Maelstrom in Westeros

by choejhulkp9

Free will and destiny often clash but that depends on the person. For one Naruto Uzumaki, he thought it would clash but it pushed him in singular direction. One he agreed with. Naruto Uzumaki must now face a future filled with back stabbing politicians. DISCONTINUED AND UP FOR ADOPTION. SORRY.

5. The War of Kings

Here is the 5th Chapter of Maelstrom in Westeros. A lot has transpired within the 7 Kingdoms as full-blown war has erupted between the Joffrey with the Lannisters and Robb Stark of the North. Two wild cards are Renly and Stannis Baratheon as each has a claim for the throne with everyone else caught in the middle and soon to be casualties if something isn't done. It's up to Naruto to save whoever he can and prepare for his destiny while keeping a sensitive secret from people who shouldn't know anything.

The War of Kings

Year: 299 AL

The 7 Kingdoms were in full blown war or rebellion depending on who you asked. For those who sided with the North, it was war. For those in the south, it was rebellion. Robb Stark, son of Lord Eddard Stark proclaimed himself as King in the North. With the entirety of the North and the support of the Riverlands, Robb Stark was going to march south, take King's Landing and kill Joffrey and the Queen.

In the south, those who were loyal to the Lannisters viewed Robb Stark as an upstart like Robert Baratheon and was rebelling from the 7 Kingdoms. At the moment, Joffrey was king with Tywin Lannister laying siege to the Riverlands and fighting against the army of the north. Despite Ned Stark's claim at his execution, Joffrey and the Lannisters quickly denounced any talk or claim of his illegitimacy and anyone who did voice it was never heard from again.

But those weren't the only two in open war, both Renly and Stannis Baratheon were moving in their own directions with Renly openly declaring himself as the new King and allied himself with the Reach. Stannis had kept quiet at the moment but he did not proclaim allegiance to Joffrey. At the moment, the 7 Kingdoms weren't the 7 Kingdoms, just lords and men who thought they deserved power fighting against one another and that fighting would tear the country apart.

In King's Landing, Naruto himself was the only person who was tasked with keeping the peace of the 7 Kingdoms but now that it was full blown war, that would be harder. The rangers had come back three days after he did and for the moment, Naruto gathered them because he had something to show them. And to say they were surprised is an understatement but it was something that he felt they needed to know. They swore to keep it a secret but it arose numerous questions as to how he could have a dragon and what now. Some even asked if he was a Targaryen but Naruto was confident he wasn't.

Naruto was having the rangers get some rest from the long trip to recharge and be ready because he might need them. At the moment, he was in the Akatsuki headquarters' assembly room because it was temporarily acting at the kennel. Kennel for what, exactly? Well, Naruto now had a female Direwolf the size of a small horse and a baby dragon to deal with.

He was sitting in a chair watching the baby ice dragon slowly crawl along the table, getting use to walking. Naruto smiled as he slowly pet the dragon on the head with his index finger. By the cute growls and the fact that the dragon was nuzzling its head against his finger, it was happy.

"You're staring again, Obara." Naruto said as he turned and saw Obara was staring at him as if he had changed his face.

"Sorry. Are you sure you're not a Targaryen?" Obara asked as Naruto shook his head.

"I don't think so. Besides, this little guy isn't a regular dragon." Naruto said as he dragon sneezed and out came a small puff of white colored embers. "Oh, and he breathes fire as well as ice. Good to know but going to be a pain in the butt to train."

"How do you know he is male? Why not a female?" Nymeria asked, sitting down next to Obara.

"Good point. If this little guy could speak, he or she would tell me." Naruto said as he held out his hand and the dragon climbed on. The dragon looked at Naruto, tilting his head to the side before happily nuzzling himself into Naruto's hand and curled into a circle to rest.

"I think he's a he." Tyene said, sitting on the floor next to Nymeria, the direwolf, who had just finished eating an entire ham and chicken.

"How would you know?" Obara asked.

"Naruto said the dragon was born when he summoned the energy from his body. Naruto's male so the dragon he gave birth to is male." Tyene said as she pet Nymeria on the head, as the direwolf yawned and placed her head on her paws.

"Well, guy or girl, this dragon is both a blessing and a curse." Naruto said as he slowly walked over to the small bed in the large open cage that the Akatsuki managed to make. It was large enough so that the dragon wasn't crowded but still a cage so it couldn't fly away. "There aren't exactly any books in the Akatsuki library about how to train a dragon."

"Is there anything at all about him?" Tyene asked as Naruto shook his head no.

"No, just some vague passages about Azor Ahai centuries ago. According to some reports, he had a partner during his fight with the Long Night but between centuries of mistranslations, spoken word and the attack by the R'hllor followers, there's barely anything." Naruto said he looked at the dragon with fondness. "But all I know is he's important."

"Well, you've got your work cut out for you. Between him, Nymeria and the city, it seems we'll be busy." Obara said as Naruto nodded.

"Or we could just leave all this and go to Dorne?" Nymeria said as she got up and hugged Naruto. "Think about it. Away from all this death and fighting. Peace and quiet, fine Dornish wine, the clean air, the beautiful water gardens around us and no Lannisters."

"Sounds nice." Naruto admitted.

"And an easier place for you to prepare for Queen Daenerys." Nymeria said as Naruto smiled. He kissed her head and walked over to the side of the room where a small table was set up with a large map of Westeros, along with small figures laid out that represented the armies.

"While I would love nothing more than to relax…I can't. I have a job to do." Naruto said.

"But a job for who? Robert Baratheon is dead, Ned Stark is dead, a bastard sits on the Iron Throne and now the country is in civil war. Why do you stay here?" Nymeria asked him.

"Because I'm the only who cares. Cares about the people living in the city. Not the high lords or people of noble birth who are out there, planning and fighting and destroying the country but someone who realizes that people of this city and the entire country are just going to be in the way. These people trust me and I won't let them suffer under Joffrey and Cersei's rule. If I don't fight for them, no one will." Naruto told them.

"Naruto, you can't save everyone. People will die. Your destiny is to protect the world not the city." Obara said.

"I know. I am Azor Ahai, and my destiny is to protect the world from the Long Night but that also means that there are people alive when this is all over. I never wanted any of this…but it is my destiny and I'm the only who can do it." Naruto told them with new conviction about his destiny in the world. Naruto looked at the map and saw all the various figures and realized just how ill-prepared and outnumbered he was. "If only destiny didn't stack these odds against me."

"Then what will you do? Who do you serve in the days to come? Joffrey?" Tyene asked as Naruto scoffed.

"Please, I'd sooner cut his head off than serve him. To be honest, the only reason I'm still here in the city is because of Sansa and the people who live here. And I can't get Sansa back North because Cersei and Joffrey will destroy the city and me to get her back and there's no way I'd make it north with Tywin's army sacking the Riverlands." Naruto said as Obara had a question.

"Naruto…how come you didn't kill Joffrey when he killed Ned Stark?" Obara asked, wanting to know why he didn't act.

"Believe me, I ask myself the same question every day and that mistake is going to haunt me for as long as I live. I was tempted to drive my sword through Joffrey's chest, throw a knife at Ser Payne, even use my powers to stop it but…I couldn't." Naruto said as he sighed in frustration.

"What do you mean?" Tyene asked.

"If I had stopped them it would only have made things worse. I realize now that nothing I would have done then would have made things better. If I had stopped the execution, Joffrey could have killed me in spite." Naruto said.

"But your powers?" Obara asked.

"Sure, I stop Joffrey but what then. The people who see what I do will either fear me or believe I'm blessed by the Stranger and would never follow me no matter what. And why should they? Just because I lead a band of the best fighters in the country? I have no name or title of enough significance for the other lords of the 7 Kingdoms to listen to me." Naruto said as he looked at the map. "I don't have enough influence yet to do anything."

"Ok, that makes some sense. So, will you fight for Renly? You heard he has declared himself King and married Margaery Tyrell." Tyene said as Naruto looked at the Reach section of the map.

"Margaery said she and her family wanted her to be Queen, it makes sense they would throw their lot in with Renly. But he's not a king. The man never fought a day in his life, barely did his job as Master of Law and is second in line of the throne. Just because he thinks he deserves the crown, doesn't mean he should have it." Naruto said.

"And Stannis?" Nymeria asked.

"I don't know. Something about him is making my necklace act up and stomach drop. Something's going on at Dragonstone and whatever it is, it's not good." Naruto said as he looked at Dragonstone on the map.

"And the North?" Obara asked.

"I don't know. Robb marches south to make the Lannisters pay but what happens if he does. He'll never rule King's Landing and then I have a power gap to deal with. To be honest, from now on it seems I'm playing everything by ear. Word finally came from the Akatsuki in Essos and Daenerys is alive. There's still a chance." Naruto said as sighed. "Until then, I'm going to have to trust my instincts from here on out."

"If war does come, how many Akatsuki do you have ready to fight?" Obara asked.

"In King's Landing, at least 130. Throughout the rest of Westeros, maybe 20. Most of the Akatsuki in the other regions are just spies and informants with a few trained Akatsuki to act as security. In Essos, probably another 200. They're skilled but I also need numbers." Naruto said he looked at the Akatsuki symbol on the wall. "Hopefully, skills and our war machines can make up for that."

"If war does come, you know that we're with you. And we can convince our father to come to your aid." Obara said as Naruto smiled.

"Hopefully it won't come to that for a while. Come on, let's go see how the city is doing. Nymeria, stay here." Naruto said as the wolf just yawned and went back to sleep as the dragon was sleeping as well. Naruto and the Sand Snakes walked through the city as a red glowing comet was streaking across the sky. Some took it as a beautiful, remarkable sight but Naruto knew that the red comet was an omen. It meant that dragons had been reborn.

Line Break xxxxx

Back over in Essos, Daenerys Targaryen had been through a lot in the past few days. After the pre-mature birth of her child, she awoke to the horrible fact that her child had died when he was born. Itachi told her that when he was born, he never breathed a single puff of air and was dead. Her son dying filled her with dread but she also learned that Drogo was alive but not back to his old self. Mirri explained that the ritual used Daenerys' dying son as a sacrifice to save Drogo but he was unresponsive. He didn't move, speak or do anything except stare and it was then revealed that Mirri did this as revenge.

Daenerys did everything she could to find any glimpse of Drogo and get him to respond but nothing worked and she ultimately smothered him with a pillow, killing him. With his death, Daenerys announced to the rest of the Khalasar of her plan and that those who wanted to leave could but those who remained, she swore that she would conquer the 7 Kingdoms and they would share in her glory. Most left while a few loyal Dothraki remained. She made a funeral pyre to lay Khal Drogo to rest while also burning Mirri to death but she also made a gamble to see if her Targaryen blood and her gut instinct was right. She walked into the flames and come morning, she was completely fine with three baby dragons.

Now, Daenerys and her remaining Dothraki, Jorah, Kisame and Itachi were walking through the Red Waste. It was advice from Jorah, Kisame and Itachi who told her that with Drogo dead, and where they were in the Dothraki Sea that it was too dangerous to go back. The chance to encounter another Khalasar was too high so instead they would travel through the Red Waste until they reached a city where Kisame and Itachi could get in contact with other Akatsuki members and get help.

They had been traveling for several days and were still going strong, thankfully with enough water due to Kisame and Itachi carrying more than enough due to a combination of paranoid nature and preparedness. Even though they still had water, the constant walking through sand, dirt and rock with the hot sun beating down on them was beginning to beat them. It was the afternoon and the group was still walking through the Red Waste. Daenerys was using this time to try and get close to her dragons. She was trying to feed the black and red scaled one she called Drogon. Drogon was sitting on her shoulder as she held out small bits of dried meat, trying to get him to eat but Drogon didn't seem interested so Daenerys stopped.

"What did your brother say about them, Khaleesi?" Doreah asked.

"He said they ate meat." Daenerys said.

"He didn't say what kind of meat?" Doreah asked as Daenerys shook her head no.

"My brother didn't know a lot about dragons. He didn't know a lot about anything." Daenerys said as Drogon hopped onto her hand and she put him in his cage.

