Latest news with #Naruto
Time of India
4 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Time of India
Free Fire MAX x Naruto Collab Chapter 2 Ninja War release date leaked? Check full list of rewards, emotes, bundles and more
After the huge success of Free Fire MAX x Naruto Shippuden Chapter 1, Garena is set to launch its highly anticipated Naruto Shippuden Chapter 2: Ninja War collaboration on August 1, 2025, coinciding with the FF OB50 Update, as per leaks and rumours. According to the official website of Garena, this sequel expands upon the successful January 2025 crossover, introducing new characters, game modes, and exclusive rewards that immerse players deeper into the Naruto universe. Naruto is a well-known anime character, and most Naruto fans would be excited to find the new collaboration, Ninja War Chapter 2, in Free Fire MAX. Moreover, Free Fire MAX has launched a 'Pain Teaser' for the upcoming Free Fire MAX x Naruto Collab Chapter 2, reports PC Quest. When is Free Fire MAX x Naruto Collab Chapter 2 releasing? (expected release date) One of the most-awaited collabs, Free Fire MAX x Naruto Chapter 2, is expected to launch in the first week of August along with the Free Fire MAX New Update OB50, which is set to launch on July 31, 2025, across all the servers. New Naruto characters and abilities Chapter 2 introduces several iconic characters from the Naruto series, each bringing unique abilities to the battlefield: Itachi Uchiha: According to FF Date Miner, this character utilises the Amaterasu technique, offering stealth and illusion-based skills. Hinata Hyuga: Employs the Byakugan and Taijutsu, excelling in support roles and close-quarters combat. Gaara of the Sand: Manipulates sand for area control and provides defensive buffs. Madara Uchiha: Features an ultimate ability mimicking the Susanoo, delivering devastating area-of-effect damage. Free Fire MAX x Naruto Collab Chapter 2 expected rewards Flying Raijin Jutsu emote Reanimation Jutsu emote (group emote) Final Battle Emote Forehead Poke Emote (Could be a Free Emote) Fireball Jutsu Note: Apart from this, anime voice packs will be there as rewards. Some of the expected ones are Blood... Itz My Blood, Wake Up to Reality, and more. Expected Skins in Free Fire MAX x Naruto Collab M60—Akatsuki Theme Skin Parang—Shark Skin MP40—Uchicha's legacy Gloo Wall—The Final Valley AK47—Akatsuki Theme Gun Skin Dagger—Minato's Kunai Pet Skin—Ninja PUG Itachi's Susano's Special Skydive Skin Parachute Skin (Free) Grenade Skin Expected bundles, rewards, and more Apart from the skin, there are other rewards also, including the bundles: Itachi Super Bundle with look-changer animation Scattering Crows—Itachi special arrival animation Madara Super Bundle Minato Super Bundle Orochimaru Super Bundle Akatsuki Theme Avatar Akatsuki Theme Banner Triple-Blade Scythe Backpack—Gara's Gourd MP34 Final Shot—Infinite Tsukuyomi Note: Players can download and participate in Chapter 2 'Epic Ninja Trials' and get their free Orochimaru Bundle and Akatsuki Title as a reward. A look at the events and daily missions Players need to complete the daily tasks, such as earning headbands, and then they can start their Ninja Trials. The main gameplay requires you to use headbands to challenge powerful ninjas and claim rewards as progress happens. Players can also win a free outfit bundle along with this. Players need to complete special tasks to win a unique title. If players draw four bundles in the Free Fire MAX x Naruto Collab Chapter 2, then they could get a Susano to emote for free.
