Two major projects tied to the globally renowned Naruto franchise have been officially announced. They expand creator Masashi Kishimoto’s universe with an original manga titled NARUTO SHADOW RISING and a four-episode crossover anime featuring the classic series NINKŪ. The announcements were made on October 11, 2026, during the “NARUTO: What’s Next?” panel at New York Comic Con. These projects bring together modern ninja adventures with the foundational title that directly inspired them.
The Four-Episode NARUTO x NINKŪ Crossover Anime
The newly unveiled anime project sheds light on a mysterious four-episode special first teased during the franchise’s 20th-anniversary celebrations. Originally slated to air in September 2023 before being postponed to improve quality, the production has been reworked into a special crossover event.
According to the official project outline, the story follows a young Naruto Uzumaki acting as the temporary captain of Team 7 while Kakashi remains behind. While out on a mission, Naruto, Sasuke, and Sakura find themselves lost in an unfamiliar alternate world. There, they encounter Fūsuke, a young boy with frog-like facial features who is a member of the Ninku Corps.
The crossover bridges two generations of Shonen Jump history. Created by Koji Kiriyama, NINKŪ serialized in Weekly Shonen Jump starting in 1993, blending traditional ninja techniques with karate. Studio Pierrot previously adapted NINKŪ into a 55-episode television series airing from January 1995 to February 1996. Masashi Kishimoto has repeatedly credited Kiriyama’s work as the vital spark behind his own career, famously noting, “Without Ninku, there would be no Naruto.”
Noriyuki Abe, chief director of Boruto: Naruto Next Generations and a director on the original Ninku anime, is directing the crossover. Tetsuya Nishio returns as the character designer and chief animation director.
NARUTO SHADOW RISING Manga Announced
Alongside the animated crossover, franchise creator Masashi Kishimoto is launching an all-new manga titled NARUTO SHADOW RISING. A promotional video accompanying the reveal showcased the classic original members of Team 7: Naruto raising a Hokage hat, a smiling Kakashi, a confident Sasuke, and Sakura looking affectionately at a baby. The footage also teased an intense clash between Naruto and Sasuke, alongside a monument featuring six past Hokage faces with a seventh under construction.
Further details, plot descriptions, and release schedules for NARUTO SHADOW RISING will be unveiled during the Naruto Jump Super Stage at Jump Festa 2027. This event is scheduled for December 19-20 at Makuhari Messe in Chiba, Japan.
Frequently Asked Questions About the New Naruto Announcements
What is the new Naruto manga called?
The new manga written by Masashi Kishimoto is titled NARUTO SHADOW RISING. Further details will be announced at Jump Festa 2027.
What is the NARUTO x NINKŪ anime?
It is a completely original four-episode crossover anime where Team 7 gets lost in the world of NINKŪ and meets Fūsuke. Both Kishimoto and Ninku creator Koji Kiriyama are supervising the project.
Who is directing the NARUTO x NINKŪ crossover?
Noriyuki Abe, who served as chief director for Boruto: Naruto Next Generations and directed the original Ninku television series, is directing the crossover.
When and where were these projects announced?
The projects were announced on October 10-11, 2026, during the “NARUTO: What’s Next?” panel at New York Comic Con.
Where can I watch classic Ninku episodes?
In anticipation of the crossover release, Studio Pierrot has begun streaming the first five episodes of the original Ninku anime for free on its official YouTube channel.
