Naruto Officially Revives Jiraiya's Sage Mode In Its New Release

The Naruto anime has had its fair share of deaths and casualties over the years, but none had the impact that Jiraiya’s passing had on the series. Jiraiya was Naruto Uzuamaki’s greatest mentor, and his role in the grand scheme of things can’t be understated. Jiraiya’s sacrifice and last stand with his Sage Mode form moved us all during the Tales of Jiraiya the Gallant arc, which spanned from Volume 40 to 42 in the manga, and ended with his passing. Now, Jiraiya's Sage Mode is finally returning in the next Naruto project.

After 18 years, Jiraiya’s Sage Form is being brought to Naruto to Boruto: Shinobi Striker. Fans will now be able to take control of Jiraiya and shift the tides in the Pain battle.

Jiraiya’s Sage Mode Is Making A Comeback With Naruto to Boruto: Shinobi Striker In DLC #48

Jiraiya is one of Naruto’s most iconic characters. He made his debut in Naruto Chapter 90, in Weekly Shonen Jump Issue #39 on September 10, 2001, and his impact has proven to be long-lasting. Jiraiya was a powerful fighter as one of Konohagakure's Legendary Sannin. His skills were such that he guided some of the most legendary ninjas, such as Nagato, Minato, and even Naruto Uzumaki.

In part, Jiraiya was recognized as the legend that he is thanks to his ultimate power — Sage Mode, with which he could absorb natural energy and gain an unprecedented level of strength while taking on a toad-like appearance stemming from the imperfect nature of his transformation. With Sage Mode, he could tap into many overpowered abilities, and even enhance his signature techniques, such as the Rasengan. Technically, this form died with Jiraiya during the Pain arc where he sacrificed himself in battle. Now, however, Sage Mode Jiraiya is making a brief comeback and will be available for fans to unlock in Naruto to Boruto: Shinobi Striker. This form is available as a part of DLC #48 that launched on May 29, 2026. Jiraiya will also have his younger version available for the Sage Mode form, which is incredibly exciting for fans of this character.

Jiraiya’s Sage Mode Makes Its Entrance Against Pain With Iconic Moves

Due to Jiraiya’s Sage Mode character having just launched recently, a teaser trailer video was released for him via Bandai Namco Entertainment on May 28, 2026. In this video, Jiraiya’s new character is introduced, and fans can see him take on the iconic Naruto villain, Pain. Having Jiraiya face off against Pain was an interesting choice as it reflects the actual series where Jiraiya takes him on in Amegakure in an attempt to put an end to the Akatsuki once and for all. In the original Naruto series, Jiraiya loses the battle, but in this game, the battle can be flipped around.

In this video trailer, many of Jiraiya’s iconic Sage Mode moves are showcased, such as Sage Art: Bath of Boiling Oil, which he unleashes on Pain. This move allows Jiraiya to burn his enemies by covering the surroundings in hot oil. Sage Art: Frog Song is another move that fans were excited to see being added. By calling on to his summons, Jiraiya can cast Genjutsu by utilizing Fukasaku and Shima in battle. Secret Technique, Demonic Illusion: Gamarinsho is Jiraiya’s Sage Mode trump card. By calling on his summons again, he can cast his ultimate sound-based genjutsu before dealing a lethal final blow to enemies. All these techniques are available to access even with Jiraiya’s younger form, as it is only a skin. The action and trailer can be watched right here on Bandai Namco’s official YouTube channel:

Jiraiya’s Return In the Boruto Series Through Kashin Koji

The real Jiraiya died in the Naruto series, specifically in chapter 383, titled “The Final Chapter, and…!!,” which was officially released in Weekly Shonen Jump Issue #4-5 on January 21, 2008. This is one of the series’s saddest chapters in the story, and what makes it even more painful is that despite many characters being revived for a brief time during the 4th Great Ninja War, Jiraiya never returned.

However, even though the story continues without him, his legacy is not over. Of course, Jiraiya’s legacy first and foremost continues with Naruto Uzumaki, his student who reached the height of Shinobi and earned the title of Hokage, as well as fulfilled the role of Child of Prophecy and brought world peace.

“Kashin Koji, clone of Jiraiya of the Great Three. That you shall die here was also preordained by your genes!” — Isshiki Otsutsuki, Boruto Chapter #47

More recently, however, Jiraiya technically returned in Boruto through his clone, named Kashin Koji. Koji was created by Amado using Jiraiya's DNA, and while he isn’t the same as the real Jiraiya, his legacy still lives on through this clone. Koji has been a massive ally in Boruto: Two Blue Vortex, training Boruto Uzumaki directly and helping protect the world from the threat of Otsutsuki and Shinju.

All the chapters of Masashi Kishimoto's Naruto are available to read via Viz Media and Manga Plus.

Source: Naruto Official