The anime world is officially buzzing again — Naruto Uzumaki is returning.
After years of silence, delays, and speculation, it has now been confirmed that four brand-new special episodes of Naruto are scheduled to premiere in late 2026. These episodes were created as part of the anime’s 20th anniversary celebration, and while the road to release has been unexpectedly long, the wait is finally nearing its end.
For longtime fans, this isn’t just another anniversary project — it’s a rare chance to revisit the heart of the series that defined an era.
Why Did It Take So Long?
When the special episodes were first announced back in 2023, they were expected much sooner. However, shortly after the reveal, Studio Pierrot placed the project on an indefinite delay, leaving fans wondering if the episodes would ever see the light of day.
The reason, however, wasn’t cancellation — it was quality control.
According to official updates, the studio chose to take extra time to ensure the episodes lived up to Naruto’s legacy. Rather than rushing out an anniversary release, the production team opted to polish the animation and presentation to meet the expectations of a global fanbase that has grown up with the series.
The good news?
Production officially wrapped in 2025, meaning all four episodes are fully completed and locked in for their late 2026 release window.
What to Expect: A True Return to Classic Naruto
These special episodes aren’t sequels or future timelines — they’re a deliberate return to Naruto’s roots.
Timeline: The story is set before the time skip, and before Sasuke Uchiha leaves the Hidden Leaf Village.
Characters: Fans will once again see Team 7 as kids — Naruto, Sasuke, and Sakura — working together under Kakashi Hatake.
Tone: Expect classic missions, familiar dynamics, and the kind of emotional simplicity that defined early Naruto.
In short, this is Naruto as many fans first fell in love with it.
While an exact release date hasn’t been announced yet, Studio Pierrot is expected to reveal a key visual or trailer in the coming months to finalize the schedule.
2026: A Once-in-a-Generation Anime Year
What makes this announcement even more special is the timing.
2026 is shaping up to be a landmark year for anime history. With Naruto, One Piece, and Bleach all set to have new content airing in the same calendar year, fans will witness something that hasn’t happened in over a decade — the legendary “Big 3” sharing the spotlight once again.
One Piece: April 2026 | Bleach: July 2026 | Naruto: Late 2026
For many viewers, these three series weren’t just anime — they were weekly rituals, emotional anchors, and gateways into the medium itself.
Seeing them align again feels historic.
Source: X (Formerly Twitter)
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