Masashi Kishimoto

"A new series of prose novels, straight from the worldwide Naruto franchise. Naruto's allies and enemies take center stage in these fast-paced adventures, with each volume focusing on a particular clanmate, ally, team...or villain. Two years after the Great Ninja War, Shikamaru spends his days racing around, hands full as one of Konoha's key protectors. Then one day a large number of ninja from every region are reported missing. Even Sai disappears....

Naruto and his fellow ninja engage in deadly conflict with the enemy. If any of them makes the wrong decision, it could be one of Naruto's closest friends who dies.

"Naruto, Sasuke and Sakura have passed the final test to become junior ninja - but now the challenge begins. Tired of menial tasks, the young ninja ask for a tougher assignment, and find themselves - together with their teacher, Kakashi - bodyguarding a cranky old man from the Land of Waves. But Tazuna the bridgebuilder is in more danger than anyone realizes : he's the target of elite ninja assassins, including Zabuza, 'the demon', and our heroes...

In the village of Konohagakure, Naruto Uzumaki and his fellow classmates at the Ninja Academy are training to compete and become the next Hokage--the greatest ninja in the land.

Naruto and Gaara face a common enemy in the Akatsuki.