Time of India
a day ago
- Entertainment
- Time of India
Anime that makes you nostalgic for the early 2000s: Relive the golden era
Source: Crunchyroll Missing the charm of old-school animation, emotional OPs, and the sheer vibe of sitting cross-legged in front of the TV after school? Some anime hit you right in the feels, transporting you back to the early 2000s, the golden age of shounen, shoujo and Saturday morning lineups. Whether it was on Animax, Toonami, or a sketchy DVD from Palika Bazaar, these shows defined an entire generation of anime fans. Here's a roundup of anime that makes you nostalgic for the early 2000s, brace yourself, because the feels are real. Must-watch nostalgic anime for 2000s kids Naruto (2002) Source: Crunchyroll Ah yes, Naruto, the ultimate underdog story that taught us about friendship, ramen, and never giving up. The Chunin Exams arc alone is enough to unlock a memory vault of school lunch breaks spent doing the Naruto run. Why it's nostalgic: Classic 4:3 animation, unforgettable soundtracks (Blue Bird, anyone?), and characters that felt like friends. Found in: Japan, first aired in 2002. Global audiences got hooked via Cartoon Network, Animax, and fansubs. Inuyasha (2000) Source: Crunchyroll Kagome yelling 'Inuyasha!' and the half-demon leaping through time, Inuyasha was equal parts action, romance, and spiritual fantasy. It blended folklore with drama in a way only early 2000s anime could. Why it's nostalgic: The edgy art style, emo soundtrack by Do As Infinity, and intense shipping wars (Team Kagome vs. Team Kikyo). Found in: Japan; dubbed versions aired on Adult Swim and Animax across Asia. Fullmetal Alchemist (2003) Source: Crrunchyroll Not Brotherhood, we're talking OG Fullmetal Alchemist (2003). With darker tones, slower pacing, and that original ending, this version felt like a quiet tragedy dressed as shounen. Why it's nostalgic: The VHS-like colour grading, L'Arc-en-Ciel's intro song, and that haunting Nina episode (you know the one). Found in: Japan; popular worldwide via DVDs and late-night anime marathons. Yu Yu Hakusho (1992–1995, aired globally in 2002) Source: Crunchyroll Even though it debuted in the '90s, most 2000s kids saw Yu Yu Hakusho in reruns. Spirit Detective Yusuke, iconic tournament arcs, and '90s hair so sharp it could kill. Why it's nostalgic: The raw fight animation, over-the-top dub lines, and AMVs set to Linkin Park. Found in: Japan; dubbed version aired on Toonami and Animax in the early 2000s. Digimon Adventure (1999–2003) Source: Crunchyroll Digimon had lore. It had emotional death scenes. And unlike Pokémon, it wasn't afraid to make kids cry. From Tai's leadership to Angemon's sacrifice, Digimon hit deep. Why it's nostalgic: The bootleg techno opening, character arcs, and that bittersweet Digital World goodbye. Found in: Japan; dubbed versions aired globally from 2000 onward. Cardcaptor Sakura (1998–2000, aired till 2005) Source: Crunchyroll Before there were magical girls with dark pasts, there was Sakura Kinomoto collecting Clow Cards in pastel outfits. This was your gateway into wholesome anime that still had high stakes. Why it's nostalgic: Soft visuals, slice-of-life pacing, Tomoyo's fits, and the 'every card has feelings' trope. Found in: Japan; English dub aired on Toonami and Hungama in India. Bleach (2004) Source: Crunchyroll If you didn't pretend to be a Soul Reaper during school assemblies, were you even there? Bleach mixed goth aesthetics with shounen formula and made it feel fresh. Why it's nostalgic: Bleach's first few arcs (Rukia's rescue) were peak 2000s drama, and Aimer-tier OPs hit hard. Found in: Japan; broadcast globally and became a staple in anime collections. Ouran High School Host Club (2006) Source: Crunchyroll This one was the quirky comfort anime we didn't know we needed. With roses flying and characters breaking the fourth wall, it poked fun at anime tropes while giving us lovable chaos. Why it's nostalgic: Low-key queer-coded, sparkly filters, and everyone had a crush on Tamaki or Haruhi. Found in: Japan; globally streamed and dubbed by 2008. Tokyo Mew Mew (2002) Source: Crunchyroll Tokyo Mew Mew was peak Y2K magical girl energy. With animal DNA, glitter attacks, and adorable mascots, it was Sailor Moon meets Hello Kitty chaos. Why it's nostalgic: Glittery transformations, early 2000s fashion, and sugary theme songs. Found in: Japan; dubbed as Mew Mew Power in 2005. Final thoughts: Why early 2000s anime still hits different The anime from the early 2000s wasn't just entertainment, it was a whole vibe. From grainy animation and deep soundtracks to the way characters spoke, cried, or screamed their dreams, these series defined a generation. Whether you're looking to rewatch or discover what made this era magical, these nostalgic anime are the perfect escape back to simpler days (and CRT screens). Also read| Eiichiro Oda answers the biggest One Piece questions: Key revelations from the creator
