Disclaimer: I do not own Naruto; Masashi Kishimoto and Shonen Jump own it. Game of Thrones and A Song of Ice and Fire are owned by George R.R Martin, Dan Weiss, David Benioff, HBO MAX, and Warner Bros Discovery, respectively. I own nothing and I am just a humble fan. This story is for fun and to pass the time and take the mind off of chronic illness, nothing else. This story does not represent me or my beliefs. It is not meant to promote or propagate anything. Once again… if this point has not been made clear, then let me make it clear. This story has been inspired by Dragonrise's The Celestial Smith. While some chapters will be similar… this story will be ultimately different as I am focusing on different things and showing different things. I hope this clears things up and I will not be repeating this again.

Author's Note: Hello everyone, I hope you all are enjoying the holidays. Here is the next chapter. Please read and review generously. I hope you all enjoy it. My colonoscopy is done. Biopsies were taken and a polyp was removed. My gastro thinks I do not have cancer… but I will have more information sometime in January. Regardless, I am not out of the woods just yet. There is a lot to fix in 2025; finances, health, fitness, and finding a better job. I have a lot to juggle and manage… but I am all up for the challenge. 2025 is going to be better than 2024, which I will make sure of.

Enough of my speech. I hope you all enjoy this chapter. After this chapter, we are going to see more chapters where Naruto interacts with the Stark children and the cool things he will be working on. There is a lot to write for Part One such as the meeting with the Northern Lords and the viewpoints of the various regions of the South as well as what Daenerys Targaryen and Varys are planning with their lives. And then there is Naruto… who is making his moves and gaining precious favors. Without further ado, let us begin

Chapter Three- The Choice is Made and the Law is Laid Down

Deep within the private room of the Village's Inn, three Northern Lords sat near a table with an impressive spread of food laid out; porridge, bread, meat, some type of fruit, and ale. The Northern Lords were anxious and apprehensive as they had seen and learned quite a bit in such a short time. Uzumaki Naruto sat there bored as he ate slowly and Ned Stark chose his words carefully as to how to broach several delicate subjects. In front of them was a man who literally could do whatever he wanted. They had to approach this carefully. Winter was coming… and Naruto's gifts could make a phenomenal difference for the people. So, Ned chose to appeal to Naruto will kindness and understanding.

Ned Stark was the one who spoke first. "Your gifts… are unfathomable to behold and comprehend. While I would never dream of forcing you to stay in the North and I am very sure that every attempt would end in a monumental disaster, I am hoping that you choose to stay."

Robett Glover spoke next. "Forgive my earlier rudeness, child. However, Lord Stark speaks true. We cannot nor will we force you to stay in the North. And yet, I hope you stay as well. Your gifts could mean the difference between life and death. For too long, the North and its people suffer and die every year from these brutal winters. Your gifts could transform the North and allow the people to survive and thrive."

Wyman Manderly spoke next. "The North and its people would guard and protect your secrets. The South would only seek to exploit and use you for their own purposes. Word will one day reach them about your skills and the Lannisters and Robert will be after your power."

Naruto continued to eat his breakfast as he listened to them speak. He and Kurama had endured much living in the Elemental Nations. They were never going to be used by anyone ever again. Human nature is fickle and greedy. And there were lots of people in Westeros and beyond who had evil intentions. He had a great distrust of the nobility and their ilk. Naruto had given all of this some clear thought. It was time to lay down the law and make his intentions clear.

Naruto put his bowl down and spoke to them. "You are right. You are right. You do not have the power to stop me. There is nothing alive in Westeros or Essos that could challenge me and my brother. And I feel a great swell of pity for the poor fuck that comes to my home looking for trouble. However, I have given all of this a great deal of thought. I am staying here in the North."

The Northern Lords had relaxed after hearing his words, but Naruto raised his hand to indicate that he still had more to say.

"I am not a perfect person. I have made my share of mistakes in life, I can admit that. However, I have a great distrust of the nobility. I have done my research and I do not like what I learned. I understand why Aegon the Fifth wished so desperately to bring dragons back to Westeros; that was how deeply he cared about the Smallfolk. I am staying in the North to help the people. I am not here to make you guys rich and wielders of great weapons. I will stay to ensure that the Smallfolk have a roof over their heads, warm food in their bellies, and the ability to grow old with their loved ones. I will transform the North into a place where no child would ever have to go hungry. Everyone will be able to eat as much as they want and live with honor and pride. No child is ever going to have to wait outside a shop to see if someone would feed them. I am never going to let that happen to anyone."

