"Straight to business," Gaman joked mildly, tilting her head at Shigeru. She had a bit of a piercing gaze, not unlike a vulture, but she didn't seem unfriendly. "I can see why you chose this one, Shimako. He seems responsible." The great bird ruffled her feathers, standing up straighter. "I focus primarily on physical combat. Taijutsu, you humans call it. I excel in ninjutsu as well. Many of us hawks train in the realm of trading talons."
"She's a very agile foe, too. If you ever need to practice your aim, or your reaction speed, she's a good partner," Shimako informed Shigeru, patting Gaman's wing. "No need to worry about hurting her, because she's also very tough."
Gaman laughed. "You're already sicking the kid on me?"
"Not yet," Shimako hummed. "Do you think Kin and Gin will approve of him signing the contract?"
Gaman ruffled her feathers again. "You know how they are. You're practically a daughter to Gin. She'd let you get away with anything. Kin will throw a fit, but he threw one when you were brought in, too." She leaned down to be at eye-level with Shigeru when she spoke. "If the old bird offers to train with you, it's a trick. He'll try to kill you to make you prove you're strong enough."
"He tried that on me," Shimako confirmed, with a sigh. "I won't let him do that to you, though!"
With the blessings of at least one of the hawks extended, Shimako produced the contract of the hawks. She was the only name currently upon the contract - the hawks did not trust humans lightly. She extended it to Shigeru.
"It requires a signature in blood. I'll have to introduce you to the elders and Agana another day, when we begin your training." Usually she wasn't the type to say better to ask forgiveness than permission, but she'd been speaking with the hawks for a while about her intent to train apprentices. This wouldn't really come as a surprise to any of them, even the grouchy old Kin.