Reading order
Naruto Reading Order: Standard vs 3-in-1 Edition & Arc Guide
Should you read Naruto's 72 volumes or the 24-volume 3-in-1 edition? Complete arc breakdown, format comparison, and where Boruto fits in the timeline.
Masashi Kishimoto's Naruto remains one of the most popular gateway series into manga—but with 72 volumes in the standard edition, a 24-volume 3-in-1 omnibus format, and the sequel Boruto continuing the story, new readers face real questions about where to start and which format to buy.
This guide breaks down the complete Naruto reading order, compares the two main editions, maps out every major story arc, and explains where Boruto fits into the timeline.
Should You Read the Standard 72 Volumes or the 3-in-1 Edition?
Both formats collect the complete Naruto manga—same story, same 700 chapters—but differ in cost, quality, and shelf impact.
Standard Edition (72 Volumes)
- Full cover art: Every volume features original cover artwork
- Better paper quality: Slightly higher-quality paper stock
- Standard manga size: Same dimensions as most manga (approximately 5" x 7.5")
- Shelf footprint: Takes up significantly more space (72 spines)
- Cost: Higher total investment at full retail
The standard edition delivers the traditional manga collecting experience. You'll see all of Kishimoto's cover designs, and the paper quality makes for a more premium reading experience. If you're building a display collection or want to experience Naruto the way it was originally published, this is the definitive version.
3-in-1 Edition (24 Volumes)
- Budget-friendly: Covers three volumes for less than buying singles
- Space-saving: Only 24 spines instead of 72
- Same physical size: Height and width match the standard edition; just thicker per volume
- Cover art limitation: You only see 24 covers instead of 72
- Paper quality: Slightly thinner stock to fit three volumes in one binding
The 3-in-1 format makes practical sense if you're primarily interested in reading the story rather than collecting every piece of cover art. The size remains manageable—each omnibus is thicker but not unwieldy—and you'll save both money and shelf space.
Which Format Should You Choose?
Choose the standard 72-volume edition if:
- You want the complete cover art collection
- Paper quality matters for your reading experience
- You're building a display-worthy manga library
- Budget isn't a primary concern
Choose the 3-in-1 edition if:
- You have limited shelf space
- You want the most cost-effective way to read the complete series
- You prioritize story over collectibility
- You're testing whether you'll like the series before committing to a full collection
Both formats tell the same story—there's no "wrong" choice. The standard edition offers a premium collecting experience, while the 3-in-1 provides excellent value for readers focused on the narrative.
Complete Naruto Reading Order
Naruto's story spans two major time periods separated by a training gap. The manga doesn't have separate "Part 1" and "Part 2" volumes like the anime's Naruto/Naruto Shippuden split—it's one continuous 72-volume series.
Main Series: Naruto (Volumes 1-72)
Volumes 1-27: Pre-Time Skip The first half follows 12-year-old Naruto's early ninja training, the Chunin Exams, and the mission to bring Sasuke back from defection.
Volumes 28-72: Post-Time Skip (Shippuden Era) After two and a half years of training, 15-year-old Naruto returns to face the Akatsuki organization and the Fourth Shinobi World War.
There are no spin-offs, gaiden chapters, or side stories required to understand the main narrative. The 700 chapters collected in these 72 volumes tell a complete, self-contained story from Naruto's academy days to his adult life.
Sequel Series: Boruto
After finishing Naruto volume 72, you can continue with:
**Boruto: Naruto Next Generations** begins years after the Fourth Shinobi World War and follows Naruto's son, Boruto Uzumaki. The series launched in 2016 and explores a new generation of ninja in a modernized Hidden Leaf Village.
Boruto is optional—Naruto's story concludes satisfyingly in volume 72. But if you want to see adult Naruto as the Seventh Hokage and explore the next chapter, Boruto delivers a direct continuation with familiar faces and new threats.
Naruto Story Arcs by Volume
Understanding Naruto's narrative structure helps you pace your reading and know what's coming next. Here's every major arc mapped to volumes.