"Your grace." She heard as she saw Itachi walk over with a water pouch. "Drink."

"Thank you." She replied as she took a small sip of water before handing it to Doreah to took a small sip. "How many do we have left?"

"Enough for now. We just need to keep rationing them." Itachi said as she noticed he was about to drink his own but stopped and walked away. She walked over to him as he pulled out a map and a small compass.

"Itachi, tell me the truth. How bad is it?" Daenerys asked as Itachi sighed.

"If we ration, we have enough water for a few more days." Itachi said as he let out a tired huff and looked at his compass.

She grabbed his water pouch and uncorked it for him. "You need to drink." Daenerys told him.

"I'll be fine. I've been through worst. It's best to save it." Itachi said as they heard the sound of horse whining. They looked and saw Daenerys's horse drop to the ground. They ran over as Daenerys pet her horse on the head. She looked at Itachi and Jorah but they shook their head no.

"She's was Drogo's first gift to me." Daenerys said.

"I remember." Jorah replied.

"I promised to protect them. I promised them their enemies would die screaming. How do I make starvation scream?" Daenerys asked.

"I trick I never learned, I'm afraid." Jorah said as Daenerys looked to the horizon at the never-ending desert.

"Does it ever end?" Daenerys asked.

"Eventually. Nothing lasts forever." Itachi said as Kisame joined him.

"Are you all sure this is the best option?" Daenerys asked.

"Yes, your grace." Kisame replied.

"If we traveled south to the Lhazarene sea, the Lhaze men will kill us and take your dragons. If we travel west to the Dothraki sea, any Khal we pass will kill us and take your dragons." Jorah said as Daenerys shook her head no.

"No one is taking my dragons." Daenerys replied.

"They are still too young, Khaleesi. They cannot defend themselves. You must be there strength." Jorah said as Itachi looked at the map and got an idea.

"As you are mine." Daenerys replied.

"While I agree with strength, an Akatsuki proverb coverts wisdom above all. I might have an idea." Itachi said he laid down the map. "According to the map, Qarth is a three days ride from here."

"Qarth?" Daenerys asked.

"An ancient and old city, run by the most influential, rich and powerful men. The 13. The only bustling city and travel port this far east. Didn't we use to have a member stationed there?" Kisame asked as Itachi nodded.

"Yes. Deidara and Sasori." Itachi said.

"Who are they?" Jorah asked.

"Members of the Akatsuki, like Kisame and myself. Although, they were the more…eccentric of our order." Itachi put it delicately.

"And what Itachi truly means is that they aren't all there in the head. Not dim-witted, your grace, just…well, crazy. The reason they were sent so far east was so they would be out of the way. And the last the order or Achilles ever heard from them was a year ago." Kisame said.

"Deidara, yes, he was crazy. Sasori had his quirks but he was a loyal member. If he's alive, then he'll help us, if they're dead then we can still rest and recover in the city while we plan our next move." Itachi said as Daenerys looked at Jorah.

"Ser Jorah?" Daenerys asked.

"It's our only viable plan. Itachi and Kisame haven't let us down yet, and I don't expect them to now. Although I've heard that the desert outside of Qarth is called the Garden of Bones. Any traveler that the 13 close their gates to, the garden gets bigger." Jorah said.

"Then it's our only option. Can we make it?" Daenerys asked.

"Yes, your grace. I'll have Kisame go ahead and smooth things out. The 13 haven't been known to let Dothraki into the city." Itachi said as Daenerys nodded. Kisame got one of the few good horses, some food and a water pouch. "Stay safe and be careful."

"As careful as any person can. Live free." Kisame said as Itachi shook his hand.

"Die well, brother." Itachi said as Kisame rode off into the Red Waste for Qarth. The hope for Daenerys Targaryen was at stake and he wouldn't fail. Daenerys Targaryen and the group took a small rest before heading to Qarth.

Back in Westeros in King's Landing, Naruto was on his way to the Red Keep to speak to Sansa and give her a bit of a gift. Something he thought she could really use. He walked into the Red Keep and through the castle to Sansa's door where two Lannister men were guarding the door.

"If you gentlemen will stand aside, I'm here to see Lady Stark." Naruto said as the two men knew him and his power to step aside. Naruto opened the door but stopped before he walked in. "Oh, and you can take the day off. Don't worry, Lady Stark will be kept safe."

Naruto closed the door and saw Sansa sitting by her window with Shao Jun in the room. "My lady." Naruto said with a bow.

"Ser Naruto." Sansa replied as Naruto chuckled.

"Please, just Naruto as I told you before." Naruto replied. "I trust Shao Jun is keeping you safe."

"Yes, she's been a very good friend." Sansa said as Shao Jun smiled.

"I'm glad. And don't worry, Shao Jun will make sure you're kept safe and don't let her appearance deceive you. Shao Jun is the most capable…ranger I have. She can fight as well as any man, probably better. Now, if you wouldn't mind putting on a little cloak I was hoping we could take a stroll through the gardens." Naruto said as Shao Jun nodded.

"Uh, I'm not sure his grace and the queen would like that. I'm supposed to remain in the Red Keep." Sansa said as Shao Jun checked outside and saw the Lannister guards were gone.

"Well, then we won't tell them. And don't worry, you won't be seen." Naruto said as Sansa put on a cloak and a small hood to cover her face. Naruto escorted Sansa down the hallway to the gardens by the Red Keep. They then made their way to one of the more secluded gardens outside the Red Keep and Sansa could tell it was secure because there were dozens of Naruto's rangers around to keep people away. They walked down the small set of steps to the nice small, yet open garden which was nicely covered on three sides with trees and bushes and the fourth with an open view of the sea. "Ah, lovely."

"Yes, it is." Sansa said as she sat down on one of the stools.

"And for my gift." Naruto said as he let out a quiet whistle. [Whistle]

A rustle was heard from the bushes as Nymeria walked out into the gardens and strolled over to Sansa and made herself comfortable. Sansa was shocked and speechless to see a Direwolf right in front of her. She pet her head and then hugged the Direwolf, feeling the soft fur against her skin, a sensation that was now all too familiar.

"Ho—How?" Sansa asked as Nymeria licked her on the cheek.

"As I was making my way through the Riverlands, we found her in the forest. She recognized me and we brought her here. We figured it would do you good to see her again." Naruto said as Sansa smiled and hugged Nymeria.

"Arya said that Nymeria was gone. I didn't know she was still alive." Sansa said as she wiped some tears from her eyes.

"And she'll stay alive. I have some property in the city where she will be looked after and fed, and where Cersei and Joffrey won't find her. And we can arrange for these little open-air visits whenever you wish." Naruto said with a smile as Sansa was the happiest she had been in a long time.

"Thank you." Sansa said as Naruto smile and nodded.

"It's the least I can do. I wasn't able to save your father and I'll live with that regret for the rest of my life. But I will protect you from here on out. And when the opportunity presents itself, I'll make sure you get to your family again." Naruto said as Sansa smile and nodded. She kept Nymeria close, walked with her around the gardens and enjoyed herself for the first time in what seemed like forever.

Naruto let Sansa enjoy herself for a few hours before Shao Jun escorted Sansa back to her room and Naruto took Nymeria. Naruto dropped Nymeria off and decided to go see how Mance and the others were doing with their new homes and jobs. Naruto made this way through Flea Bottom, down the Muddy Way to Fishmonger's square and took a left to the Street of Steel, below Visenya's Hill. The street was line with armorers, smiths, carpenters, bakeries, inns and other shops and was where Naruto had the people from his home village staying. Naruto owned, or rather the Akatsuki owned bakeries, a large inn, a small carpenter/leather shop and other stores that stretched the Street of Steel and even some work down by River Row and Fishmonger's square.

Mance was at the carpenter shop while Diane was at the inn. Naruto walked down the street and saw Mance talking to a man about an order for some new leather clothing. He also saw Diane tending to a small family who was enjoying some supper. Naruto smiled as he walked into the inn as Diane walked by with an empty tray. "How are things?" Naruto asked.

"Oh, Naruto!" Diane said as she hugged him and he hugged back. "Things are going well. King's Landing is definitely different than home but we've gotten use to it."

"And everyone else?" Naruto asked.

"Oh, they're settling in quite nicely. The children are helping Oscar and Adam in the fishing villages and Ethan is working with some of the farmers outside the city." Diane said as Naruto smiled.

"Good, I'm glad." Naruto said as Mance walked over.

"The city's much busier than you said in your letters but it's a fine living." Mance said as Naruto smiled and shook his hand.

"And everyone's safe?" Naruto asked.

"Aye. We look after one another and make sure all the children and old folk are in bed by night. Although, when we mention we know you, the people of this city are more than kind enough to help." Mance said.

"He's right, Naruto. The people of this city look up to you. You've done a great job here. Your parents would be proud." Diane said.

"Thank you." Naruto replied as Mance roughly pat him on the shoulder.

"Aye, we've heard stories about you and your rangers. I've even seen some of the younger lads practicing and wanting to join." Mance said as Naruto chuckled.

"If they want to train, I'm more than happy to help." Naruto said as he got ready to leave. "Just make sure you guys be careful. The city's going to go through some hard times in the future."

"Aye, Naruto but we'll stick it out. You know us, we're tough as nails." Mance said as he pounded his chest and Naruto chuckled.

"Right. I will see you later." Naruto said as he walked back to the Brightest Light to do some work. He was in the secret headquarters in the main meeting room with Achilles, talking with several of the members who had come with new raven or message scrolls.

"I wonder if this is how Jon felt doing his job." Naruto said as he wrote down a reply to one of the ravens from a spy in Volantis who had finally made it into an inner circle of slave traders. Naruto was sending a reply to keep the order updated on any intelligence they could use. Naruto then moved to large bundle of papers that came from Henry Green in Braavos with the new schematics and blue prints for the rapid-fire ballistae Naruto asked for as well as battle chariots and cannons. He attached designs for use on ships or by a manned crew on the top of a wall or castle.

"Henry has outdone himself again." Achilles said as he looked them over.

"Yes, he has and he says he has the material to begin making them." Naruto said as he thought for a moment. "How many ships do we currently have?"

"Our last count put it at about 4 war galleys and 20 long ships. What are your thoughts?" Achilles asked.

"Send word to Henry to outfit all our ships with the cannons and instruct the men on their use. Once they're ready, have the war galleys sail for Kings Landing. Do we still have our associate at the Arsenal of Braavos who owes us a debt?" Naruto asked.

"Yes." Achilles said.

"Have them begin building war galleys." Naruto said as Achilles nodded.

"How many?" Achilles asked.

"Until we tell them to stop." Naruto said as Achilles nodded, liking the idea that preparing for the inevitable it would be a blessing to have a large navy. "As you always say, if you want peace then you better prepare for war."

"A wise saying from a wise man." Achilles said with a chuckle. "I believe that takes care of all the major events of the day. All that's left is to go over reports."

"Any news?" Naruto asked.

"With the war spread to most of the heart of the country, getting dispatches and ravens has proven much more difficult but we're still getting reports. However, the information is limited due to the armies marching south and no form of disguise can allow our spies into the tents of the commanders. Reports tell us that Tywin Lannister has pulled his forces back from the Riverlands and is headed in the direction of Harrenhal. Renly and the forces of the Reach are now in the Stormlands, most likely headed to Storm's End to gather those loyal to his house. Stannis Baratheon is still on Dragonstone and there in lays our new problem." Achilles said as Naruto noted how concerned Achilles was in his tone.

"What's wrong?" Naruto asked.

"Our spy on Dragonstone has confirmed that a Red Priestess from Asshai, Melisandre arrived on Dragonstone a moon ago and has begun converting the island's populace to the side of R'hllor." Achilles said as Naruto was shocked.

"So that's why I've been feeling like this whenever I think of Dragonstone or Stannis. It's my powers and instincts warning me of R'hllor's influence over Dragonstone." Naruto said as Achilles nodded.

