Operation Apple, Commence!

""Barter?""

"With deers?" Ko questions perplexedly.

"How?" Naori asked confusedly.

"Well, I did say they are smart. Smart to the extent of understanding human words. Just that they can't read or talk like summons do, and cannot perform ninja arts like ninken or ninneko can," I replied.

I raised a finger, "We do know that there are apples, and it may be their main source of food, and we know that some grass, leaves, some twigs and vines, and even flowers or weeds can supplement their diet as well."

Internally in Ko's and Naori's brain were loud with 'NO WE DID NOT KNOW'.

"Also, as we saw, there are berry bushes that the deers are eating from as well. BUT! Apples and berries are a few of their favorite food, but is definitely not their most preferred one!"

"And pray tell, how did you know that?" Ko groaned out.

"You both should know I graduated early, but went out travelling before coming back here, right?"

"I heard", Naori said, while Ko just nodded in answer.

"I had entered the origin summon lands of the Nara deers before, and got to learn about them." I scratched my cheek in embarrassment.

Again, internally in Ko's and Naori's brain were loud with 'THAT'S NOT SOMETHING YOU CASUALLY SAY'.

"Their favorites are nuts. Specifically acorns, beechnuts, hickory nuts and pecans. Especially acorns from oak trees", I continued, ignoring their dubious stares. "From what I can see currently, there are pine, cedar, and cypress, meaning they lack their favorite treat! So, we just have to trade acorns for the apples! Simple!"

"And", Ko sighed out. "How do we get the acorns in a place without oaks?"

I went silent for a moment, before opening my mouth. "Well, since we'll be a team in the future, I guess it'll be okay for me to tell you ...?"

And once again, with creepy unanimity and unity, much more so for a Hyuga and Uchiha, they both gave me another stare with screams their innermost thoughts of 'YOU HAVE ALREADY SPAT OUT A SHIT TON OF NEWS, WHAT'S ANOTHER ONE'?

"Em-hrm!" I looked away from their burning gazes. "I have a summon, whose land is abundant with all sorts of nuts, berries, fruits and fauna. It's not that difficult to get a bowl's worth or two of acorns."

Naori looked on conflictedly, "Are we allowed to get external help though ...?"

"Well, he didn't say no. Sensei only said no to harm, and I see no harm in that", I added. "Plus, summons ARE part of a shinobi's arsenal, should they have them. So I don't see why not."

Both Ko and Naori then nodded in tandem, agreeing with my logic.

"Kuchiyose no Jutsu!"

*poof*

"Kanako-nya, you called?" Chiisa, the ever floofy red panda looked up to me and spoke.

"Un, could you go back and help me get some acorns? Preferably more than a bowl please."

"Got it. Be right back!"

*poof*

Chi unsummoned herself to get the nuts, and I glanced at my new teammates to see their reaction.

Priceless.

I say - just priceless.

Naori, as expected, has her hand and fingers twitching. Her eyes gleamed with a certain predatory look, that a fellow compatriot like me could identify as a predator of fluff.

My friend!

Ko, however, was a little unexpected. But nonetheless worthwhile.

His face and eyes are as stoic as ever. Hands by his side. Being so darn normal.

But if you look closely, hidden by his clenched fists, his thumb and index finger were rubbing against the fabric of his outfit.

I swear, it looked like the color is going to be rubbed off at this rate.

And that says something, considering that his shirt is white.

"Pftt!" I almost let out a giggle, which thankfully was averted by the arrival of Chii once more.

*poof*

"Chii is back!"

"Nari! Nari as well!"

Chii arrived with a brown ferret, known as Nari.

One could see why, as both cuties who are currently gown to the size of a two year old, are each carrying a fully packed sack the same height as themselves.

"Arigatou, Chii, Nari. I'll make some candied cranberries and nuts when I return."

""Weehee!""

They both started swinging and fwoofing their tails in joy, while flapping their ears.

"Ja-nya, we'll go back first. Call me again when the treats are done, Kanako-nyu!"

"Bye, Kanako-nyo! And Kanako's friends-ku!"

They waved their little paws, and poofed off.

I slung the two bags of acorns behind me, and turned to Ko and Naori.

"Let's get going, shall we?"

And we all embarked towards the center of the forest.