"-Oh you are sneaky! I like you!"

She smiles, and Akachii chirps, headbutting Ant. "My granddaughter is not, actually, as reckless as she was acting. Still, this is a test most shinobi fail. You did well for yourself, and have shown that you will value our lives and safety."

Ant laughs and snuggles Akachi again. "Of course! Not valuing the lives and safety of your friends and allies just seems foolish."

"It is a startlingly common folly, especially when you mean to impress those allies."

"You may stay here for a time, if you wish, and learn our language, or you may return to your world, with our contract and blessing. Either path is open, and neither path excludes eventually walking the other."

"I should probably get back before Ira starts worrying, but I'd love to come back and learn your language some time! And get to know you better!"

"We'd love to have you." And she explains how to return to Ant's world.

Well then, Ant will return to the world, excited and bouncy. Which isn't that much different from eir normal state, but.

"How'd it go?"

"I got a contract with the red pandas!"

"Awesome! Are they cute?"

"The cutest. And so sneaky!"

"Best combination!"

"Exactly. So now we have: cats, red pandas, a truly awesome number of books, an eldritch abomination, and out wit, charm and good looks. We're unstoppable."

"World won't know what hit it."