Chapter 498 delivers a long-awaited reunion inside Naruto's mind, where he finally meets Kushina. Her arrival subdues the Nine-Tails' hatred, opens the door to how she and Minato fell in love, and gives Naruto the mother he never knew.
Main Characters (2)
Summary
Deep within his own subconscious, Naruto comes face to face with Kushina, though he first mistakes her for the Nine-Tails in disguise, an error that earns him a sharp smack to the head. She apologizes for the flash of temper and hopes he has not picked up either her hot streak or her habit of speech. The very mention of those traits helps Naruto piece together who she is, and he throws his arms around her and weeps with joy.
Key Events
His flood of happiness smothers the beast's hatred, and the Nine-Tails is stunned to recognize Kushina's chakra as she binds it with her Adamantine Sealing Chains. Eager to know more, Naruto asks how she and his father first came together, and she shyly recounts the tale. When she finishes, Kushina tells her son that she loves him, catching him off guard before delight sets in. She then teasingly asks what you get when you combine the Yellow Flash with the Red Hot-Blooded Habanero, and he answers with pride that he is Konoha's Orange Hokage.
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Notes
Set during the Fourth Shinobi World War: Countdown arc, this chapter was collected in the fifty-third volume. It bears the Japanese title Kaa-Chan no Akai Kami and originally ran in the summer of 2010.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Kushina the mother of Naruto?
Yes, Kushina Uzumaki is Naruto's mother; in "Mum's Red Hair" (chapter 498) Naruto finally meets her within his own subconscious.
What color is Naruto's mom's hair?
Naruto's mother, Kushina, has red hair, the trait referenced in this chapter's title as Naruto meets her inside his own mind.
Who is the lover of Minato in Naruto?
Minato Namikaze's wife was Kushina Uzumaki, and in "Mum's Red Hair" she shyly recounts to Naruto how the two of them first fell in love.
Why does Naruto initially mistake Kushina for the Nine-Tails?
When Naruto first meets Kushina inside his subconscious he mistakes her for the Nine-Tails in disguise, which earns him a sharp smack to the head from her.
What nickname does Naruto give himself after learning about his parents?
After Kushina jokingly asks what you get when you combine the Yellow Flash and the Red Hot-Blooded Habanero, Naruto proudly answers that he is Konoha's Orange Hokage.
Sources & Information
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View on FandomThis content is original writing by Daddy Jim Headquarters based on the Naruto anime series, manga, and official materials. Episode and chapter references are cited where applicable.
Rights holders
- Created byMasashi Kishimoto
- Published byShueisha
- Animated byStudio Pierrot
All rights belong to their respective owners.
Character and scene imagery on this site is original artwork by Daddy Jim Headquarters, not screenshots or licensed imagery. Official cover art is used on three types of pages for editorial commentary:
- Movie pages: theatrical posters and key visuals, credited to Studio Pierrot and Toho.
- Game pages: official box art for the Naruto: Ultimate Ninja Storm games, credited to Bandai Namco.
- Manga chapter pages: Jump Comics volume covers, credited to Shueisha and Masashi Kishimoto.
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