Eater
6 days ago
- Entertainment
- Eater
Explore This New Bucktown Tasting Menu Restaurant With a Secret Bar
is the James Beard Award-winning regional editor for Eater's Midwest region, and in charge of coverage in Chicago, Detroit, and the Twin Cities. He's a native Chicagoan and has been with Eater since 2014. Class Act, a new tasting menu restaurant in Bucktown, attempts to remove many obstacles that prevent diners from enjoying fine dining by presenting meals in a friendly, residential-like atmosphere around a 16-seat communal table, hoping diners will mingle with other parties. There's a bar component to the space, called Nightcap, a tiny speakeasy-style spot that's open to the general public without requiring reservations. Folks can enter through a side alley. Restaurant guests will eventually be whisked to the space at the end of their meals. This is the welcome room that greets guests. Chef Nicolai Mlodinow 'Bouquet' is make with zucchini flower, parmesan mousse, flowers, and honey. Chef Nicolai Mlodinow hatched his dream in college, cooking in dorms, and brought his apartment pop-up to Chicago. The restaurant's kitchen, with its marble counter facing the entrance, looks like an apartment kitchen from afar, albeit armed with sufficient gadgetry that Mlodinow hopes will allow Class Act to compete with Chicago's top-tier restaurants, mentioning restaurants like Alinea, Oriole, and Smyth. He describes the approach as modernist cuisine that taps into international influences. Mlodinow, an avid basketball player who grew up in California, is confident and wears sneakers showing off who his favorite player was growing up — a certain LA Laker who sported 'a Mamba mentality.' Mlodinow shares a story about wearing ankle weights while cooking to develop endurance strength, comparing himself to Rock Lee, a manga character from the Naruto series. The chef hopes this attitude carries through a 13-course meal over three hours that touches upon nostalgia. The opening menu is called 'Growing Up.' The communal dining seats 16. The kitchen is meant to look residential. 'The sense of connection and belonging is everything to me,' Mlodinow says. 'Bringing people together to break bread... One of the courses, they literally tear bread together. That is why I cook.' A tartlet with butter-poached shrimp and flavored with Cajun seasoning and garam masala is emblematic of what Mlodinow wants to achieve, he says. It reminds him of a blackened salmon dish his father cooked for him growing up: 'When I look at it, when I taste it, I get all those flavors,' he says. He's quick to say he isn't swapping in fancy ingredients to tried-and-true dishes just for the sake of it. For example, the thought of recklessly substituting uncured brisket in a specific dish instead of pastrami revolts him. 'Blackened Seafood' and 'Scrimps.' 'Ice Cream Truck' is made with saffron olive oil ice cream and crystalized chocolate. There's a Nordic bent in Class Act's menu, but Mlodinow calls it subtle — the use of flowers, for example. Flowers are something the chef gravitates toward: 'They're very intentional, it's not just with how pretty it is,' Mlodinow says. 'These things actually have flavor.' Guests will enter and convene in a welcome room where they can enjoy a drink and decide on a beverage pairing; perhaps some peer pressure or old-fashioned conversation can help customers decide between nonalcoholic, standard, reserve, or cocktails. Dinner costs $230 per person, which ranks as one of the pricier tasting menus in town. The top tier includes Oriole ($325), Smyth ($420), and Alinea ($325 to $395) for standard reservations. In comparison, Feld, which opened in 2024, debuted at $195. The back bar, called Nightcap, is open to the general public. The cocktails aren't mundane. The chef's business partner, Shreena Amin, met Mlodinow while she was a guest at one of his dinners. She lives in Schaumburg and grew up traveling the world and eating at fine dining restaurants. The two took a research and development trip to Copenhagen, where they visited Michelin-starred institutions like Noma, the Alchemist, Jordnær, and Geranium in one week. For Amin, opening Class Act can give Chicagoans a taste of other cultures without a passport. 'We want to be carving out our own space that is about connection and fun and whimsy and joy and the food always has to be incredible — it takes you somewhere and tells a story,' she says. 'But what you're going to take away and remember is who you sat next to, how you laugh together, that's what makes you want to come back.' Class Act and Nightcap, 1737 N. Damen Avenue, reservations via OpenTable.
