Naruto Shippuden Makes Surprise Return, 9 Years After The Finale

While Naruto Shippuden came to an end nearly a decade ago now after an incredible 500-episode run, there’s still plenty for the fandom to get excited about. There’s the steady monthly release Boruto: Two Blue Vortex, for one thing, plus a special collectible trading card game coming in 2027.

Looking to the more immediate future, Naruto‘s 25th anniversary celebrations just kicked off early. Studio Pierrot, the anime studio behind the franchise, recently produced a brand-new animated short as part of the series’ upcoming collaboration with PUBG Mobile. Releasing today (July 9) as part of the game’s Version 4.5 update, the PUBG Mobile x Naruto: Shippuden crossover event will run from runs until September 7, and features exclusive in-game weapons, cosmetics, locations and other surprises inspired by the classic Shonen Jump series.

The brand-new Naruto: Shippuden anime short, which you can see above, features Naruto, Sakura Haruno and Kakashi Hatake reunited. The trio is about to grab an airdrop (this is PUBG-themed, remember) when Jiraiya and Lady Tsunade make an appearance. Naruto’s long-time rival Sasuke Uchiha even shows up to join the battle.

“Version 4.5 Update introduces Naruto: Ninjas Assemble, a Naruto: Shippuden-themed mode inspired by one of the world’s most celebrated anime franchises,” a press release reads. “Representing one of the most ambitious collaborations in PUBG Mobile’s history, the partnership brings transformative gameplay, iconic locations and signature abilities from the beloved series into the game.”

“At the heart of the themed mode is the Hidden Leaf Village, featuring faithfully recreated locations such as Hokage Rock, Naruto’s Apartment, the Hokage’s Residence, Ichiraku Ramen Shop and the Aviary. Elsewhere, players can explore iconic locations from Naruto’s story, including the Ninja Academy, Hidden Leaf Hospital, Chunin Exam Finals Arena, Naka Shrine Secret Room, Naruto’s Inner Mind, Valley of the End and Great Naruto Bridge, with explorable recreations bringing memorable scenes from the anime to life.”

This short is a wonderful treat for Naruto fans everywhere, of course, but it should be little more than a taster for what’s to come during the series’ 25th anniversary celebrations in 2027.

As revealed in a report by AnimeCorner, Naruto’s Japanese broadcaster, TV Tokyo confirmed back in May that a variety of projects are in the works to bring Naruto back.

We see the 25th anniversary as the beginning of a new stage, and we have several projects planned to capture that. New projects, including videos and games developed with new partners, are planned for 2027 and beyond.

We know that the trading card game will be one of these projects, but fans are desperately hoping the long-delayed 20th anniversary specials will finally see the light of day. Five years late is better than not at all, after all. For now, if you’re looking to get your Naruto fix, you might consider diving into PUBG Mobile over the next few months.

Release Date

2002 – 2007-00-00

Showrunner

Masashi Kishimoto

Directors

Hayato Date

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