" Can't I stay home, Jay?" Mia whined as Jay combed her hair.

Jay sighed. " I know you wish you could stay here. But we have to work on your social skills."

" I'm a ninja, Jay. I don't need social skills!" Mia whirled around.

Jay sighed. " They asked for all of us to be there. Including you."

Mia harumohed, but Jay just smiled.
---------------

Mia grumbled as Jay led her toward the playground, his patience wearing thin. "Look, Mia! Some kids your age!" Jay pointed to a group of children playing nearby. "Why don't you play with them?"

Mia scowled, crossing her arms. "But I want to talk politics."

Kai, who had been nearby, overheard and chuckled. "I don't think I've seen a kid who likes politics."

Mia shrugged nonchalantly. "There's always a first time. Come on, I want to see the rumors."

Jay shook his head. "No, Mia. You need to socialize with the other kids. It's important."

With a frustrated growl, Mia turned on her heel and ran toward a large tree at the edge of the park. She swiftly climbed up, settling herself comfortably on a sturdy branch. From her elevated perch, she pulled out a book she had brought with her, one filled with political theories and current events. She flipped through the pages, deeply engrossed in her reading.

Not long after, two familiar figures approached the base of the tree. Nelson and Rose, both looking a bit disheveled from their own attempts at socializing, spotted Mia. Rose looked up, a determined glint in her eye. "I don't want to play with the other kids. I want to talk politics."

Nelson, looking equally resolute, nodded in agreement. "Same here."

Mia's face brightened as she saw them. "Then come up! We can talk in peace."

Nelson and Rose exchanged glances before Nelson began climbing the tree with ease, followed closely by Rose. Soon, all three were settled comfortably among the branches, their conversation flowing freely about political theories, current events, and their own opinions on various topics.

Below, Lloyd and Kai watched the scene unfold. Lloyd raised an eyebrow, clearly surprised. "Wait, she's actually going to talk politics? That girl is... well, into politics."

Kai nodded, shaking his head with a smirk. "I know, right? Who would've thought?"

From the tree, Mia's laughter and animated discussion were clearly audible, adding a light-hearted contrast to the serious nature of her conversation. Jay, watching from a distance, sighed with a resigned smile. "Welp, it is what it is."

He walked over to Lloyd and Kai, who were still watching the trio. "At least she's happy and engaged in something she loves."

Lloyd nodded thoughtfully. "True. As long as she's enjoying herself and interacting with friends, that's what matters."

Kai added with a chuckle, "It's good to see Mia finding her own way to connect with others. Even if it's through politics."

Jay smiled, appreciating the supportive words. "Yeah. And I guess it's nice that she's found a few like-minded friends."

* Two hours later*

Two hours later, the sun was high in the sky, and it was lunchtime. As Jay and the others made their way to the picnic area, they were stunned by the sight before them. Mia, Nelson, and Rose were seated at a table with plates full of adult food-grilled chicken, salads, and even some gourmet sandwiches-while the other kids at the playground were munching on slices of pizza and simpler fare.

Jay's eyes widened in disbelief as he approached the table. "What?!"

Mia looked up, her mouth full of food, and blinked innocently. "What?"

Jay stammered, "I... Bu... What?!"

The other ninja, having caught sight of the unusual lunch selection, were equally taken aback. Kai's jaw dropped slightly, and he exchanged a look with Lloyd, who was just as surprised.

Nelson shrugged, his mouth full of a sandwich. "We wanted something different."

Rose nodded in agreement, taking a bite of her salad. "Yeah, the pizza didn't look appetizing."

Jay was still struggling to process the situation. "But... you're not supposed to be eating adult food. This was meant for the grown-ups."

Mia raised an eyebrow and continued eating, unfazed. "Well, we prefer this. It's tastier, and we've been out here for a while."

Kai finally found his voice, shaking his head in amazement. "Well, I guess you three are just different."

Lloyd walked over, chuckling softly as he saw the scene unfold. "Looks like they've found their own way to enjoy lunch."

Jay, still a bit flustered, sighed and nodded. "I suppose so. Just... don't make a habit of it. And remember, we need to make sure everyone gets a balanced meal."

Mia, with a cheeky grin, simply replied, "Got it. But for now, I'm just enjoying this."

As the other ninja joined them at the table, the mood lightened, and they began to relax, accepting the quirky choice of lunch. Jay shook his head with a smile, realizing that Mia's unique approach was just another part of what made her special.

After lunch, the group made their way back to the main area, where the host was organizing a series of fun games for the kids. The host, with a friendly smile, approached Mia, Nelson, and Rose, inviting them to join in.

"Hey there! Would you like to play some games with the other kids?" the host asked cheerfully.

Mia, sitting comfortably on a grassy knoll, shook her head. "Thank you for asking, but I'm fine up here."

Nelson and Rose nodded in agreement. "Yeah, we're good," Nelson said, leaning back against a tree.

Jay, who had been watching from a distance, came over with a hopeful expression. "Come on, Mia! Have fun with the others!"

Mia looked up at him, her gaze steady. "I am having fun, J.J."

Jay blinked, momentarily taken aback. "But... you're not doing any of the activities."

Mia shrugged and continued to chat with Nelson and Rose about the latest political developments. "This is fun for me."

Jay sighed, realizing he might not fully understand Mia's idea of fun, but he decided to let it be. He joined the other ninja who were already getting involved in the games, while Mia and her friends continued their lively discussion on the knoll, content in their own way.

As the afternoon wore on, Jay glanced over and saw Mia genuinely enjoying herself, even if it wasn't in the way he expected. He smiled, recognizing that Mia's happiness came from doing what she loved, even if it meant staying away from the typical activities.

As the afternoon sun cast a warm glow over the park, Mia, Nelson, and Rose spotted a familiar sight: Blackie sleepwalking near the edge of the park. Blackie, eyes half-closed and tail swaying, was making his way towards the street where a car was slowly approaching.

Without hesitation, Mia jumped up from her spot and sprinted towards Blackie. "No, Blackie!" she shouted, rushing to intercept him.

Nelson and Rose followed closely, their eyes wide with concern.

Mia reached Blackie just in time. She scooped him up with a firm grip, pulling him away from the car. Blackie meowed in his sleep, oblivious to the commotion, and snuggled closer to Mia.

Nelson looked at Mia with admiration. "You really saved him."

Rose nodded, still catching her breath. "That was impressive!"

Mia, holding Blackie close, let out a sigh of relief. "He's always sleepwalking when I least expect it. Good thing I saw him in time."

The car, having come to a stop, honked lightly and then drove off. Mia gently placed Blackie back on the ground, who yawned and stretched, finally waking up.

"Thanks, Mia," Blackie meowed, blinking up at her.

Mia ruffled Blackie's fur with a smile. "Just don't go wandering off like that again, okay?"

With Blackie safely in tow, Mia, Nelson, and Rose returned to their spot. Jay, who had witnessed the rescue from a distance, walked over with a relieved smile. "Everything okay?"

Mia nodded, still holding Blackie close. "Yeah, just had to save my sleepwalking cat from a close call."

Jay chuckled and patted her shoulder. "Good job, Mia."