The Northern Lords had looked at Naruto with appreciation and kindness. Ned's gaze had softened as he gained a greater measure of the man in front of him. Uzumaki Naruto was indeed a kind soul who wished to do good for the North's people. No matter what, he would do his best to convince him that the North could be trusted and that he could build a wonderful future here.

"However, something else needs to be said and I hope you understand that I mean it. I prefer to speak the truth. I don't care if you find my speech blunt, arrogant, or rude. I am going to say what I am going to say."

The Northern Lords simply nodded as Naruto spoke again. There was a steel and coldness in his voice that made them shudder.

"I only trust a few people in the world. Apart from my brother, there is not that many people that I trust or have faith in. I got no respect for you nobles. Your words mean shit to me as does your so-called honor. I have seen people who call themselves good and honorable… and they did horrible things to innocent people… or perpetuate a system that resulted in nothing but misery upon others."

"I am my own master. I am not swearing any oaths to anyone. I am the wind… and I will not be tamed by anyone. I choose to stay in the North so I can help its people… but I still wonder if I am making the correct decision. You may be a man of honor, Ned Stark, but I am inclined to believe otherwise. You are friends with Robert Baratheon, a guy who stepped over the corpses of children to sit on an ugly throne. You are friends with a guy who thirsts and lusts over the deaths of two people half a continent away who have done nothing to him. You are friends with a guy who wants to murder a woman who did fuck all to him. You are friends with a guy who sends assassins to murder a woman who did nothing to him. Daenerys Targaryen is an innocent woman who spent years on the run, being used as a puppet and a pawn

"Then we have Jon Snow. You fucked his mom… and he has to live his life as your bastard. It was not his fault he was born into this fucked up world with its shitty stigmas and bullshit backward thinking. Sure, he was born to a Noble man… and lives a pretty good life. Yet, we know better, don't we? So, here is my warning."

"If I ever feel like you motherfuckers are lying to me, trying to manipulate or use me in any way, I will disappear from this place. And in one hour, The Lady of The Forge will unleash her entire arsenal upon you all without any regret. And then… Daenerys Targaryen will come to Westeros and take back what is hers and I will help her. It will only take an hour and that will be that. Do not take this lightly. These are the words of a kind and gentle man… and kind and gentle men are never to be underestimated."

"I have heard that "The North Remembers" is a popular saying here. Tell me, does the North remember Princess Rhaenys being stabbed to death fifty times? Does the North remember Prince Aegon's head dashed against a wall? Does the North remember that Princess Elia was raped and split in half by the Mountain that Rides? Whether it is the North, the South, Robert Baratheon or Tywin Lannister who comes for my power; whoever comes, whoever it is, I will kill them, I will kill them all!"

The Northern Lords were stunned into silence. They could not move or say anything. It was as if an invisible pressure was weighing down on them and they were unable to breathe or see a way out. When the pressure disappeared, Ned Stark saw Naruto for what he was; a kind and courageous man with a heart of gold who would protect and cherish the innocent and brutally wipe out all manner of evil. Naruto was a protector and a warrior. He would never go back on his word, for his word was his way.

For the first time, Ned's faults were laid bare in front of him. There were mistakes he had made in his life. The war had changed him. The death of his sister Lyanna and her folly made him angry and sad all the same. The loss of Ashara Dayne had left a black mark on his soul. There were the lies he had crafted and the matter of Jon that brought him great turmoil. He had no one he could trust and no one he could vent to. While he loved and cared for Robert… his hatred for the Targaryens, especially Daenerys gave him pause.

At that moment, Ned made a choice. He had an opportunity and a second chance to be better. No matter what, he could not let Naruto slip from his grasp. He could sense that Naruto paid a dark price for his wisdom and knowledge. This was a man who had a good heart and could do good. For the safety and security of the North, he needed to do what was needed.

Ned sighed as he spoke to Naruto. "Child, you are indeed vulgar. And yet, you speak the truth. I have made mistakes in my life. I will not share my regrets with you right now. You have a deep mistrust of our ilk and I do not blame you for that. You are right, words are wind and worthless as well. However, I sincerely hope you can give me a chance. I had the honor of being fostered by a man who taught me about honor and duty. And I have done my best to live my life by those principles. I have stumbled and made mistakes along the way. However, I have a chance to make things right."

"I am grateful that you have chosen to stay in the North. Your gifts can benefit the North for generations to come. You also have a chance Young Naruto, to forge your own bonds and build your own life the way you wish. I sincerely hope that I can convince you that there are some nobles you can trust and respect. Now, I would never dream of asking you to swear loyalty or any oaths to me. That would be a foolish endeavor in itself. And you are a man of integrity and honor. You have paid a price for your wisdom. You may not be able to get it right all the time… but you will do your best to do the right thing because like me, you are a man of honor. That is why I can trust you. Before this matter goes any further, speak your heart about anything else you need to ask me."

