After the end of Naruto, Kishimoto chose to assist and oversee the production of Boruto. However, he decided not to play a significant part in it. Instead, he entrusted the series to long-time assistant and fellow Mangaka Mikio Ikemoto as well as Ukyo Kodachi; however, as of chapter 52 of the manga, Kishimoto has returned as the writer for Boruto, with Ikemoto sensei remaining as the illustrator.