Naruto Uzumaki is back at the center of the conversation. More than ten years after the conclusion of the original manga, Masashi Kishimoto will return to the drawing board to tell a new story about the ninja from Konoha. The news was confirmed during the "Naruto: What's Next?" panel held at New York Comic Con 2026, one of the most followed pop culture events of the year.
The announcement was made on October 10, coinciding with Naruto's own birthday, in front of approximately 3,000 attendees. The franchise not only presented a new manga but also unveiled an anime project, video game initiatives, and updates on the live-action adaptation currently in development in Hollywood.
The interest in these developments is particularly significant now, as they mark the direct return of the original creator to the series' graphic narrative, something fans have been waiting for for years.
Naruto Shadow Rising: Kishimoto’s Return to Drawing
The most important announcement of the panel was the presentation of Naruto Shadow Rising, the new manga that will feature Masashi Kishimoto as the artist once again. This is a significant detail for fans who for years have been clamoring to see his signature style in ninja combat scenes again.
The first teaser shown at the event included an image loaded with symbolism: the faces of the first six Hokage carved into the mountain of Konoha, alongside the beginning of the carving of the seventh face. This detail places the plot around the time Naruto finally ascends to the position he dreamed of holding since he was a child.
What will the new story be about?
Everything indicates that Naruto Shadow Rising will take place in a period prior to Naruto's time as the Seventh Hokage, although the official synopsis has not yet been revealed.
The teaser includes Naruto holding the Hokage hat, Kakashi smiling, and Sasuke and Sakura looking affectionately at a baby. However, the sequence ends with a much more tense scene: a direct confrontation between Naruto and Sasuke.
That final image opens a mystery that promises to keep the fan community in suspense: what conflict pitted both characters against each other in that part of the story that had not yet been told?
An Unexpected Crossover with Ninku in Anime
The second major announcement has a strong nostalgic component. Naruto will star in a four-episode animated crossover alongside Ninku, the manga by Koji Kiriyama that also had its own anime series in the nineties.
The connection between both works is not accidental. Kishimoto himself has noted on different occasions that Ninku was one of his main sources of inspiration when creating Naruto. Three decades after that television adaptation, both franchises will share a story supervised by their original creators.
How the crossover story begins
According to what was shown at the panel, the plot begins when Kakashi assigns a mission to Naruto, Sasuke, and Sakura. During the journey, the trio ends up trapped in an unknown world, where they cross paths with Fūsuke, the protagonist of Ninku.
The project also brings back key figures linked to both series, including director Noriyuki Abe and character designer Tetsuya Nishio. For the moment, a release date has not been confirmed, although a first trailer and an official promotional image have already been presented.
Project Rasengan: New Video Games and International Expansion
The panel also served to present Project Rasengan, an international initiative aimed at boosting new productions and experiences related to Naruto and Boruto.
Among the confirmed novelties is the worldwide launch of the Naruto Card Game, scheduled for June 2027. Plans were also announced to distribute the mobile video game Hokage Ninja MOBILE outside of China, which has been available in that market for several years.
The current state of the live-action film
Hollywood also had its space at the event. Director Destin Daniel Cretton, in charge of the future live-action adaptation of Naruto, sent a message confirming that the project continues in development.
Cretton, known for directing Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings, highlighted his intention to respect the personal relationships between the characters and the spirit of perseverance that characterized the original work. For the moment, the film still does not have an official release date.
Upcoming News: The Date at Jump Festa 2027
The next great opportunity to learn more details about these announcements will be Jump Festa 2027, scheduled for December 19 and 20, 2026. It is expected that information regarding Naruto Shadow Rising and the rest of the projects presented at NYCC will be expanded there.
For a generation that grew up watching Naruto pursue his dream of becoming Hokage, Kishimoto's return to drawing represents a moment loaded with meaning. The question that remains open is what really led Naruto and Sasuke to face each other again in this new stage of the story.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who will draw the new Naruto manga?
Masashi Kishimoto, the original creator of the series, will be in charge of drawing Naruto Shadow Rising.
What is Naruto Shadow Rising about?
The official synopsis has not yet been revealed, but the teasers suggest that the story is set in a period prior to Naruto's time as the Seventh Hokage.
What is the crossover between Naruto and Ninku?
It is a four-episode animated collaboration between Naruto and Ninku, the manga that inspired Kishimoto, with Naruto, Sasuke, and Sakura traveling to an unknown world.
When will the crossover with Ninku be released?
An official release date for this animated project has not yet been confirmed.
What is Project Rasengan?
It is an international initiative to boost new projects related to Naruto and Boruto, including video games such as the Naruto Card Game and Hokage Ninja MOBILE.
Is the live-action Naruto movie still in progress?
Yes, director Destin Daniel Cretton confirmed that the project continues in development, although it does not yet have a release date.
When will there be more information about these announcements?
More details are expected to be known during Jump Festa 2027, which will be held on December 19 and 20, 2026.
