Subaru Hoshikawa is wandering around the Hub today. Despite the milling crowds of the shopping area, there is a distinct empty circle around the young man... primarily because most people are not staggering in a direction with their arm extended and apparently pulling them along. Or arguing with said arm. Or getting an argument back.

Subaru's arm is going, "I want to see the ruins! Ruins! Ruins!" While Subaru himself, attempting to walk in the other direction (and failing) is going, "We need to do the shopping first! Once we have that done, we can go see the ruins!" Followed by a, "No! Now!" It goes back and forth like this for quite some time, though the tugging eventually slows to a more moderate level.

Ruins!? RUINS!? -- oh wait, wrong alt. Polka is also wandering around the Hub today, but with a basket full of flowers - and perhaps some packets of other things inside. She's also clearly selling the contents of that basket - there's a small stand set up not far from here, with a sign reading, "Tenuto's famous floral powder!" and whenever Polka makes a successful sale, she tucks the money into her apron pocket.

But she seems ..troubled today, probably because of what she drew at that fortune teller's booth, among other things. "Brighten your day ma'am?" She inquires of a nearby conveniently placed person. "A free packet of floral powder for every bouquet you buy," she adds, and is summarily rejected. Alas. Floral powder just isn't as popualr in the hub -- or at home for that matter. *cough*

Two hours ago, Naruto Uzumaki was ecstatic. "Oh, man, check this place out! This is gonna be the best mission I ever went on! Where should I go first? Let's see..."

One hour ago, Naruto Uzumaki was exhausted. "Whew, this 'Hub' is even bigger than I thought. I guess I better stop playing around and head to the IPA like Granny Tsunade said..."

And now? Naruto Uzumaki is lost.

The orange-and-black-clad ninja flops down on a convenient Hub bench, looking up at the sky/ceiling as he gathers his energy. "Geez, talk about huge! Forget finding the IPA, I'm gonna have trouble finding home at this rate. Maybe I oughtta finally try and figure this radio out..." As he shifts in his seat to pull it out of his pouch, he glances up and sees the young man being pulled along by his arm. What the heck? There are a few things in Naruto's world that can make someone act like that, and none of them are good. "Uh... You okay over there?" Naruto asks aloud, standing up and taking a step or two in Subaru's direction. (As of yet, he hasn't noticed Polka's presence.)

In the background is where he prefers to be, and in high traffic places like this it's easy for him to blend. His casual clothing isn't completely out of place, even if he's dressed for winter, but that's nothing to be paid much attention to since seasonal differences and choice of clothing make no difference in a place that serves as a gateway to various worlds.

His movement is slow, almost sluggish if not somewhat uneven in steps. He comes by way of the general direciton of the Paranormal Sector, winding his way semi-successfully through the crowds, not without brushing against a shoulder here, bumping one there. At one point he stops altogether to catch his breath, allowing foot traffic to pass him like water flowing around a rock in a stream.

Subaru Hoshikawa looks over at Naruto as he approaches and asks that question. Curiously, the tugging stops entirely, and the device on his arm turns to look at the orange-clad ninja as well... both sheepishly go, "Uh, yes?" in unison, apparently realizing they're not only in public, but making a HUGE scene. Subaru scratches the back of his head sheepishly with his other arm, then says, "Sorry. We sometimes get carried away when we're arguing about where to go... WAH!" The 'Wah!' being him suddenly being dragged over to Polka by the arm, the voice from his Transer going, "What's that? Floral powder? What's that do? Is it for flowers? Hey, Subaru, your mom might like it!" Subaru offers Polka and Naruto apologetic smiles as he goes back to trying to get his arm under control, hissing softly, "War-Roooock... you're going to get us in trouble!"

Polka waves a hand in Yoite's direction to get his attention, "Excuse me, would you lAH!" the 'AH' is in response to something going 'WAH!' as another boy is spied - being armhandled? Forcibly bullied by his own appendage? Either way Polka is ..rather surprised when Subaru is dragged over by his arm, and she is questioned by a.. by a.. "Um.." Polka tilts her head curiously, glancing past Subaru to the boy clad in orange, and then back to Subaru, "It's.. It's a medicinal powder," she answers finally, a bit..weirded out by the voice coming from Subaru's..device?

