As we arrived at the Clan meeting, the room filled with The various Clan heads of Konoha, Fenrir gave me the seat at the table and chose to stand behind me.
Hiruzen gathered everybody's attention, and the meeting began.
"This meeting has been called to introduce and clear up any misconceptions about Naruto Uzumaki, Clan head of the Uzumaki clan, and Fenrir, Regent of the Uzumaki clan" Hiruzen's voice was aged, but it was no less powerful and filled with authority.
"Before I open up to questions, A few things... Yes, It is true that Naruto Uzumaki is the Jinchuriki of the Nine-Tails. He has been since the day of his birth, and his mother was also made the Jinchuriki at the age of 14, after Mito Uzumaki passed away and a new Jinchuriki was needed"
Naruto felt his hands clench, he was still angry at his father for doing this to him,for cursing him. But now he was more angry that his family had to be the ones to carry the Burden of the Nine-Tail.
Why? Because they were naturally stronger and had stronger Chakra than most people?
That was bullshit to the highest degree.
Any decent shinobi could have been capable.
In Naruto's eyes, it was more about not having to sacrifice their own people, and instead placing the burden on somebody else.
"Now, does anybody have any questions regarding this information, or can we move on?
There were certainly questions.
Naruto could tell from the looks of the Clan heads, but none dared to speak, probably knowing that it wouldn't end well for them.
"Ok... Now, does anybody have any questions for Naruto himself?" Hiruzen asked.
Many of the Clan Heads raised their hands, and one at a time Hirizen pointed them out to speak.
The Hyuga Clan asked about the alleged appropriation of Scrolls and items that 'Belonged' to the Uzumaki Clan, and that monetary debts that had been incurred had to be paid.
"Yes, indeed, we Took position of many things, scroll and items, all of which we took back, because it is rightfully ours. As for Debts that the clans have racked up... I don't see how that is my problem?" Naruto said, causing outrage in the meeting room.
Several voices called out, Outraged at the fact that he would need to empty their Coffers to pay back a debts that shouldn't even be brought up.
"... The debts will be paid, You are free to try to negotiate an alternate price or substitute Payment method with Fenrir. But the debts will be paid, whether you like it or not" Naruto said.
The room went silent at his words, before murmuring spread out between the clans.
Naruto could practically feel Fenrir grinning at his show of confidence.
And he has to admit, he too was feeling a small bit of genuine Confidence swell up in himself as he put on that little show.
Hiruzen then pointed out a few other heads to ask some Questions.
These Questions were much more civil and the heads were people who seemed genuinely kind.
First was a joint Question/request from three clans.
The Nara clan, headed by Shikaku Nara
The Yakamada clan, lead by Inoichi Yakamada
And the Akimichi clan, whose leader was named Choza Akimichi.
They all requested the same thing.
The ability to have a few joint-held Buildings in the Uzumaki territory, to run businesses out of.
Naruto didn't mind this, as it would lead to a revitalization of the area in general.
Which was one of his goals for the abandoned area.
But in the spirit of fair trade, Naruto asked for something in return.
"I will be happy to give you we many buildings as you need to conduct whatever business you wish, but I only ask for small Rent payment, and if this business has some kind of profit, a share of that as well"
Naruto had been briefed by Fenrir on the way here about possible deals, and that it's always better for both parties to get something, that way it sets a standard for all future deals, and if the price is right, it can lead to more deals in the future.
Choza, Shikaku and Inoichi all shared a quick glance and all nodded.
The Nara man, Shikaku, was the one to answer for the group.
"We would be happy to pay rent and share a small amount of the profit we make. Thank you for your kindness Naruto, the Clans of the Ino-Shika-Cho hope to continue on this prosperous road together"
Fenrir chuckled and nodded, feeling very proud of his young Red haired Summoner.
Naruto nodded, and moved onto the next Question.
The question was from a Particularly wild looking woman with Red Marks on her cheeks, The Matriarch of the Inuzuka Clan.
"The Inuzuka were once on friendly terms with the Uzumaki, is it correct that the Wolf Summoning Contract is still in your Possession, and that the man behind you is Fenrir, Great Old wolf of the wolf Clan in a human Form?"
Naruto looked back at Fenrir, wanting to know if it was okay to speak of such things.
Fenrir nodded in approval.
"It is true, the Wolf contract is indeed in our position and I have signed it. But the Fenrir behind me is not the 'Great Old Wolf', that Fenrir died during the Attack at Uzushino. This is his son, who holds the same name" Naruto said, using what He knew of Fenrir to answer the latter part of the question.
The woman seemed saddened by the fact that the Great Old Wolf Fenrir had died, even bowing her head and saying a few words.
"I speak for everybody of the Inuzuka Clan, when I say 'We are sorry for your loss', And if there is anything you need from us, We will do our best to work up a deal. We are close friends and family with our canine Companions. My Companion, Kuromaru, was raised beside me like a sibling, I couldn't imagine how it would feel to lose them..."
