The anime known as Naruto is a series that captured the attention of fans across the globe. With its interesting characters, strong plot, and constant action, Naruto is a well-rounded series worthy of the praise it receives. When the series came to its end, it was bittersweet, with fans left both satisfied, but not wanting to leave the world Kishimoto created.
Yet, the Naruto universe did not end with the manga. Rather, the world continued to be expanded through other means, such as light novels and spin-off manga published by Viz Media. Many of these novels focus on expanding the audience's understanding of the characters, giving their thoughts and perspectives voice. Fans can expand their understanding of the Narutoverse through these various forms, diving once more into the world of ninja, tailed beasts, and a dream of becoming Hokage.
10 Sasuke's Story: Sunrise
Naruto's best friend and rival has done a lot of reflecting about his choices and is moving forward with more clarity and a desire to make restitution with his village. Sunrise is a light novel focusing on Sasuke's journey after the end of the series. Readers follow him as he investigates Kaguya and protects the village from the shadows.
On his journey, Sasuke hears a rumor of a group called Dark Thunder and is recruited to help stop this group from causing further destruction and death. Fans can enjoy a rare glimpse into the mind of the last Uchiha as he goes on his journey for atonement.
9 Boruto: Naruto Next Generations
Ukyo Kodachi and Masashi Kishimoto continue to expand the Naruto universe through the eyes of the next generation of ninja in Boruto. Naruto's son, Boruto, takes on the role of protagonist in this action-packed manga that captivated and excited fans everywhere. Accompanied by his companions, Sarada and Mitsuki, Boruto is ready to start his own adventure.
However, unlike Naruto, Boruto has no interest in becoming Hokage. Fan-favorite characters make many appearances throughout the manga, such as Sasuke, Kakashi, and of course, Naruto. Where Boruto's journey will take him, only time will tell, but fans everywhere will surely enjoy the ride.
8 Sakura's Story: Love Riding On The Spring Breeze
Team 7's intelligent and powerful kunoichi gets her own story in this light novel. Sakura is working hard as a medical ninja following the Fourth Shinobi War, taking care of ill and displaced children. However, her world is turned upside-down when word reaches her that Sasuke was seen conspiring with a group of rogue ninja to attack Konoha.
This novel gives readers insight into Sakura's mindset after the end of the series. With Sasuke gone, Sakura is left wondering about their relationship, thinking about their past, and hoping that she can clear his name so they can have a future.
7 Naruto: The Seventh Hokage And The Scarlet Spring
Set between the end of the original Naruto manga and the start of Boruto: Naruto Next Generations, this manga follows Sarada Uchiha, Sasuke and Sakura's daughter, as she tries to find who her real mother is. After finding a picture of Sasuke with another woman, Sarada begins to doubt that Sakura is her birth mother, and journeys to find Sasuke to uncover the truth.
This manga gives readers a sneak peek of the main characters in Boruto, and helps to define the odd relationship Sakura has with Sasuke, as well as how Sarada fits into it. This manga may be short, but it is worth a read for any fan.
6 Itachi's Story: Daylight
Readers follow Itachi through childhood to the moment he is accepted as an Anbu, and learn of the dark plan the Uchiha Clan have for Konoha in this light novel. Itachi has always been somewhat of a mystery, with his past shrouded in questions. This novel sheds light on those questions.
The novel begins with Itachi as a small child, and as he grows, so too does the reader's understanding of why he made the choices he did in Naruto. The light novel humanizes Itachi in a way the manga often could not. Any Itachi fan would be remiss to pass on this chance to explore the mind of the Uchiha prodigy.
5 Naruto: Mission: Protect The Waterfall Village!
Team 7 ventures out of Konoha in this light novel adventure. Naruto, Sasuke, and Sakura, along with their sensei, Kakashi, are tasked with escorting the leader of the Waterfall village back home. However, when Kakashi is suddenly called away and Team 7 is without their teacher, the Waterfall village is attacked. This thrilling novel is packed with action, surprises, and, of course, ninja!
Readers will follow Team 7' as they find themselves in a deadly mission, and Naruto, Sasuke, and Sakura must quickly adapt to fighting on their own. Will they succeed, or will the treasure of the Waterfall village fall into the enemy's hands?
4 Shikamaru's Story: A Cloud Drifting In The Silent Dark
The first of the Genin group to be promoted, Shikamaru's slothful personality paired with his high intelligence and advanced abilities have landed him as a fan favorite in many polls. Now, readers can get a glimpse into the mind of the genius ninja as he embarks on a mission to The Land Of Silence.
After countless ninja go missing, including fan favorite, Sai, Shikamaru is sent on a mission to investigate the disappearances. Fans will not want to miss this exciting tale. Will Shikamaru find Sai and the missing ninja, or will he also be claimed by The Land Of Silence?
3 Innocent Heart, Demonic Blood
This novel adaptation of the first anime arc is perfect for any fan who enjoyed the intense battles between Team 7, Zabuza, and his subordinate, Haku. This novel is true to the series, and fans will not find much in the way of new material for the arc. However, for those who truly enjoyed this first anime arc, the memories this novel will rekindle may make you fall in love with the series all over again.
Relive the shock of Team 7 as they suddenly become bodyguards to Tazuna, the Bridge Builder, and must keep him alive while Zabuza, the Demon of the Mist, tries to stop him by any means possible.
2 Chibi Sasuke's Sharingan Legend
This gag manga follows Sasuke on his journey during the time of Naruto Shippuden. However, while Sasuke's story in the manga devastated, frustrated, and occasionally warmed fans' hearts, this manga focuses on lighthearted fun and silliness. See Sasuke sport an afro, have a pillow fight, become a Nintuber, try to solve the great pudding caper and so much more!
This manga series will have fans laughing out loud as they get to see the last Uchiha in a whole different light. With fun artwork and many jokes along the way, this manga is a must for fans of Sasuke!
1 Naruto's Story: Family Day
This fun and whimsical light novel follows Naruto and Sasuke, as well as less-seen characters such as Kiba, Shino, and Choji, as they celebrate Family Day. Naruto tries to balance getting a good night's sleep with finding his daughter, Himawari, a Kurama doll that is only sold on Family Day, while Sasuke desperately tries to connect with his daughter, Sarada, leading to him feeling embarrassed more than once.
This funny story is a great option for fans who want to enjoy a light-hearted tale from the Narutoverse that promises laughs, and some heartwarming moments.