What if Splinter had mutated the Turtles?
 

You know how the intro implies Splinter intentionally exposed the Turtles to the mutagen? Well, obviously that's not actually the case in the show, there is no real reason to doubt the official story beyond what the intro shows us. But what if that was the case? It would probably have some interesting implications.

Makes sense, Splinter knew he was going to be an outcast forever, so he created 4 new outcasts to call family. It might be seen as exploitative, but Splinter would've gone mad if he lived his whole life alone as a rat mutant.

Well... Personally I was thinking more along the lines of... Well, you know.
https://2.bp.blogspot.com/jVekwgh3i9...s_cQNRzB=s1600