Kenichi the Mightiest Disciple 2 Masters Arc Manga Launches on March 25
Shun Matsuena has officially announced a new sequel manga for KenIchi the Mightiest Disciple. Titled Shijō Saikyō no Deshi Kenichi 2: Tatsujin-hen (Masters Arc), the new series will launch on Shogakukan’s Sunday Webry platform on March 25.
The announcement was made through Matsuena’s official X (formerly Twitter) account and included a special illustration celebrating the return of the long-running martial arts franchise.
The original KenIchi the Mightiest Disciple manga ran in Weekly Shonen Sunday from 2002 to 2014, becoming one of the magazine’s most recognizable action titles. The series follows Kenichi Shirahama, a weak but determined student who trains under multiple martial arts masters to survive encounters with increasingly powerful fighters.
The manga inspired a television anime series in 2006, which was later released in North America by Funimation. Several OVA episodes were also produced and eventually aired on Japanese television, expanding the story beyond the main broadcast run.
The newly announced Masters Arc suggests a renewed focus on high-level martial artists and advanced combat, positioning the sequel as a continuation aimed at longtime fans while introducing new challenges and rivals.
Shun Matsuena has remained active in recent years with multiple manga projects. He concluded Sora e… (To the Skies) on January 21 after launching it in Weekly Shonen Sunday in January 2025. The fifth volume of the series is scheduled for release on February 18. He also wrapped up Kichijōji Shōnen! in December and ended Kimi wa 008 in May 2024 after a six-year run.
With Kenichi the Mightiest Disciple 2: Masters Arc, Matsuena returns to the series that defined his career, marking a major comeback for one of Shonen Sunday’s classic martial arts franchises.
