Manga creator Shinsuke Kondō has provided a personal update regarding the extended hiatus of his action series, Ninja vs. Gokudo. In a statement shared via his social media, Kondō apologized to readers for the six-month absence, noting that the series has been on pause since the release of chapter 146 on March 23. He explained that he is currently navigating the depressive phase of bipolar disorder, which has significantly impacted his ability to focus on storyboarding.
Kondō shared that he is working closely with medical professionals to adjust his treatment and is incorporating various activities to help manage his condition. Despite the challenges, he confirmed that progress is being made: the manuscript for chapter 147 is complete, and he intends to resume serialization once the storyboards for chapter 148 are finished.
Since its debut in January 2020 on Kodansha's Comic Days platform, the series has expanded into a significant franchise. Kodansha has released 17 compiled volumes in Japan, while Kodansha USA continues to manage the digital English release. The property also saw a major expansion in October 2025 with the premiere of its television anime adaptation, which is available globally via Amazon Prime Video with an English dub.
Why it matters: The creator's transparency regarding his health provides a clear roadmap for the series' return, though no specific date for the resumption of serialization has been set.
