How to Read the Naruto Manga: Your Complete Roadmap
The Naruto manga, written and illustrated by Masashi Kishimoto, is one of the best-selling manga series of all time. Whether you're coming fresh from the anime, picking up manga for the first time, or returning after a long break, this guide will walk you through every arc, volume, and spinoff in the correct order.
Part 1: Naruto (Volumes 1–27)
Part 1 covers the original story of young Naruto Uzumaki, a ninja-in-training with a nine-tailed fox spirit sealed inside him. This section establishes the world of the Hidden Leaf Village, the Chunin Exams, and the first major villain arcs.
- Volumes 1–4: Introduction Arc — Naruto, Team 7, and the Land of Waves
- Volumes 4–13: Chunin Exams Arc — one of manga's great tournament arcs
- Volumes 14–16: Konoha Crush & Tsunade Search Arc
- Volumes 16–27: Sasuke Retrieval Arc — the emotional conclusion to Part 1
Part 1 is lighter in tone, focused on friendship and becoming a ninja. It's accessible and a great entry point for younger readers too.
Part 2: Naruto Shippuden (Volumes 28–72)
This is where the series truly comes into its own. The tone shifts darker, the stakes rise, and Kishimoto explores themes of war, ideology, and redemption with surprising depth.
- Volumes 28–31: Kazekage Rescue Mission
- Volumes 31–35: Immortals Arc (Hidan & Kakuzu)
- Volumes 36–40: Itachi Pursuit & Invasion of Pain Arc (essential reading)
- Volumes 41–44: Five Kage Summit Arc
- Volumes 49–72: Fourth Great Ninja War Arc through the finale
The Continuation: Naruto & Boruto
The Last: Naruto the Movie (Canon)
Set two years after the war, this story is considered fully canon and bridges the gap between Naruto and Boruto. While primarily a film, a tie-in manga adaptation exists.
Boruto: Naruto Next Generations
The ongoing story of Naruto's son. Written by Ukyō Kodachi (then Masashi Kishimoto from Chapter 52 onward), Boruto evolved significantly once Kishimoto took over. The manga is ongoing and separate from the anime adaptation.
Spinoffs Worth Reading
| Title | Focus | Recommended? |
|---|---|---|
| Rock Lee's Springtime of Youth | Comedy/parody | Yes (light fun) |
| Sasuke Shinden | Sasuke post-war | Yes (canon-adjacent) |
| Kakashi Hiden | Kakashi as Hokage | Yes (fills key gaps) |
| Naruto: The Seventh Hokage | Short bridge chapter | Yes (quick read) |
Reading Tips
- The manga moves faster than the anime — no filler here.
- Kishimoto's art evolves dramatically from Volume 1 to 72.
- Physical volumes are available from VIZ Media; digital versions are on Manga Plus (free, legal).
- Read Part 1 even if you've seen the anime — the pacing differences are notable.
The Naruto manga is a landmark achievement in storytelling. Starting fresh or revisiting it, you're in for hundreds of pages of genuine craft.