More than a decade after the conclusion of the original Naruto manga, Masashi Kishimoto is preparing to expand his iconic ninja universe once again. During the "NARUTO: What's Next?" panel held at New York Comic Con on October 10, 2026, a brand-new manga project was officially announced. The upcoming series is titled Naruto Shadow Rising, a name later confirmed through the franchise's official Japanese social media account. A first teaser was also released, although the story, characters and publication schedule remain under wraps.

Fans will not have to wait too long for additional information. The next major presentation for Naruto Shadow Rising is scheduled for Jump Festa '27, taking place on December 19 and 20, 2026. The event is expected to provide a clearer look at the project, potentially revealing its storyline, setting and connection to the existing Naruto and Boruto timelines. Kishimoto's direct involvement makes the announcement particularly significant for a franchise that has continued to evolve long after the original manga ended.

Naruto originally debuted in Shueisha's Weekly Shonen Jump in 1999 and concluded in November 2014 after becoming one of the most influential manga series of its generation. Its success led to the Naruto and Naruto Shippuden anime adaptations, multiple animated films, OVAs, novels, stage productions, video games and several manga spin-offs. The universe was later continued through Boruto, which launched as a manga in May 2016 before moving from Weekly Shonen Jump to V Jump in July 2019.

Kishimoto returned to a major creative role in the Boruto manga in November 2020, replacing Ukyō Kodachi as storywriter beginning with Chapter 52, while Mikio Ikemoto continued handling the artwork. Following a hiatus that started in April 2023, the manga returned in August of the same year under the title Boruto: Two Blue Vortex and remains ongoing. With Naruto Shadow Rising now officially confirmed, Kishimoto is opening another chapter in the franchise, with Jump Festa '27 set to reveal exactly what awaits the world of Naruto next.