"Yes, and I fear with this war, the power that R'hllor's followers will only increase more and more. No doubt the priestess believes she is converting people but the wills and minds of feeble men are easily manipulated by the powers granted to her." Achilles said.

"What does she want?" Naruto asked.

"Most likely to convert Stannis to her side and if he should take the throne, use her position to increase R'hllor's influence to the 7 Kingdoms." Achilles said as he grabbed his cane and Naruto helped the old master stand up. "If Stannis's mind is swayed, turns to her for power and he takes the throne, I fear for you."

"You said that the mind of feeble men are easily swayed. Stannis is strong-willed, I know him, hell I respect him. If he can keep her influence away, then she won't have any power over him." Naruto said as Achilles shook his head.

"I wish I had your optimism but in my experience, even the strongest of steel wears away. Until R'hllor is defeated, the power his disciples have will only increase and soon friend will turn to foe." Achilles said as Naruto reluctantly nodded.

"Then what do I do? I can't storm Dragonstone with only 300 rangers and the Akatsuki I have here and with the war I can't get any more support. If I use my powers, can I stop her?" Naruto told him as Achilles walked over to get a glass of wine.

"I do not know, Naruto. But I do not think you should march to Dragonstone to stop her. If you do…and you fail, then all hope for the future of the world is gone." Achilles said as he took a sip and pat Naruto on the shoulder. "Wait until the opportunity presents itself. For now, keep doing what you're doing. Save as many lives as you can…that is our job. Not to go out and provoke battles but to defend those who cannot defend themselves. I fear in these coming years you may face terrible crossroads, unsure which direction to take but know this…never stray from your truth path."

"Thank you, for the words of wisdom Achilles." Naruto said as he helped Achilles to his room.

"Of course. Wisdom is all that an old man like myself can offer to the savior of our world. I'm just sorry that I couldn't do more." Achilles said as Naruto chuckled.

"I wouldn't be where I am without your wisdom. The Akatsuki wouldn't be here without your strength. I'd trade an army of thousands for your wisdom." Naruto said as he helped Achilles to his bed.

"And you shall have it for as long as I remain on this earth. Which I fear may not be much longer." Achilles said as he laid down.

"Don't speak like that. You're tougher than most of the people in the country." Naruto said as Achilles chuckled.

"You may be right but I'm also old. Don't worry, Naruto. If it's my time, then I'm ready." Achilles said as Naruto held his hand.

"Get some rest. The Akatsuki still needs you." Naruto said as he left Achilles to let him get some rest.

Naruto walked into the assembly room and saw his dragon drinking some water. He walked over and opened the cage as the small dragon walked out and looked around. It looked at Naruto before tilting its head to the side. Naruto sat down in a chair as the dragon walked along to the edge of the table where Naruto was sitting. Naruto took a small piece of meat in his hands and soon it was heated and fully cooked. Naruto held it out as the dragon grabbed and swallowed it.

Naruto cooked another piece of meat and the dragon ate it. Naruto pet the dragon on the head and sighed. "Well, I don't suppose you have any helpful wisdom or advice for me?" Naruto asked as the dragon titled his head to the side.

"I'm in a bind. Part of me believes I should go out there and side with Robb Stark for what Cersei and Joffrey did to his father but on the other hand if I do that then I leave everyone in the city to the mercy of Cersei and Joffrey and I can't do that, the people trust me. Although, it would send a message to the people on which side to back. Then again, part of me thinks I should try and get Stannis to see reason but then again if Achilles is right and I'm wrong then I walk into a trap and the entire world is screwed." Naruto said as the dragon just looked at him causing Naruto to sigh.

"Gods, if only fate didn't stack everything against me. When I was younger, all I wanted was to see the world and have adventures like my parents. And when I grow older, settle down back home and have a family. Now, I have thousands of people who are looking to me to keep them safe and I might not be able to. I have powers that no one can fathom yet if I use them then I lose the element of surprise that I'm trying so desperately to keep until I've gathered enough influence. Gods, if Cersei, Joffrey or Tywin found out what I can do and about you, they'd do whatever it took to tear everything away from me." Naruto said as he handed the dragon another piece of meat.

Naruto sighed as he ran his hands through his hair in frustration. "So many choices with little to no answers on what's the right one and I don't even have answers to the questions I already have." Naruto said as he looked at the dragon. "And I'm going insane because I'm talking to myself."

Naruto pet the dragon on the head as it let out cute growls. "If only you were bigger, then settling this whole war would be a lot easier. Taking care of Joffrey and the Lannisters would be easier and if there were any issues than you could just freeze them solid." Naruto joked as the dragon let out a small puff of ice cold air from his mouth that left frost on the table.

"Nice. Ice is always good but if that doesn't work then fire and blood like the Targaryens might work as well." Naruto said as the dragon sneezed a puff of fire, white-colored like the ice and it melted the frost into water. The Dragon seemed to smirk as Naruto raised an eyebrow.

"Ice." Naruto said as the dragon breathed another puff of ice. "Fire." And the dragon breathed fire.

"You can understand me." Naruto said as the dragon looked at him. "Walk over to the edge of the table."

The dragon looked at the table, then at Naruto before slowly walking along with its feet and claws, stopping right where Naruto pointed. "[Chuckles] Well, I've always heard that dragons were smart and you're just the smartest there is, aren't you?" Naruto said as he scratched the dragon under the jaw as the Dragon nuzzled into his hands.

"This will make training you a lot easier. Now, all you need is a good name." Naruto said as he thought for a moment. "There was an old story that my father use to tell me that I always liked. It was about an ancient creature that was as beautiful and awe-inspiring as it was dangerous and powerful. It was said that it could create hurricanes and level mountains in its power yet people worshipped its destructive power as it kept the land in balance. I think it was called…Kurama. Or in Old Valyrian, a beast with no equal. How's that sound?"

The dragon titled its head before nodding. "Ok, Kurama it is." Naruto said as Kurama flapped his wings in happiness. "Whatever happens in the future, Kurama, we'll get through it together."

Line Break xxxxx

The days in King's Landing began to blur together as the war between the Lannisters and the North raged on. Word had spread that Renly finally made it to Storm's End and most of the houses of the Stormlands had pledge their fealty to Renly while the other remained loyal to Stannis. With the war, refugees began flooding into the city in waves and Naruto was doing everything he could for them, even sneaking outside of the walls of the city at night and using his powers to make space for huts or tents for them to live. With the flood of refugees, food storage would become an issue. So, Naruto was taking precautions and working with the farmers outside the city to grow extra food and even using the Akatsuki contacts in Braavos, Pentos and Volantis to get ships to deliver extra food to the city and store whatever they could for emergencies.

It was currently Joffrey's name day and he was having a celebratory tournament near the Red Keep to keep himself happy. Naruto and the rangers, on the other hand, were busy keeping the city safe. To past the time, Naruto was training whatever City Watch members wanted to learn from him and that was actually a lot of them. Although after Varys told him about what Janos Slynt and some of the City Watch did to Ned Stark, Naruto was particular about who he trained. He figured that about half of the 2,000 City Watch were like Slynt and on the Lannister's payroll. The other thousand he wasn't sure of but they were the men that always treated him with respect so for the moment they were ok.

Naruto, Arthur, Bors, Tristan, Lancelot, Gwen, Adawale, Aguilar and the Sand Snakes were at the Eastern barracks training the City Watch. Some of them were new recruits but most were seasoned City Watch who wanted to train. Naruto and the rangers had the City Watch in groups, training one against one or one against many to train them for any kind of eventuality. Naruto was working with a group of about 10 on their stances and their movements.

"Good. Remember, fluid movement. Don't go swinging wildly! Combination 1!" Naruto shouted as the recruits swung left, right, left, parry and swipe. "Nice, combination 2!"

The recruits then did two low blocks, an overhead swing and thrust. "Excellent. Remember, keep your feet steady and a distance apart. Let your power come not from the strength of your attack but the ground that holds your feet!" Naruto shouted as he helped a recruit with their feet placement. "The biggest threat to you in a fight isn't your opponent's strength but your weak stance on the ground. Keep your feet on the ground, be aware of your surroundings and half of the battle will be won!"

"What about the other half?" One of the recruits asked.

"That depends on your ability to not screw up the first half." Naruto joked as the men laughed. "Again! Repetition is the key! In a fight, these movements should be second nature!"

"Ser Naruto!" Naruto heard as he saw a boy run over. "Message from Lord Tyrion, hand of the King."

"Thank you." Naruto said as he handed the boy a gold dragon. "Don't spend it all in one place."

The boy smiled and left as Naruto opened the message and saw that it was Tyrion, wanting to meet him in the Tower of the Hand. "Keep up the training. I'll be back later." Naruto said as he grabbed his sword and walked to the Red Keep. He walked through the gates and into the great keep and up the stairs of the tower of the Hand.

He knocked on the door and Naruto was welcomed with the sight of Bronn opening it. "Ah, Bronn. Still with Tyrion?" Naruto asked.

"Aye, the little lord pays me well." Bronn replied.

"Indeed, I do. Bronn, if you could give us a moment." Tyrion said as Bronn left the room. Tyrion moved a bag around as Naruto looked at the room he spent a lot of time. "Brings back old memories, doesn't it?"

"Yes, it does. Of a simpler time." Naruto replied as Tyrion nodded.

"I agree with you there. Those were good times." Tyrion said as he walked up to Naruto. "I never got to tell you how sorry I was of Jon Arryn's passing. I know he meant a lot to you."

"He was a good man and he was killed…but I plan to figure out who killed him and make them pay." Naruto said.

"And I shall help you anyway I can. Jon Arryn was a good, honorable man and part of the reason you're here today and because of that I'm still here. If it is within my power, I shall help you find out who killed him, although you might not like where that path leads." Tyrion said as Naruto raised an eyebrow.

"Because it could lead me to Cersei and Jaime and how Jon Arryn found out their secret?" Naruto asked as Tyrion cleared his throat.

"Not much of a secret, now that Ned Stark proclaimed it before his death." Tyrion said as Naruto looked at him. "As I said, if it should lead you where it does, I'll help you however I can. Especially so, if it leads to Cersei. I owe you that much."

Naruto nodded. "So, Hand of the King? That's a step up for you."

"Acting Hand of the King until my father comes to King's Landing. I told him about what you did for me and he plans to repay you when the time comes. I'm sure you'll be paid handsomely." Tyrion said.

"Gold isn't what I need now but I think I'll come up with something before he gets here. Why did you send for me?" Naruto asked.

"Because you and I are both in the viper's pit and we need to work together." Tyrion said as he gestured Naruto to sit down. Naruto did as Tyrion walked over and poured two glasses of wine. "War has erupted in Westeros and will come to our doorstep. Everyone in the 7 Kingdoms has heard of Ned Stark's proclamation and two separate armies are being gathered to take the throne because of it. Robb Stark marches down South for revenge and yet here you are."

"Here I am." Naruto replied as Tyrion handed him the cup.

"You could have taken your rangers and rode for the North if you wanted to fight with Robb Stark or south if your sided with Renly or Stannis and yet you remained in the city." Tyrion noted.

"I hope you have a point to this or are you just making obvious statements." Naruto joked as Tyrion chuckled.

"This is what I like about you, Naruto. You still carry a sense of humor. More so than most of the city. My point is that you have no love for my sister or Joffrey and your oath is rather open to interpretation in terms of justice. Which leaves me to believe that you have stuck around in King's Landing for one reason: the people." Tyrion said as Naruto took a small sip of wine.

"And people call you a half-wit." Naruto joked.

"They are right on the half-part. I know you, Naruto. You've spent half of your life in this city, protecting the people. Most of the people here look to you and not the king or queen as their leader and you would never leave them at Joffrey's mercy. Robert, sure because of Jon Arryn but now you're smart enough to know that the people of this city won't fare well under Joffrey." Tyrion said as he took a sip. "And I'm worried about the same. I know my nephew and the city wont fare well during the war and should things take a turn for the worse, than the city will destroy itself."

"Tyrion…I like you. I believe that we are friends." Naruto said as Tyrion nodded.

"We are." Tyrion replied.

