7 Shonen Jump Time Skips That Completely Reinvented Their Series

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Over the years, time skips have become a popular way to refresh long-running manga series in Shueisha’s Shonen Jump. Seven series, in particular, have successfully reinvented themselves using this technique. Because these weekly series often run for years or even decades, a time skip is a useful tool for creators to start a new chapter, introducing fresh characters, storylines, allies, and villains.

When stories jump forward in time, the characters get a fresh new look and the writers can explore exciting, previously unavailable storylines. This technique has been especially popular in Shonen Jump series. Here are seven examples of stories that were completely revitalized by this kind of time skip, opening up a world of new possibilities.

7). Akane-banashi

Starting with chapter 141, the manga Akane-banashi jumps forward three years. Akane and her friends have been training to prepare for the next stage of their Rakugo careers. This time skip is still being explored in the current chapters, so we don’t yet know its full impact, but it’s already significantly changed the story.

Akane is a much more accomplished Rakugo performer, and the animation reflects that – it’s noticeably better than the earlier episodes. The story is also picking up intensity, and this time skip could easily become one of the most memorable in anime history.

6). Mission: Yozakura Family

Chapter 170 of Hitsuji Gondaira’s Mission: Yozakura Family reveals the family’s core mission, which has driven five years of intense training. After Asa announced his intention to attack them in the future, Momo developed a detailed plan to prepare. The family fully committed to this plan, bracing themselves for the ultimate battles and giving it their all.

The story expanded with the arrival of Taiyo and Mutsumi’s twin children, who quickly developed remarkable abilities. This addition revitalized the series just as viewership began to decline, ultimately building towards a large-scale final battle that unfolded over the next two years.

5). Haikyu!!

The final installment of Haikyu!! jumps ahead in time after Karasuno’s initial run at Nationals. Following high school, Shoyo Hinata and his teammates pursue their own paths, but are eventually reunited for one last match that brings together everything fans have loved about the series. Hinata spends years training in Brazil, honing his skills in beach volleyball and dramatically improving his jumping ability. This arc marks the first time the series showcases professional-level volleyball, providing a satisfying and impactful conclusion.

4). One Piece

Eiichiro Oda’s One Piece is well-known for its time skip, where the Straw Hat crew planned to meet after three days, but Luffy unexpectedly announced they wouldn’t reunite for two years. Chapter 598 shows the outcome of this, as the Straw Hats come back together at the same location where they were originally split up.

Over the past two years, each crew member has been diligently training to become strong enough to face the challenges ahead on the Grand Line. This training period allowed them to develop the skills they need to truly survive and begin to make their mark on the world. Even now, years later, we’re still seeing the impact of their efforts.

3). JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure: Stardust Crusaders

Unlike some other series, JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure doesn’t use a traditional time skip. Instead, each part takes place years after the last. The biggest shift happens during Stardust Crusaders, where creator Hirohiko Araki fundamentally changes the series’ direction. This third story arc, set 50 years after Battle Tendency, establishes the formula for everything that follows.

Let me tell you, this part of JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure really switched things up! We meet a protagonist who’s way more direct and gets straight to the point – a real change of pace. But the biggest deal? This is where Stands are born! Honestly, Stands are what everyone knows JoJo for, and seeing them for the first time was just mind-blowing. It felt completely fresh and unlike anything I’d ever experienced in manga or anime – truly revolutionary!

2). Dragon Ball

The time skip in Dragon Ball dramatically reshaped Akira Toriyama’s manga. Beginning with chapter 166, Goku and his friends reconnect after three years at the next World Tournament, and everyone is shocked by how much Goku has grown. This moment launched a new phase for the series, giving Toriyama the opportunity to focus more on action than ever before.

The series really took off with “Dragon Ball Z,” jumping forward in time to introduce Goku’s son, Gohan, and a whole universe of aliens and exciting events. Toriyama’s decision to age Goku changed Dragon Ball forever, and is a key reason why it became so popular and iconic.

1). Naruto: Shippuden

When it comes to memorable time skips that dramatically changed a series, Naruto and Naruto: Shippuden are prime examples. Starting with chapter 245 of Masashi Kishimoto’s manga, the story jumps forward two and a half years after Naruto leaves his village to train. While Naruto was always a serious series, the time skip brought a significantly darker tone. Interestingly, the Shippuden portion of the story, which takes place after the time skip, ended up being much longer than the original Naruto series.

The Naruto Shippuden arc significantly upped the stakes with powerful new enemies that Naruto and his friends were unprepared for. It then introduced ancient techniques and even otherworldly beings, revitalizing the Naruto series and ultimately rescuing it from potential decline.

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2026-01-07 23:12