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Naruto's 2nd Epilogue Novel Slated for March 4
posted on by Rafael Antonio Pineda
The Japanese branch of Amazon lists Naruto: Shikamaru Hiden - Yami no Shijima ni Ukabu Kumo, the second of six planned Naruto epilogue novels, for March 4. The novel will be penned by Takashi Yano. The first novel by Akira Higashiyama, Naruto: Kakashi Hiden - Hyōten no Ikazuchi (Naruto - Kakashi Hidden Legend: Lightning of the Frozen Sky), will ship in Japan on February 4.
[Warning: These summaries contain spoilers for the Naruto manga and anime.]
Spoiler (highlight the following white text to read) [ The story of Naruto: Kakashi Hiden - Hyōten no Ikazuchi revolves around Kakashi Hatake, who is melancholy despite his new position as the Sixth Hogake. In addition, an incident has occurred in the new peaceful, orderly ninja world.
Shikamaru Hiden is hinted to feature a battle between Shikamaru and the "strongest genjutsu-user." Akatsuki Hiden is listed to reveal the "truth of the Akatsuki," and features images of Deidara, Kisame, Kakuzu, and Hidan. Gaara Hiden is hinted to be a story of love, something the Kazekage does not know very well, the preview for Sakura Hiden hints that the result of Sakura's feelings will be revealed, and finally, Konohagakure Hiden will look at the other ninja in Konoha and what happened to them "after the original manga." The preview image shows Shino, Kiba, and Rock Lee.]
Beginning in February, one volume of the Hiden novel series will be released per month. The full list of novels and release dates is as follows:
- Kakashi Hiden ('hiden' means 'secret legend') - February 4
- Shikamaru Hiden - March 4
- Akatsuki Hiden - April
- Gaara Hiden - June
- Sakura Hiden - July
- Konohagakure Hiden - August
Kishimoto had said in an interview in November that he will still have other work left to do in the Naruto franchise until summer, so he will not begin preparing his next non-Naruto title in earnest until after that. A new film following [Highlight white text to read spoilers] Naruto and Hinata's son Bolt and Sasuke and Sakura's daughter Sarada will open in August.
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