BAM!
Jessie's icy expression turned murderous as her palm slammed the cutting board once again. Her glare was sharp enough to freeze a Gyarados mid-Rage.
"Aaah! Wait—Meowth, we… we're Team Rocket! We infiltrated this summer camp to steal Pokémon! How did we actually become real chefs?!"
James blinked twice, then suddenly jolted upright as if struck by Thunder Shock.
"Oh no! We've gotten too comfortable! We completely forgot we're supposed to be evil—meow!!"
The short cat-like chef sitting by the sink also snapped out of it in a flash.
Just then—
Knock knock~
The kitchen door creaked open. In walked the tall and slender camp manager—Katarino.
"Everyone," she said curtly, "it's about time to start preparing tonight's dinner."
"Tonight is the closing campfire event. It starts at 6 p.m., so we'll need extra food ready beforehand."
Faced with her usual stern demeanor, the three "chefs" quickly stood up straight and responded in unison:
"Yes, ma'am!"
Then…
"Um… Miss Manager," Meowth rubbed his paws together nervously. "We actually joined the camp as chefs because… our home's in trouble. We really needed the money. We always wanted to ask for an advance in salary, but didn't have the courage… Since today's the last day, would it be possible to get paid early—meow?"
"You want an advance?" Katarino's sharp eyes narrowed as she looked straight at the small chef.
But then, her expression melted like spring snow.
"Ha~ Of course! You three have done a fantastic job here. The meals you've cooked have been nutritious and delicious."
"If you needed the money so badly, why didn't you just say so earlier?"
"In fact, I already did your payroll calculations before coming here. I've instructed the bank to transfer your full salaries—with bonuses—to your accounts."
"I was just about to surprise you with the news!"
In a literal face turn, the frosty manager turned into the warmest smile beam in a single second.
"Waaah!! Thank you so much, Miss Katarino! You're… you're amazing!" James wiped a tear from the corner of his eye, overwhelmed.
"You deserve it. You worked hard, you performed well."
"You know, there was a previous summer camp where I hired lazy chefs. They were so terrible, I fired them before the camp even ended—and I didn't pay them a single cent."
"But good work deserves reward. And you three… are some of the best chefs I've ever hired."
"That's why tonight's campfire dinner and tomorrow's breakfast prep is all in your hands!"
"Yes, ma'am!!"
The trio stood tall, hearts full of emotion at this rare praise.
"Wow, I can't believe this cold-faced, no-nonsense manager lady is actually such a good person," James said, nearly sniffling.
"Yeah—meow~" Meowth chimed in.
"I was just thinking we'd ask for our paycheck and finally launch our evil plan... but she already paid us, with bonuses… and then praised us on top of it?" Meowth looked like he was about to sob.
Jessie put her hands on her hips, eyes gleaming.
"When others treat me with respect—I return the favor tenfold! James, Meowth, since we've received our salaries and bonuses, we'll first finish our job as Model Employees of the Month!"
"While those bratty kids are still in the main hall attending the closing ceremony, we'll prep the food for the bonfire and tomorrow's breakfast."
"After that…"
"It's finally time to carry out the master plan we've been slowly brewing over the past two weeks—Operation Evil Pokémon Snatch!"
"Yes, ma'am!" ×2
…
"Alright everyone," Professor Oak announced, "I hereby declare this Pokémon Summer Camp officially concluded."
"At 6 p.m., we'll be holding the campfire celebration in the main field."
"But before that, please say your goodbyes to your Pokémon partners. The staff will come around shortly to retrieve the Poké Balls."
"You can also borrow our drone Rotom from Miss Yoko to take farewell photos with your Pokémon, fellow campers, and your cabin mates. We'll also be taking a big group photo."
…
"Oh, and I've created a group chat for the [Pokémon Summer Camp Class of XX]. Please make sure to join."
"Those of you without accounts can register using the computer at the Pokémon Center."
"This camp has no doubt been a beautiful and valuable memory for all of you. The friendships you've built here are just as precious as any reward. Cherish them."
"Well, us old folks love to ramble—now go say your goodbyes to your Pokémon. Let's look forward to tonight's campfire fun!"
Professor Oak's voice was gentle and warm.
…
Campers: "Yes!!"
The entire hall echoed with responses.
They had always known the Pokémon provided during camp were only temporary. Now that it was time to part ways, they felt reluctant—but not devastated.
With exciting events like photo sessions, group chats, and the bonfire all coming up, their sadness was quickly washed away by joy and anticipation.
After all, they were just a bunch of six-year-olds.
…
Camp Kitchen
"Sigh… so tired. I didn't think we'd still be working this hard at the very end," Meowth groaned, stretching his stiff claws.
"Food for the campfire… breakfast for tomorrow… My paws can't even bend anymore."
"Oh well," James chuckled, "We volunteered, didn't we? We are excellent employees, after all."
"You're right. Gotta finish what we start. But now that our job's done…"
"It's time for us to finally go back to who we really are."
"Farewell, kind-hearted ice queen of a manager… We are not your chefs."
"We are the evil… TEAM ROCKET!!"
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T/N:
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