It's a very good assumption! One that might have served Shinji well if he had been feeling bold enough to bother someone with the question of 'where even is anything?' earlier. That might have been a lot to ask of this shy kid, though, so it's good that he's got someone helping him along who might have fewer reservations about that kind of thing.

Even still, he's hesitant to call out to any of the robots or people who looked like they knew what they were doing. Instead, he sticks close to Kai, a little closer when they happen upon more people out and about, and keeps his attention directed to their surroundings. Maybe he'll be able to spot some kind of clue that'll lead them in the right direction!