leonardo, due to him being Stan Saki's favorite turtle. As a result adaptations will adapt Usagi and Leo to be the closest relationship between Usagi and the turtles. While there is shipping between other versions, most shipping comes from the 2003 series. Mostly due to the 2003 series having Usagi being the closest in age to the turtles, while other versions have him as significantly older.

2003 is by far the most popular version of the ship. Aside from them being closer in age than normal, Usagi and Leo's relationship is really close in the series. Many note how Leo acts a lot happier whenever he gets to see Usagi, and is more relaxed compared to when he's around his brothers or any of their other friends. Many interpreted their relationship as romantic, and pointed out that you wouldn't have to change much to make it that way. A favorite scene for many 03 shippers is in the Christmas special where they exchange katana's gifts. Given how happy and surprised they both were with the gifts, it was often interpreted as the two being nervous to give their crush a gift. A disappointment for shippers of this version is their final scene together in the show. Leo being in his angst arc when Usagi last appeared, meant that their relationship was left off without any closure. A common type of fix it fic, is having the two meet sometime between post-Leo processing his trauma and the finale, and fixing their relationship. Some will also just wait till the Capril wedding to write the two to speaking again.

Despite Usagi never appearing in ROTTMNT, there is a subsection of fans who create art of him appearing in the series. Much of this art depicts him as a teen and Leo having a crush on him. The art will range, but typically sticks as close as possible to the ROTTMNT style. Many will often depict Usagi as having a similar personality to Rise Leo. Being more upbeat, cocky and a little vain. While other fans will have Usagi stick closer to past versions, as more of a contrast to Leo. While also having the two be obviously flirting. How the two meet varies, but common ones will include Usagi being a contestant in the Battle Nexus who needs to be rescued, or that Usagi and Leo meet fighting each other, before getting his with a case of "Love at First Sight". Due to the cancellation of the series, many fans were disappointed that this would be the only animated TMNT series where Usagi doesn't appear.

On AO3, Leosagi is the most written ship for Usagi and the tenth most written for Leonardo. It is also the ninth most written ship in the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles (TV 2003) tag and the most written in the Usagi Yojimbo tag.

Fandom

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Trivia

 * In the second 2003 intro, a silhouette of Usagi can be seen in Leo's section.
 * Jason Griffith (2003 Usagi) voiced the Mirage version of Leonardo in Turtles Forever.