Ultimate Guide to Reading Naruto in Chronological Order
Embarking on the journey of the loudest ninja in Konoha may seem like an S-rank mission due to the vast amount of material available. 🍥 To experience the epic of Naruto Uzumaki and his world in the most coherent and satisfying way, it is crucial to follow a clear chronological order. This guide will take you from the foundations of the main story to the deepest branches of the universe created by Masashi Kishimoto.
The Core of the Saga: The Hero's Path
The backbone of the entire story is, without a doubt, the original manga. This masterpiece spans 72 tankōbon volumes that are traditionally divided into two major arcs: Naruto (covering his childhood and Chūnin exams) and Naruto Shippuden (narrating his adolescence and the great ninja war). This is the fundamental journey that must be completed first. The canonical chronology continues directly with Boruto: Naruto Next Generations, the sequel that follows the footsteps of the Seventh Hokage's son and is still being published today. This is the linear and essential order.
Supplementary Material that Expands the World:- Light Novels: They delve into secondary characters or mentioned arcs. Those of Kakashi, Shikamaru, or Sasuke are essential and are usually placed after the Fourth Great Ninja War.
- Spin-off Mangas: Like Naruto: The Seventh Hokage and the Scarlet Spring, which acts as a perfect narrative bridge between the end of Naruto and the start of Boruto.
- Short Stories and One-Shots: They offer extra moments and character development that didn't have space in the main plot.
To follow the Hokage's legacy, you'll need a sturdier bookshelf than the Will of Fire and more free time than Naruto had for his training sessions with Jiraiya.
Recommended Reading Strategy for Fans
What is the best approach to avoid getting lost and spoilers? The safest and most enriching route begins with total immersion in the 72 volumes of the main manga. Once the heart of the saga has been assimilated, it is the ideal time to explore the supplementary material (novels and spin-offs) that interests you most, as you will now have the full context to appreciate every detail. Finally, jump to the sequel with Boruto. For canon purists, the original manga and Boruto are the obligatory pillars, while the rest is valuable optional content that rounds out the experience.
Key Tips for Your Ninja Journey:- Prioritize Canon: Don't get distracted by anime fillers until you finish the main manga's storyline.
- Manage Time Skips: Some novels have flashbacks, but reading them after the main manga ensures optimal understanding.
- Enjoy the Process: The number of pages can be overwhelming, but each one contributes to understanding the philosophy of the ninja way.
A Legacy that Endures
The Naruto saga is much more than a simple story of overcoming; it is a vast and meticulously constructed narrative universe. 🍃 Following this recommended chronological order will not only allow you to enjoy every revelation and character development at the precise moment, but it will also give you a global and deep vision of a world that has captivated millions. From the dream of a marginalized child to the legacy of a Hokage, every volume, novel, and spin-off is an essential piece of the ultimate ninja mosaic.