Chapter 363: Chapter 363
“This year’s Big Eater Challenge is a serious event—everyone, stay sharp!” The supervisor barked through a megaphone.
The trio saluted in unison. “Understood!” Once the supervisor walked off, the three finally exhaled.
“We thought we could sneak in some free food after getting hired, but it’s so much work, nya~” Meowth sighed. “Don’t be ridiculous!” Jessie snapped. “This is our budget-raising operation—it’s for our future!” “Exactly! Work a few more jobs and we’ll have enough to build our next robot!” James chimed in.
Suddenly, Meowth’s jaw dropped. “C-c-Commander!” “No slacking!” Jessie thumped Meowth on the head. “Using the Commander as a shield won’t work!” “Commander, sir!” James stiffened to attention.
Jessie froze, turned around just about to scream— But James and Meowth lunged just in time to cover her mouth.
“What brings you here, nya?” “I should be the one asking that…” Lu Ye sighed. “Didn’t I have you guys sell Trainer Cards before Christmas? No way you’ve fallen this far into working part-time?”
Back during the P1 Grand Prix before Christmas, James had showcased his merchant spirit, combining PTCG cards with League Trainer Cards. Based on a 70/30 revenue split, Lu Ye held onto 30% for safekeeping, and the rest became the trio’s project fund. It was a decent chunk of money—but now…
Lu Ye eyed the trio’s gaunt faces, his lip twitching. “You guys went after Pikachu again?” “Well, not exactly,” James scratched his head. “We made a new robot with the funds, originally to catch the twerp.” “But when Meowth made his grand entrance,” Meowth added, “we ran into a group of poachers also going after Pikachu.” “So we teamed up with the twerp and took those poachers down!” Jessie declared proudly… then slumped. “But the robot blew up… and our budget went up in flames too…” “Don’t worry, sir—we will deliver Pikachu to you!” James vowed. “Sonansu!!”
Lu Ye paused. Oh man… this is the classic crossover plot! With these three well-meaning idiots, maybe Team Rocket’s reputation really would improve.
“I’ve told you so many times—I don’t need Pikachu. Just take care of yourselves.” Lu Ye rubbed his temples. “I’ll transfer your 30% share into your account. But no weird gadgets, got it?”
The trio stared, stunned. “Commander! ﾍ(;´Д｀ﾍ)”
“Also, about the League Conference—you guys should look into it.” Lu Ye said casually, “Set up a booth, maybe you’ll make a killing.” “You’re competing, right? Don’t worry—we’ll gather data on all your rivals, nya!” “We’ll collect it in the name of Trainer Card design—catch them off guard!” “Heh heh, feels so sneaky~~”
Lu Ye cut off their delusions and glanced at the now-busy main stage. “The contest’s about to start. Shouldn’t you be helping?” “Oh no! The supervisor’s gonna kill us!” James clutched his cap and bolted. “Darn you, James! Sneaking off first, nya~!”
The three dummies rushed off to the kitchen to help prepare dishes for the Big Eater Contest.
Backstage kitchen. Brock, wearing a chef’s apron, squinted as he looked at the trio. “You three… look familiar.” The trio broke into cold sweats.
“Forget it,” Brock looked down, serious. “There’s a real monster in this year’s contest—we need plenty of food ready!” “Really? That kid—Ash’s Snorlax doesn’t look all that scary,” Jessie said. “No,” Brock replied gravely, eyes rising to the kitchen screen.
On-screen, Marnie, her blond twin braids and dress gently fluttering, blushed as she stared at her toes. Ampharos waved its tiny arms at the media, “Myaa-mew~”
“That one—she’s the Big Eater Champion who’s won three years in a row!” Brock narrowed his eyes.
Competitor’s Tunnel. Gengar was flailing his claws at Snorlax, trying to provoke it. “Gengarr!” “Snor… (￣—￣)” Snorlax just rubbed its belly, unfazed.
Ash, fists clenched and full of fire: “Even if it’s Mr. Lu—we’re not losing!” Lu Ye nodded in agreement.
According to the rules, Trainers had to compete alongside their Pokémon. Clearly, he was the one dragging Gengar down.
