Pokémon, Ash's art style is off!

But it is a very real and pressing problem.

As dusk fully descends, dinner becomes apparent.

Especially Ash, who experienced a high-intensity battle and was extremely exhausted today.

"Gurgle—"

A loud, long rumble came from Xiao Zhi's stomach.

It stood out exceptionally clearly in the quiet countryside.

It even startled several lataurs in the bushes not far away.

"?"

Is it thundering?

But the jays weren't flying low today either.

“Pikachu…”

Pikachu glanced worriedly at its luxurious vehicle.

This car is great, but it's just too fuel-inefficient.

It then turned its head and focused its attention on the logistics personnel in the team.

"Hmm... it is indeed getting late."

Upon receiving Pikachu's signal, Xiao Gang looked up at the last rays of sunset that had almost sunk into the horizon.

"Looks like we need to figure out dinner first."

As long as it doesn't involve physical attraction, Teacher Gang is definitely the most reliable of the three.

Its reliability is comparable to Ash's high emotional intelligence regarding Pokémon status and Misty's ability to cook for Poison-type Pokémon.

Without hesitation, Xiao Gang immediately began to observe the surrounding environment.

They then chose a flat, open space that was sheltered from the wind and close to a clean water source.

They skillfully started a fire and set up the pot.

Ash and Pikachu work together to make more firewood.

Xiaoxia was being closely watched by Haixing, who was telling her not to make any move to help.

Each person performed their duties, and the scene was extremely harmonious and safe.

Soon, the campfire crackled and popped.

White steam carrying the aroma of food began to rise from the pot.

Xiao Gang puts his skills to use.

They made delicious meals with limited ingredients.

"Dinner's ready!"

At his call, the three of them and the Pokémon gathered around.

However, problems soon arose—

Ash's appetite today is... astonishingly large.

He took the full bowl of rice and devoured the first serving almost in a flash, then eagerly handed over the empty bowl.

Xiao Gang paused for a moment, then refilled his bowl.

The second bowl, the third bowl... Xiao Zhi ate quickly and attentively, his cheeks bulging, too busy eating to even speak.

Just for a moment.

The combined portion of the other two Pokémon and a group of Pokémon couldn't match the amount he ate by himself.

Even so, Ash was still touching his belly, which seemed to have changed little.

His eyes held an unfulfilled hunger as he stared longingly at the few remaining bits of food in the pot.

"Teacher Gang... could you have some more?"

Xiao Gang looked at the nearly empty pot, then at Xiao Zhi, and hesitated.

"Ash, you...aren't you full yet?"

Xiao Zhi carefully sensed it and said, somewhat uncertainly.

"Hmm... I feel like I only just ate the bare minimum, maybe... about three-tenths full?"

While the other Pokémon were still in shock—

"Shout!"

Pokémon that want to improve have already taken action.

Pidgey proactively pushed its barely touched portion of food in front of Ash, raised its head, let out a cry, and looked determined.

Starfish: "!"

It suddenly turned its body, and the gems sparkled.

We were actually a step too late!

This bird... is a formidable opponent not to be underestimated!

"Fortunately, I replenished my supplies in front of Golden City."

Xiao Gang took a deep breath.

"...Then I'll make a little more."

"Thank you, Teacher Gang, and oh, and you, Pidgey."

Ash rubbed the big bird.

"Shout!"

Pidgey puffed out its chest.

As Ash's Private First Class, this is what I should do!

It has long since moved on from the disappointment of evolving from a caterpillar into a butterfly.

As the king of the Pidgey family.

How can you be so heartbroken over a single insect!

Xiao Gang was skilled, and the second batch was quickly ready, with a larger portion than before.

But Xiao Zhi finished eating at an astonishing speed, even scraping the edge of the pot clean.

"Do you...do you still want it?"

Xiao Gang's voice sounded a little dry.

Xiao Zhi scratched his head, a little embarrassed, but nodded again.

"It seems... it's still a little short."

Xiaoxia was completely stunned.

Xiao Zhi doesn't usually eat this much, does he?

What's wrong with me today?

Xiao Gang rubbed his slightly sore wrists, looked at the few remaining ingredients, and gritted his teeth.

"...The last pot, there really wasn't much left."

For the third pot, Xiao Gang practically ransacked every nook and cranny of his backpack.

They barely managed to cobble together a small half-pot of the "ultimate mixed risotto," which was rather thin.

Ash reverently accepted the last pot and, with his usual efficient movements, fed it into his stomach.

After finishing his meal, he finally let out a long sigh of relief, but then he patted his stomach and gave his assessment.

"Hmm... I'm about 70% full."

"Seven-tenths full?!"

Xiaoxia's voice rose eight octaves.

"These three pots of rice would be enough to feed all of us and our Pokémon for two days! And you're only seven-tenths full?!"

"Three points...three points left..."

Xiao Gang was so tired that he sat down on a rock.

His face was filled with disbelief and frustration as a chef.

As a breeder, I couldn't even feed my companion properly...

Isn't this just like seeing erotic pictures but being unable to do anything about them?

Xiao Gang, Xiao Gang, how could you be such a failure!

Ash scratched his head, looking at the two who reacted very differently.

He's not usually like this.

I just feel very empty inside right now and need a lot of energy to fill it up.

He stood up and stretched his arms and legs.

"It's okay, I'll take care of the rest of my meal myself."

After saying that, he patted Pikachu and walked towards the edge of the woods where the campfire couldn't reach.

"Huh? How are you going to handle this yourself? Wait—"

Xiaoxia was worried and wanted to follow them.

"I'll be back soon!"

But Ash had already waved his hand and disappeared into the shadows of the forest.

About half an hour later, Xiao Zhi returned, seemingly still chewing on something.