The Naruto manga is divided in two parts to divide the storyline; the first one, Part I, covers the first two hundred and forty-four chapters of the series. The chapters are written by Masashi Kishimoto and published by Shueisha in the Weekly Shonen Jump magazine.1 The first chapter was published in 1999, continuing for a total of two hundred and forty-four chapters.2 The last six chapters are part of a gaiden taking place before the regular storyline, called the Kakashi Gaiden. The chapters after the gaiden are part of Part II, the second part of the Naruto storyline that takes place two and a half years after the end of the Naruto manga. An anime adaptation, produced by Studio Pierrot and TV Tokyo, was aired on TV Tokyo, with the first episode shown on October 3, 2002.3 The last episode of the Naruto anime aired on February 8, 2007, with the anime adaptation of Part II, known as Naruto: Shippūden, replacing it.34
The Naruto manga was serialized in North America by Viz Media in the United States Shonen Jump magazine.1 The first chapter of the English adaptation was published on January 7, 2003.1 The English adaptation of the Naruto anime has been shown on Cartoon Network's Toonami and YTV's Bionix programming blocks, with the first episode airing on September 10, 2005.3
The chapters have been composed into twenty-seven tankōbon in Japan by Shueisha. The first tankōbon was released on March 3, 2000, and the twenty-seventh released on April 4, 2005.56 All of the tankōbon contain nine chapters of the original manga, with the exception of the first tankōbon, which has seven chapters.5 Viz Media has released all twenty-seven volumes of the English adaptation of the manga.7 In addition, Viz Media released all twenty-seven volumes in a boxed set, thus constituting the entirety of the Naruto storyline before Part II on November 13, 2007.8 A "Collector's Edition" of volume 1 including a hardcover was also released on September 16, 2008 by Viz.9
Shortly before the release of the fourteenth volume, Viz Media announced its "Naruto Nation" campaign, planning to release three volumes a month in the last four months of 2007.10 Cammie Allen, Viz Media's product manager, commented that, "Our main reason [for the accelerated schedule] was to catch up to the Japanese release schedule to give our readers a similar experience to that of our readers in Japan."10 As such, the English adaptation of Part II was featured on December 4, 2007 in the United States Shonen Jump, as will the Kakashi Gaiden.10
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Volume list
| # | Japanese | English | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Release date | ISBN | Release date | ISBN | |
| 1 | March 3, 2000 | ISBN 4-08-872840-75 | August 16, 2003 | ISBN 1-56931-900-611 |
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| For the first twelve years of his life, Naruto Uzumaki had to live a life without parents and endure the apparent unsolicited hate from the villagers of Konohagakure, never knowing what it was like to be loved or have friends as a result. On the day that he learns that the Nine-Tailed Demon Fox was sealed within him soon after his birth and is the reason he is alone in the world, Naruto's fortunes begin to change. In addition to finding a father-figure in the form of Iruka Umino, Naruto achieves his dream by finally becoming a ninja. In doing so, Naruto is added to Team 7 along with Sasuke Uchiha and Sakura Haruno under the leadership of Kakashi Hatake. To see whether or not the three are ready to become ninja, Kakashi administers a test to see if they have what it takes. Each fails independently, leading Kakashi to believe they will never become ninja. | ||||
| 2 | June 2, 2000 | ISBN 4-08-872878-012 | December 26, 2003 | ISBN 1-59116-178-913 |
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| Kakashi advises the three to start focusing on the team's well-being instead of their own, and in doing so they are able to pass the test. As one of the team's first missions, they are assigned to to escort a man named Tazuna to the Land of Waves. Along the way, the group is attacked by Zabuza Momochi, an assassin sent to kill Tazuna. Kakashi, with the help of Naruto, Sasuke, and his own Sharingan eye, is able to defeat Zabuza. Before he can finish Zabuza off, however, a masked boy named Haku arrives to take him away. In preparation for another of Zabuza's attacks, Kakashi decides to train Naruto, Sasuke, and Sakura. | ||||
