WARNING: The following contains spoilers for Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles #117 by Kevin Eastman, Tom Waltz, Sophie Campbell, Ronda Pattison, and Shawn Lee, on sale now.
The Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles have just overcome one grueling challenge after another to stave off the dark future that was foretold by the time-traveling Lita. However, things are finally turning around for the Splinter Clan. The war between the Turtles and the Foot has seemingly come to an end, and Lita's parting words upon returning to her own time made it quite clear that the Shredder himself would be coming back sooner than later to help the Heroes in a Half-Shell.
But as Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles #117 proves, Shredder and Karai aren't the only ones turning over new a new leaf, as the ancient former villain Kirsune returns as a more heroic figure as well.
From the roof of the Splinter Clan Dojo, the Turtles are seeing off Lita, who is bringing Tokka and Rahzar with her into the bright new future that the heroes have ensured. As Lita leads her new companions through the portal into her own time, she asks the family she is leaving behind not to be too hard on Oroku Saki, the Shredder, when he returns. Shredder had been resurrected by the sacrifice of Splinter during 2019's Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles #100 by Kevin Eastman and Tom Waltz. While Shredder's wife, the ancient witch Kitsune attempted to bring forth her own father's reign, Splinter's sacrifice ensured that the Dragon would no longer threaten Earth. Not only that, but it gave Oroku Saki and Kitsune a chance to be peacefully reunited while shedding their former sins. Since then, Oroku Saki has kept a close eye on the Turtles and their clan, and it should be no surprise that Kitsune is still right there by his side.
First introduced in 2013's Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: The Secret History of the Foot Clan by Mateus Santolouco and Erik Burnham, Kitsune is the youngest member of the Pantheon and daughter of the Dragon. She was the one who introduced the Utrom ooze into the world of the Turtles hundreds of years ago when she gave it to feudal era warrior Tekeshi Tatsuo, who himself would later be reincarnated as Oroku Saki. She was also the one to help the Shredder overcome death by supplying him with the ooze following the birth of their children. Following Oroku Saki's entrance into hibernation, Kitsune followed suit until her beloved was returned. Throughout their relationship, Kitsune had readied Shredder to become the vessel for her father's return, but when Splinter's interference returned to her Oroku Saki instead, it was clear that Kitsune herself experienced the most powerful change of heart imaginable.
It even seems like Kitsune's compassionate nature has stuck around. When Oroku Saki returns from observing the Turtles parting ways with Lita and Karai, Kitsune appears genuinely interested and concerned with whether or not her husband has made himself known to them yet. Though he hasn't, he knows that he will have to sooner than later, especially with yet another grave threat about to rear its head.
Bringing Kitsune into the fold with a heroic Shredder can provide the Splinter Clan with an edge that they have never really had before. Aside from their own abilities and various high-tech advantages over the years, the Turtles have never had access to the supernatural in the way that Kitsune does. She may have been a thorn in their side for the past few years, but Kitsune could very well be the greatest new asset that the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles have had in years as they push forward towards their new future.
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