Shueisha and Studio Pierrot Announce New Naruto Shadow Rising Manga and 'Naruto x Ninku' Crossover Anime Series
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TAME MANGA - The global anime and manga industry received a massive double announcement as Shueisha, Pierrot, and the official Masashi Kishimoto production committee unveiled two major new projects.
The iconic franchise is set to expand its literary and television universe simultaneously with the announcement of a brand-new official spin-off manga series titled Naruto: Shadow Rising, alongside a historic, limited crossover anime production titled Naruto x Ninku. Both projects are scheduled to begin their rollouts late this year, marking a monumental milestone for classic and modern shonen fans alike.
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The dual announcement is strategically timed to diversify the franchise's current offerings while honoring its core roots. Shueisha confirmed that Naruto: Shadow Rising will be fully canonized within the universe's extensive timeline, while the Naruto x Ninku anime project represents a nostalgic tribute to the 1990s martial arts anime that heavily inspired Masashi Kishimoto's original concept of ninja combat and hand signs.
Everything We Know About the 'Naruto: Shadow Rising' Manga
According to the official publication notes from Weekly Shonen Jump, the new manga Naruto: Shadow Rising will be written by original creator Masashi Kishimoto and illustrated by a handpicked team of veteran background artists. The narrative structure shifts away from the current generation of Boruto to focus on an unexplored historical gap within the original timeline.
Specifically, the story takes place during the active years of the ANBU Black Ops under the leadership of Kakashi Hatake and Itachi Uchiha, exploring the covert operations and geopolitical espionage that occurred between the Hidden Leaf Village and rival nations.
Shueisha will distribute the manga chapters simultaneously worldwide through its official digital platforms, Manga Plus and Shonen Jump+. The digital release will include official translations in multiple languages, including English, Spanish, and French, ensuring immediate global access. The physical print volumes (Tankobon) are scheduled to follow in early 2027 under the Jump Comics imprint label.