Masashi Kishimoto, the author of Naruto, revealed a new commemorative illustration on Dec 5, 2022, featuring both the young and teen versions of the titular character.

The illustration, which was drawn to celebrate the opening of Naruto: The Gallery, an exhibition event commemorating the 20th anniversary of the Naruto anime, shows both versions of Naruto winking at each other.

The exhibition will introduce visitors to the history of the anime, including the growth of the characters, their bonds with their friends, and their passionate battles, through a slew of images.

Naruto: The Gallery will be held at Akiba square in Akihabara UDX, Tokyo, from Dec 10, 2022 to Jan 31, 2023. The illustration made by Kishimoto too will be displayed at the gallery.

“As the original author and someone who has been influenced by the anime, I am very excited,” Kishimoto said about the exhibition.

Additionally, Naruto’s voice actor Junko Takeuchi also commented on the exhibition, asking people to visit it and show support for the anime.

“I feel that the work “Naruto” is loved by everyone so much that we can hold such a big exhibition for the 20th anniversary. But can you give us more love? As you visit the gallery, more and more love will accumulate and grow, and a big spiral circle will be formed. We are waiting for you,” Takeuchi’s comment read.

The franchise had earlier revealed four new key visuals as part of the 20th anniversary of the anime, and revealed a 10-minute long trailer.

Based on the manga series of the same name by Masashi Kishimoto, Naruto anime began airing on Oct 3, 2002. Produced by Studio Pierrot and Aniplex, the first part of Naruto anime aired from 2002 to 2007 with 220 episodes. A sequel titled Naruto: Shippuden began airing the same year, and continued till 2017 before ending.

Naruto: Shippuden aired for a total of 500 episodes.

The main story then continued, focusing on the younger generation, with Naruto’s son Boruto, playing the titular character in Boruto: Naruto Next Generations.

Souce: Comic Natalie