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Naruto's 3rd Epilogue Novel Slated For April 3
posted on by Sarah Nelkin
The Japanese branch of Amazon lists Sakura Hiden, the third of six planned Naruto epilogue novels, for April 3. The novel will be penned by Tomohito Ōsaki (Gintama, Black Cat, Nurarihyon no Mago novels). The second novel by Takashi Yano, Naruto: Shikamaru Hiden - Yami no Shijima ni Ukabu Kumo (Naruto - Shikamaru Hidden Legend: The Cloud That Floats in the Silence of the Darkness), will ship in Japan on March 4.
Sakura Hiden was originally scheduled to to be released in June, with Akatsuki Hiden scheduled for April. The other two novels focus on Gaara and the village of Konohagakure. One novel will be released per month for a total of six months.
[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.]
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.
Update: Date corrected. Thanks, cdte
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