So this is all based on my understanding and could be incorrect so feel free to correct me.
The new era project. Is it Part 3 or not? Heard different things about it, the mini-series novels and the like. Now, I'm under the assumption that it's part 3. So we look at the logo, we've got what seems like the silhouette of Minato, Naruto and Boruto. Ok, check. No Himawari which has been noted. Strange most definitely, you would think that both Naruto's "children" (if they are in fact his) would head up the project but apparently not.
Ok, the silhouette of Bolt seems like a younger version of him. So that would mean that this part 3 mini-series would take place in between The Last Movie and Chapter 700. Now, if this is indeed the case, what the heck? It's my understanding that a series is supposed to be about growth. When we come across Bolt in 700, he's a neglected child who does pranks just so he can get some form of attention from his father. So this mini-series would be the growth of him into this type of child and the growth of Naruto into a neglectful father? Nope, doesn't seem right.
Ok, but then why have a silhouette of a younger Bolt. Was this used so that he didn't need to explain the fact that Himawari isn't even featured?
The interviews are pretty damning sure. I cannot deny that and I cannot argue the fact that these are real, there is no doubt in my mind that they are. So what can I argue from here? Well, not much, to be honest (there is no excuse for Kishi's sexist comments). However, what I can argue is this...
Just for a few moments, think about it like this. You've pulled off something amazing, you've lead your fans to assume the ending of the manga, and everything goes as planned. They believe what you want them to believe. But you've got to market, you've got to advertise and what does that mean? Interviews. You do an official one with your magazine, you're relieved, they don't ask you any questions you'll find hard to answer (he did an official SJ interview right? And there were no specific questions on the pairings).
Now you've found out you're going to have to do an interview with a third-party magazine, it's going to be good press right? But it's not like you can tell them to avoid questions that relate specifically to the ending of the manga, it'd be suspicious right? So what do you do? You've just been asked a question specifically about the pairings, however, you don't want to ruin the shocking surprise you have in the film. What do you do?
There's only one thing you can do, is lie. But... you don't want to paint yourself into a corner, you want to tell as many truths as possible. Can't remember the interview off the top of my head, so I don't know, if you compare this to the mind-set of the answers, do you get that feeling? It's all subjective so there's no right or wrong. But somehow I do get that feeling.
The thing is, nothing right now can be trusted. I'm not telling you to put your faith in all of this again, that would be irresponsible of me. But it is a personal choice. As I've said before and I'll say again, I'm going to wait until the movie/reliable summary (something tells me that there are going to be quite a few "summaries" running around the internet next week, so it's going to be difficult to weed out the right one).
What do I think of Kishi? Regardless of this, I've lost respect for him as a human being as a man. Those comments were unnecessary and disgusting and I don't accept that.
However, there is more to this than meets the eye.