The Kaguya Ōtsutsuki Strikes arc of the "Naruto Shippuden" anime finally concluded in episode 479. With the Hidden Leaf and other villages now at peace and Naruto acknowledged by society, the story seems to have reached its conclusion, but fans can expect more in the coming weeks.
According to the Anime News Network, Shueisha's Weekly Shonen Jump magazine revealed the new arc for "Naruto Shippuden." Dubbed as the Boyhood Arc (Shōnen Jidai-hen), it will center on Naruto's childhood, the time when he and his friends were still young, and when he still had the Nine-Tails inside of him.
The arc will feature a new opening song titled "Kara no Kokoro, performed by Anly, as well as a new closing song titled "Tabidachi no Uta," performed by Ayumikurikamaki.
The Boyhood Arc will start with episode 480 titled "Naruto–Hinata." The first part of the preview tells a brief story of Naruto, as though it's a legend. Then it shows the very young Naruto with the Third Hokage, grilling the fish that the former caught. The last part, meanwhile, shows Hinata in training with Neji watching her.
Reports say that this will be followed by the episodes "Sasuke–Sakura," "Gaara–Shikamaru," "Jiraiya–Kakashi," and "Ino–Sai."
Going back to the ninja's childhood days would lighten things up a bit, after the intense Fourth Shinobi World War, the birth of the Ten-Tails, and the attack by Kaguya. The latter arc did not conclude until Sasuke and Naruto finally faced each other in a one-on-one battle, the former trying to kill the other while the latter was trying to save him from his folly.
The previous episode was a bittersweet one. Everyone wanted to see Naruto and thank him, Kakashi was declared the new Hokage, and Naruto was going to be a Jonin — but only if he hits the books and study. Sasuke, who was initially imprisoned for his misdeeds, was pardoned, although he decided to leave the village to sort out his thoughts and feelings. He and Naruto parted as friends.
"Naruto Shippuden" episode 480 is scheduled to be aired on Oct. 20.
