Author: Masashi Kishimoto
Published by: Shounen Jump/VIZ Media
Part I/Series 1: Naruto
Part II/Series 2: Naruto Shippuuden
First Published in Japan: 1998 (1997 if you count the short)
First Published in the US: August 16, 2003
First aired in Japan: October 3, 2002
First aired in the US: September 10, 2005

Naruto is about a boy named Naruto Uzumaki whose goal is to become Hokage, which is the leader of his village, Konoha. The reason for that goal is because he wants to gain the respect of everyone in Konoha and to not be looked down on. The people of Konoha hated Naruto because of the Kyuubi sealed inside him.

The story of Naruto is not only about Naruto Uzumaki, but the story of many other shinobi as well. Like his teammates: Sakura Haruno, the girl he has a crush on; Sasuke Uchiha, his best friend and rival; and Kakashi Hatake, his sensei.

Part I of the Naruto Series when talking about the manga, or first series when talking about the anime, focuses on the Chuunin Exams, Orochimaru’s attack, and Sasuke’s betrayal. Part II, or second series known as Shippuuden, focuses on Akatsuki’s goal, defeating Akatsuki, and trying to bring Sasuke back.