Shun Matsuena has officially announced a sequel manga to his long-running martial arts series Kenichi the Mightiest Disciple. Titled Shijō Saikyō no Deshi Kenichi 2: Tatsujin-hen (Kenichi the Mightiest Disciple 2: Masters Arc), the new installment will begin serialization on Shogakukan’s Sunday Webry platform on March 25. The reveal has energized fans of the franchise, promising a return to the high-octane battles and character-driven growth that made the original manga beloved.
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Announcement details: What we know so far
The sequel’s official Japanese title is Shijō Saikyō no Deshi Kenichi 2: Tatsujin-hen, which translates to Kenichi the Mightiest Disciple 2: Masters Arc. Creator Shun Matsuena announced the new series on his X (formerly Twitter) account, confirming a March 25 launch on Sunday Webry. Though plot specifics remain under wraps, the “Tatsujin-hen” subtitle suggests a focus on masters and elite fighters, likely expanding the world and introducing new high-level opponents or mentors for Kenichi and his allies.
Release platform and schedule
The sequel will serialize on Sunday Webry, Shogakukan’s digital manga platform, which has become a home for both new titles and continuations of established properties. Mark March 25 on your calendar if you plan to follow the first chapter as soon as it drops. For readers outside Japan, keep an eye on official licensing announcements for English or regional releases.
Where to read (official source)
Sunday Webry will host the serialization. For direct updates and official posts from the author, check Shun Matsuena’s announcement on X: Shun Matsuena’s X post. You can also monitor Sunday Webry’s site for chapter releases and platform updates: Sunday Webry.
Shun Matsuena’s recent activity and related works
Shun Matsuena has been productive in recent years. He wrapped up the Sora e… (To the Skies) manga on January 21 after launching it in Weekly Shonen Sunday earlier in 2025; its collected volumes began releasing in June 2025. Matsuena also started Kichijōji Shōnen! in Monthly Shonen Sunday in December 2024 (originally a 2019 one-shot) and concluded it on December 12. Prior to that, he completed Kimi wa 008 (You are 008) in May 2024, which ran in Weekly Shonen Sunday since 2018 and ended with its 33rd volume in July 2024. This steady output highlights Matsuena’s ongoing commitment to creating new stories and exploring different themes within shonen and action genres.
What fans can expect from the Masters Arc
While official plot details are scarce, the subtitle “Tatsujin-hen” (Masters Arc) strongly implies a return to the franchise’s martial arts roots, emphasizing elite practitioners and advanced techniques. Readers can reasonably expect:
- New high-level antagonists and mentors that challenge Kenichi’s growth.
- Expanded fight choreography with inventive kung fu, karate, and mixed-style battles.
- Character development for both veterans (Kenichi, his teachers, and the Ryozanpaku members) and new faces introduced in the arc.
- Humor, drama, and the blend of school-life elements that balanced the original series’ tone.
Potential direction and themes
Matsuena has historically balanced comedic beats with serious martial-arts storytelling. The Masters Arc could explore themes of legacy, hierarchy within martial arts clans, and the burden of power — common motifs in sequels that raise the stakes while deepening core relationships. Expect a mix of nostalgia-driven callbacks for long-time readers and fresh conflicts tailored to modern shonen tastes.
Impact on the Kenichi franchise and adaptation prospects
The original Kenichi series enjoyed a long serialization and inspired a 50-episode anime adaptation plus OVAs, building a passionate global fanbase. A new manga arc can reinvigorate interest, potentially sparking talk of anime continuation, new merchandise, or collaborations. While no anime adaptation has been announced, a strong reception on Sunday Webry would increase the likelihood of multimedia expansion.
Tips for readers and collectors
If you’re a collector or new reader planning to jump into the Masters Arc, consider revisiting the original Kenichi volumes or catching up on digital releases to refresh character relationships and key plot points. Keep an eye on official announcements for compiled tankobon release dates after serialization begins, as publishers often collect chapters into volumes within months of a new arc.
Where to stay updated
Follow Shun Matsuena’s official X account for direct announcements and artwork reveals. Also watch Sunday Webry’s platform for chapter drops and platform news. Official publisher feeds and licensed English publishers (if and when they acquire rights) will post translation and distribution information.
Source: Shun Matsuena’s announcement via X/Twitter — view the post.
Final thoughts
The announcement of Shijō Saikyō no Deshi Kenichi 2: Tatsujin-hen is an exciting development for long-time fans and newcomers who appreciate action-packed martial arts manga. With Shun Matsuena at the helm and serialization set for March 25 on Sunday Webry, expectations are high for a renewed focus on elite fighters, inventive combat sequences, and meaningful character growth. Keep your eyes on official channels for chapter releases and licensing news — the Masters Arc could be the resurgence the Kenichi franchise needs to capture a new generation of readers.
