Masashi Kishimoto is returning to the drawing board for a new manga titled Naruto: Shadow Rising. The announcement came during the "NARUTO: What's Next?" panel at New York Comic Con on October 10, 2026, coinciding with the titular character's birthday. This marks the first time Kishimoto has personally illustrated a full Naruto series since 2014, moving away from the supervision-only role he held during much of the Boruto era.
The project is part of a larger franchise overhaul called "Project Rasengan," a multi-year roadmap spanning 2027 to 2029. Alongside the manga, Studio Pierrot (under the Pierrot Films banner) announced a four-episode limited series titled Naruto x Ninku. This crossover brings the young Team 7 into the world of Ninku, the classic 90s series that served as a primary inspiration for the Naruto universe.
What We Know
According to reports from Crunchyroll News, Naruto: Shadow Rising is set during the "blank period"—the years between the conclusion of Naruto Shippuden and the start of Boruto. While the teaser showcased adult versions of Team 7 and a clash between Naruto and Sasuke, the specific plot remains under wraps. Kishimoto is confirmed as both the writer and the artist, a significant shift for a creator who has largely focused on scriptwriting and supervision over the last decade.
The Naruto x Ninku anime limited series is being handled by Pierrot Films, with Noriyuki Abe returning to the director's chair. Abe is a veteran of the franchise, having directed both the original Ninku anime and Boruto. The production staff includes character designer and chief animation director Tetsuya Nishio, assistant director Nozomi Fukui, and story credit for Hinatasho. The musical score features a collaboration between Yasuharu Takanashi, -Yaiba-, and Yusuke Honma. Both Kishimoto and Ninku creator Koji Kiriyama are supervising the production.
Beyond the flagship titles, the NYCC panel revealed a broader expansion of the brand. A new Naruto Card Game is slated for a June 2027 launch, and a worldwide release for Naruto Mobile is in the works. The panel also featured a message from Destin Daniel Cretton, the director currently attached to the live-action Naruto film, signaling that the cinematic adaptation is still progressing within the "Project Rasengan" timeline.
Why It Matters
For long-term fans, Kishimoto’s return as an illustrator is the most vital part of this announcement. While he eventually took over writing duties for Boruto, his distinct penmanship has been absent from the serialized page for years. By focusing on the "blank period," Kishimoto is effectively filling in the lore of the franchise's most popular era, giving readers a chance to see the characters in their prime before the focus shifted to the next generation.
The crossover with Ninku is an equally fascinating choice. It is no secret in the industry that Kishimoto drew heavy inspiration from Koji Kiriyama’s work when creating the original Naruto pilot. Bringing young Naruto, Sasuke, and Sakura into the world of Fusuke feels like a full-circle moment for the creator. This crossover isn't just a nostalgia play; it is a direct nod to the series' DNA. Choosing Noriyuki Abe to direct—the man who bridged the gap between these two properties decades ago—suggests Pierrot Films is prioritizing tonal consistency over simple fan service.
Where to Watch or Read
The Naruto: Shadow Rising manga will be published by Shueisha, though specific serialization details have not been confirmed. It is likely to appear on the Manga Plus platform given the franchise's global reach.
The Naruto x Ninku limited series does not yet have a confirmed streaming home, but Crunchyroll’s early reporting on the project suggests it will be the primary platform for international viewers. No official release dates or subscription prices for these specific titles have been announced as of October 11, 2026.
What Happens Next
"Project Rasengan" is a long-term commitment, but the next major update is just around the corner. Shueisha and Pierrot Films have confirmed that more details for both Shadow Rising and the Ninku crossover will be revealed at Jump Festa 2027, which takes place on December 19 and 20, 2026. Until then, the franchise remains in a state of high anticipation as it gears up for its 30th anniversary push.