"Good, then as a friend, please just get to the point. I'm not one for fancy words and explanations." Naruto said as Tyrion nodded.

"Of course. However you feel about my family, the city and its people are your and my first responsibility. We'll need to work together to keep this city together and keep order. You have enormous power and respect in this city yet Cersei and Joffrey won't listen to you or will try to undermine you at every opportunity. Two outcasts with positions of power would fare better together than alone." Tyrion said as Naruto nodded.

"True." Naruto said as he finished the cup of wine. "You have the position of Hand of the King, a name and wealth whilst I have skilled men and love of the people. An excellent combination if we were one person but I think we'll be just fine. But don't expect me to fight in this war." Naruto said with a smile. "And if we're going to be working together, I do believe there is one thing we can take care of now without any repercussions."

"And what's that?" Tyrion asked.

"Janos Slynt." Naruto said with a smirk as Tyrion smiled.

While Naruto struggled with his own issues and decisions, back over in Essos, Daenerys Targaryen had made her way to Qarth. Kisame came back with extra water and food but told them that he was given the items and couldn't enter the city because he couldn't exactly mention who he was meeting. He told Daenerys that there was going to be a risk of entering Qarth but she said it was the only way and they did make it into the city but only after one of the 13, Xaro Xhoan Daxos, vouched for Daenerys and allowed them into the city as a guest in his mansion.

Daenerys and her group rested and recovered from the desert heat and got their strength back. Daenerys was in her room at Xaro's mansion spending some time with her dragon, Drogon. She and Doreah watched as Drogon looked at the raw piece of meat that Daenerys placed in front of her.

"Dracarys." Daenerys said as Drogon quirked his head as he looked at Daenerys. "Dracarys."

Drogon looked at the meat and let loose a small stream of fire that cooked the meat the second it made contact as Daenerys and Doreah smiled and clapped. Drogon then stopped as the raw meat was now cooked. Drogon clamped his jaws on the meat and enjoyed his meal.

"He can feed himself from now on." Daenerys said as she walked over to her bed. Doreah reached over to grab a piece of meat and feed him again. "Let him sleep, Doreah."

"Yes, Khaleesi." Doreah said as she reached out and Drogon climbed onto her hand and she put him in his cage.

"He loves you." Daenerys said with a smile as Doreah smiled back while Irri wasn't completely comfortable with them yet.

"I removed this part of the top. And I fixed the heel on this one." Irri said to Daenerys, showing her the old clothes, she fixed.

"Thank you, my friend." Daenerys replied.

"Did you see the dress Xaro had made for you." Doreah said as she showed Daenerys the beautiful blue dress. "They say he's the wealthiest man in Qarth."

"It is known." Irri replied.

"And if Qarth is the wealthiest City in Essos…" "The last time a rich man gave me a dress, he was selling me to Khal Drogo." Daenerys said as she looked at the dress.

"May he ride forever through the night lands." Irri said.

"Xaro is our host yet we know nothing about him. Even Itachi and Kisame know nothing and it concerns them. Men like to talk about other men…when they're happy." Daenerys joked as Doreah chuckled.

"You would look like a real princess in this." Doreah said.

"She's not a princess, she's a Khaleesi!" Irri said as she calmed down. "You should wear the dress, Khaleesi. You're his guest, it would be rude not to."

Irri then took the clothes and left to put it away with the others while Daenerys thought for a moment. "Your grace." Daenerys heard as she turned and saw Jorah and Itachi walk in. "Is this a bad time?"

"No, it's fine. Thank you again, Itachi for the counsel. If it weren't for you I fear we'd have perished out there." Daenerys said as Itachi bowed.

"I merely presented an option. It's because of you that we are here. I just came to inform you that Kisame and I found our Akatsuki hideout. It took a while to find because it wasn't being kept up but it's here." Itachi said.

"That's good, let's go." Daenerys said.

"I was actually going to inform you that Kisame and I weren't going to be here because we need to figure out the situation in the city. It's best if you stay here for now." Itachi said as Daenerys looked at him.

"I was hoping for more information as well. To meet the people who help Naruto and his forces in Westeros as well as how your organization works." Daenerys said.

"Very well. We'll leave when you're ready." Itachi said as he and Jorah left Daenerys to get ready.

When she was ready, they made their way through the city to the poorest section of the city and down the alley between a whore house and run-down houses. "Apologies, your grace for the route." Itachi said as Daenerys kept close to Jorah in case something happened.

"It's all right. I'm surprised that your group keeps their hideout in such a dangerous part of the city." Daenerys pointed out.

"A part of our teaching. The key to our jobs is to blend in and not draw attention and no one would think to look for us here." Itachi said as they made their way to an abandoned building. The doors and windows were boarded and locked up while the building itself looked like it was ready to be destroyed.

"In other words, we do our best where no expects to look. Would you expect to find the best trained fighters and spies in the best part of the city or the worst?" Kisame asked as Daenerys nodded.

"Valid point." Jorah replied.

"We blend in with the population of a city that most look down on." Itachi said as moved an old brick out of the way to reveal a small indent in the wall where something wide and rectangular would fit. Itachi took off his metal plate headband and pushed it in the indent. When the headband was put it, the sound of several locks opening could be heard and part of the wall moved apart to reveal an opening. "See, we blend in."

"Impressive." Daenerys said as Itachi walked in followed by Kisame, Daenerys and then Jorah. They walked down the hallway as the secret door closed behind them. They kept walking as they saw a closed door in front of them and someone was in there because there was light coming from the cracks in the door.

Itachi opened the door and what Daenerys saw both amazed and confused her. The room they entered was littered with sheets of paper that had drawings, numbers, and words all over. They even littered the ground causing Itachi to move them aside with his feet. There were dozens old candles with the wax completely melted, old plates of food and two cots in the corner. But what amazed her was what dangled from the ceiling: intricate and beautifully made puppets and small little toys.

"Incredible." Daenerys said as she saw the puppets were very intricately designed. From the smallest details of a person's face to the elaborate details to the puppets of ships or animals.

"It's how Sasori likes to pass the time when he's free or stuck. He's got a real talent for the arts and it's made him a nice bundle of gold every now and then." Kisame said as they walked through the room.

"It's his gift. Sasori is one of the order's brightest minds when it comes to building weapons or other devices." Itachi said as he moved over some papers.

"Sasori even joked about making a huge suit of armor and weapons that could be controlled like one of his puppets. He's artistic for sure but withdrawn. The only people he ever really bonded with was us or Deidara and both were equally kind of weird." Kisame told them as they moved to across the room to the far side where another door was located.

"When our order decided that we should have spies this far east, Deidara and Sasori were chosen." Itachi said as they heard people arguing.

"I'm telling you that's too much powder." "Oh, shut it! It's fine." "Wait, no!" [BOOM] Itachi, Kisame and Jorah covered Daenerys as a huge puff of smoke and fire seeped from the door cracks and the loud echoed boom shook the room a bit. The door then opened as a huge wall of black smoke filed in followed by two men covered in soot, coughing to catch their breath.

[Coughing] "I told you that was too much powder." One of them said as he coughed up his lungs, trying to get some clean air.

"And I said…shut it." The other one said as he stood up and saw Itachi and Kisame. "Hey, Itachi! Kisame! Good to see you two idiots again."

"Deidara, still your charming self." Itachi said as he handed him a cloth to wipe his face. Deidara happily took it and cleaned his face and shook his hair free of soot. His face was partially covered by his yellow hair that hid his left half of his face, showing only his right blue eye. The rest of his hair was kept in a ponytail.

"The one thing that wasn't able to change." The other one said as he wiped his face and shook his head to shake the shoot from his red hair. He grabbed a cloth and wiped his face clean. "It's good to see you two again.

"Likewise, Sasori. To be honest, we didn't know what the hell happened to the two of you since the last time the order heard from you was a year ago." Kisame said as Sasori glared at Deidara.

"Blame, Mr. bomb happy over there. One of his experiments killed our messenger bird a few months ago and we haven't been able to get in contact with the Akatsuki through usual means." Sasori said as he chucked the cloth at Deidara.

"Well…we're glad you two haven't killed yourselves since then. Anything to report at all?" Itachi asked as Deidara and Sasori shrugged their shoulders.

"Not particularly. Things have been relatively quiet for a massive trade port city but there has been an increase in activity at the House of the Undying." Sasori said as Itachi and Kisame looked at them.

"What's that?" Kisame asked.

"Where the Warlocks of Qarth congregate and pretend to practice magic." Deidara said with a chuckle.

"We know it's idiotic but they've been congregating there more than usual as if something has changed." Sasori said as he saw the Westerosi man and the young woman with white hair standing behind Kisame. "And we've been rude because we have two new guests. A Westerosi knight and the last of House Targaryen."

"Observant." Daenerys said as Sasori chuckled.

"I try, my lady." Sasori said as he bowed.

"Sasori, Deidara, meet Ser Jorah Mormont of Bear Island and Daenerys Stormborn of House Targaryen. Ser Jorah, your grace, allow me to introduce to you Deidara and Sasori, members of the Akatsuki. Deidara, our bomb expert and Sasori, our finest battle engineer." Itachi said as Sasori and Deidara bowed.

"Your grace, a pleasure." Sasori said as Deidara chuckled.

"Sup." Deidara said as Itachi sighed.

"Forgive him, your grace. Deidara was never one for manners." Itachi said.

"No matter how many times we beat it into him." Kisame joked.

"It's quite all right. The honor is mine. Itachi and Kisame have done excellent in protecting me and it's a pleasure to meet other members of the organization." Daenerys said as she nodded her head.

"A pleasure." Jorah said as Deidara smiled.

"I like her." Deidara joked as Itachi rubbed his forehead in annoyance.

"So, what brings you to Qarth?" Sasori asked.

"It's a long story and I'll explain later but the short version, we came to get some rest and plan our next move." Itachi said as they nodded.

"Well, Sasori and I are here to help in whatever way we can." Deidara said as he and Sasori knelt.

"And I thank you for your service. Now, Itachi can inform you of what happened while we go back. I do believe we have a party to attend." Daenerys said as they left and headed back to Xaro's mansion for his party.

Wealthy citizens of Qarth arrived at Xaro's mansion and engaged in small talk while performers entertained crowd and wine and food flowed in plentiful quality that the Dothraki have never seen and Daenerys hadn't seen since she was a guest at Illyrio Mopatis house. The Dothraki were at the party but stuck together because they were very uncomfortable in this new environment and most of them didn't speak common tongue. Daenerys was talking with some of the city's elite with Itachi, Deidara, Sasori and Kisame standing close by as her protection.

She enjoyed speaking with Qarth people as it was very relaxed and different than her experience with the Dothraki. She was soon pulled out of the conversation as she saw Jorah arguing with Malako and Kavarro near a gem-studded, golden bird statue.

"Uh, please excuse me for a moment." Daenerys said with a smile as she walked away with Itachi and the others following her. She smiled and waved at people until she made her way over to Jorah. "What are they doing?"

"Malako says this statue is too heavy to carry. Kavarro says that Malako is an idiot. They can pry out the gems, the rest is pure gold. Very soft, he can chop off as much as we can carry." Jorah said as Daenerys looked at them like they were crazy.

"Or melt it. Very simple." Kavarro said.

"We are his guest! You can't pry it or chop it or melt it." Daenerys said.

"Of course not, Khaleesi! We will wait until we leave." Kavarro said.

"Not even when we leave." Daenerys said.

"Why not?" Kavarro asked.

"Our host saved us from the Red Waste and you want to steal from him? I will hear no more." She ordered as Kavarro and Malako nodded.

"It wouldn't be worth it anyway." Deidara said as Daenerys and Jorah looked at him.

"Why not?" Jorah asked.

"It's fake." Deidara said as Kisame chuckled.

"And you know this how?" Kisame asked.

"I've spent enough time here in the city with wealthy merchants and citizens to recognize real gold and jewels from fakes. Now these are rather good fakes but it's not the real thing. The gold is not soft enough to be real, most likely a combination of metals painted gold to mimic the feel of the real thing. The gems have discolored veins whereas natural ones have veins that are the same color. To the untrained eye, it might look the same but not to me." Deidara said with a smile.

