Pokémon, Ash's art style is off!

"They were mainly attracted by the food that Teacher Gang made."

As soon as he finished speaking, all the Pokémon behind him nodded in unison.

The taste... plus Jigglypuff's mukbang performance just now.

It's just so incredibly alluring!

Upon hearing this, even the chubby guy who was lying on the ground and unable to get up raised a paw tremblingly to show his agreement.

Although her belly was already as round as a ball, she still received adequate emotional support.

Is that so?

Xiao Gang was stunned for a moment, and a rare hint of shyness appeared on his dark face.

"That would be my honor."

After all, he is a Pokémon breeder.

To have my cooking skills recognized by so many wild Pokémon.

It would be a lie to say I'm unhappy.

After looking at the shiny bottom of the pot, the Pokémon discussed it amongst themselves and finally elected a representative.

The little bear trotted forward and gently tugged at Ash's clothes with its paw.

"Eek~"

"Ok?"

Ash naturally bent down, knelt on one knee, and brought his ear close.

The little bear leaned close to his ear and whispered a few words in a volume only the two of them could hear, occasionally glancing at Xiao Gang and gesturing with its little paws.

"Oh, I see. Leave it to me!"

"Eek!"

After the communication was completed, the bear cub looked on with adoration.

Ash straightened up, turned to Brock, and solemnly relayed the story.

"Teacher Gang, they want to ask you if you can make a little more? They're a bit hungry too."

Upon hearing this, Xiao Gang couldn't help but laugh.

"Of course, no problem!"

He turned and walked toward the backpack placed to the side, his tone relaxed.

"Since we're already here, then—"

He crouched down, unzipped his backpack, and peeked inside.

The words came to an abrupt halt.

"What's wrong, Teacher Gang?"

Ash sensed something was wrong.

Xiao Gang didn't say anything, but turned his backpack upside down, then rummaged through the handbag next to it, and finally felt all the pockets.

There was a two-second silence.

"...It seems we don't have enough materials."

"what?!"

"Originally, we purchased enough for three people, plus several days' worth of Pokémon..." Brock frowned and estimated, "Now, the remaining materials are probably only enough to make seven or eight more servings."

As soon as he finished speaking, more than a dozen Pokémon eyes turned to look at him.

That look in his eyes went from expectation to disappointment.

The change was as rapid as turning the pages of a book.

"Don't...don't look at me like that..."

Xiao Gang was finding it hard to bear the gazes of those dozen or so resentful eyes.

Even the most skilled cook cannot make a meal without rice; even someone with exceptional logistical skills cannot conjure ingredients out of thin air.

Buying online is possible, but the earliest it could be done would be tonight, which is probably too late; these Pokémon probably won't be able to wait until then.

Xiaoxia looked around at the group of Pokémon whose spirits were visibly low, and tentatively made a suggestion.

"How about... we cook the rest of the ingredients and share them?"

Xiao Gang shook his head, looking troubled.

"If we share them, each Pokémon will probably only get a few bites. That's fine for a little treat, but not enough to really fill their stomachs—"

"How can that be possible!"

Xiao Zhi suddenly waved his hand and said in a righteous and stern voice.

"If others saw this, they'd think we couldn't afford it!"

Xiaoxia: "?"

It seems like nobody's watching, right?

"It's just ingredients!"

When it comes to Pokémon, Ash's CPU goes straight to the max!

His gaze fell on the dense jungle and bushes in the distance.

"Why don't we just collect the materials ourselves?"

"With such a large hunting area, there must be tree fruits, wild vegetables, and other edible things everywhere!"

Xiao Zhi clapped his hands.

"Besides—they've been around this area for a long time, so they definitely know better than us what's edible and what's not! Why don't we all go and look for it together?"

"That's right!"

Xiaoxia's eyes lit up.

Xiao Gang nodded.

"Using local materials is a good idea."

"Moreover, using local ingredients to make local food might suit their tastes better than using ingredients I brought myself."

As he said this, the corners of his mouth turned up slightly—Xiao Gang's greatest strength was precisely his ability to make use of what was available and adapt to changing circumstances.

The skill is something I honed as a child.

The Pokémon's initially low spirits began to gradually lift.

"Then it's settled!"

Xiao Zhi slapped his thigh.

"Okay! Let's all go find the ingredients, as many as we can, and then give them to Teacher Gang to cook!"

"Buli!"

Jigglypuff, with its round, chubby belly, vigorously raised one paw to indicate that it wanted to participate as well.

Although it has eaten its fill, its little brothers are still suffering!

Besides, it has been around in this area for so long, so everyone has to give it some face!

How can the leader not stand up at crucial moments?

"Alright," Ash looked at the Pokémon around him, "Let's split up and see who finds the most ingredients!"

"Let's compete! I won't lose!"

Xiaoxia immediately became interested.

Upon hearing this, Xiao Gang, who had been smiling earlier, immediately became serious.

"Well, since we're going to have a competition, it would be best to set some rules."

He glanced at Xiaoxia.

"Only take what you can eat, and whatever you do, never bring back anything poisonous."

"Xiaoxia, I think what Teacher Gang said makes sense!"

"Pickup!"

Xiaoxia: "?"

What do you mean?

......

Ash leads one team, Jigglypuff leads one team, and Misty leads one team.

The three groups split into three groups, agreeing to meet up with Xiaogang after each group found the ingredients.

About half an hour later.

There was a rustling sound coming from the bushes; Fatty was the first to return.

It led a group of minions, each Pokémon clutching a few berries or something similar.

Fatty walked at the very front, his short legs striding with great force, his round body bouncing up and down, yet he always held his head high.

See that?

See that!

This is what prestige is all about!

It only made a slight opening, without even holding a mobilization meeting, and yet it reaped so many spoils!

What is the power of appeal?

That's what you call influence!

Xiao Gang squatted down to take a look and casually praised it.