| 3 | August 4, 2000 | ISBN 4-08-872898-814 | April 24, 2004 | ISBN 1-59116-187-815 |
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| In an effort to get stronger, Naruto trains harder than Sasuke and Sakura. Though he catches up to both in terms of talent, exerting the extra effort leaves him fatigued. To allow him a chance to regain his energy, the rest of Team 7 goes on to escort Tazuna without him. Soon afterwards, however, they are attacked again by Zabuza and a masked Haku. Using his new training, Sasuke does battle with Haku and proves to be an equal match, forcing Haku to trap him in a prison of ice. Naruto quickly arrives to help and joins Sasuke in the fight, though both are soon overpowered. As Haku makes to finish Naruto off, Sasuke uses himself as a shield to block the attack and appears to be killed. Naruto, in his anger, taps into the dormant powers of the demon fox sealed within him. | ||||
| 4 | October 4, 2000 | ISBN 4-08-873026-416 | August 3, 2004 | ISBN 1-59116-358-717 |
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| With the demon fox's power Naruto is easily able to defeat Haku. When Haku's mask breaks away, however, Naruto is unable to bring himself to kill the young boy beneath the mask. Elsewhere, Kakashi and Zabuza do battle. As Kakashi is abut to kill Zabuza with his Lightning Blade, Haku appears to take the attack, saving Zabuza at the cost of his own life. Despite this turn of events Kakashi is still able to disable Zabuza, prompting the arrival of Zabuza's employer, Gato. When Gato orders his own personal army of thugs to kill Zabuza along with Tazuna and Team 7, Zabuza uses the last of his strength to kill Gato, avenging Haku's death before dying himself. With their mission complete, Team and a revived Sasuke return to Konoha. Soon after returning home, Naruto, Sasuke, and Sakura are entered into the Chunin Exams, a chance for them to rise up the ninja ranks and test their abilities. | ||||
| 5 | December 4, 2000 | ISBN 4-08-873050-918 | December 7, 2004 | ISBN 1-59116-359-519 |
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| Prior to the start of the exam, Team 7 has a chance to mingle with their former classmates and fellow rookie ninja: the members of Team 8 and Team 10. Once the first phase of the exam begins, it is revealed that all of those wishing to advance in rank must first complete a written test. The test's questions, however, prove too difficult for almost all present, and it soon becomes apparent that the true objective of the first phase is to cheat without getting caught. Unaware that this is the test's true purpose, Naruto insists on continuing. Through his willingness to face the unknown, he is allowed to continue on to the second phase with the rest of the examinees who were not caught. | ||||
| 6 | March 2, 2001 | ISBN 4-08-873089-920 | April 5, 2005 | ISBN 1-59116-739-621 |
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| For the second phase of the exams, the remaining teams of three must survive the Forest of Death and arrive at its center in five days' time. Soon after they enter the forest Team 7 is attacked by Orochimaru. Naruto engages him in battle, though is quickly defeated. Sasuke, inspired by Naruto's determination, continues the battle in Naruto's place and defeats Orochimaru. Before escaping, and as a reward for his success, Orochimaru brands Sasuke with a cursed seal, knocking him out. Sakura, the only conscious member of the team, is forced to look after her teammates and defend them from the attacks of Orochimaru's followers. As she is about to be defeated Team 10 arrives to help, allowing Sakura to return to attending to Naruto and Sasuke as the others deal with her attackers. | ||||
| 7 | May 1, 2001 | ISBN 4-08-873113-122 | August 2, 2005 | ISBN 1-59116-875-923 |
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| Team 10 and Orochimaru's forces do battle, though their progress is slow in either side claiming victory. Just as additional reinforcements begin to arrive to help Team 10, Sasuke finally awakens, the cursed seal given to him by Orochimaru fueling him with power. With his new strength Sasuke is able to make quick work of their opponents, forcing them to flee. Although the battle is won, Team 7 needs three days to recover. As they make way for the forest's center on the final day they are briefly impeded by a group of stragglers, though ultimately claim victory and complete the second phase. | ||||
