Warning! This post contains SPOILERS for Scarlett #5Jinx and Storm Shadow. To that end, the final issue of Image's Scarlett miniseries features the Arashikage's retrieval of an impressive new weapon with her help.

In Image Comics' Scarlett #5 by Kelly Thompson and Marco Ferrari, Shana O'Hara aka Scarlett continues to earn the Arashikage's trust on a mission to retrieve the weapon known as the "Sword of Life". To that end, the issue begins with Storm Shadow himself claiming the sword, mere moments before the arrival of several Cobra agents who want the relic for themselves. However, it's immediately apparent that this is no ordinary blade:

Glowing with pink energy, it's confirmed in the issue by Cobra Commander himself that the Sword of Life is powered by energon, the very same power source that originates from the planet Cybertron and is used as fuel by the Transformers themselves. To that end, it's abundantly clear that Storm Shadow has just become a major force to be reckoned with (even more than he already was).

Storm Shadow Returns The Sword of Life To The Arashikage

The Beginning of a New Chapter

Hard Master Bestows Sword of Life Upon Storm Shadow

Evading Cobra, Shana eventually decides to stay with the Arashikage by the issue's end. Understanding that a position with such a closed-off and influential ninja clan is rare and won't likely happen ever again, Scarlett chooses to maintain her cover, continuing to gain trust and credibility with the Arashikage alongside Jinx who's doing the same. This will likely be a good thing, especially because Storm Shadow is now the permanent wielder of the Sword of Life.

Both Scarlett and Jinx assumed the blade would go to the Arashikage's Hard Master. However, it seems the return of the fabled sword to the clan is seemingly a symbol, heralding a "new phase" of the clan going forward with Storm Shadow leading the way with the powerful blade. That said, the details of this new era remain scarce following this final issue of Scarlett.

What Will Storm Shadow & The Arashikage Do Next?

(Whose Side Will They Be On?)

Storm Shadow Wields Sword of Life With Arashikage

At the moment, Storm Shadow looks to still be a loyal member of the Arashikage. Cobra Commander #5 did confirm that the titular leader does have his eye on the ninja warrior alongside other factions and operatives. However, there's been no indication that Storm Shadow will forces with Cobra (at least not yet).

Additionally, Storm Shadow likely doesn't have a reason to leave or betray the Arashikage as he has in previous G.I. Joe continuities. After all, it's worth noting that Storm Shadow's brother-turned-rival Snake Eyes has yet to debut in the Energon Universe. At any rate, it's going to be very exciting to see what Storm Shadow does next with such a powerful weapon in his possession, one that has seemingly granted him a key leadership role within the Arashikage Clan going forward.

Scarlett #5 is on sale now from Skybound and Image Comics.