If you thought the world of Naruto had run out of steam, this year’s New York Comic Con panel is ready to prove otherwise. A host of new announcements were made, all falling under the umbrella of an ambitious three-year plan known as “Project Rasengan” (covering the 2027–2029 period).
Naruto Shadow Rising
Let’s kick things off with a bang—specifically, the event’s biggest and most important news: Masashi Kishimoto is officially returning to work on a new manga titled Naruto Shadow Rising. Details are scarce for now, but the mere prospect of seeing the master’s hand at work on a new story set in the Konoha universe is enough to send fans worldwide into a frenzy. Narratively, the manga will be set chronologically after the events of the original series. The initial concept art speaks volumes as we see work underway on the Hokage Rock to carve the face of the leader succeeding Kakashi. The sketches offer tantalizing glimpses, including Sakura with a newborn (little Sarada?) and fragments of a battle between Naruto and Sasuke. However, this remains pure speculation and all we can do is wait for further revelations.
Naruto x Ninku
Another unmissable gem under the “Project Rasengan” banner is Naruto x Ninku, a four-episode miniseries set for release in 2027, created in collaboration with the original series’ creators. What do we know so far? We’ll see the return of the original Team 7, but with a twist: Kakashi won’t be taking part in this mission, and Naruto will be appointed as the interim team leader. Given that Naruto has already mastered the Rasengan, the miniseries is set chronologically between the search for Tsunade and the iconic Sasuke Retrieval Mission. This choice was no accident. Ninku was a major source of inspiration for Kishimoto, and it is no coincidence that the two protagonists share a visually very similar power. According to Kishimoto, the project originated with him, as he was eager to collaborate with the master Koji Kiriyama. Both creators have expressed enthusiasm for this partnership—described by Kishimoto himself as a “long-time dream”—and co-authored the story.
The New Trading Card Game Arrives (June 2027)
“Project Rasengan” also caters to collectors with the simultaneous worldwide release of the highly anticipated official card game. Launch is set for June 2027, but initiatives are already underway: there are countless opportunities to try out demos and the first pieces of exclusive artwork are already whetting the appetites of collectors across the globe. We can’t wait to get our hands on a copy or try a demo so we can share all the gameplay details with you!
Naruto Mobile Comes to the West
Great news for smartphone gamers too: Naruto Mobile, the 2D side-scrolling smash-hit mobile title, is finally breaking out of Japan to launch worldwide. An official release date hasn’t been revealed yet, but the developers have promised big news coming December 19th during the Jump Festa. Keep your eyes peeled!
Naruto Symphonic Experience
Let’s wrap things up on a musical note. Following its overwhelming success at home and a recent European tour, the Naruto Symphonic Experience (the highly anticipated symphonic concert dedicated to the anime’s soundtrack) is finally coming to the United States. As with the other announcements, we’ll have to be patient a little longer for the official dates and tour stops to be revealed.
It was a panel packed with news and unexpected announcements; we can’t wait to see what else “Project Rasengan” has in store for the future.