| 8 | August 3, 2001 | ISBN 4-08-873147-624 | December 6, 2005 | ISBN 1-4215-0124-425 |
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| Seven teams of three pass the second phase, far too many aspiring ninja to advance to the final rounds. To reduce the number of participants ten preliminary matches are held, with the winner of each match advancing to the finals. After the first few matches, where Sasuke is able to claim victory, Sakura is pit against her rival and childhood friend Ino Yamanaka. While neither is fond of fighting the other, both do their best to be worthy opponents. Although Sakura is able to avoid Ino's attacks for much of the match's duration, Ino is eventually able to restrain her. Using one of her family's signature abilities Ino takes control of Sakura's mind, intending to force Sakura to forfeit the match. | ||||
| 9 | October 4, 2001 | ISBN 4-08-873174-226 | March 7, 2006 | ISBN 1-4215-0239-927 |
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| Before she can be forced to surrender, Sakura is able to expel Ino from her mind. With both tired out from the ordeal, the match culminates in a double knock out, after which the two begin to rekindle their friendship. Naruto proves more fortunate in his own match, outsmarting his opponent to the surprise of the onlookers. Naruto's success motivates Team 8 member Hinata Hyuga to do her best in the match against her cousin, Neji Hyuga. Neji, a stronger fighter who hates Hinata's family, shows her no mercy during their fight. The match concludes with Hinata being left in critical condition and Neji showing no remorse for his treatment of one of his relatives. Naruto, enraged by this, swears upon Hinata's spilled blood that he will defeat Neji in the final matches. | ||||
| 10 | December 4, 2001 | ISBN 4-08-873197-128 | June 6, 2006 | ISBN 1-4215-0240-229 |
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| As one of the last matches, Rock Lee is pit against Gaara. With his superior speed and strength Lee attempts to claim a quick victory, but is unable to fully bypass Gaara's superior defenses. After being left tired out from relentless assault, Lee is left unable to move and is left at Gaara's mercy. After his body is broken by Gaara's attacks and Gaara makes to finish him off, Gaara is declared the victor to prevent further damage to Lee. The preliminaries draw to a close and the finalists are assigned opponents for the finals in a month's time, leaving them plenty of time to recuperate and train. Naruto, eager to get ready for his match against Neji Hyuga, approaches Kakashi to help him train. Kakashi, having already decided to train Sasuke, encourages Naruto to find an alternative, which he does in the form of Jiraiya. | ||||
| 11 | March 4, 2002 | ISBN 4-08-873236-730 | September 5, 2006 | ISBN 1-4215-0241-031 |
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| Soon after Jiraiya starts to train Naruto, he realizes that Naruto is the container of the demon fox. Rather than give him the usual training regiment of preserving his strength, Jiraiya trains him to take advantage of the fox's power. Meanwhile, rumors of an impending invasion of Konoha by the villages of Otogakure and Sunagakure begin to spread, causing the Konoha ninja to begin preparing for the worst. For Naruto, his training consists of being taught how to summon toads to his side during battle. Although he struggles to get the hang of it at first, he is eventually able to take full advantage of the demon fox and summon a toad. Naruto recovers from his training and, on the day of the finals, heads to the location of the final matches. | ||||
| 12 | May 1, 2002 | ISBN 4-08-873259-632 | December 5, 2006 | ISBN 1-4215-0242-933 |
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| In the first match of the finals, Naruto gets to fight Neji Hyuga. With Neji being more naturally skilled than him, Naruto is forced to call upon the dormant powers of the demon fox to get an even footing. The two ultimately clash, and after the smoke clears Neji appears to be the victor. Before he can be declared the winner, however, Naruto manages a successful sneak attack, which knocks Neji out and lets Naruto claim victory. For the next match, Shikamaru Nara fights Temari. Shikamaru uses his shadow to try and trap her, and although Temari tries to stay out of his shadow's range he is able to to catch her. Though poised to win his match, Shikamaru forfeits instead due to the amount of energy wasted in trying to catch Temari. | ||||