To his apologetic smile, Polka shakes her head dismissively - not his fault! "It's for if you're hurt or sick," she explains; not for flowers, but it is made from the flowers in Tenuto." Apparently deciding that this is just too weird for words, she finally points, "I'm sorry, but..what is that?"

With no shame whatsoever, Naruto leans in to squint at the device on Subaru's arm. "Check that out! What is it, some kind of living armor or --" Then War-Rock yanks Subaru around to see Polka; Naruto leans backward to avoid getting belted, joining the "WAH" and "AH" with a "Whoa!" of his own.

There's no way the ninja can just leave this interesting sight behind. Naruto follows Subaru over to where Polka stands, raising a hand in a casual wave as she glances at him. He catches her explanation and puts in, "Medicine, huh? That's nice! I've got a friend back home who makes medicine too." After that, he just turns toward Subaru again, as curious as Polka is to hear his explanation.

His attention is not so far gone that he doesn't notice the things happening around him. His unfocused gaze sharpens in an instant as he looks at Polka, blue eyes shifting fractionally towards Subaru as he is more or less hauled on over towards the flower girl by...his.. arm. "...." Living in the world of Nabari, he would have thought he'd seen everything.

He allows himself to stare for a moment more, mostly because it's easier for him to do so without much effort of concentration. Unconsciously, he cradles his gloved hands by his chest, taking another step or two forward finally, if only to place him out of the main flow of pedestrians. Consequently it places him closer towards the odd trio- he only then seems to take account of the third and most brightly dressed.

Subaru Hoshikawa lets out a sigh as his Transer finally stops yanking him about. War-Rock says, "Medicine, huh? Hey, that could be good for your training sessions, Subaru!" Subaru just stands there, trying to catch his breath for a second, before he holds his arm out to Polka and Naruto (and conveniently, Yoite). On the screen is a blue creature with red eyes and green flame for a 'mane', which gives the onlookers a cheerful 'V' victory and loud, "Yo!" in greeting. Subaru explains, "This is War-Rock, my partner. He and I were having a... disagreement... about doing our shopping and checking in at IPA HQ before we go ruin-exploring."

Polka chuckles at Naruto's contributed 'Whoah!' because if he had been clipped it would not have been fun at all. And exactly what is odd about Polka, aside from the fact that she's probably the youngest in the group here, and has a tendency to leap off of cliffs to save the world? In any case! When Subari holds his arm out for her and Naruto to see, Polka blinks, and hops back a step in surprise when War-Rock greets them so cheerfully. It was kind of cute in a ..weird way. "Oh! Um," she steps forward again, leaning over a bit for another look, "Hello! ..War-Rock..?" She glances up at Subaru to confirm that she got the name right.

As both he and Naruto comment about the medical powders, Polka reaches into her basket and withdraws two, offering one to each, "Ruins..? Oh! Would either of you like to try? One free complimentary package to every new customer," which is totally not how you make a profit, but there you go. Yoite is glanced towards next, curiously, "Hello..?"

Again, Naruto peers at the video screen, showing no evidence that he understands the idea of personal space. At War-Rock's greeting, though, he leans back and grins, returning the V-sign. He doesn't have much trouble with the concept after all -- his world does have TVs. (For... some reason. >_>)

Subaru's mention of the IPA doesn't pass without comment -- or more accurately, exclamation -- from Naruto. "Ah!! You know the IPA too? You gotta tell me how to get theeeere," he whines (though with a hint of mischief in his eye). "I was supposed to check in today, and I got totally lost!" Then Polka's kind offer distracts him from this sad tale, and he takes the offered packet tentatively. "Oh, uh, thanks!" He grins again and adds, "You're just as nice as my friend is, too!"

Incidentally, Naruto still fails to notice Yoite's presence. For a ninja, he's not very good at sensing things.

From where he stands, Yoite just manages to glimpse the screen shown the other two where the strange creature offers a greeting. It's only an idle observation, one he files and thinks no more of it, not really figuring it would be something the Kairoushuu would find of interest. He pays more attention to the fact that at least two of these people are representatives of the IPA. While the ninja of Nabari were more advanced in their use of media and modern technology to pass on and gather information, they still relied on the old ways of power that regarded the natural elements. The young ninja still feels that their recent excursions have been more of an excuse for his partner Kazuhiko to go exploring if not find more writing material.

