Naruto's Darkest Version is Technically Canon Thanks to One Shippuden Episode

Screen Rant

By Marcel Green

Published 2 days ago

A lone episode of Naruto Shippuden does its best to make one of the best – but often ignored - Naruto stories told as part of the official canon.

Despite not being part of the official Naruto canon, Road to Ninja received critical acclaim as the franchise's best movie, thanks to its impactful and well-crafted story.
The film's popularity led to its inclusion in the official Naruto storyline through a Naruto Shippuden episode and a one-shot manga, both personally endorsed by Naruto creator Masashi Kishimoto.
The attention and recognition given to Road to Ninja's non-canonical content, such as interviews with Kishimoto and an anime adaptation, suggest that the film deserves to be considered as a significant part of the Naruto canon.