"Right, and you know all this from spending time with the wealthy." Kisame joked.

"I might have stolen a thing or two when no one was looking but they're not going to miss it. But I can say for certain that this statue isn't real gold or gems. Most likely an artist made it and the host put it out to make a statement." Deidara said as Malako and Kavarro left. Kavarro grabbed a cup of wine, emptied it out and looked it over, contemplating if he wanted to take it.

"My brother used to say that the only thing the Dothraki knew how to do was steal things better men have built." Daenerys said.

"That's not the only thing. They're quite good at killing the better man." Jorah said.

"That's not the kind of queen I'm going to be." Daenerys said.

"You might find it hard to change a way of life for a people. Just a friendly thought." Deidara said.

"Mother of Dragons." They heard as they saw a short, bald, sickly looking man in fine robes walked up to Daenerys. Itachi and the others readied themselves as Sasori recognized him as one of the Warlocks, especially from the blue stain around his mouth. "On behalf of the warlocks of Qarth, I welcome you."

"A demonstration." Pyat Pree said as Daenerys held her hand out and Pyat put a small gem in her hands. "This gem. Look at it, into its depths. So many facets, look closely enough and you can see yourself in them."

Pyat turned and there was another Pyat Pree far away. "Often more than once." He said as everyone was shocked at what they were seeing. "Should you grow tired of parties, balls and trinkets, it would be an honor to host you at the House of the Undying. You're always welcome, Mother of Dragons."

"That's enough, warlock." Itachi warned him as he, Kisame, Sasori, and Deidara got close to Daenerys so Pyat backed off and walked away. "Stay away from him, your grace. That man is not to be trifled with."

"Thank you." Daenerys said as Xaro came over to talk to Daenerys about Pyat Pree.

Sasori walked over to Itachi. "So, it would seem that the activity at the House of the Undying is because their magic is real. You saw that, it wasn't parlor tricks or distraction as we've been led to believe, that was real." He said as Itachi nodded.

"You're right. And I find the timing convenient when we arrived in Qarth. We'll need to look into them more." Itachi said.

"You watch over her." Itachi and the others heard as they turned to see a woman wearing a mask. "You and your friends protect her. The Dawn protects the Mother of Dragons."

Itachi and Kisame shared a look and prepared to fight. "Who are you?" Itachi asked.

"I'm no one, but she is the Mother of Dragons. She needs true protectors, now more than ever. They shall come day and night to see the wonder born into the world again. And when they see, they shall lust. For dragons are fire made flesh. And fire is power. Protect her until she meets her equal, the hero of the world. And together, the Mother of Dragons and Azor Ahai will fly to unimaginable heights." She said as she left.

"How did she know about Naruto?" Sasori asked.

"I don't know. And I don't like it." Itachi replied.

"I'm really starting to hate this city." Kisame said as Itachi looked at him.

Line Break xxxxx

Over in Westeros, Tyrion was busy with his duties as Hand of the King but luckily, he had Naruto's rangers to help keep the city safe and peaceful as it could be and it was. Now, he was taking some time and having dinner with Janos Slynt, Lord Commander of the City Watch.

They had a nice dinner set up for them with plenty of wine, being poured by Podrick. "Dammit boy!" Slynt shouted as Podrick spilled a little wine.

"Apologies, my lord." Podrick said as he wiped it up.

"Leave us, Podrick. I believe we can pour our own wine." Tyrion said as Podrick nodded and left.

"Is he your squire? Could have gotten yourself a proper lad." Slynt said.

"Me, I prefer the improper ones." Tyrion replied.

"Hmm, that's a good wine. Dornish?" Slynt asked as Tyrion nodded.

"You know your wines." Tyrion replied.

"That I do. A fine dinner, my lord." Slynt said.

"Call me Tyrion, please. I'm sure you're getting use to fine dinners now that you're a lord." Tyrion told him.

"Maybe I'll hire this cook of yours." Slynt joked.

"Wars have been starting for less. And I imagine it will soon come to our doorstep and the city watch will need to be at their best. I'm sure you've heard the statements about the king and my sister." Tyrion said as Slynt took a sip of wine.

"I don't believe in filth from a traitor. Joffrey is my king." Slynt said.

"I appreciate your loyalty. Tell me, when your men slaughtered Ned Stark's men in the throne room, did you give the order?" Tyrion asked.

"I did. And I would again. The man was a traitor. He tried to buy my loyalty." Slynt said.

"The fool. He had no idea you were already bought." Tyrion said as Slynt looked furious.

"Are you drunk?! I will not have my honor questioned by an imp!" Slynt said as Tyrion chuckled.

"I'm not questioning your honor, Lord Janos, I'm denying its existence." Tyrion said as Slynt stood up in anger.

"Do you think I'll stand here and take this from you, Dwarf?!" Slynt asked.

"Dwarf? You should have stopped at imp. And yes, you will stand here and take it from me, unless you'd like to take it from my friends here." Tyrion said as Slynt turned around and saw Bronn and Naruto standing behind him. "I intend to serve as Hand of the King until my father returns from the war. And seeing as how you betrayed the last Hand of the King, well I just wouldn't feel safe with you lurking about."

"What are you…my friends at court will not allow this. The Queen herself—" "The Queen Regent. And you're a fool to think she's your friend." Tyrion interrupted him.

"We shall hear what Joffrey has to say about this." Slynt told him.

"No, we shan't." Naruto said as he waved his hand and 4 City Watch guards walked into the room.

"These fine members of the City Watch will escort you to the docks where you'll board a ship leaving for East Watch by the Sea. Don't worry, you'll be accompanied by the 20 City Watch guards who aided you in your little betrayal. From there I'm afraid it's a rather long walk to Castle Black. I hope you enjoy the wall. I found it surprisingly beautiful…in a brutal, horribly uncomfortable sort of way." Tyrion jested.

"These men will make sure you get on the ship." Naruto said as Slynt was furious.

"These men are under my command. I command you to arrest these men!" Slynt ordered.

"I don't think so. Effective as of several hours ago, Naruto Uzumaki is leader of the Westeros Rangers and Lord Commander of the City Watch. They are his men." Tyrion said as Naruto nodded and two men grabbed Slynt.

Naruto unsheathed his sword and placed it at Slynt's neck. "A part of me believes that killing you would have been a better punishment but Tyrion made a good point that the Wall is much worse. But so, you won't forget what you did…" Naruto then made 3 quick cuts and the letter N was cut into his neck.

"Argh!" Slynt shouted as it stung.

"Let that be a personal reminder of the mercy shown here today." Naruto said as he sheathed his sword.

"And so you won't worry about your holdings, Harrenhal and all its land and titles has been given to Naruto. I'm sure he'll do much better with it than you ever could." Tyrion said as Slynt was dragged away, screaming how Joffrey and the Queen would make them pay. Tyrion chuckled as he poured another glass of wine. "Cheers, to the new Commander of the City Watch and Lord of Harrenhal."

"Cheers." Bronn said as he began eating and Naruto chuckled.

"Cheers. A good first step." Naruto said as he took a sip. "Thanks for Harrenhal."

"It's the least I could do. That was my payment for everything you've done for me. Granted, you'll have to wait until the war is over before you can settle but it's yours." Tyrion said as Naruto smiled. Harrenhal and its lands could help in the future. "Now, let us eat."

"Enjoy yourselves. I have some work to do." Naruto said as he finished his cup of wine and was about to leave when Tyrion stopped him

"Before you go, a ship's captain delivered a copy of a raven's scroll that was sent to Tarth. Stannis Baratheon has declared his intentions for the Iron Throne against Renly and there were some rather vague parts of the message about a Lord of Light." Tyrion said as Naruto looked at the letter and read it over.

I, Stannis of House Baratheon, First of my Name, rightful King of the Andals and the First Men to make this statement. I declare upon the honor of my house that my brother Robert left no true born heirs. The boy Joffrey, Tommen, and the girl Myrcella being born of incest from Cersei Lannister and her brother, Ser Jaime Lannister, the Kingslayer. By right of birth and blood, I do this day lay claim to the Iron Throne of Westeros. Let all true men show their loyalty and the Lord of Light shall be merciful. Oppose me and my enemies shall be burned with the purest fire and be cleansed.

'Well so much for strong willed men being able to repel the influence of the followers of R'hllor.' Naruto thought to himself.

"Thank you for this." Naruto said as he left, thinking about what his next move to do.

Naruto walked through the city and was on his way to the Brightest Light when his hearing picked up the sound of footsteps following him. 5 pairs of footsteps from what he could hear and Naruto would bet they were following him to kill him so he decided to indulge them. Naruto stopped and unsheathed his sword as the 5 men ran at him with swords, spears, and axes.

Naruto parried the sword of the 1st man and kicked him in the chest and knocked him on the ground. Naruto spun to avoid the spear of the 2nd man elbowed the 3rd man in the face. He pulled out a trench blade with his free hand and sliced the 4th man in the throat before headbutting the 5th man. Naruto then blocked the sword from the 1st man with his trench blade and stabbed him in the gut with his sword. He moved the body in the path of the spear from the 2nd man as the spear pierced his back and came out through the stomach, missing Naruto. Naruto pushed the man back as he then swung his sword and took the head off of the 3rd man before blocking the sword of the 5th man. Naruto attacked with some strikes as the man blocked fairly well but Naruto stabbed him in the leg with his trench blade and kicked out his leg, sending him to the ground.

Naruto ducked under the swing from the 2nd guy and quickly backed up to avoid being hit with the wooden part of the spear. Naruto swung his sword down as the man raised his spear to block it but the sword sliced clean through it and his face. Blood dripped from the large gash before the man dropped dead. Naruto walked over to the 5th man and stabbed him in the head. Naruto flicked his sword free of the blood and sheathed it. He knelt and checked the men to see if there was a clue as to who sent them. Normal thieves don't have castle-quality forged weapons in such good condition.

He moved some of the rags and old clothes they were wearing and saw a pouch filled with gold coins and gems. He checked all the men and saw they all had a pouch of gold and gems. He checked the coins and saw they were fresh made gold dragons. He looked it over carefully and bit it, able to tell it was pure gold of the finest quality…Lannister Gold. Either Joffrey or Cersei wanted him dead. It was a coin toss as to who sent them but as long as they kept sending men, all they would get would be more bodies.

Naruto stripped the bodies of the gold and gems and walked to the Akatsuki hideout. He walked up to his private room on the top floor of the Brightest Light and when he entered, he was greeted with the sight of the Sand Snakes, sprawled out on his bed.

"We've been waiting for you." Tyene said.

"The wait will be worth it." Naruto said as he took off his shirt and joined them and the establishment was filled with the sounds of lovemaking until early in the morning when the work would continue.

Back in the North, Robb Stark was feeling a renewed sense of purpose in his quest for vengeance with his recent victories against Tywin Lannister that led to them marching further south and the capture of the Kingslayer. Robb was walking through his camp to speak to him. He was escorted by a guard and came to the Kingslayer's cell where Jaime was dirty, unshaven, and smelt like he hadn't bathed in a long time. He walked up to the cell as one of the guards opened it.

"The King in the North. I keep expecting you to leave in a castle for my own safe keeping yet you keep dragging me along from camp to camp. Have you grown fond of me, Stark, is that it?" Jaime asked. "I've never seen you with a girl."

"If I left you with one of my bannerman, your father would know it in a fortnight. My bannerman would receive a raven with a message, release my son and you'll be rich beyond your dreams, refuse and your house will be destroyed root and stem." Robb said.

"You don't trust the loyalty of the men following you into battle?" Jaime asked.

"Oh, I trust them with my life…just not with yours." He replied as Jaime nodded.

"Smart boy. Oh, what's wrong? Don't like being called boy? Insulted?" Jaime joked with a chuckle but stopped when he heard growling from behind.