His lapse in attention is quickly attuned to the girl's voice as he finds her looking his way again, and slowly he lets his hands fall to his sides, recovering for the moment from his latest backlash of his use of Kira. His posture straightens, and he arches a brow at Polka beneath the brim of his cap. "...?"

Subaru Hoshikawa accepts the complimentary package politely, tucking it into a pocket with a smile and a cheerful, "Thank you." War-Rock continues to beam at the two, enjoying the attention from them and nodding at Polka, confirming, "That's me!" Naruto's exclamation gets a startled nod and an, "Uh, sure! I was going to go there as soon as I got my shopping done anyway. Mom won't mind if I go there first, as long as I get everything home before dinner." Yoite is noticed by both when Polka calls out a greeting to him, and both human and AM-ian give polite waves to the other new face.

Fortunately Polka isn't so up front as to just try and pat War Rock or anything. That's just downright rude! Smiling brightly at the compliment from Naruto, Polka bows slightly, "Thank you!" Pause, "You're both members of the IPA?" She too, has heard of it, and while she's not a member, she is part of a group that knows of it. Yoite proves to be quiet and pretty darn creepy when he doesn't even so much as say hello (SO RUDE Yoite!).. but then Polka muses, it's possible that he's mute.

She glances at Subaru and Naruto, considering something, and opts to smile and introduce herself before she pesters Yoite further. "I'm sure you'll both be happy with that - but I hope you won't need to use it." Polka admits, "My name is Polka by the way." ... aaaaand back to Yoite! Proceeding to harass him with all the concern a healer possesses, "Are you all right?"

"Yep, just joined up!" Naruto proclaims proudly. "I'm Naruto Uzumaki, future leader of the Hidden Leaf Village! Nice to meet you both!" He nods in Subaru's direction when the boy agrees to lead him to HQ. "Thanks! Once I've been there, I oughtta be able to remember how to get back. So are you two fighters, then?" This referring to War-Rock's "training" comment from earlier. He's seen people who fight with dogs and people who fight with puppets, so this isn't much odder.

And finally Naruto notices Yoite over there to the side. He glances over curiously as Polka focuses her attention on him. Another casual wave, but nothing more for the moment.

Yoite doesn't mean to be creepy, he's just used to being quiet, and in case it hasn't been noticed, he's not all too keen about being sociable. If he hadn't been addressed by Polka, then certainly he would have ducked back into the stream of people and made his way on through the Hub. As it is, he's by now not only gained the attention of Polka, but Subaru and the odd thing on his arm. No, add one more to that tally. Blue eyes move slowly over the three faces, settling lastly upon Naruto. Future leader of the Hidden Leaf Village, he said? A ninja then? That village has been one of the off-world places his group had been told to investigate when they could, but thanks to poor directions, Yoite hasn't had the chance to just yet. He found himself in a place called Minas Tirith instead.

Skillfully making it a point not to have his attention linger too long on the bright ninja so as to make himself any more suspicious, Yoite looks back at Polka as she tries to pull him into (ugh) conversation. He nods silently, his response almost equally quiet for its tone being just barely audible above the Hub's ambiance. "I'm fine..."

Subaru Hoshikawa smiles, and says, "Thank you, Miss Polka. I'm Subaru. Subaru Hoshikawa. It's a pleasure to meet you both!" War-Rock adds, to Naruto, "We're fighters, yep! Subaru's learning hand to hand from this woman there. She's kinda weird, but she looks like she knows her stuff." Subaru whacks the Transer lightly, and mutters, "War-Rock... be nice." Which gets a horribly bad mock 'hurt' look from War-Rock, who protests, "I'm always nice! ... I'm just always honest, too!"

This is what happens when you venture ut in public! People, like Polka, try to drag you into conversation. Horrible isn't it? "Hidden Leaf Village?" Polka echoes Naruto, "And you're going to be the leader? That's amazing!" She almost, ALMOST misses Yoite's response because it was so gosh darned quiet, and even then she looks a bit skeptical, "Really? Well, here then," she peddles her free goods at Yoite, offering a packet of floral powder, "It's okay," Smile!

She then glances at Subaru and smiles behind her hand, "Well, if you'll excuse me for saying so, it is possible to be nice and honest, and some people might consider that to be a little rude." People like Subaru. Polka herself, well, she's been called weird before.