With his Ultimate Rookie stats, Ash was basically a monster at eating too.
“I’m just here for the ride.” Lu Ye shrugged, turning his head. “The one you really have to beat is Miss Marnie.”
“U-um…” Marnie’s blush spread to her ears as she shyly nodded hello. “Mr. Lu, Ash… g-good afternoon.” “Oh, Miss Marnie, long time no see!” Ash grinned. “But Snorlax and I won’t hold back!” “Snor~ (￣—￣)” Snorlax yawned and sniffed.
“Gengarr~ (╯▽╰)” Gengar pulled out a Pokéblock and slowly licked it with his tongue. “Snor… (╥﹏╥)” Snorlax shed a tear, tortured by a delicious smell it couldn’t have.
“Yo, Mr. Lu!” A pink-haired girl in light clothing entered with a Medicham. “This is…” Ash, who hadn’t been to Sinnoh yet, blinked. “The fighter—Ali!” Ali grinned, extending her hand to Ash. “Nice to meet you!”
Suddenly, Ali shivered and rubbed her bare upper arms. Lu Ye gave her a side glance, a little moved. Wearing a tank top in this cold? That’s brutal…
“Miss Ali, I won’t lose to you!” “Heh, Medicham and I haven’t eaten in three days for this contest!” You just wanted to save three days’ worth of food, didn’t you?
Lu Ye shook his head and looked toward the excited audience outside the tunnel.
“Ladies and gentlemen, the annual Big Eater Challenge officially begins!” The announcer’s voice boomed. “Prizes include rare held items, TMs, and special incense! Who will claim them? Let’s find out!”
“First up is Ash from Pallet Town and his Snorlax! Whoa! Didn’t expect this rookie to be such a heavyweight!”
Ash flipped his cap backwards and nodded to Snorlax. “Let’s do this, Snorlax!” It’s just eating… no need to act like it’s a boss battle...
Lu Ye cleared his throat and stepped on stage, Gengar now holding two spoons. “Gengarr! Ψ(￣∀￣)Ψ” Lu Ye: “You swiped those from the Psychic Gym?” Gengar nodded smugly. Lu Ye sighed. Every spoon used is one less Kadabra... No trade, no harm!
Lu Ye’s entrance was met with loud cheers. One, because the guy was stupidly handsome. Two, because he had plenty of fans in Vermilion City.
“Go, Mr. Lu~!” “Look—it’s Miss Marnie!”
Ordinary-looking Marnie walked onstage with Ampharos, earning even louder cheers. She stared at her feet, then mustered the courage to smile at the cameras.
“Miss Marnie!!” “AW*SL!!”
Backstage, James stroked his chin. “So this is the fanfare of a three-time champion?” “No, Meowth thinks it’s just ‘cause she’s cute, nya~” Meowth’s eyes turned to hearts. “Gross, Meowth!” Jessie grimaced. “Honestly…” James scratched his head, sweating. “I kinda agree…”
With the referee’s flag waved, staff rolled up banquet carts to the stage. Berry soups, dessert pies, beef curry rice, tonkotsu ramen, chocolate crepes…
Ali swallowed hard, visibly moved. So much delicious food! It must’ve cost a fortune!
“Medicham…” The one-berry-per-day Medicham was equally stunned. Commentator: “Looks like Ali’s already falling behind!”
While Ali was frozen, Ash was already scarfing down red bean buns. “Snor~ (￣～￣)” Snorlax went left-right-left, pouring curry directly into its mouth. “Incredible! Ash is showing astonishing eating power!” “He’s on par with his Pokémon!”
Lu Ye’s mouth twitched as he glanced at Gengar, who looked hesitant. “Can’t eat?” “Gengarr…” Gengar nodded pitifully. Probably spoiled by Lu Ye’s home cooking—and the food here was basic, like Pecha Berries… quality inconsistent.
“Then just eat what Brock and James made,” Lu Ye whispered. “You can tell, right?” Gengar’s eyes lit up, floated to the carts, grabbed ramen, and slurped it down. “Gengarr! (*⊙~⊙)” “A comeback! Gengar fearlessly charges forward! Other contestants better pick up the pace!”