"You insult yourself, Kingslayer. You've been defeated by a boy. You're held captive by a boy, perhaps you'll be killed by a boy." Robb said as Greywind walked into the cell and stood next to Robb, now easily the size of a small horse. "Stannis Baratheon sent a message to all the high lords of Westeros, claiming what my father said before he was killed was true. King Joffrey Baratheon is neither a true king nor a true Baratheon. He's your bastard son."

"If that's true then Stannis is the rightful King, how convenient for him." Jaime replied.

"My father knew the truth and when he spoke it, your son had him executed. And you pushed my brother from a window because he saw you with the Queen." Robb said as he pet Greywind.

"You have proof? You want to trade gossip like a couple of fish wives?" Jaime asked.

"I'm sending one of your cousins down to King's Landing with my peace terms." Robb said.

"You think my father's going to negotiate with you? You don't know him very well." Jaime told him.

"No, but he's starting to know me." Robb said with confidence.

"Three victories don't make you a conqueror." Jaime told him.

"It's better than three defeats." Robb replied he pushed Greywind forward and his Direwolf snarled and barked right in front of Jaime's face but to Jaime's credit he didn't scream or shout but kept a calm demeanor as best he could.

Robb then went to his command tent where his other lords and generals were there to discuss the peace terms and send the Lannister to King's Landing.

"You're Ser Alton Lannister?" Robb asked as Alton nodded. "I offer your cousins peace if they meet my terms. First, your family must release my sisters. Second, my father's bones must be returned to us so he may rest beside his brother and sister in the crypts beneath Winterfell and the remains of all those must be returned so their families can honor them with proper funerals."

"An honorable request, your grace." Alton replied.

"And third, Joffrey and the Queen regent must renounce all claim to dominion of the North. From this time to the end of time, we are a free and independent kingdom." Robb said.

"The King in the North!" His generals and lords said.

"Neither Joffrey nor any of his men shall set foot in our lands again. If he disregards this command, then he shall suffer the same fate as my father. Only, I don't need a servant to do my beheading for me." Robb warned him.

"These are…your grace, these are…" "These are my terms." Robb said as he stood up. "If the Queen regent and her son meet them I'll give them peace. If not, I will litter the south with Lannister dead."

"King Joffrey is a Baratheon, your grace." Alton replied.

"Oh, is he?" Robb asked. "You ride a day break, Ser Alton. That will be all for tonight."

The Lannister and off Robb's men left while Theon stuck around for a bit. "A word, your grace."

"You don't have to call me your grace when no one is around." Robb told him.

"It's not so bad. The Lannister's are going to reject your terms, you know." Theon told him.

"Of course they are." Robb replied.

"You can fight them in the field all you like but we won't beat them until you take King's Landing. And we can't take King's Landing without ships. My father has ships and men who know how to sail them." Theon said.

"Men who fought my father." Robb told him.

"Men who fought King Robert to free themselves from the yoke of the south, just like you're doing now. I'm his only living son, he'll listen to me. I know he will. I'm not a Stark, I know that. But your father raised me to be an honorable man. We can avenge him together." Theon told him as Robb thought for a moment.

"Ride at first light and hurry." Robb said as Theon nodded. Robb then left to talk to his mother and when he told her what he was going to have Theon do, she wasn't happy.

"You don't want Balon Greyjoy as an ally." She told him.

"I need his ships. He says his father has 200." Robb told her.

"They say a million rats use to live in the sewers of King's Landing, shall we rally them to fight for us?" Catelyn asked.

"I understand you don't trust lord Greyjoy." Robb said.

"I don't trust Lord Greyjoy because he is not trustworthy. Your father had to go to war to stop his rebellion." Catelyn told him.

"Yes, and now I'm the one rebelling against the throne. Before me it was father. You married one rebel and mothered another." Robb said.

"I mothered more than just rebels. A fact you seem to have forgotten." Catelyn told him in anger.

"If I trade the Kingslayer for two girls my bannermen will string me up by my feet." Robb said.

"You want to leave Sansa in the Queen's hands?!" Catelyn asked. "And Arya! I haven't heard a word about Arya! What are we fighting for if not for them?!"

"It's more complicated than that, you know it is!" Robb shouted, getting her to stop.

"It's time for me to go home. I haven't seen Bran or Rickon in months." Catelyn said.

"You can't go to Winterfell. I'll send Rodrick to go watch over them. Because tomorrow, you'll ride south to the Stormlands." Robb said.

"Why in the name of all the gods would you—" "Because I need you to negotiate with Renly Baratheon." Robb told her. "He's rallied an army of 100,000. You know him, you know his family."

"I haven't seen Renly Baratheon since he was a boy. You have a 100 other lords." Catelyn told him.

"Which of these lords to I trust more than you? If Renly sides with us, we'll outnumber them two to one. When they feel the sides beginning to close they'll sue for peace and we'll get the girls back…and we'll all go home. For good." Robb said as Catelyn nodded.

"I'll ride at first light." Catelyn said as Robb hugged her.

"We will all be home soon, I promise." Robb said.

"You've done so well. Your father would be so proud." Catelyn told him.

"Give Lord Renly my regards." Robb said.

"King Renly. He's a king. It seems there's a king in every corner now." Catelyn said as Robb left.

Line Break xxxxx

Naruto woke up the next morning after his evening with the Sand Snakes and got back to work in planning his next moves and keeping the people of the city safe. Now that he was commander of the City Watch, he quickly reminded all of them that he was in charge and if they, they being the Lannister loyalists, gave him any trouble they'd be dead before they could cash in their betrayals. With the command of over 2,000 City Watch and the entire city to watch over, he split them up into smaller group of 500 for each sector of the city and had four of veteran rangers to act as commanders.

Elric Marger would be in charge of the northern sector of the city, Steffon Musgood got the west sector, Arthur Hightower would take the southern sector and he gave Obara command of the eastern sector. There was resistance from the City Watch with Obara as commander but Naruto and the Snakes reminded them that they were to follow orders and if they didn't Obara was allowed to kick their ass.

Naruto was currently talking to port master about his concern on the recent lack of trade ships coming into the city. News of the war erupting in Westeros had reached Essos and it was impacting trade. Especially with most of the Royal Fleet under the command of Stannis Baratheon and he had most of them surrounding Dragonstone. At the moment, there wasn't a blockade but the news of the war which was being called the war of the kings had halted some trade.

This also came on the back of the news that Stannis had sent out ravens to every corner of the 7 Kingdoms about Ned Stark's statement before his death and that it was true and Stannis was now the rightful heir to the Iron Throne. Although Renly was now declaring himself as the next King and had the support of most of the Stormlands and the Reach and soon he and Stannis would eventually fight if Renly didn't abdicate his claim. Now the situation was more complicated.

As he was finishing with the harbor master, he heard shouts and screams and ran over to see what was going on and saw four Lannister soldiers holding people back while a fifth had thrown a boy of about 10 into the harbor. Naruto ran over as he saw the Lannister soldier start to drown the boy so Naruto threw a throwing star at the Lannister and hit him in the neck, causing him to fall over and stain the harbor water red.

The other Lannisters drew their swords but Naruto drew his trench blades and fought back. He blocked a sword strike and stabbed him in the leg, then sliced the neck of the 2nd soldier. Naruto parried a sword from the 3rd soldier and kicked him in the chest hard, caving in his armor before finally stabbed the 4th soldier in the head with his blade and stabbing the 1st in the heart. Naruto walked up to the 3rd man who was still managing to breath and grabbed him by the neck and stabbed him in the leg.

"What the hell is going on here?!" Naruto shouted as the man gasped for breath.

"The king…ordered us…" He said.

"Ordered you to try and kill innocent children?!" Naruto shouted as he stabbed him in the leg again and the man shouted in pain.

"To kill bastards…" He said and Naruto knew what Joffrey was doing, killing Robert's bastards.

Naruto then stabbed the man in the skull as the impact of his blade made a large cracking sound of bone. Naruto then shoved the body to the ground and walked over to the boy's family and told them of an inn he owned where they would safe.

Naruto moved through the city with his rangers and City Watch and heard that other bastard children were murdered by Lannister soldiers in front of people or their families and this was causing a huge public outcry. Naruto ordered his rangers to gather every single Lannister soldier who participated and chain them up in a public square until he got back.

Naruto marched into the Red Keep and up the Tower of the Hand. He roughly shoved open the door to Tyrion's chambers and saw him talking with a woman. "We need to talk, now." Naruto told him as Tyrion nodded to his female companion and she left.

"Is there a problem?" Tyrion asked as Naruto threw him a bloodied Lannister helmet which Tyrion immediately put on the table. "What's going on?"

"Dozens of Lannister soldiers went through the city and began killing bastard children on the order of your nephew." Naruto told him.

"What?" Tyrion asked, completely thrown off by what he said.

"They've been killing bastard children, boy or girl in front of the people and their families. Did you know anything about this?" Naruto asked as Tyrion looked offended.

"Of course not. I would never be a part of something like this. Believe me, I'll have words with my sister and nephew but he is king. There's little I can do." Tyrion said.

"Well, figure something out. It's bad enough as it is but with this, the people are ready to storm the Red Keep and put his head on a pike. I might let them and save me a load of trouble. And I plan to punish the men who participated in this." Naruto said as Tyrion nodded.

"As it is within your power, of course. I'll try and handle things on my end." Tyrion said as Naruto was ready to leave when Tyrion remembered something. "Before you go there's something that you might like to hear."

"What?" Naruto asked.

"Robb Stark has issued peace terms for my house but as you can imagine, my sister didn't pay them much attention. Several of the terms are agreeable such as sending back Ned Stark's bones as well as the members of his house." Tyrion said as Naruto nodded.

"I'll get the City Watch on it as soon as possible. And giving Sansa back?" Naruto asked as Tyrion shook his head no.

"I'm afraid my Cersei won't give her over. Keep her safe." Tyrion said as Naruto nodded.

"Is that it?" Naruto asked as Tyrion handed him a raven's scroll from the Night's Watch.

"It would seem the Wildings have stopped killing each other and have gathered together to serve the King beyond the Wall, Mance Rayder, a former member of the Night's Watch." Tyrion said as Naruto took the scroll.

"That's not good. Over 100,000 Wildlings at his command." Naruto said as Tyrion nodded.

"Possibly more. If they march on Castle Black, the Night's Watch won't be able to stop them. We've seen the conditions up there, they're not prepared to fight an army that size." Tyrion said.

"Looks like another issue I'll have to deal with in the future." Naruto said. "The cold winds are rising and the dead rise with them."

"Possibly a superstition but we both know that Mormont doesn't lie. He wrote he was attacked by a dead man in his study and the only way to kill a dead man is with fire." Tyrion said as Naruto read the passage over.

"It's happening too soon." Naruto said to himself.

"Pardon?" Tyrion asked as Naruto cleared his throat.

"Nothing. If this is true as well, I'll deal with it. But right now, we have other things to deal with. Keep me updated and reign in Cersei and Joffrey or I'll get involved." Naruto said as Tyrion nodded.

"Perhaps I won't and you'll put Joffrey in his place. That's something I'd pay to see." Tyrion said as Naruto left.

Naruto walked to the public square near the street of steel where his rangers and the City Watch had the 30 Lannister soldiers who participated in the recent killing spree in the city. Naruto walked into the square as a crowd of people began to gather around to see justice done for what happened.

"Is this all of them?" Naruto asked Aguilar.

"Yes, all of them." Aguilar replied.

"How many children were killed?" Naruto asked.

"Total of 19." Aguilar said.

"What the fuck do you think you're doing?! Do you know who we are?!" One of the Lannisters shouted as Dagonet hit him over the head with the grip of his axe and shut him up.

"We're Lannisters. We did everything on the King's order. You can't punish us for that!" One of them said as Naruto looked at him.

"True, but the King shouldn't have given this kind of order in the first place. And one way or another, justice will be done. The men who did the deed, send them forward." Naruto said as his rangers and the City Watch pushed forward 10 of the men. "These are the men who did the killing?"

"Yes. These sacks of shit bloodied their swords. The rest were watchers or held people back." Bors said as Naruto unsheathed his sword.

