Naruto Shippuden makes a surprise return, 9 years after the finale

Published July 9, 2026, 7:05 a.m. EDT

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While Naruto Shippuden ended almost a decade ago now, after an incredible 500-episode run, there’s still plenty to get the fandom excited about. There is the regular monthly version Boruto: Two Blue Vortices, on the one hand, plus one special collectible card game coming in 2027.

Looking towards a more immediate future, NarutoThe brand’s 25th anniversary celebrations started early. Studio Pierrot, the animation studio behind the franchise, recently produced a brand new animated short as part of the series’ upcoming collaboration with PUBG Mobile. Released today (July 9) as part of the game’s version 4.5 update, the PUBG Mobile x Naruto: Shippuden The crossover event will run until September 7 and will feature exclusive in-game weapons, cosmetics, locations, and other surprises inspired by the classic. Shonen Jump series.

The brand new Naruto: Shippuden animated short filmwhich you can see above, features Naruto, Sakura Haruno, and Kakashi Hatake reunited. The trio is about to catch an airdrop (it’s PUBG-themed, remember) when Jiraiya and Lady Tsunade appear. Naruto’s longtime rival, Sasuke Uchiha, even shows up to join the battle.

“Version 4.5 update introduces Naruto: Ninjas Assemble, a Naruto: Shippuden-themed mode inspired by one of the world’s most famous anime franchises,” we read in a press release. “Representing one of the most ambitious collaborations in PUBG Mobile history, this partnership brings transformative gameplay, iconic locations, and signature abilities from the beloved series to the game.”

“At the heart of the themed mode is the Hidden Leaf Village, with faithfully recreated locations such as the Hokage’s Rock, Naruto’s Apartment, the Hokage’s Residence, the Ichiraku Ramen Shop and the Aviary. Elsewhere, players can explore iconic locations from Naruto’s story, including the Ninja Academy, Hidden Leaf Hospital, the final arena of the Chunin Exams, the secret room of the Naka Shrine, Naruto’s inner spirit, the Valley of the End and the The Great Naruto Bridge, with explorable reenactments bringing memorable scenes from the anime to life.”

This short film is a wonderful treat for Naruto fans around the world, of course, but this should only be a taste of what’s to come during the series’ 25th anniversary celebrations in 2027.

As revealed in a report from Anime Corner, Naruto’s Japanese television channel TV Tokyo confirmed last May that various projects were underway to bring Naruto back.

We view the 25th anniversary as the start of a new milestone and we have several projects planned to capture this. New projects, including videos and games developed with new partners, are planned for 2027 and beyond.

We know the trading card game will be one of those projects, but fans are desperately hoping that the long delayed The 20th anniversary specials will finally see the light of day. After all, five years is better than none at all. For now, if you’re looking to get your Naruto solution, you might consider diving into PUBG Mobile over the next few months.