There's no need to go to the trouble, Yoite. This is Naruto. If he can't even connect the dots about Hinata, there's no way he'll notice how long you glance at him. "Ehehe, thanks!" he says to Polka. "Technically it's not official yet, but it's only a matter of time before everyone recognizes how great I am!" Not much for modesty, is he?

Naruto then turns to listen to Subaru's partner. "Someone at IPA, huh? I heard there were a lotta fighters there. Maybe we can trade tips some time! I'm just finishing up a two-and-a-half year training trip, myself!" He grins as if nothing at all is weird about going off that long to train. Which it isn't, where he comes from!

It's merely out of habit that he remains so wary. He would have behaved just the same were it just Subaru and Polka there, although from what he's gathered of Naruto thus far, Yoite isn't sure what to think about the young ninja, really.

The packet that is handed to him is given a long look of appraisal as if Yoite is trying to somehow see the contents through its neat packaging. What's he supposed to do with this? He doesn't ask the question, but the mild expression that surfaces on his face says as much for him. Belatedly it occurs to him that he should probably make some effort to thank the girl, regardless of whether he wanted it or not, and so he does, offering a soft thanks.

Subaru Hoshikawa smiles a bit sheepishly, and notes, "I don't think our fighting style would be very adaptable to yours, unfortunately. It relies on a few conditions that are mostly unique to us." War-Rock nods, not elaborating, but calls out to Yoite, "Hey! You over there! Who're you? C'mon, its not nice to just stand there without introducing yourself!" Subaru smacks the Transer once again, muttering yet again, "War-Roooooock..." He then turns to Naruto and asks, "What was your training trip like? I've never really gone that far from home for any length of time..." Or left the home much for the past three years, but he doesn't add that.

War Rock is only sayin' what everyone's thinking! Polka is aware of the confusion on the other boy's face, which is probably why she smiles, "If you're not feeling well or you're hurt, you can take the - either rub it on your wounds, or you drink it in some tea. You'll feel better very quickly, I promise." Maybe not as fast as Mineral powder, but you won't have the side effect of turning into hideous mindless monsters either. She stifles a soft laugh at War Rock, and then glances at Naruto (and his total LACK of humility.), "Oh, Um -- I .. suppose so?" She offers tactfully. After all if he says he's great..! "You were training for that long? It must have been hard." And lonely. But Subaru also asks the question that had been on her mind, so she doesn't ask - though like Subaru, Polka'd never really gone on a trip by herself before - until meeting Chopin anyway.

Naruto tilts his head at Subaru curiously. "You mean, like a... bloodline limit or something?" When he and Polka both ask about the training trip, Naruto puts his hands behind his head and looks off into the distance, smiling as he thinks back over the time he's spent with Jiraiya. "Well, it sure hasn't been easy. My teacher I've been traveling with is a real taskmaster -- and he's a real pervert, too. But he knows his stuff! I've gotten way stronger since I left Hidden Leaf! And I'd never really left the village before, so it was fun to see all the new places we went to."

The smile turns back into a huge grin. "And now that Granny Tsunade's got me doing missions for the IPA, I'm gonna see even more new places than before!" Naruto definitely appears to be looking forward to it.

Ah, so that's what you do with it. Yoite is looking down at the packet in his hand again, but he nods at the instructions of the powder's use. Maybe Kazuhiko might appreciate it. Who knows, maybe he'll even try it himself. The tall boy pockets the package and looks back quietly at the others. He's content to listen to the others, especially since Subaru and Polka are handling questions towards Naruto. This makes things much easier for him since he doesn't have to ask any questions himself to learn anything more about the boy, and Naruto certainly seems only too happy to talk.

Subaru Hoshikawa considers Naruto's question. He eventually nods, hesitantly. Then listens raptly as Naruto goes on about his experiences. He smiles, "Working with the IPA definitely lets you meet new people and see new places, yeah." War-Rock notes, "Yeah, so far we've met weird robot-lady, and now you three! Not to mention all those people on the radio who keep thinking I'm an AI. Jerks, the lot of them!" Subaru reddens yet again, and whacks the Transer once more. He then looks around, and says, "Um, if you'd like, I can pay for coffee or tea for everyone in the cafe over there, so we're out of the middle of the road?" He looks to Polka, and says, "If that's okay with you, Miss Polka? It won't hurt your business, will it?"

