There were plenty of people James and Meowth didn't want to see.
But the one they least wanted to see—
apart from a certain scheming woman in glasses who used her position as the boss's secretary to order them around—was the young man before them. His smile was gentle, yet it sent chills down their spines.
"W-welcome..."
James's smile stiffened, and cold sweat poured down Meowth's forehead.
They weren't usually so easily frightened, but this man had leverage over them. Besides, they'd recently encountered another being they were powerless against.
If they hadn't still had dreams to chase, they would probably have given up and accepted their fate long ago.
The man driving the Tauros cart looked puzzled. "You know each other?"
"We've met a few times. I didn't expect to find them selling—Triple Honey Donuts?" Baimu suddenly realized Team Rocket's food truck wasn't selling Malasadas.
The driver hurriedly checked the sign. The Pokémon pictured on it was Bewear, not Slurpuff. He laughed awkwardly. "Sorry, sorry! Couldn't see clearly this late at night!"
He hastily added, "But everything in Alola tastes good! You won't regret buying some!"
"Moo—"
Tauros let out a long bellow, as though mocking its trainer.
James and Meowth went silent with fear. They kept fake smiles on their faces the entire time, not daring to say a word more than necessary.
Baimu turned to Mawile, whose eyes shone with anticipation, and said,
"I'll take four."
"Coming right up, meow!"
Meowth jolted and poked James beside him.
James snapped to it and began preparing the order with an awkward smile.
Four rounds of dough went into the oil.
Sizzle—
The oil erupted into bubbles, and an enticing aroma drifted out.
Heat brushed Baimu's face.
He gradually recalled many things involving Team Rocket from the *Pokémon the Series: