A strange being has traveled to earth to challenge Leonardo to a fight to determine who is the ultimate warrior
First appearance of The Ultimate Ninja, Gyoji and The Daimyo
This episode provides examples of
- Another Story for Another Time: Master Splinter avoids giving a direct answer to who the Ultimate Ninja, Gyoji, and Daimyo are. At the end of the episode, he simply states "Be patient. When the time is right all will be made clear."
- Arrow Catch: A variation occurs when Leo catches the challenge blade thrown at him by the Ultimate Ninja
- Been There, Shaped History: According to the Daimyo, he and other members of his people visited Earth long ago. They were mistaken for gods and taught ninjutsu to a select few.
- Big Damn Heroes: When the Ultimate Ninja acts like a Sore Loser, the Daimyo intervenes.
- Blood Knight: Raphael remarks he'd really like a shot at the Ultimate Ninja and is the first one to challenge him when it looks like Leonardo has lost.
- Combat Referee: The Gyoji
- Commonality Connection: April and Casey both love Rio Gato and gush over it.
- Disappointed in You: After foiling the sneak attack, the Daimyo chastises his son for both his arrogance in trying to build a reputation and resorting to such a dirty trick after losing the fight he himself demanded.
- Duel to the Death: The Ultimate Ninja outright states that if Leo loses the fight 'his life is forfeit'.
- Evil Counterpart: The Ultimate Ninja to Leonardo, being a very skilled warrior but one focused on fame and glory rather than honor and humility. Whereas Leo is quite graceful in his victory, the Ultimate Ninja reacts to defeat with violence and trickery. The Daimyo draws a comparison, as well, noting that Splinter did a much better job raising Leonardo than he did the Ultimate Ninja.
- Evil Redhead: The Ultimate Ninja
- Focus Group Ending: In-universe discussed by Splinter. He acknowledges how it would've been realistic for the elder cowboy in Rio Gato to lose, but he notes that wouldn't have been a happy ending.
- Foreshadowing: Splinter already knows all of the rules relating to the Ultimate Ninja's challenge, much to the others' surprise and confusion. The Daimyo is later shown to be on a First-Name Basis with him.
- Hoist by His Own Petard: Leo may've fallen to his death had he not been able to get a hold of the Ultimate Ninja's claw weapon.
- Honor Before Reason:
- Leo's family can only watch, even when it looks like he's going to lose his life. Not that they don't want to help, of course...
- Per the rules, if Leo refuses the match, everyone's lives are forfeited. If he accepts and loses, his life is forfeited.Splinter: You must choose, my son.
Leo: Sensei, there is no choice. I accept the challenge.
- Locked Out of the Fight: Leo's family are physically stopped from helping him/getting involved by a water cage. What's more, if Leo refuses, his friends and family's lives are 'forfeit'.
- Match Cut: The Ultimate Ninja, checks an image of Leo while tracking him. That image then fades into the actual Leo in a similar pose, but brushing his teeth.
- Meaningful Echo: At the start of the episode the Turtles, Master Splinter and April and Casey are watching a western: Rio Gato. The theme of the movie is that a young hothead challenges the sheriff to make a name for himself, for "fame and glory." Guess what The Ultimate Ninja challenges Leo for...
- Meaningful Rename: The Daimyo's Son calls himself "The Ultimate Ninja” after he believe he's defeated Leonardo.
- No Time to Explain: When the Turtles ask Master Splinter what's going on, he only replies "I'll explain later. Now is not the time."
- Not So Above It All: Master Splinter is usually against trips to the surface due to the danger of being exposed. When the group is planning to head up for an ice cream run after the movie, Splinter speaks of the dangers the surface currently faces due to increased gang activity and decides to accompany them just to make sure they don't cause any mischief... before admitting that he is craving a double-thick ice-cream shake himself.
- Not Quite Dead: The Ultimate Ninja declares victory after Leonardo falls off the bridge, but Leo manages to grab onto the side and climb back up.
- Older Hero vs. Younger Villain: In the movie, Rio Gato, the young gunslinger challenges Sheriff Bart, the hero of the movie, to a duel make a name for himself.
- So Proud of You: Splinter in response to Leonardo winning.
- Sore Loser: The Ultimate Ninja attempts to kill Leonardo after being officially defeated.
- Shout-Out: The movie "Rio Gato" is a reference to Rio Bravo.
- Spanner in the Works: The Ultimate Ninja wanted to fight the Shredder, but since Leo supposedly robbed him of that opportunity, he challenges him instead.
- This Cannot Be!: After Leo reveals he survived the fall.Ultimate Ninja: What? It... it can't be.
Leo: It can be, and it is! - Title Drop: "Soon, all will know my name! I am the Ultimate Ninja!"
- Traintop Battle: A variation occurs on top a moving truck.
- Walking Armoury: The Ultimate Ninja
