Naruto’s Return Might Be Closer Than You Think – Here’s What We Know

Naruto’s Disappearance: What Happened?

It’s been two years since the last episode of Boruto: Naruto Next Generations aired, leaving fans in suspense. The series, which followed the next generation of Konoha ninjas, ended on episode 293 with Code still posing a threat to the Hidden Leaf Village. Since then, there’s been no official update on when the anime will return, and the absence of Naruto and Boruto from the weekly anime scene is deeply felt.

The State of the Franchise

After Boruto went on hiatus, Studio Pierrot announced plans to release four new episodes of the classic Naruto series, bringing back the original trio—Naruto, Sakura, and Sasuke. These episodes were initially slated for September 2023, but delays due to animation quality concerns pushed them back indefinitely. Meanwhile, the Boruto manga continues under the title Boruto: Two Blue Vortex, introducing a time skip and a darker, more mature storyline.

The manga’s progress has only heightened fans’ frustration, as the new arc has enough material to fuel multiple anime seasons. So, why the delay?

The Demon Slayer Effect

The anime industry has undergone a significant shift, largely influenced by the success of Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba. Produced by Ufotable, Demon Slayer adopted a seasonal model, prioritizing quality over quantity. This approach revolutionized the industry, and other studios, including Studio Pierrot, are taking notes.

In an interview, Studio Pierrot’s president, Michiyuki Honma, acknowledged the impact of Demon Slayer:
“It was a major turning point. High-quality work takes time and a generous budget, but it became a massive success. It became clear that we needed to change our production approach to keep up with this new era.”

This raises the question: Is Studio Pierrot restructuring Naruto and Boruto to follow a seasonal model? If so, the wait might be longer, but the return could come with significantly improved animation and storytelling.

What’s Next for Boruto?

For fans keeping up with the manga, Boruto: Two Blue Vortex has been a game-changer. The time skip introduces older versions of Boruto, Sarada, Mitsuki, and Kawaki, along with new threats and mysteries. The story has taken a darker, more serious tone, winning over critics and fans alike.

However, one of the biggest criticisms of the Naruto franchise has always been its overuse of filler episodes. Both Naruto and Boruto suffered from original episodes that often strayed from the main plot. A seasonal approach, like Demon Slayer’s, could eliminate this issue, ensuring a tighter, more faithful adaptation.

The Legacy of Naruto

Even after two decades, Naruto remains one of the most iconic franchises in anime history. Its absence has left a void in the otaku community, which has grown accustomed to weekly ninja adventures. Whether it’s new episodes of the classic series, an adaptation of Two Blue Vortex, or an entirely new project, one thing is clear: Naruto needs to return.

When Will Naruto Come Back?

The big question on everyone’s mind is when. Will Studio Pierrot make a major announcement this year? Or will fans have to wait longer to see Shadow Clones and Rasengans back on their screens? While the exact timeline remains uncertain, one thing is for sure: the ninja legend’s return will be worth the wait.

What do you think about a seasonal approach for Naruto and Boruto? Are you excited for the potential return of the series? Share your thoughts and predictions in the comments!