Masashi Kishimoto Announced New Naruto Manga Sequel
The creator revealed Naruto Shadow Rising during the franchise panel at New York Comic Con 2026.
Updated on Oct. 10, 2026 in Comic Books
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Masashi Kishimoto has officially announced a new manga sequel titled Naruto Shadow Rising. The story is set in the timeline following the Fourth Great Ninja War but before Naruto ascends to the role of Hokage.
Why it matters
The announcement marks a significant return to the franchise for Masashi Kishimoto, who will both write and illustrate the new series. It expands the lore of a world that concluded its initial 15-year run in 2014.
The original Naruto manga spanned 15 years and concluded with Chapter 700. The upcoming sequel, Naruto Shadow Rising, will feature original characters including Naruto Uzumaki, Sasuke Uchiha, Kakashi Hatake, and Sakura Haruno.
The players
Masashi Kishimoto
He is the acclaimed Japanese manga artist and author best known for creating the global cultural phenomenon Naruto.
Naruto Uzumaki
He is the titular protagonist of the franchise who serves as the primary character in the upcoming sequel.
Sasuke Uchiha
He is a central character in the series and one of the last surviving members of the Uchiha clan.
Kakashi Hatake
He is a prominent teacher and former leader who plays a significant role in the development of the main cast.
Sakura Haruno
She is a key member of the original ninja team and a central figure in the franchise's long-running storyline.
The details
Masashi Kishimoto unveiled the project at a dedicated panel during New York Comic Con, sharing early sketches of the main cast. The series aims to bridge narrative gaps in the timeline, specifically focusing on the period between the conclusion of the Fourth Great Ninja War and the start of Naruto's tenure as Hokage.
Timeline
September 21, 1999: Original Naruto manga began serialization.
November 10, 2014: Original Naruto manga concluded.
October 10, 2026: Naruto Shadow Rising was officially announced.
December 19-20, 2026: Jump Festa 2027 Naruto panel.
June 2027: Naruto Trading Card Game release.
Culture Shift
The return of Naruto Shadow Rising reflects a growing industry trend of revisiting legacy manga properties to engage multi-generational fanbases. By exploring previously untouched periods of the timeline, the franchise continues to leverage established intellectual property to maintain its market dominance.
Fans can anticipate new content regarding the franchise's expanded universe and potential future anime adaptations through 2030. Readers should monitor upcoming industry events to stay informed on release dates and potential merchandise tie-ins.
The takeaway
The return of Naruto demonstrates the enduring commercial value of legacy manga series in the global entertainment market. Readers looking to prepare for the new series may want to revisit the latter chapters of the original manga to refresh their knowledge of the timeline.
What happens next
Additional project details and serialization information are scheduled to be revealed during the Jump Festa 2027 panel on December 19-20, 2026.
Further reading
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