Naruto Shippuuden Guide

Naruto Shippuuden is the sequel to the Naruto anime series and picks-up the story two and a half years later. The first two episodes of Shippuuden premiered back-to-back in Japan on February 15th 2007 -- only 1 week after the end of the original Naruto anime series (episode 220) on February 8th 2007.

The name "Shippuuden" (疾風伝) roughly translates in English to "Hurricane Chronicles" and is a reference to Naruto being a Wind Element user (see below for more information on the different elements). While the time skip does occur in the manga, it doesn't undergo a name change like the anime does. It is referred to from time-to-time (by Masashi Kishimoto and the naruto fan community) as "Naruto Part 2" or even "Naruto 2" but the official title of the series remains simply "Naruto".

Aside from changes to the show's storyline and characters there's a much more noticeable improvement; The animation. While it's still created by Studio Pierrot, there's a definite improvement to the quality, flow, and individual drawings over the previous series. This probably means the show's budget has been raised, allowing for the studio to spend more money on the needed staff and equipment.

Some fans have trouble grasping the idea of what the new series is exactly, or more commonly why there's a name change. In many ways the difference to Naruto and Naruto Shippuuden is like that of the Dragonball and Dragonball Z animes. The characters are different (older, more mature, stronger), and in general the story itself is more serious. So if all of that's going to change, it makes sense for the name to as well.

The series was first announed by Masashi Kishimoto on November 23rd 2006 in the December 11th 2006 issue of Weekly Shonen Jump. Explaining that the fillers will be officially ending this spring with the release of a new Naruto anime series entitled "Naruto: Shippuuden". At the same time it was added that the next Naruto movie will take place in the part 2 storyline as well.

» Kakashi Gaiden «
The Kakashi Gaiden is a six-part manga arc (chapters 239-244) based on the history of Hatake Kakashi. The saga takes place approximately 13 years before the start of the original Naruto series. Technically, it isn't part of Naruto or Naruto Shippuuden, but a stand-alone intermission between the two.

Character Comparisons

Probably the most noticeable difference in the new series is the changes to many of the characters. Not only have they grown physically, but there minds and abilities have as well. Here we'll go over these differences with side-by-side comparisons of the character before and after the time skip.

Prologue

Everything you need to know before watching Naruto Shippuuden! Here you can find a collection of info from part 1 that impacts the events in part 2. Like all sequals, it's crucial to know part 1 before watching part 2. Not only for it to make sense, but to appreciate the story in a whole new way.

Spellings & Logo

Beleive it or not, there is a right and wrong way to spell Naruto Shippuuden (as well as translate it!); Actually quite complicated! Anyways, we hope to clear up this whole "Hurrican Chronicles" error, as well as go over some basic information and comparisons on the new logo.

Trailer / Series Preview

Included at the end of the final Naruto episode on February, 8th 2007, was a 30 second preview for the upcoming Naruto Shippuuden anime series. This trailer has been subtitled in English by the fansubbing group Dattebayo and is now available for online viewing here on Naruto 2.

Voice Comparisons

In addition to changing in appearance, many characters returned with a more toned voice. Similar to the character comparisons shown above, here we'll go over the differences in everyone's voices with side-by-side audio comparisons of the characters before and after the time skip.