Miami Herald
7 days ago
- Entertainment
- Miami Herald
Burger King menu brings unexpected international collaboration to US
American fast-food chains often seem to save the most exciting limited-time menu items for their international markets - often launching exotic desserts, crazy burgers, and unexpected partnerships in other countries. While factors out of their control may lead them to make these choices, it's hard not to wonder if U.S. consumers are being left out of all the fun releases on purpose. Don't miss the move: Subscribe to TheStreet's free daily newsletter Fast-food giants like McDonald's (MCD) , Burger King, and Starbucks (SBUX) frequently find themselves at the center of these speculations, which can lead to backlash from their own customers. Related: McDonald's puts popular Pokemon promotion back on the menu When Starbucks Japan gets a cool new seasonal Frappuccino, McDonald's Singapore unveils a new Crispy Mac 'N Cheesy Wrap, and Burger King releases an exciting collaboration anywhere but in the U.S., jealousy can get the best of anyone, prompting some of us to make one or two nasty comments on social media. Restaurant Brands International's (QSR) Burger King partnered with Naruto, the iconic manga series, to debut a limited-time menu collaboration in Brazil last December. This launch featured a King Jr. Meal with Naruto-themed toys, food, and packaging. It also consisted of four new items on the regular menu, including a shake, fries with toppings, a crispy chicken burger, and a new Whopper. The collaboration was so successful in the Brazilian market that Burger King released it in France only a month later. More Food News: This popular fast-food burger chain just turned into a hot dog standPopular chicken chain is begging customers to give it another chanceChick-fil-A offers free food to game-playing fans This second launch also featured a King Jr. Meal with Naruto-themed toys, food, and packaging. Additionally, Burger King x Naruto merchandise was released to make it unique for the French market. The partnership gained traction worldwide, especially across the U.S., with fans asking for the Naruto collaboration to be brought nationally. However, months flew by without updates, leaving American fans with little hope of its U.S. debut - until now. Burger King has unveiled that it will finally bring its Naruto collaboration to the U.S. on July 21, but it's being more cautious. This new national launch will be a King Jr. Meal with unique toys featuring the show's most iconic characters, including Naruto Uzumaki, Sasuke Uchiha, Sakura Haruno, Kakashi Hatake, Hinata Hyuga, Neji Hyuga, Rock Lee, and Gaara. However, this latest release is entirely different from its international launches because, as exciting as this is, no Naruto-themed food or beverage will be included. Related: Burger King menu goes big with new Whopper-style double burger Malaysia will simultaneously get its own Naruto King Jr. Meal, but Naruto-themed food and drinks will be included for this launch, as will new immersive fan experiences at select locations. Burger King has not revealed why the U.S. won't get Naruto-themed food or beverages, but there seems to be a pattern tied to this decision. Although Naruto has a global following, its biggest fan base is in Asia, which is fitting given its Japanese origins. The series is also very popular in Brazil and France and ranks as the top kids' show. The manga series has a solid U.S. following, as it has been translated into English to meet fans' demand. Still, its American fandom is much smaller than its Asian, European, and South American counterparts. Related: Veteran fund manager unveils eye-popping S&P 500 forecast The Arena Media Brands, LLC THESTREET is a registered trademark of TheStreet, Inc.
The Mainichi
7 days ago
- Entertainment
- The Mainichi
'Demon Slayer' Japanese manga series tops 200 million copies sold worldwide
TOKYO (Kyodo) -- Popular Japanese manga "Demon Slayer" has sold over 200 million copies across all 23 volumes worldwide, its publisher said Thursday, a feat achieved by only a handful of titles under its wing. The number of copies in global circulation of the hit series by Koyoharu Gotoge has hit 220 million, including digital editions, according to Shueisha Inc. The series, which was serialized in the Weekly Shonen Jump from 2016 to 2020, tells the story of Tanjiro Kamado, an adolescent boy who battles human-eating demons while searching for a cure for his sister, who has turned into a demon. An animated film based on the series, released in 2020, became the first movie in Japan to top 40 billion yen ($269 million) in box-office revenue. The latest animated film "Demon Slayer -- Kimetsu No Yaiba -- The Movie: Infinity Castle" will open in cinemas across Japan on Friday. Other Weekly Shonen Jump series that have surpassed 200 million copies in circulation include "Dragon Ball," "Naruto" and "One Piece."
