VIZ Media announces the return of Naruto Shippuden in an all new installment debuting on Hulu Plus.
VIZ Media, LLC (VIZ Media) delights fans of the fans of the action-packed Naruto Shippuden anime series as it announced the debut of the sagas’ newest installment – Episode 349 – on the Hulu Plus Video-On-Demand subscription service, with new episodes simulcast each Thursday. The episode launches a brand new story arc focusing on a previously untold Kakashi backstory.
North American users of the free streaming VIZAnime.com platform and the free, ad-supported Hulu service will be able to catch the new Naruto Shippuden segments a week after their initial run on Hulu Plus. Hulu Plus subscribers can also access Naruto Shippuden content anytime with the Hulu Plus App on internet-connected TVs, smartphones, game consoles, set top boxes and additional devices, in HD (when available).
All new subtitled episodes in the Naruto Shippuden anime series will also be available the day after they premiere on Hulu Plus for Download-To-Own purchase thru Amazon Instant Video, iTunes, XboxLive, and PlayStationNetwork (Episode 349 is now available for purchase).
In the latest story arc of the venerable anime action series, the untold story of Kakashi during his years as a member of the ANBU Black Ops is brought to light. The Third Great Ninja War has left many shinobi physically and emotionally scarred, including Kakashi, who lost his friend Obito in the Battle of Kannabi Bridge, and soon after Rin, whom Kakashi was forced to kill. Haunted by the deaths of his loved ones, a guilt-ridden Kakashi begins to stray from his peers and mentors. Concerned, the Fourth Hokage, Minato Namikaze, appoints Kakashi to the ANBU Black Ops, an elite team of shinobi who are under the direct command of the Hokage, so he can keep a close eye on his former student. And so begins Kakashi’s life as a member of the ANBU, living within the shadows of darkness…
“Kakashi’s hidden past has long been shrouded in mystery and fans will finally get to see the devastating effects the Third Shinobi World War had on him,” says Charlene Ingram, Senior Marketing Manager, Animation. “This episode begins a very important story arc in the continuing Naruto Shippuden anime saga and we’re very excited to bring the latest installment to North America on the same day as its Japanese counterpart. We look forward to everyone tuning in for this special anime simulcast!”
In the Naruto manga and animated series, Naruto Uzumaki wants to be the best ninja in the land. He's done well so far, but Naruto knows he must train harder than ever and leaves his village for intense training that will push him to his limits. Naruto Shippuden begins two and a half years later, when Naruto returns to find that everyone has been promoted up the ninja ranks – except him. Sakura’s a medic ninja, Gaara’s advanced to Kazekage, and Kakashi… well he remains the same. But pride isn’t necessarily becoming of a ninja, especially when Naruto realizes that Sasuke never returned from his search for Orochimaru. Plus, the mysterious Akatsuki organization is still an ever-present danger. As Naruto finds out more about the Akatsuki’s goals, he realizes that nothing in his universe is as it seems. Naruto is finding that he’s older, but will he also prove wiser and stronger?
Source: VIZ Media
Formerly Editor-in-Chief of Animation World Network, Jennifer Wolfe has worked in the Media & Entertainment industry as a writer and PR professional since 2003.