Fenrir stepped forwards and towards the Inuzuka.
And in a show of respect, he bowed deeply.
"I thank you for your words of Kindness, Lady Inuzuka. I can say for certainty My father would have loved to meet you. He would have seen a very good ally in your clan... And I hope we can foster a similar relationship between our two clans now"
The Inuzuka Lady bowed her head once again, "I look forward to it"
Fenrir stepped back behind me and let the meeting continue.
Lastly, The final question was asked by a man named Fugaku, of the Uchiha Clan.
"Naruto, as a small request, I would like to invite you and Fenrir to my clan's home. A celebration of sorts if you will"
Fenrir's eyes widened at the mention of a party, and he jumped at the chance.
"Lord Uchiha, It would be our honor to host this celebration instead. Please allow us to show our hospitality, and I can say for certain you will not regret it"
"I would be honored to be invited into your home. I only ask that I can bring my Family as well. They would be delighted to have the chance to attend" Fugaku said.
Fenrir nodded, "Of course, bring as many of your clan members you want, the more the merrier. I'm fact..." he turned to The Nara, Akimochi, Yakamade and Inuzuku Clan heads.
"It would make me a very happy man if you could all attend, bring your families if you want, we have plenty of space and we will provide all the food, and Alcohol for the adults. Tomorrow night, 7 O'clock at the latest" Fenrir said.
The clan head all agreed, all being excited for the party.
.
.
.
As Fenrir and Naruto walked through the village towards their home, Naruto couldn't help but ask, "Why are we throwing a party?"
Fenrir chuckled, "Back when Uzu still stood tall and proud, After a Raid on an Enemy village, we would throw the biggest of parties. A drunk person from Uzu was a dangerous type of crazy, I remember when your grandfather, as a young Red haired drunken Trickster, once Sealed the entire Party hall and flooded it. What made it worse was he was actually a better seal master when drunk, using seals in ways that inspired many of Uzu's groundbreaking inventions, not that he would admit it" Fenrir explained, a look
Naruto was amazed at the story, feeling a somewhat warped sense of pride in his grandfather.
And as they arrived home, after more stories of more of Uzu's Epic parties, Fenrir used the Gateway to quickly pop over to the Lycan Clans den.
As he came back, he arrived with many other large Wolves who all carried boxes on their backs.
And a elderly woman who and similar Half Wolf features as Tengan, with a small sleeping wolf pup clutched in her arms.
Fur, Ears, Tail, the whole nine yards
She was taller than Fenrir, at least by an entire foot, had long wild white hair that framed her sharp facial features, a slender frame that was hidden by a massive baggy robe made from what seemed to be the various pelts of different animals.
"Naruto! This is my Grandmother, Frigga" Fenrir introduced the elderly Wolf woman.
She bowed slightly, "it is so good to finally meet you, Naruto. Your mother truly was an angel among your race, and your father was far more brave than any human man that wasn't of Uzu Decent, it is a shame that what happened did" she said.
naruto nodded, a warm feeling spreading through his chest at her words.
"It is an honor to meet you as well, Frigga... Who is the pup?" Naruto asked.
Fenrir grabbed the pup and swaddled him gently, not waking him.
"This is my Son, Skoll. I wanted him to be here, This will be his first proper feast. He was born during the fall of Uzu, and his birth parents didn't make it..." Fenrir looked sad for a second.
"Can I ask a question?"
"Of course Naruto, ask away!" Fenrir said, his happy smile returning.
"Every wolf that has passed through the gate is just a regular wolf, but You, Frigga and Tengan, all have human forms... Why is that?"
"It is a technique, one passed on from the First Fenrir. As for why not everybody can do it, it requires Old Noble blood to work. Tengan is actually a distant cousin of mine, so he can use it, And My grandmother is my fathers mother, so she meets the blood requirements to use it'' Fenrir explained.
"But then... Skoll won't be able to?" Naruto asked.
"No, but he is perfectly fine with it, in fact he prefers his proper wolf form, as it looks like his birth parents... He wants to honor them, and I support him" Fenrir explained.
Naruto nodded in understanding, and they exited the Transport Gate room, Leading the wolves to the largest of the outdoor areas in the grounds that had been prepared for the party.
A large cooking pit had been set up in the middle of the Area, with Tengan being designated the Cook master for this occasion.
The Large Area also had a few overhead Roofs set up around the cook pit, with tables and chairs set up in large groups around the roofs.
As everything was set up, and the wolves were all ready to party, Frigga's ears twitched.
She notified us that a very large group of people had arrived.
Fenrir and I ran over the Gate, and opened it.
'Time to party like there was no tomorrow!' Naruto thought as he led everybody through the grounds and to the Party Area.