This announcer is way too enthusiastic… Lu Ye glanced around, embarrassed. Other Trainers were trying their best, but no one matched Ash’s pace. He was like a human vacuum, sucking up food with terrifying speed.
Suddenly, Lu Ye’s eyes widened. “Marnie’s on fire! The true Queen of the Table has arrived!”
Petite Marnie was chewing gracefully, yet the towering pile of plum rice balls before her visibly shrank. She looked like she was eating plenty, yet her tiny frame seemed like a black hole—her appetite unfathomable.
Lu Ye swallowed hard. Cheers for Marnie filled the air. Her ears turned red, but her eating never slowed. Ampharos beside her kept pace, not losing out to Snorlax at all.
“Strange…” Lu Ye stared at Marnie’s flat figure. “Where does it all go?”
“Alright! Intermission time!” The ref blew the whistle, and a wave of gasps followed.
Marnie led by a massive margin. Ash and Snorlax were in second place. Lu Ye and Gengar, thanks to Gengar’s picky palate, held third.
“Gengarr~~” Gengar picked his teeth, floating psychic spoons in orbit.
Ash clutched his belly and burped, face troubled: “Miss Marnie’s too strong…” “Ah…” Marnie blinked and looked down. She could see her toes clearly. Was I… eating too much? But… I’m still not full…
During the break, Brock came up behind Ash and patted his shoulder. “Don’t doubt yourself.” Brock squinted. “Miss Marnie is the reigning three-time champion.” “No need to say it so loud…” Marnie whispered.
Lu Ye didn’t mind. Third place still came with a prize, probably…
“While we rest,” Brock cracked his knuckles, “why don’t we burn off some calories?” “What kind of activity?” Ali tilted her head. “Battle! Battle!” Ash’s eyes lit up. “Miss Marnie—let’s have a match!”
Marnie replied softly, “But… intense activity after eating could stress our Pokémon…” “But… Snorlax is already hungry again.” Ash scratched his head sheepishly. “Snor!” Snorlax nodded, eyes half-closed.
Marnie looked at Ampharos. “You okay with that?” “Myaa-mew!” Ampharos cried out confidently.
Marnie smiled, locking eyes with Ampharos, both nodding. “Alright then—let’s have a battle~”
“But there’s no battlefield nearby…” Brock frowned. “No worries!” Lu Ye grinned and pulled out his phone. “I’ll call Lt. Surge—we’ll use the Vermilion Gym.”
Forget who’s the Big Eater King— Watching Ash get wrecked sounds way more fun!
“Great idea,” Brock said. Ash rubbed Pikachu’s head and locked eyes with Marnie. “Let’s battle, Miss Marnie!”
“Hah?” Lt. Surge, rudely awakened from his nap, wore a full DIO expression. “You wanna battle—why my Gym?!”
Lu Ye offered: “How about a Gym challenge instead?” “Be my guest, take the whole field!” Lt. Surge laughed.
Ash and Marnie took their places on opposite ends of the battlefield. Lu Ye, Brock, and Ali watched from the stands.
“I battled Marnie once,” Brock said. “It was then that Professor Oak proposed the Steel-type.” “So Miss Marnie used to be a Rock-type Gym Leader?” Ali asked in surprise. Brock nodded. “Though… I’ve also studied Steel-types a fair bit.”
Their chosen Pokémon: Snorlax vs. Ampharos. Lu Ye nodded. A Steel-type leader partnered with Ampharos? Makes sense.
Despite Snorlax’s incredible talent, it still lost to the experienced veteran. “Aw man… just a little more!” Ash scratched his head in frustration. “You realize which Gym this is?” Lt. Surge cackled. “Electric-type is the strongest!”
Suddenly, he noticed Ash’s gaze and shut up. Can’t tempt fate… This guy… he tanked a Thunderbolt with his bare body!
“Second half of the contest’s about to start?” Lu Ye checked his watch. “Still got half an hour.”
Brock stood up, squinted at Lu Ye, and said seriously: “Mr. Lu—how about we have a match?”