| 13 | August 2, 2002 | ISBN 4-08-873298-534 | March 6, 2007 | ISBN 1-4215-1087-135 |
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| Sasuke begins his match with Gaara by trying, like Rock Lee, to bypass his defenses. When he too proves unsuccessful, he readies an attack taught to him by Kakashi: Chidori. Just as he use it to break through Gaara's defensive shield, the invasion of Konoha starts, ending the finals. Orochimaru, the mastermind behind the invasion, takes the Third Hokage, Konoha's leader, hostage and the two begin to fight. As invading forces pour into Konoha, Sasuke pursues a fleeing Gaara. Not wanting Sasuke to get too far away, but not able to follow him personally, Kakashi sends Sakura, Naruto, and Shikamaru to stop him. | ||||
| 14 | November 1, 2002 | ISBN 4-08-873341-836 | May 1, 2007 | ISBN 1-4215-1088-X37 |
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| Orochimaru, a former student of the Third Hokage that is eager to kill his old master, resurrects the First and Second Hokage, the Third's former teachers, to fight him. Needing to get rid of the two if he is to defeat Orochimaru, the Third seals away their souls to dispose of them. The Third attempts to seal Orochimaru's soul as well, but is stabbed in the back before he can complete the sealing. Elsewhere, Naruto, Sakura, and Shikamaru discover that they are being followed by some of Konoha's invaders, and Shikamaru opts to stay behind to stall them. Using the strength left over from his fight with Temari he buys them the necessary time. | ||||
| 15 | December 20, 2002 | ISBN 4-08-873368-538 | July 3, 2007 | ISBN 1-4215-1089-839 |
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| Sasuke catches up with Gaara, just in time to witness the beginnings of Gaara's transformation. As he begins to assume a monstrous form, Gaara is given enough speed and strength to overcome Sasuke's Chidori. As Gaara is about to finish him off, Naruto arrives to fight save him and fight in his place. After Naruto taps into the power of the demon fox sealed within him, Gaara completes his transformation becoming a life-size replica of Shukaku, the beast sealed within him. To compete with this giant form, Naruto summons the biggest toad he can muster. The toad clashes with Shukaku and Naruto, hoping to end the battle quickly, tries to bring Gaara to his senses. | ||||
| 16 | March 4, 2003 | ISBN 4-08-873394-440 | September 4, 2007 | ISBN 1-4215-1090-141 |
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| Naruto awakens Gaara, causing the Shukaku form to recede. The two have one final exchange of blows and Naruto is able to claim victory. Meanwhile, the Third Hokage realizes that he lacks the strength needed to fully seal Orochimaru's soul. Doing what little he can he seals his arms instead, ending the invasion and allowing him to die at peace. Orochimaru and the invaders flee, and Konoha begins to rebuild. Jiraiya, with Naruto's assistance, sets out to find a new Hokage, hoping that his old teammate, Tsunade, will take the job. As they leave, Itachi Uchiha and Kisame Hoshigaki infiltrate Konoha and are engaged in battle by Konoha's elite ninja. The two prove too much for Konoha's forces, and even Kakashi is left beaten after fighting the two. Before they leave Kakashi is able to learn that they are members of Akatsuki who seek to capture Naruto for the demon fox sealed within him. Sasuke learns of this and, having a prior desire to kill his brother, Itachi, races out to find Naruto before they do. | ||||
| 17 | May 1, 2003 | ISBN 4-08-873420-042 | September 4, 2007 | ISBN 1-4215-1652-743 |
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| Once finding Naruto, Itachi and Kisame try to take him with them. Before they can do so, however, Sasuke arrives, ready to kill Itachi for murdering their family years earlier. Despite Sasuke's efforts, Itachi is more than capable of dealing with him, and it is not until the arrival of Jiraiya that they are driven off. Sasuke is sent back to Konoha to recover, and Naruto and Jiraiya continue their search. As they travel from town to town trying to find out about Tsunade's location, Jiraiya begins teaching Naruto how to use the Rasengan. As Naruto slowly progresses through the learning stages, Orochimaru, in need of a way to heal his arms if he is to attack Konoha again, also sets out to find Tsunade, her medical expertise being the only thing that can help him. | ||||
| 18 | August 4, 2003 | ISBN 4-08-873493-444< | ||