Kushina Uzumaki

was the mother of Naruto Uzumaki. When she was young she was a talkative tom boy. It's noted that she had long, red hair that came down to her lower back as seen in chapter 382. When she grew up her beauty, personality and Ninjutsu became known to many. It was this very personality and Ninjutsu skill which she would pass on to Naruto. At some point in time she met Minato Namikaze, the Fourth Hokage, and bore his child. When Jiraiya visited the couple during the pregnancy, he allowed Minato to read one of his latest books, a semi-biographical account of Jiraiya's own life. The character in the story was known for his drive and determination. For that reason Minato asked Jiraiya if he would mind if he named his own son "Naruto" after the character in the story. Kushina offered her approval of the name choice. Jiraiya was embarassed and honored. After the Nine-Tailed Demon Fox attacked Konoha, which resulted in the death of Minato, and the demon fox being sealed within Naruto, Kushina's status became unknown, but she is presumed deceased as she is referred to in the past tense.