"As it is within my power as defender of the realm and the 7 Kingdoms, I, Naruto Uzumaki sentence the ten of you to die for the crimes of murder against the innocent. If you any last words, now is the time to say them." Naruto said as they began to panic and bride or persuade themselves free.

"You'll regret this. Once the king hears what you did, he'll have your head on a spike." One of them said.

"If the king bothers to care and the truth is, he won't. To him, you're just expendable." Naruto said as he walked up to the first man and beheaded him with a single swipe of his sword. Bors and the other rangers were ready to kill the rest when Naruto motioned them to stand down. "The man who passes the sentence should swing the sword."

Naruto then continued down the line and killed the other nine men with quick beheading deaths. The City Watch gathered their bodies to be buried later. "Now, the rest of you men have a choice to make. A part of me feels that you should be punished for the crime you took part in today but I already killed the men who dealt death to those innocent children. And I'm not one for killing a person who can't fight back unless they deserve it. So the choice is yours, either take the black and help defend the Wall with the Night's Watch…or you lose what makes you a man."

Once Naruto finished his sentence, every single man raised their hand and said they would take the black as Naruto expected they would because no man willingly wanted to lose what made them a man. Naruto, the rangers, and the City Watch then escorted the men to an Akatsuki trade ship that recently came into the harbor. Naruto had the ship's captain take the men to East Watch before going back to Volantis. After that, Naruto himself went to the families of the children who were killed and consoled and offered whatever he could for their lost. Now, while justice may have been done, the people of the city were still incredibly angry at the King and the Queen Regent over what happened and it was only further alienating them from the royalty and into the hands of either religion or Naruto.

After Naruto finished with dealing justice, he had to finish up some logistical stuff with the Akatsuki that dealt with maintaining the city as well as the war. Their contact at the Arsenal of Braavos was going to be making war galleys. He said that the favor the Akatsuki had was going to be worth about 100 ships, after that they would have to pay. Their contacts with Braavos, Pentos and Volantis also gave them some good news as there would be more shipments of food coming, specifically food that could be stowed away or preserved. Naruto was thinking about keeping the people of the city fed and cared for and with the war, it was only going to get harder.

After all of that, Tyrion called for Naruto to join him for supper to discuss business. Naruto joined to talk to him about the city and to make his punishment on the Lannister men official and something Cersei or Joffrey couldn't get him for. Naruto walked in to see Podrick setting up a nice supper for the two of them.

"Podrick, good to see you." Naruto said as Pod smiled.

"You as well, my lord." Pod replied.

"There's no need to call me that. Naruto will do just fine." Naruto replied as he sat down and ate a grape.

"Oh, but you'll have to get use to it. You are lord of Harrenhal and it's a title you'll be hearing for the rest of your life." Tyrion said as he walked in. He nodded to Pod and handed Naruto two scrolls. "For you. An official statement so your punishment on those men is official and an official declaration and land transference of Harrenhal to you. In secret, as you told me to make it."

"Thank you." Naruto replied as Pod finished setting up dinner and left the two men to their supper and discussion. They spoke and ate for an hour on the state of the city and the coming months and everything they talked about would only give them headaches in the time to come.

"While taking care of our food supplies will help, I'm afraid our troubles are only beginning. You'll need to have the City Watch try and restore faith with the people of the city or we'll have an uprising on our hands." Tyrion said as he took a sip of wine.

"The problem isn't their faith with the City Watch. The people know the City Watch is under my command and they trust me. The issue is their faith with the Crown. Joffrey and Cersei aren't doing themselves any favors and since neither of them have spoken to the city, it's only growing more hate and discontent." Naruto told him as Tyrion nodded.

"Something tells me I'll have to have the remaining Lannister soldiers on their best behavior in the city." Tyrion said as Naruto nodded when the door to Tyrion's room opened to reveal Cersei and she was pissed.

"You have some nerve, don't you little brother." Cersei said as Tyrion chuckled.

"Sister, lovely to see you. You missed dinner and a charming conversation as to the state of the city. Something you and your son are failing to understand is your responsibility." Tyrion said as Naruto chuckled and took a sip of wine.

"Always, clever. What on earth do you think you're doing? Janos Slynt was Lord Commander of the City Watch, you had no right to exile him!" Cersei told him as Tyrion tossed his napkin down.

"I have every right, I am the King's Hand." Tyrion told her.

"You're serving as the King's Hand until Father returns. I'm Queen regent!" Cersei told him as she walked around the room.

"And even though he is acting Hand, his position as Hand still grants him more authority than you, Queen Regent. Or have you forgotten the line of succession?" Naruto asked as he casually took a sip of wine as Cersei glared at him.

"I will not be told my place by a simple commoner." Cersei warned him.

"Oh, not commoner. Leader of the group that is currently keeping this city safe and keeping them from storming this keep and killing you and your son. You'd be wise to remember that." Naruto reminded her as Tyrion looked at Naruto like he was crazy, having just spoken to Cersei like that.

"I could have your tongue out for saying that or have your head on a spike." Cersei warned him.

"You could try. But your late husband ensured that the Rangers are under my orders and nothing you do can stop that. Even if I die, I've given my men strict orders to avenge my death and kill the people responsible. And unfortunately for you, they're much more skilled than anyone you could send…and they're loyal." Naruto warned her as he took a sip of wine. "But go ahead, try and have me killed and watch the people of the city storm the keep and kill you and your children."

Cersei than smacked his cup of wine out of his hands. "You're just so smug, aren't you? Trust me, there will come a day when that won't save you and I will delight in watching you fall." Cersei told him as Naruto looked at her, unafraid.

"You may have everyone else afraid of you, but not me." Naruto replied.

"Maybe, but what about those little Dornish whores you keep by your side or any of your men? Do they feel the same way?" Cersei asked, thinking she had something on him.

Naruto then sat up straight in his chair and poured himself another cup of wine. "You touch any one of them…you won't have to worry about the city turning against you anymore." Naruto warned her as Tyrion decided to deflate the situation before it got worse.

"He's right, you know. You're losing the people." Tyrion told her as Cersei scoffed.

"The people? You think I care?" Cersei asked.

"You might find it difficult to rule over millions who want you dead. Half the city will starve when winter comes while the other half will plot to overthrow you. And they now have another grievance to add to their collection. The King slaughters babies and the Queen regent hasn't even done anything to appease the people." Tyrion said.

"He did what needed to be done. You want to be Hand of the King? You want to rule? This is what ruling is—lying on a bed of weeds, ripping them out by the root, one by one, before they strangle you in their sleep." Cersei told him.

"I'm no king, but I think there's more to ruling than that." Tyrion said as Naruto nodded.

"A difference, actually. What you explained is more scheming than ruling. Scheming and plotting but not exactly ruling or else this would all be second nature to you and we wouldn't be in this situation. But someone in your position, I can understand that you don't know the difference." Naruto said as he ate a grape as Cersei glared at him and if looks could kill, Naruto would be dead.

"You'll pay for this slight, you mark my words." Cersei said as readied to leave.

"Your grace, before you go." Naruto said as he pulled out a gold coin from his pocket and flicked it in the air towards her. She caught it and saw it was a newly minted gold dragon coin. "If you want to kill someone, hire better sell swords."

Cersei clenched the gold coin and left in a huff while Naruto casually sipped some wine. Tyrion looked at Naruto like he was absolutely crazy. "Do you realize what you've done?" Tyrion asked.

"Stood up for myself and you against your sister." Naruto replied.

"You insulted the Queen regent in front of her very face. She'll have you killed for that slight, or worse." Tyrion told him.

"She's already tried to have me killed. That gold coin was taken off a group of assailants who tried to kill me one night. Freshly minted gold coins, most likely from the mines at Lannisport. And from her reaction, she's a little shocked that I found out." Naruto said as Tyrion looked at him like he was crazy.

"I don't think I've ever heard someone talk to Cersei like that and now get hurt or killed. You are incredibly lucky." Tyrion said as Naruto shrugged.

"Cersei uses fear as a weapon. Fortunately for me, I'm not afraid of her. I've seen worse. She can bride or send whoever she wants, I can protect myself and those I care about. And for now, consider yourself under my protection." Naruto said as Tyrion nodded.

"Thank you. Although part of me thinks I should stay as far away from you as I possibly can for fear of Cersei's wrath." Tyrion said as Naruto nodded.

"I can protect myself and those I care about in the future. She may be scheming and manipulative but I'm smarter." Naruto said.

"Of that I have no doubt but you can't be everywhere at once." Tyrion replied.

"And I won't but she has her friends, I have mine." Naruto said as he finished his wine. "I best get out of here before more drama sets in."

Naruto bid Tyrion a farewell and went back to the Brightest Light. He walked down to the lower levels and heard the sound of clanging steel and walked into one of the training rooms to see Syrio training with some new recruits. "Ah, Naruto. Come, train and show these young boys the proper use for teachings such as mine." Syrio said as Naruto nodded and unsheathed his katana.

"It's good to have you here, Syrio." Naruto told him as Syrio nodded.

"And Syrio is glad to be here to help the Akatsuki however he can." Syrio said as he stood before the new recruits. "Gentlemen…what do we say to the god of death?"

"Not today." Naruto said as he helped trained them.

Line Break xxxxx

Across the water and over in Qarth, Daenerys was enjoying herself under Xaro's hospitality who had thrown a marvelous party in honor of her arrival. Now, he had just thrown her another dinner party for her to know the lords and nobles of the city in a more closed setting than the party before. And it was just another excuse for him to continue in Daenerys's good graces. The dinner was over and Xaro was walking with Daenerys through his main mansion with Itachi, Kisame, Sasori and Deidara following about 3 feet behind, acting as her protection.

"So, how long has your Westerosi man servant been in love with you?" Xaro asked as Daenerys chuckled.

"He's not my man servant, and he's not in love with me. He's my advisor…my friend." Daenerys told him.

"Unlikely. I can almost always tell what a man wants." Xaro said as Daenerys looked at him.

"And what about a woman?" Daenerys asked.

"Much more complicated. You, for example, what do you want?" Xaro asked.

"To cross the Narrow Sea and take back the Iron Throne." Daenerys said.

"Why?" Xaro asked.

"Because I promised my Khalasar I'd protect them and find them a safe home." Daenerys said as Xaro chuckled.

"You want to conquer the 7 Kingdoms for the Dothraki?" Xaro asked.

"I want them because they're mine by right. The Iron Throne is mine and I will take it." Daenerys said.

"Ah, a conqueror." Xaro said.

"And how did you get all of this? Did someone give it to you?" Daenerys asked,

"No. I come from nothing. I hit the docks like a piece of cargo, except someone normally cares what happens to cargo." Xaro said.

"So, you wanted more than you had and you took it. You're a conqueror too…you're just less ambitious." Daenerys said as Xaro chuckled. "What do you want, Xaro Xhoan Daxos? At the gates of the city, you bled for me. Why?"

"I will show you why." Xaro said as he escorted her and her protectors to the lower levels of his mansion and showed her the door to his secret vault and he began showing her how strong and impenetrable it was by swinging his sword against it, and it didn't even get a scratch.

"The door and the vault is made of Valyrian stone. The hardest steel does not make a mark. I offered the greatest locksmiths in Qarth their weight in gold if they could break into it. I made the same offer to the greatest thieves. They all went home empty handed. The only thing that can open this door is this key." Xaro said, showing her the circular key he wore around his neck.

"And behind the door? And it can all be mine?" Daenerys asked as Xaro chuckled.

"All? Let us say half. More than enough to buy horses, ships, armies—enough to go home." Xaro told her.

"All I have to do?" Daenerys asked.

"Is marry me." Xaro said as Daenerys scoffed.

"Is that your idea of a romantic proposal?" Daenerys asked.

"I've already married once for love, but the gods stole her from me. I come from nothing. My mother and father never owned a pair of shoes. But marry me and I will give you the Seven Kingdoms and our children will be princes and princesses." Xaro said as Daenerys looked at the vault. "See? I have more ambition than you thought. The time is right, Daenerys Targaryen, first of your name. Robert Baratheon is dead."