Naruto's another one who's not traveled before then? "I've never traveled far from my home in Tenuto before either," she smiles to the ninja, "Certainly not for so long. But now I get to meet a lot of people and see a lot of things - I think that's the best part of leaving home. Being able to experience so many things," she approves of the ninja so far. He's so cheerful! And colorful! Even if the bright orange beats the purpose of sneakiness, it just means Naruto's so awesome, he doesn't need more subtle colors - or something.

At War Rock's complaint, Polka smiles, "I'm sorry. . but ..well.." Hrm. "Maybe they just don't understand..what it is you are exactly." It's a little weird to carry on such a conversation, so when Subaru makes the offer, she smiles, "Oh, all right! It's fine, I've been working all morning so I can take a break," in fact, she should or she'll be laid up in bed sick from exhaustion. Again. Glancing to Yoite, the girl tilts her head, "Would you like to join us?" More exposure to social conversations! Oh the horror!

"Robot? AI? What're those?" Naruto looks momentarily lost. Seems we've found a couple of things his world doesn't have. Well, he shrugs off the confusion after only a moment, returning to the conversation with Polka. "Yeah, definitely! Hidden Leaf's okay, but after twelve years I knew the place like the back of my hand. It's probably changed since I was there last, though..."

At Subaru's offer, Naruto grins. "That'd be great! Thanks! I haven't had anything to eat since I took off for the Gate." He won't make Subaru pay for the food, though; he's already reaching into his pocket to pull out a coin purse. Shaped like a fat froggy. "I wonder if they take ryou here..." he mutters to himself. Polka mentions her work, and that makes Naruto glance up from his wallet to her flower stand. "Say, Polka, you need a hand with the stand or anything? If we're gonna go over to the cafe..."

Travel. Yoite's done his fair share, and just in these last few weeks he's been through quite a number of gates and seen many things that were new and equally foreign to him. The gate he'd just come from not too long ago had been one of the more familiarly established places- at least in that it bore no drastic difference to the modern cities of Japan in his world. He almost got run over by a car but the bald guy he had been fighting with at the time was crazy enough to throw him back towards the sidewalk. He hadn't been the first of strange encounters, for certain, but he had thus far been the most interesting. Yoite would have to keep an eye out for him.

In the meantime the prospect of getting something to drink if not eat appeals to him. Perhaps this place would have some food selections too. Begrudgingly he decides to deal with his present company a while longer, nodding at Polka since she's the one that asks him directly.

Subaru Hoshikawa smiles as his offer is accepted. Making his way over, he opens and holds the door for everyone. He notes to Naruto, "I'll pay. I make a lot of money helping people out for some reason... I guess they don't expect it, so they are really grateful." War-Rock notes to Naruto, "Robots are metal people. AI are people made out of computer programs. There's lots of info on them in libraries." Subaru adds his own, "They'll take all kinds of money here in the Hub. They have to, since all kinds of people come through." That Yoite joins is also a good reason to smile... Yoite reminds Subaru of himself until very recently when he met War-Rock.

Polka has been in the hub perhaps longer than Naruto so she has a .. tiny grasp of A.I. things. Her world doesn't have them mind, so she's still a little weirded out, but seeing as the little device was so offended, she didn't bring it up. She claps her free hand over her mouth when she sees Naruto's wallet purse, smothering a laugh. Good lord that .. just.. she just.. REALLY didn't expect to see that. A woman perhaps, but a guy?

Quickly swallowing back her laugh when Naruto makes his offer, her eyes brighten, "Oh! I'd appreciate it very much, thank you!" Fortunately the stand is on wheels. She's gotta bring it with her between Tenuto and the Hub after all. She glances at War Rock for his explanation, and hrms, "I knew someone who was a robot." Little Signal! She glances at Subaru then, "Are you sure it's okay to pay for all of us?" She smiles brightly when Yoite agrees - in his quiet way - to come along with them. "Oh, um. I don't think we ever got your name." NO ESCAPE. N-O-E-S-C-A-P-E!

