"Naruto," one of the most popular manga and anime series ever, may finally bid its last goodbye as creator Masashi Kishimoto may end it soon.
The well-loved series saw a global reception and Naruto, the title character, became one of the most recognizable figures from the anime world.
However, all good things must come to an end. If the statements from series creator Masashi Kishimoto play out, he will "rest" from writing more stories about the ninja from Konoha.
Even after the serialization ended in November 2014, insistent fan requests brought him to make the movie, "Boruto, Naruto the movie" which premiered last July. Anime News Network recalls ominous words from the Kishimoto.
During the premiere, the voice actress for the title character, Yuko Sanpei, commented that she "wanted the films to continue." Kishimoto was said to respond "with a wry smile" and commented:
"I can't. Please let me rest now." He also said that the "Boruto" movie was "perfect. I'm just speaking for myself, but I'm enormously satisfied."
This is indeed sad news for the millions of Naruto fans around the world. However, Kishimoto will rest from Naruto but not from manga altogether. He announced that he has a new project which, impossible as it seems, he hopes will outdo "Naruto."
A recent report by Anime News Network has a translation from Kishimoto's statements to Entermix magazine, which reads:
"I've already decided what I'm going to write about in my next work. I'm thinking of writing a science-fiction work. I've already finalized the character designs. I think the protagonist is one that hasn't been seen before in manga, and while it's me saying it, I think that the character is done very well."
Of course, he understands there will be inevitable comparisons to his famous, 15-year long opus:
"I want to think once more about the difference between what I want to write and what readers are looking for when reading my works. I started thinking about this by writing Naruto and various one-shots. Naruto became an unexpected hit, but I want to make my next work a hit as well by actually aiming to do so."
A final message to fans: "I don't know when I'll announce my new work, but please wait for my challenge of a work that will surpass Naruto."