Back in 2015, with the runaway success of "Boruto: Naruto the Movie" sweeping cinemas across both Japan and the West, series creator Masashi Kishimoto stated that he would not be penning another "Naruto" title anymore. Instead, the author said, he would be focusing on other ventures.

Such an announcement was a disappointment to the series' millions of fans, especially since the "Boruto: Naruto the Movie" featured a story that was so well done, it did far more than establish a very well-rounded continuation for the series' canon, according to Crossmap.

Last Saturday, Jan. 23, however, Kishimoto was proven right. At the same time, though, fans could rest assure that the story of Naruto's son, Boruto, would continue in a brand new manga series that would be featured in Japan's premier manga publication, Shonen Jump. The new serialization is set to begin next year and is due for a spring release. 

It must be noted, though, that the new series would not be penned by Kishimoto.

Rather, in the same way, that Naruto has passed the baton to his son in the movie, Kishimoto has also passed the baton to his successor.

The man who would be in charge of the new serialization is Mikio Ikemoto, a manga artist who also worked closely with Kishimoto in the original series. In a lot of ways, Kishimoto's decision to pass the baton to his subordinate makes sense.

After all, the new generation of "Naruto" releases would focus on a whole new generation of characters. Thus, who else is better qualified to take the helm from Kishimoto than his subordinate himself.

Another manga personality is set to work on the upcoming "Boruto" serialization. Ukyo Kodachi, who also worked on other "Naruto" materials in the franchise, is also set to lend a hand in the "Boruto" project, reported Christian Today.

Kodachi had previously worked in the writing of the novel, "Gaara Hiden: Sajingensō," and the screenplay coordination of the highly-successful "Boruto: Naruto the Movie."

"Naruto" has become one of anime's most popular titles, boasting a fanbase of millions around the world. Featuring a massive cast and an equally massive storyline, the story of "Naruto" captured the hearts and imaginations of both hardcore and casual anime fans alike.

After a 15-year run, however, the story of "Naruto" has finally ended, leading fans to speculate as to what would happen to the story's cast of characters. Though Kishimoto would not be writing or drawing in the serialization of "Boruto's" story, he has stated that he will remain to supervise the project.

With that, at least, fans could rest assure that the future of the "Naruto" franchise is in very capable hands.