The world of Naruto is vast, not just in anime episodes but in the sheer volume of manga that has been published over the last two decades. Masashi Kishimoto’s original tale of a young ninja striving for recognition evolved into a cultural phenomenon, spawning sequels, spin-offs, and side stories that explore every corner of the Hidden Leaf Village and beyond. Whether you’re a collector trying to complete your shelf or a curious fan wondering just how many stories exist, this guide breaks down every official Naruto and Boruto manga volume, the total sales figures, and the spin-offs that give side characters their own time to shine.
The Original Naruto Manga: 72 Volumes and Over 250 Million Copies Sold
Masashi Kishimoto’s Naruto manga first appeared in Weekly Shōnen Jump in 1999 and concluded in 2014 after a remarkable 15-year run. The story was collected into 72 tankōbon volumes in Japan, with the final volume released in February 2015. The series is divided into two parts: Naruto (volumes 1–27), covering Naruto Uzumaki’s childhood and the original series, and Naruto: Shippuden (volumes 28–72), which follows his teenage years and the Fourth Great Ninja War.
As of 2023, Naruto has sold over 250 million copies worldwide, making it one of the best-selling manga series in history. This staggering number includes both physical and digital sales, with the series translated into dozens of languages. The manga’s blend of action, emotional storytelling, and rich world-building has kept it a perennial favorite, and its influence continues through the ongoing Boruto series.
Boruto: The Next Generation – From Naruto Next Generations to Two Blue Vortex
Set years after the conclusion of Naruto, Boruto: Naruto Next Generations began serialization in 2016, written by Ukyō Kodachi (volumes 1–13) and later by Kishimoto himself from volume 14 onward, with art by Mikio Ikemoto. The manga follows Naruto’s son, Boruto, as he navigates a new era of ninja technology and looming threats. Boruto: Naruto Next Generations ran for 80 chapters and was collected into 20 tankōbon volumes, with the 20th volume published in June 2024.
In 2023, the series underwent a dramatic shift and was rebranded as Boruto: Two Blue Vortex. Continuing directly from the events of the previous series, it skips forward in time and features a more mature Boruto. While still ongoing, the first volume of Two Blue Vortex was released in February 2024, and a second volume followed later that year. Rather than resetting the volume count indefinitely, these are effectively volumes 21 and 22 of the overall Boruto saga, though they carry their own numbering. Sales figures for the Boruto franchise are more modest than the original, but the series has consistently ranked among the top-selling manga in the monthly charts, with millions of copies in circulation worldwide.
Essential Spin-Offs and Character-Focused Manga
Beyond the main sagas, numerous spin-off manga delve into the backstories and adventures of fan-favorite characters. These range from single-volume gaiden series to multi-volume adaptations of popular light novels.
Naruto Gaiden: The Seventh Hokage and the Scarlet Spring
Written and illustrated by Kishimoto himself, this 10-chapter mini-series published in 2015 focuses on Sarada Uchiha as she questions her parentage and goes on a life-changing mission. Collected into a single volume, it bridges the gap between Naruto and Boruto and is essential reading for understanding Sarada’s character.
Naruto Gaiden: The Road Illuminated by the Full Moon
Another single-volume gaiden, this time centered on Orochimaru’s synthetic son, Mitsuki. It explores his origins and his decision to attend the Hidden Leaf Academy, directly setting up his role in Boruto.
Rock Lee & His Ninja Pals (Rock Lee no Seishun Full-Power Ninden)
A comedic spin-off by Kenji Taira, this gag manga ran for 7 volumes and reimagines the Naruto universe with Rock Lee as the bumbling but lovable protagonist. While non-canon, it was popular enough to receive its own anime adaptation and remains a lighthearted favorite.
Sasuke Retsuden: The Uchiha Descendants and the Heavenly Stardust
Adapted from the light novel by Jun Esaka, this 2-volume manga series follows Sasuke as he infiltrates an observatory to find a cure for Naruto’s mysterious illness. The art by Shingo Kimura captures the intensity of Sasuke’s solo mission, and the story provides deeper insight into his post-war relationship with Sakura.
Other Notable Adaptations
Several other light novels received manga adaptations, though they range from single-volume releases to short serializations. These include Kakashi Retsuden (a story of Kakashi’s political mission), Konoha Shinden: Steam Ninja Scrolls (a comedic tale of Mirai’s journey with Guy and Kakashi), and Naruto: Shippūden! Konoha Gakuen Den (a high-school alternate universe). While not as widely collected, they add significant depth to the lore for dedicated fans.
How Many Volumes in Total?
If you’re looking to collect every mainline and spin-off volume set in the Naruto universe, the numbers add up quickly. Here’s the breakdown:
- Naruto (original series): 72 volumes
- Boruto: Naruto Next Generations: 20 volumes
- Boruto: Two Blue Vortex: 2 volumes (so far, ongoing)
- Naruto Gaiden (Sarada & Mitsuki): 2 volumes
- Rock Lee spin-off: 7 volumes
- Sasuke Retsuden manga: 2 volumes
- Other light novel adaptations: approximately 5–6 additional volumes
Combining the canon main series with the most notable spin-offs, there are well over 100 volumes of manga waiting for dedicated readers. With Two Blue Vortex still releasing monthly and occasional new side stories, the library only grows.
The Legacy Lives On
From the 72-volume epic that introduced millions to the world of ninjas to the continuing adventures in Boruto and its spin-offs, the Naruto manga franchise is a monumental achievement in comics. Whether you’re revisiting the classic arcs or discovering the next generation’s struggles, there’s an astonishing amount of material to explore. As the series keeps evolving, one thing remains certain: the Will of Fire continues to burn bright on every page.