Part 1 Arcs (Volumes 1-27)
| Arc | Volumes | Chapters | What Happens |
|---|---|---|---|
| Introduction Arc | 1-2 | 1-19 | Naruto graduates from the Academy and forms Team 7 with Sasuke and Sakura |
| Land of Waves Arc | 2-4 | 10-33 | Team 7's first mission outside the village; introduction to Zabuza and Haku |
| Chunin Exams Arc | 4-13 | 34-115 | The tournament that introduces Gaara, Orochimaru, and sets up Sasuke's defection |
| Konoha Crush Arc | 13-16 | 116-138 | Orochimaru's invasion of the Hidden Leaf Village |
| Search for Tsunade Arc | 16-21 | 139-172 | Finding the Fifth Hokage while Itachi returns for Naruto |
| Sasuke Recovery Mission Arc | 21-27 | 173-238 | The mission to stop Sasuke from leaving the village |
Part 2 Arcs (Volumes 28-72)
| Arc | Volumes | Chapters | What Happens |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kazekage Rescue Arc | 28-32 | 245-281 | Naruto returns after training; Team 7 rescues Gaara from the Akatsuki |
| Sasuke and Sai Arc | 32-35 | 282-310 | Team Kakashi searches for Sasuke and Orochimaru |
| Hidan and Kakuzu Arc | 35-38 | 311-342 | Akatsuki members attack; Asuma's death |
| Itachi Pursuit Arc | 38-43 | 343-402 | Sasuke vs. Itachi; reveals about the Uchiha massacre |
| Invasion of Pain Arc | 44-48 | 403-449 | Pain attacks the Hidden Leaf Village; Naruto's confrontation with the Akatsuki leader |
| Five Kage Summit Arc | 48-52 | 450-488 | The ninja world responds to Akatsuki's threat; Sasuke's descent |
| Fourth Shinobi World War Arc | 52-72 | 489-699 | The massive alliance war against Obito, Madara, and Kaguya |
| Epilogue | 72 | 700 | Years later, showing the next generation |
Can You Skip Any Arcs?
The manga has no filler—unlike the anime, which added hundreds of non-canon episodes. Every chapter in volumes 1-72 contributes to the main story.
That said, some arcs have less impact on the overall plot:
Potentially skippable if you're rushing:
- Early chapters of the Search for Tsunade Arc (volumes 17-18) have slower pacing, though the arc's conclusion is essential
- Some Fourth Shinobi World War side battles (scattered through volumes 60-70) can drag, but skipping them means missing character moments
Never skip:
- Chunin Exams Arc – establishes character motivations and introduces major players for the entire series
- Sasuke Recovery Mission Arc – concludes Part 1 and sets up the entire post-time skip conflict
- Itachi Pursuit Arc – recontextualizes the entire series and reveals core backstory
- Invasion of Pain Arc – character-defining moment for Naruto and major plot turning point
The truth is, Naruto's manga is remarkably efficient compared to the anime. If you're reading rather than watching, the pacing is strong enough that skipping arcs isn't really necessary.
Where Does Boruto Fit?
The timeline flows like this:
- Naruto volumes 1-72 (complete story, ends with epilogue showing adult characters)
- Boruto: Naruto Next Generations (sequel series beginning years after the epilogue)
Boruto is not required reading to complete Naruto's story. Volume 72's final chapter provides full narrative closure. But if you loved the world and want to see what happens to the next generation—with adult Naruto, Sasuke, Sakura, and others in supporting roles—Boruto continues the universe with a new protagonist.
The series has a different tone: where Naruto's story focused on an underdog ninja fighting for recognition, Boruto explores a character who starts with advantages (famous father, natural talent) and must find his own path. It's divisive among fans, but worth trying if you finish Naruto and want more.
How to Start Reading Naruto
Start with volume 1 (or 3-in-1 volume 1) and read in order. There's no alternate reading path, reboot, or complicated continuity.
If you're unsure about committing to 72 volumes:
- Read volumes 1-3 (or 3-in-1 volume 1) to get through the academy graduation and formation of Team 7
- Read through volume 13 to finish the Chunin Exams—if you're not hooked by the end of this tournament arc, Naruto probably isn't for you
- Read through volume 27 to complete Part 1 before deciding whether to continue with the post-time skip story
The Chunin Exams arc (volumes 4-13) is widely considered the series' strongest hook. If you make it to volume 13 and aren't invested in Naruto, Sasuke, and the broader cast, you can bail without missing out.
Final Recommendations
For new readers: Start with the 3-in-1 edition to save money and shelf space. If you love the series, you can always upgrade to standard volumes for your favorite arcs or wait for potential deluxe editions.
For collectors: The standard 72-volume edition gives you the complete cover art gallery and better build quality.
For format completionists: Stick to one edition. Mixing standard volumes and 3-in-1s on the same shelf creates visual inconsistency.
For readers finishing Naruto: Only continue to Boruto if you actively want more. The original series ends well on its own.
Naruto's manga tells a tighter story than its anime counterpart—no filler, strong pacing through most arcs, and a clear beginning-to-end structure. Whether you choose 72 volumes or 24 omnibuses, you're getting one of shonen manga's most influential series in its best form.