Naruto: Sasuke Retsuden Kicks Off New Mission to Save the Hokage

Sasuke Uchiha has changed astronomically since the earliest days of Naruto, with the final member of the Uchiha Clan gaining revenge on his brother Itachi but learning some startling secrets as a result. With a new manga spin-off arriving which translates the events taking place in the light novel series, Sasuke Retsuden, the latest printed story sees Sasuke and Sakura setting forth in the face of a terrifying illness that is casuing Naruto, aka the Seventh Hokage, more than a little discomfort.    

Sasuke Retsuden: The Uchiha Descendants and the Heavenly Stardust was first released as a light novel series in 2019, with the story written by author Jun Esaka and exploring some wild territory for both Sasuke and Sakura, as it helped in cementing the relationship between the two that would eventually see them starting a family and having a daughter in Sarada. While this side story has yet to reveal if it will be brought to the small screen via the Shonen's anime adaptation, we've seen something similar take place in the past via the side story featuring Kakashi and Might Guy searching for healing springs.

Naruto: The Seventh Hokage...For Now

Unfortunately for Konoha, this part of Naruto's life has him falling under the sway of a terminal illness linked to the Sage of the Six Paths, with Sasuke and Sakura setting out in a bid to find a way to save their friend's life. With this story taking place long before Boruto's birth, the former Team 7 members might not have as much backup as they'd prefer but are still two of the most powerful ninjas at the Hidden Leaf Village's disposal. 

With the manga's debut, over one million readers have already dove into Sasuke's new story thanks to MangaPlus, showing that there is still certainly an interest in Masashi Kishimoto's Shonen franchise, whether it be via the main series that continues to this day following its debut decades ago and/or spin-off series that further explore the ninja world.

Which other Shonen characters do you believe deserve their own manga spin-offs? Do you think we'll see Sasuke's  Feel free to let us know in the comments or hit me up directly on Twitter @EVComedy to talk all things comics, anime, and the world of the Hidden Leaf Village.