After 16 years, Naruto brings back a legendary Akatsuki in new release

The Naruto series has cemented itself globally as one of the most popular anime series. Naruto Uzumaki, the protagonist of the series, is an icon of Shonen anime, and the series as a whole has redefined the ninja genre. Over the years, the Naruto series has excited fans with a plethora of fantastic antagonists that stem from the iconic villain group called Akatsuki, the most famous villain group in all of anime.

Akatsuki is made up of many legendary rogue shinobi, from Itachi to Obito, but one cannot forget Kisame Hoshigaki, the Monster of the Hidden Mist. Kisame's fighting prowess and beastly nature have made him a fan favorite, and now his backstory has been given new life through Naruto Mobile, showcasing his immense control over Water Release.

New Naruto Mobile Release officially reveals a new look at Kisame Hoshigaki's backstory

New Naruto Mobile Release Kisame Hoshigaki Backstory
Kisame holds Samehada over his shoulder.
Image via studio Pierrot.

The Naruto series began serialization on September 21, 1999 by Kishimoto in Weekly Shonen Jump Issue #43. The series immediately gained traction, so much so that an anime adaptation was soon announced by Studio Pierrot on October 3, 2002. Naruto's first installment was definitely exciting, showcasing the beginning of the main characters' journey. It is precisely this part of Naruto that introduced us to one of the best villains in history – Kisame Hoshigaki. In Naruto chapter 139, which was officially released in issue 43 of WSJ on October 7, 2002, and in Naruto episode 80, which first aired on April 21, 2004, Kisame made his entrance with his partner, Itachi Uchiha.

The two became our introduction to Akatsuki, and they displayed overwhelming strength and aura. Of course, it would take years after this first meeting to truly reveal who these two were at their cores and their backgrounds. For Kisame, his backstory was finally revealed in chapters 507 and 508 of Naruto, which were published in Weekly Shonen Jump Issue #39 and #40 on August 30, 2010 and September 6, 2010. This backstory revealed his origin in the Hidden Mist Village and how he betrayed his own people to betray his own people.

Kisame's backstory was tragic, but very memorable. And now it has finally made a comeback with brand new CG animation via the popular video game Naruto Mobile. In this new animation, which was released on June 18, 2026, we can officially explore the most iconic moment in Kisame's backstory, where he kills his division on the orders of Fuguki Suikazan, including Miru, which was highlighted here a lot. We especially see Kisame use his iconic Water Release techniques, including his Water Prison, which once again shows why he is the best Water Release user in the entire series along with Tobirama, and a man worthy of inclusion in Akatsuki.

Image of Madara Uchiha from Naruto being welcomed back in a new release

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The iconic duo of Kisame and Itachi may get new releases with Naruto Mobile

Kisame And Itachi's Iconic Duo Release New Naruto Mobile
Itachi uses the Great Fireball Jutsu against Kisame in Naruto Shippuden.
Image via Studio Pierrot

Kisame was a terrifying force in the Naruto series. His backstory was intriguing, but his true highlight always came when he appeared side by side with Itachi Uchiha. Itachi and Kisame, in that sense, formed one of the greatest duos in the entire franchise. In Konoha, the two battled Asuma Sarutobi, Kakashi Hatake, Kurenai Yuhi, and Might Guy.

I am Hoshigaki Kisame, formerly of Kirigakure. I am one of the seven ninja swordsmen. Glad to meet you. And you are Itachi Uchiha, formerly of Konohagakure. I've heard rumours… you killed all your clanmates. I think we are alike, that's why I wanted to be together with you in Akatsuki. Murdering one's own clan is a feeling, huh? Itachi? —Kisame to Itachi in Naruto chapter 508

Their skills are even better when they fight together, and they have each other's backs, even if Kisame's real intention was to keep an eye on Itachi's actions. We hope to see some of Itachi and Kisame's best moments animated by Naruto Mobile, as they make up some extremely iconic moments in the Naruto series.

Kisame's role in future Naruto projects

Kisame Role Future Naruto Project
Kisame Hoshigaki is in the water.
Image via Pierrot.

Kisame is no longer part of the Naruto series. In Naruto chapter 508, which was released in Shueisha's Weekly Shonen Jump Issue #40 on September 6, 2010, Kisame finally met his end. After being captured by Might Guy, Kisame would choose loyalty to Akatsuki over his own life. To avoid revealing Akatsuki's secrets, he would instead commit suicide and die with his knowledge. This is one of Naruto's most shocking deaths, and it shows how far this character was willing to go for his ideals.

As for Kisame's future in Boruto series he cannot be involved due to his death, and unfortunately he has no true successor to uphold his legacy. That said, we still have Shizuma Hoshigaki in Boruto who comes from the same clan as him. Unfortunately, Shizuma Hoshigaki isn't too relevant, and he's an anime-only invention.

Source: Naruto Mobile on Youtube

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