Once Xaro filled Daenerys in on all the information about what was happening in Westeros, she went to her room with Itachi and told Jorah who wasn't pleased about the direction they were going.

"If you cross the sea with army Xaro bought for you, it will be his victory, not yours." Jorah told her.

"The Seven Kingdoms are at war with one another. Four False Kings destroying the country." Daenerys said.

"To win Westeros, you need support from Westeros." Jorah told her.

"The Usurper is dead. The Starks fight the Lannisters, and the Baratheon's fight each other." Daenerys said.

"According to your new friend who earned your trust by cutting his hand?" Jorah asked.

"The time to strike is now. We need ships and an army or we'll spend the rest of our lives rotting away at the edge of the world." Daenerys said.

"Rich men do not become rich by giving more than they get. They'll give you ships and soldiers and they'll own you forever. Moving carefully is the hard way, but it's the right way." Jorah told her.

"And if I'd listened to that advice outside the gates of Qarth, we'd all be dead by now." Daenerys told him.

"I know the opportunity before you seem like the last you'll ever have, but you must—" "Do not speak to me like I'm a child." Daenerys interrupted him.

"I only want—" "What do you want?" Daenerys interrupted him. "Tell me."

"To see you on the Iron Throne." Jorah said.

"Why?" Daenerys asked.

"You have a good claim. A title. A birthright. But you have something more than that. You may cover it up and deny it, but you have a gentle heart. You would not only be respected and feared, you would be loved. Someone who can rule and should rule. Centuries come and go without a person like that coming into the world. There are times when I look at you and I still can't believe you're real." Jorah said as he basically told her in that last sentence how he felt.

Daenerys turned her head away as she was unsure what to do about this revelation and Jorah realized he may have overstepped his bounds which led to a few moments of awkward silence which amused Itachi.

"So, what would you have me do as my advisor?" Daenerys asked.

"Make your own way. Find your own ship. You only need one. The allies we need are in Westeros, not Qarth." Jorah said.

"And how do I get the ship?" Daenerys asked as Itachi cleared his throat.

"Your grace, with your permission, we can request a ship be sent here as soon as you wish it. Just give me the word and I'll have Kisame dispatch a message as quickly as possible." Itachi said.

"Do it. Ser Jorah, find me some allies." Daenerys said as Jorah bowed.

"Khaleesi." Jorah said as he left.

"Itachi, what do you think?" Daenerys asked as Itachi looked at her.

"Your grace, I'm just your protector." Itachi replied.

"Please, what should I do?" Daenerys asked.

"I believe Ser Jorah raises some excellent points, your grace. A wise ruler listens to his or her advisors on difficult obstacles." Itachi said.

"And your advice?" Daenerys asked.

"Your grace, if you truly wish rule the 7 Kingdoms, then arriving with an army bought by a foreign man with no ties to Westeros doesn't inspire love or loyalty. Especially if these come at the promise of marriage and he becomes King. A foreign invader won't inspire love and loyalty and you'll need both if you wish to take the throne back from the Lannisters." Itachi said.

"Love and loyalty? I have the loyalty of the common people back in Westeros." Daenerys said as Itachi sighed.

"Illyrio Motapis lied to you so he could curry favor for your brother but I'm afraid what he told you is a fairy tale, your grace. The common people pray for only two things: a good harvest and no bloodshed and unfortunately, they're not getting either with the war. They'll side with whoever they will to save their own lives. Now, might you have some loyal houses in Westeros? Possibly. But your house isn't like it was before." Itachi told her.

"House Targaryen is one of the greatest houses in Westeros. We built the Iron Throne and Westeros as it is today." Daenerys said as Itachi nodded.

"Yes, your grace. No one is denying that but House Targaryen is gone. And even though you have your name, that alone is not enough to retake your throne. You'll need ships, an army and most importantly, allies in Westeros. And should you invade right now with an army Xaro bought you, the people of Westeros won't look to you as the scion and savior from a noble house but as an invader. That will only push them away from you." Itachi said as Daenerys thought.

"I'll have dragons." Daenerys said.

"Yes, but they are still too young. Your grace, I understand that this opportunity may seem like the perfect moment to retake your home but if your rush now…you will lose everything." Itachi told her and she reluctantly nodded.

"Thank you…for your wise counsel and for the truth." Daenerys said as Itachi nodded.

"Happy to help." Itachi replied.

"May I ask you questions now?" Daenerys asked.

"Of course, your grace." Itachi said.

"Why are you helping me? You have no ties to Westeros that you've told me, and your master is across the Narrow Sea working for the people who overthrew my family." Daenerys said as Itachi nodded.

"Of course, your caution is warranted. The reason I'm helping you is because I was tasked with your protection by Naruto." Itachi replied.

"But why? Why does he want me protected when he works for those over in Westeros and has no attachment or loyalty to my family?" Daenerys asked, curious about this man she knew nothing of but gave her, her most important ally and protector.

"A valid question. It's true, Naruto has no pre-existing loyalty to House Targaryen or to any houses in Westeros for that matter. But I believe that is what makes him your best ally." Itachi said as Daenerys was confused.

"What do you mean?" Itachi asked.

"While a person born into one of the many Houses of Westeros has a good grasp on loyalty and has ties to other houses, it is those very reasons that Westeros in is the state it is today. People who pledged unwavering loyalty to rulers who are clearly cruel or unfit for the power that was given them has led to the state Westeros is currently in. Naruto is none of that and has no history of blind loyalty. He is from the common people and earned the strength, power and the loyalty of the people who fight beside him. Including myself." Itachi said.

"You've met him?" Daenerys said as Itachi nodded.

"Briefly when I was in our base in Kings Landing to do some training and reconnaissance." Itachi said as Daenerys was curious.

"And how would you describe him?" Daenerys asked as Itachi thought for a moment.

"He is someone who is an enigma in this world. Someone who does something not for reward or for personal gain but because he believes he is doing the right thing. He's charming, smart, wise for his age, yet has a tendency to carry the weight of the world on his shoulders. And considering what he is destined to do…it is a burden for his to bear." Itachi said as Daenerys was confused.

"What destiny?" she asked.

"That is not for me to say. But Naruto is someone who is more concerned with the wellbeing of others than himself. He's someone who cares for the people who live in Kings Landing and through the 7 Kingdoms and not just the wealthy or the powerful but the common people. Since he use to be one, nothing has changed in that regard. Naruto has no high opinion of the wealthy or the powerful but shows them respect as he would any person." Itachi said.

"Naruto's father was a sell sword with the Second Sons and his mother was a traveler and merchant. They came to Westeros to set up a new life for their son and he grew up in a small village near Riverrun. When he was old enough, he traveled to Kings Landing and won a tournament, earning him a knighthood and a position working with the Hand of the King. He then met our order and has since been working to ensure the 7 Kingdoms is kept safe and that you can go home should your fate take you there." Itachi said.

"But why?" Daenerys asked.

"Because he chose you. It's true, Naruto served Robert Baratheon but in actuality, he served Jon Arryn. An honorable man charged with the maintenance of the 7 Kingdoms, something Naruto was more than happy to do to keep people safe and happy. Once he learned of your existence in Essos and of another's plan to have you retake your throne seeing as Robert Baratheon was not fit to be king, Naruto chose to help you." Itachi said.

"I don't understand." Daenerys said.

"The reason Naruto is your best ally is because he chose to be so. Instead of following in the steps of Jon Arryn or Ned Stark whose loyalty aligned themselves with Robert Baratheon, Naruto made the decision of choosing to help you. Now you come from a great House that formed and ruled the 7 Kingdoms for centuries which helped in his decision and your legitimacy. Granted, your family's reign wasn't completely peaceful but no one's rule is. But the ultimate reason Naruto chose you is because he believes you to be the best decision. Naruto has seen firsthand how growing up with power or wealth can change a person. A strong or wealthy person who has known power all their life will lose respect for that power. But a young woman who may come from a great house but hasn't had the same experience knows the value of strength and knows compassion." Itachi said as Daenerys was moved by what Itachi was saying.

"This is why Naruto chose you, your grace. Because he believes you will do great things…given the right support and guidance." Itachi said with a small smile on his face, the first time she had seen him smile or show any emotion. "And it's something I believe as well."

"Thank you, Itachi." Daenerys said as Itachi bowed.

End of chapter 5

Next chapter, Renly Baratheon and the Reach meet against Stannis and the Lord of Light while Robb Stark marches south and Joffrey pushes the city further and further into Naruto's hands. Meanwhile, Daenerys runs into her own problems as the War of the Five Kings reaches new heights. Naruto himself struggles with maintaining peace and soon meets people who can give me more insight into his past and his destiny.

I hoped you guys like the chapter. Sorry, it takes so long for new chapters, but between work and my own life, it doesn't leave as much time to write as it used to but I won't stop. I love it and so long as you guys keep reading, I'll keep writing.

There wasn't a lot happening here obviously since this chapter was the gap between season 1 and 2 and the first two episodes of the second season. In that span of time, not a lot happens as it just sets up what happens later in the season.

This chapter sets up a lot for the rest of the season and into later in the series, especially with the attitude of the city and Naruto's role. I hope Naruto's reasoning for what happened to Ned Stark answers some of your questions you've left me in the reviews. I stated from the beginning that this story was meant to follow the canon of the show because I wanted Naruto to go through what happens but there will be changes. Naruto is playing the long game with his ultimate goal of stopping R'hllor and the White Walkers and he understands that at the moment, he needs to play smart and gather up more influence to do that while keeping whoever he can safe. If Naruto was younger or that event occurred when he was first starting out in his journey, he wouldn't have hesitated in killing Joffrey and saving Ned Stark but he's matured and he understands the importance of playing the long game. But not saving Ned Stark will haunt Naruto for as long as he lives.

I hope you guys enjoy the changes I'll make to the season, they're not apparent yet but they'll be once I start writing more chapters. The biggest one at the moment is in regard to Stannis. Now, a lot of people like his character because he was kind of a good guy in the sense that he knows the White Walkers are the main bad guys after he learns of them but I never really liked him. But the reason his character is changing is mainly because of Melisandre and the Lord of Light. Since I set up this series with the Lord of Light Religion being a fanatical mind-altering magic group who serves R'hllor, Melisandre is affecting him more than in the show. That's why the letter Stannis has written changes because Melisandre's influence is growing with the deaths the War which in turn is making R'hllor stronger for when he comes back. So, Stannis is being corrupted and he doesn't know it but in this story, he'll be more fanatical and Naruto will deal with him later.

For Daenerys's part, I've sped up her story a bit since she has Itachi and Kisame with her who give her very good advice and have knowledge and resources she didn't in the show. In the show at the end of season 2 episode 2, she's still in the desert where in the story she's already in Qarth. Her story is sped up a bit for a good reason since she has allies she never had in the show. Also, I hope you guys like the rift on Deidara and Sasori and more Akatsuki members will show up later.

Naruto has a baby ice dragon to deal with and that will be an adventure to come. It breathes fire and ice and will only get bigger so Naruto will have to make some changes in the future. Nymeria the Direwolf is also back. I know she was in season 7 but this way she stays and will be involved later. With Sansa and Arya, their tales will be different from the canon since Naruto's involved, especially with Sansa as she won't follow the same arc as in the show. Her arc in the show made her into a smart and strong woman and she still will be but it'll be different with Naruto around.

With season 7 complete and only a few episodes left in the series things are winding down for Game of Thrones and I'm sure we will all miss it. But hopefully those prequel series are just as entertaining. Now, a lot of what happens in the later season such as 5,6, and 7 will follow the same general plan but with Naruto in the mix, a lot more changes will occur. Dorne, for example will play a bigger and more vital role than in the show since Naruto's involved. The Greyjoys will be impacted as well as the fight between Daenerys and Cersei and Jon's meeting with Daenerys. Some characters will stick around while others won't, things change so look forward to that and be patient.

Disclaimer: I don't own Naruto or Game of Thrones, both belong to their respective owners, I'm just a big fan.