Naruto had nodded. Ned Stark was indeed a perceptive man. Yet, Naruto would be patient and would determine for himself if the man and his family could be trustworthy.

"First, I will craft weapons for the North that will allow them to protect themselves. I will craft such things that you will be stunned into silence. You will have to prove worthy of such weapons for I warn you clearly, these weapons will betray you if they find you lacking. Apart from weapons, I will improve the roads, and create Glass Gardens that will be able to grow a myriad of fruits and vegetables that could grow in the harshest of climates and provide you with sustenance for years to come. You will be able to grow cattle that will also sustain you. And I will improve on your medicine and life in general. T North has the potential to be a better place."

Ned, Robett, and Wyman were happy and gleeful to hear such positive news. For Robett, the news of better Glass Gardens that could feed his house and the people in his land was beautiful. He could ask for no more. For Wyman, the idea of better weapons and roads was enticing. He could imagine it now; a rebuilt Northern Fleet that had the power to protect its borders without help. It was truly a glorious notion. And if a proper Northern Fleet with ships constructed with metals never seen before. The Ironborn would have no idea what hit them. And who knows, perhaps Moat Cailin could also be rebuilt to its former glory.

"Secondly, you will write to whoever you have to make sure that Jon Snow is legitimized as Jon Stark, a true Son of your Blood. You will do that much for him. If not for him… you will do it for his mother, who you care for and love deeply. There will be no negotiation regarding this matter."

Ned sighed as he accepted this condition. He was sure his wife was going to rant and rave and give him the cold shoulder… but the North's prosperity and security was paramount. Perhaps… he could honor the sister he lost this way by making her son a true part of the family.

"And third… you wanted to bind me to the North through marriage, right?"

Ned was surprised as he nodded. "Yes."

Naruto sighed. "Are you sure, Ned? Your eldest daughter, Sansa, right? Maybe she would want to marry someone of noble birth."

Ned smiled. "There is nothing about you that is not noble. You do not know my daughter… but I believe that you are the right fit for my daughter, rather than some greedy prince from the South. You are kind and you are wise. The war changed me and I had to learn to prepare and raise my children differently. Love will not bloom right away, but it will bloom and grow, that I am confident of. I hope you can understand that there will be no negotiation regarding this."

Naruto smiled. He had always lived life alone. If not for Kaguya, perhaps he would have settled down with Hinata and had a family of his own. Maybe it was time to truly settle down and establish roots his way. "Very well, I can accept this."

As Naruto was pondering the rest of his thoughts, Wyman and Robett were locked in conversation, seeing the atmosphere shift from somber and deadly to positive and peaceful.

Wyman was the one to speak first. "With your permission Lord Stark, there is enough gold and silver within the mines to feed the North through centuries of Northern Winters. We can purchase enough grain without any issues and eventually grow our own without difficulty."

Robett spoke next. "We must be cautious about all of this. We must be careful to not drawn any attention on young Naruto's abilities and what he can do. The Tyrells are clever and the Hightowers are cunts."

Ned had nodded grimly. "We should spread out all our purchases across the Free Cities to avoid any serious attention. It would be harder to trace the gold and silver and crystal to one source."

Robett spoke again. "We could start buying stone and timber from the Free Cities to rebuilt Moat Cailin in secret. With the Lady of the Forge's help, Moat Cailin could be reinforced by those exotic metals. When done in secret… it will be too late for the South to raise any objections."

Wyman spoke next. "We can also rebuild the Northern Fleet one ship at a time. The Lady of the Forge can transform those ships into weapons that will help protect us from Ironborn scum and the like."

Ned had watched Naruto who was contemplating something as he cleared his throat. "Forgive me child, we have been speaking and talking about your resources as if we own them. Perhaps, we should ask him what he thinks of all of this?"

Wyman nodded. "I am sorry child. The last thing I would want is to overstep. I do hope to meet the Lady of The Forge again under better circumstances."

Robett nodded. "Forgive us, child. We did get carried away."

Naruto smiled. "It's okay, it's fine. We will have to do this in secret. And it will take years to accomplish all of this. A proper Northern Army will also be needed as well. That will take immense and training and discipline to achieve."

Ned nodded. "Indeed. The North and its people are loyal to one another. We guard and protect our secrets. I assure you of this, it will be done."