Metal people, "computer programs"... Naruto doesn't say anything as he follows Subaru toward the cafe, but the expression on his face makes it abundantly clear that he has no clue what that means. He stores the confusing ideas away for later (or, more likely, to be forgotten until the next time someone mentions them). The important thing right now is to take care of that stand for Polka! He nods at her, tucking his coin purse away again, and puts his hands together in an odd shape. "Shadow Clone Art!" he calls out, and a cloud of smoke appears...

...And when the smoke clears away a second later, there are two Narutos standing next to each other. "You know what to do!" one Naruto says to the other, who replies, "Right!" and runs across the Hub toward Polka's stand. As that Naruto starts closing up the stand and getting it ready to roll, the one who stayed with the group goes on with them as if nothing had happened. "Yeah, I can pay for mine if the bill gets too big. I am pretty hungry, after all!"

The young ninja moves to follow after them, pausing only when Polka thinks to ask his name. He considers at length, then finally responds with, "Yoite." Names aren't so much of a secretive thing even within the Nabari, and it makes no difference if it comes to cause him trouble later on. He'll just have to deal with it.

Naruto is given a look as he goes to tend to other business first, that being the ninja actually does something ninja-ish. In public. Gasp. Well, no big deal. Or at least, Yoite makes no big deal of it, but he does watch. Hm. After a moment, he resumes entering the cafe thing.

Subaru Hoshikawa files Yoite's name away for reference, smiling at Polka's tenacity to get the young... ninja? ... to talk. He somehow manages to hold the other door as well, so that Polka's stand can be brought into the cafe. If the owner objects, well, there will be glaring... and War-Rock slipping out of the Transer to loom behind him. Even when people can't see him, having THAT hovering behind them growling makes them feel insecure. Both of them watch in awe as Naruto clones himself with just simple hand gestures, and War-Rock says, "... Maybe he CAN learn a couple of our abilities..." pensively.

What a relief that Polka managed to not die laughing at the sight of that purse. Now that it's put away, it's even easier not to giggle. And she had totally planned on helping Naruto pull the cart, but - it seems that's not even necessary, "Aah!" Is her surprised, and impressed, exclamation when Naruto clones himself and sends it off to bring the stand over. ".. Wa.. how did you -" Polka glances from Naruto #1 to Naruto #2, then back to Naruto #1, "Wow! That was amazing!"

Polka's got a talent for getting people to talk apparently - heck, she got a crazy serial killer who was trying to kill her to spill part of his life story, which was unusual enough! The stand isn't huge, so it shouldn't be TOO in the way and if it is - well they can park it by a window, right? She just doesn't want to be troublesome for anyone. "Thank you so much Naruto!" Polka smiles, glancing towards Yoite and Subaru to let them and Naruto head in ahead of her.

After a few moments, Naruto #2 finishes packing the stand up, wheeling it across the plaza to catch up with Naruto #1 and the others. The clone vanishes with another "poof", and the original takes over for him, bringing the stand along as they're led to a small table by a window. The waitress gives the stand a glance that seems a bit disapproving, but she doesn't say anything against it.

Naruto grins and scratches the back of his head; he'd actually totally forgotten that people out here wouldn't necessarily be familiar with his ninja techniques. "Thanks! That's gotten to be one of my best skills over the years. You wouldn't believe how useful it can be in a fight! And it saves me some time getting chores done, too!" Of course, he's not exactly the best at keeping up with his chores. But when he does do them, the Shadow Clones help out a lot. Naruto waves a hand at the thanks. "No trouble at all, Polka! Call it payment for the medicine you gave me."

Subaru Hoshikawa enters last, due to holding doors. Once a table is found, he holds a chair out for Polka. Seems someone (probably his Mom) trained some manners into him. Once Polka is settled comfortably, he grabs a chair for himself and sits down. He sits so that his Transer, flipped open, can face everyone else comfortably. Thus not leaving War-Rock out of the conversation. In fact, when the menus are delivered, a little electronic one pops up inside the Transer with War-Rock, who peruses it studiously and with a comically grim determination, as if the wrong choice will lead to a horrible demise for all.

"All right," Polka nods at Naruto amicably, smiling. As for that look that they got for having the stand inside - Eheh; she suspected the woman might not approve, and that's probably why she bows twice, both in greeting and apology, before she follows after the others to the table. And as Subaru pulls out a chair for her, she smiles. She'll have to tell Chopin how nice Subaru and Naruto are. Well that's polite! Polka approves; clearly Subaru was raised right. "Thank you," Polka smiles warmly as she sits at the table with her new friends. And by some miracle she does _not_ laugh at War Rock's intense study of the menu. That's just too cute. "I think I'll just have some tea." She notes to the pair, seeing as she's not terribly hungry anyway.

