When Boruto: Naruto Next Generations, the sequel anime to Naruto, Naruto Shippuden, and Boruto: Naruto the Movie was announced, many fans were upset when word got out that the first arc would be an original story taking place prior to the precursor of the film and manga. However, with the closing of the “Academy Arc” it has been confirmed that “Naruto Gaiden: The Seventh Hokage and the Scarlet Spring” will be the next arc adapted within the anime, confirming that the anime and manga will eventually follow a similar path. The first visual for the arc can be seen below:

The Naruto Gaiden arc once again takes place prior to the film, with Sasuke returning to the Leaf Village to warn Naruto of an impending danger, meanwhile Sarada begins to question if Sakura is actually her birth mother after learning about her father’s relationship with Karen (a woman she seems to favor in appearance).