After the disappointment of Samurai 8, Kishimoto took some time off, but recently he has started to share plans for his next work. He confirmed that he has many unique ideas and will soon return to Shonen Jump.
Kishimoto Confirms Plans for a New Manga

Masashi Kishimoto has confirmed his return to manga twice, sparking great hope among fans. In a 2024 interview, he said: “I want to spend time with my family, but that also motivates me to start a new project.” This shows that even while resting, he has not stopped thinking about creating, and his comeback is only a matter of time.
More recently, Kishimoto shared that he already has several ideas for his next manga. Reflecting on how he applied his life experiences to Naruto, he revealed a surprising insight into his creative process. Initially, he wrote Naruto as a character struggling with a difficult childhood.
He explained: “I drew on emotions from my own childhood and put them into Naruto. At some point, I gradually gained recognition, and the feeling of wanting to be acknowledged was fulfilled. During that time, I started thinking about exploring other aspects like family lineage and heritage.”
Kishimoto also spoke about a shift in his mindset: “The pressure to live up to expectations can be a heavy burden. I want to express my conclusions about this idea in a manga, so please be patient.”
These comments not only show how Kishimoto has grown as a creator but also hint at a deep theme for his next work. Many believe he wants to explore the pressures and expectations that come with being born into a family with a legacy.
Could the New Manga Be a Naruto Sequel?

It is still unclear what Kishimoto’s next manga will be. However, the chances it relates to Naruto are very high. Kishimoto mentioned applying his life lessons to Naruto Uzumaki and asked fans to wait as he applies those lessons to his new series. This suggests his next work could be set in the ninja universe he created.
If it is a new Naruto series, it will likely take place during the gap between Naruto Shippuden and Boruto. This would be the perfect time for Kishimoto to breathe new life into the franchise, answer unanswered questions, and explore key events from that period.
Moreover, such a series could attract fans disappointed by Boruto. The original creator’s return promises quality and could help restore Naruto’s legacy.
All signs point to Kishimoto’s return to Shonen Jump being inevitable, and fans are eagerly awaiting what he will bring to the manga world in the coming years. Whether it’s a brand-new story or a Naruto sequel, the return of a legend is always exciting news.
Source: Gamerant