anime & manga•Tue, October 13, 2026•4 min read

Masashi Kishimoto Returns to the Hidden Leaf with 'Naruto: Shadow Rising'

The Naruto franchise is expanding once again as creator Masashi Kishimoto officially unveils a new manga project titled 'Shadow Rising.' Announced at New York Comic Con 2026, the series promises to explore a mysterious gap in the ninja's history.

A New Chapter for the Seventh Hokage

Fans of the world's most famous ninja have reason to celebrate. During the Naruto panel at New York Comic Con 2026, it was officially revealed that series creator Masashi Kishimoto is returning to the franchise with a brand-new manga titled 'Naruto: Shadow Rising.' While the franchise has continued through the sequel series 'Boruto: Naruto Next Generations,' this new project marks a highly anticipated return to the original narrative roots that made the series a global phenomenon.

Official announcement imagery for the latest entry in the Naruto franchise.

What We Know About the Timeline

One of the most intriguing aspects of 'Shadow Rising' is its placement within the established lore. Early reports suggest the story is set during a pivotal but under-explored period in the timeline: the years following the end of the original manga but before Naruto Uzumaki’s official coronation as the Seventh Hokage.

By focusing on this era, Kishimoto has the unique opportunity to bridge the gap between the end of the original run in 2014 and the futuristic setting of 'Boruto.' It offers a chance to see the characters navigating their transition into adulthood and the evolving political landscape of the ninja world without immediately shifting to the next generation.

Beyond the Manga: A Busy Future for Naruto

The manga reveal was not the only surprise at NYCC. The franchise is also expanding its reach through a new anime crossover event titled 'NARUTOxNINKŪ.' This series will follow Team 7—Naruto, Sasuke, and Sakura—as they are tasked with a special mission by Kakashi. The plot takes a surreal turn when the trio finds themselves transported to a strange new world, encountering a boy named Fūsuke.

Naruto: Shadow Rising is officially penned by Masashi Kishimoto.
The story is set in the gap before Naruto becomes the Seventh Hokage.
A crossover anime, NARUTOxNINKŪ, is currently in development.
Additional details are expected at Jump Festa 2027 this December.

The Naruto panel concluded with a teaser video that promised more details will be shared during Jump Festa 2027 in December.
— New York Comic Con 2026 Announcement

Key Takeaways

Masashi Kishimoto has announced a new manga, 'Naruto: Shadow Rising.'
The story explores the time period between the end of the original series and Naruto’s role as Seventh Hokage.
A crossover anime titled 'NARUTOxNINKŪ' was also revealed.
Further updates are scheduled for Jump Festa 2027 in December.
The new anime will feature a Team 7 mission that spans dimensions.

FAQ

Is 'Shadow Rising' a sequel to Boruto?

No, 'Shadow Rising' is set in a timeline before Naruto becomes the Seventh Hokage, effectively filling a gap in the original character's journey.

When will we get more news on this project?

Official sources have confirmed that additional details regarding 'Shadow Rising' will be shared at Jump Festa 2027 in December.

Who is writing the new manga?

Masashi Kishimoto, the creator of the original Naruto manga, is confirmed to be behind this new project.

What is the NARUTOxNINKŪ anime about?

It is a crossover series where Team 7 is sent on a mission by Kakashi, only to be transported to another world where they meet a character named Fūsuke.