Naruto nodded. "There is another thing I wish for you to consider. Stony Shore needs a proper castle and a proper fighting force to protect that area from the Ironborn. I will make sure something is built there. There were lands given to the Night's Watch from the North by order of Queen Alysanne Targaryen. She is dead. Take back some of those lands. They are large and fertile and will benefit the North. The Night's Watch is a place of cripples, cocksuckers, and fools. Look at Aemon Targaryen, another fool. If he was truly intelligent, if he truly loved his family, he would have accepted being King and made things right in the realm. Instead, he chose a different path and now he lives with regrets. If you have power, if you have the opportunity, you must embrace it for the people and do right by them, no matter what happens. Fools who chose to make the wrong decisions, fools who play stupid games, win stupid prizes. Please. Think about what I have said."

Ned sighed. "I will take it into consideration. You have given me much to think about."

Naruto nodded as there was one more piece of information left to discuss. "There is still the matter of Robert Baratheon. I get he is your friend. And you can be friends with whoever you want. I just don't like the guy. Maybe he is capable of change, but I have seen what words and actions are worth."

Ned had gravely nodded as he sighed. "Robert is my friend. And he is a King, and Kings do not know the meaning of restraint. Perhaps, an appeasement of gold and silver can make their way into the Treasury, to appease any doubts he will have once word of your exploits comes out. If he desires more, perhaps a Warhammer made from some of those metals. Apart from that, nothing else. Appeasing Robert does not mean the South will ever have access to the North's resources and wealth. If they feel otherwise, they are welcome to try and take you from us."

Wyman and Robett nodded. "We protect our own. You are of the North now, child. If the South wants a war, we will give them one."

Ned spoke next. "We will need to establish a proper garrison… to protect the mines…"

Naruto had calmly interjected. "The mines travel with me. It is hard to explain… but when we get to Winterfell, the mines will reappear. In time, one day, you will understand."

For the first time, Ned's eyes had shown steel as he observed Naruto in a different light with his grey eyes. "You are quite confident of this, boy?"

Naruto smiled. "I am… old man."

Ned smiled as Robett and Wyman chuckled. "I have no doubt that young Naruto speaks the truth. If anything, another meeting with the Lady of the Forge is one I must secure."

Naruto chuckled as Ned got up. "Please, come with me child."

The four of them had found themselves at the Godswood of the village as Ned pulled out his sword and spoke clearly as Wyman and Robett observed everything. Naruto was about to see the extent of Ned Stark's honor.

"I will ask of you no oath. However, here is my promise to you. Your village will be protected and guarded it will always find itself with food and coin and protection for what it has given the North."

"As long as I and my descendants live… you will always have a home in Winterfell. The Master Smith and Weapons Maker who will provide the North with such resources and wealth and weaponry to protect itself, that man's name will be spoken with kindness and respect. The man who has chosen to stay in the North and protect it and enrich it will have the respect of its people till his last breath. And after his last breath, I will ensure that his name is never forgotten and that his descendants are protected and loved."

"I, Ned Stark of Winterfell, grant you the land known as Sea Dragon's Point. From now on, you will be known as Lord Naruto, a friend of the North."

"And this is a promise to The Lady of The Forge. As long as she chooses to call the North her home… she will always have a place in my home. We will never bother her and we will treat her with respect and kindness."

"Young Naruto… this is my word. This is the word of a man who breathes Honor and Duty and Sacrifice. This is my word… and you can trust my word."

Naruto sighed as he brought his hand out and Ned rose and shook it. Both men nodded at one another as plans were made. It would be an interesting trek to Winterfell.

XXXXXX

Chapter End

This is the chapter everyone. Please read and review generously. I hope you all enjoy it. I apologize for the chapter being short and rough. I hope it's to your liking. Naruto has laid down the law and Ned hopes to prove that Naruto can trust him. Many interesting things are going to happen now.

Daenerys Targaryen has no intentions of conquering Westeros. Maybe she will return to claim Dragonstone, and perhaps fight during the War for the Dawn if we get there, but Dany is on her journey to prove she is worthy of Blackfyre and to end slavery in Essos. Things are about to get interesting.

Varys now has things to consider. The existence of Uzumaki Naruto… a man who is worthy of being King, has changed the game forever. He will have to change his plans or perhaps abandon them. In the end, plans are being made for the North to one day be its own Kingdom.

This story which is Part One for now, is going to focus on Naruto and his time at Winterfell and his bond with the Starks and his new betrothed. I want to write out good character moments and make a good story. Maybe Naruto and Dany also get together in the future, and maybe a third woman will get involved too. Who knows what the future holds? Please share your ideas for Naruto's time in Winterfell.

This will be the last chapter of this year. We will pick things up in the New Year. I hope you guys enjoy what is left of 2024 and have a great 2025. Stay safe and well wishes to you all.