Thank you, Subaru, for making up for Naruto -- who had nobody to train anything resembling manners into him until the ninja academy. He picks up the menu before him and peruses it with similar intensity to War-Rock's... An exclamation breaks the silence: "Aw, man! They don't have any ramen! Ah, well, let's see..." More examination of the menu, and Naruto taps several items with a finger as his eyes go down the list. He's probably just narrowing down the choices, not planning to order all of those. ... Hopefully, anyway.

Subaru Hoshikawa's perusal of the menu is swift and simple, and he replies to Polka's statement with, "I'm going to have some coffee. I already had dinner at home." War-Rock speaks up with, "I think I'll try some coffee too. This place serves a version I can drink!" He sounds rather excited, which is understandable... not many places outside of the Hub (and a few enlightened worlds) serve food and drinks for EM life forms. Both set their menus down neatly, and Subaru asks, "So what brings you to the Hub, Miss Polka? I don't mean to pry, but it isn't exactly a place most people visit unless they have business here..."

Polka grins at War Rock, then glances at Naruto a little worriedly. Surely he .. didn't have _THAT_ huge an appetite? Ahaha Polka, growing boys eat a lot! But even the growing boys she knew didn't eat so much! It's insane! Lifting a hand to the napkin on the table, she delicately covers her mouth as she sneezes lightly, coughs once, and turns to Subaru, "Excuse me," phew. "Um, well.." She wants to see as many places as she can before she dies! ..is not something she wants to say. "I want to spread the knowledge of Tenuto's floral powders to a lot of people - and more importantly, I'd like to see and experience a lot of new things that I can't by staying home.

Well, this is a boy who can regularly down three or four bowls of ramen in one sitting. He's a shounen protagonist, it's kind of expected. Naruto seems to have made up his mind by the time the others finish speaking, and he sets his menu down to rejoin the conversation. "Sounds like a good reason to me! Next time I get in a fight, I'll see how your powder helps out." He leans forward a bit as he shares his own reasons for coming through. "I wanna see new things too, but I'm also here as a... Granny Tsunade called it a... 'diplomatic envoy'. She wants me to help the IPA out with missions and stuff so Hidden Leaf can build a good alliance with 'em. And I wanna help people out too, of course!" he laughs.

Subaru Hoshikawa smiles, and since everyone else has, shares with, "I... want to find my Dad. He's out in space somewhere, and we don't have what we need to find him back home. So since I like helping people, and War-Rock was willing, we came to the IPA... Hopefully while we're helping them, they can help us find Dad." He trails off, and War-Rock adds, "Plus it gets us out of the house and away from the Student President, which is always good... Scary woman, that." Subaru reddens slightly, but does NOT whack the Transer for that one. Until, of course, War-Rock adds cheerfully, "But Harp Note will be around, so at least one of Subaru's ladyfriends will be there." THAT gets him a whack to the casing.

Polka grins brightly at Naruto, "All right. I still hope you won't need to use it," she'd hate for the people to get hurt, even though that's pretty much what would keep her in business. Sort of. "If you ever need anymore, I'm always in the Hub, and I'd be happy to give you more." Polka replies, cheerfully. She looks towards Subaru for his response, and smiles, "I hope you find your father, Subaru. In fact, I'm sure you will." Polka never knew hers; she only had a mom. And aww, he's got a giiiiiiiirl friend. How cute! But after that, she settles back waiting for her tea, amidst chatter.

At Subaru's admission, Naruto's expression turns a little wistful. He never knew his mom or dad (not that he's trying to one-up the others or anything), and he thinks back to one afternoon in the orphanage, when he'd tried to set out on a quest to track them down... Naruto quickly returns the customary grin to his face, though. "Yeah, me too, Subaru. If there's any way I can help out, just say the word!"

The bright-colored ninja glances over to the waitress, who's ready to take his order. It ends up not being as bad as Polka had feared -- he only orders three items before giving her the menu. That complete, Naruto reclines in his seat, relaxing with his first new friends outside the Gate.