Viewing the footage
When the water tank was unsealed, the liquid inside was clearly irradiated sewage, there was no sign of swapping or bribed researchers as some had speculated. Even after Suicune entered the lab, the camera showed the water in the tank unchanged.
Suicune paused in front of the murky water, lifted one paw, and lightly tapped the surface.
Within seconds, the water became transparent and spread outward from the point of contact. Secretary Elijah and several researchers watched in amazement.
"Slow the playback speed to 1/10!" Secretary Elijah ordered, his voice shaking.
As the footage played in slow motion, they could still see the color of the nuclear waste water dropping dramatically. Only by slowing down the video could they see how quickly Suicune's purification was rippling through the tank.
"Fuck!" one scientist exclaimed, slapping his thigh in sheer amazement. He was at a loss for words.
Others stood gaping, barely believing their eyes.
"Miracle... it's a miracle!" muttered a researcher in a radiation suit.
There was silence; everyone agreed. It was nothing less than extraordinary.
Their attention shifted briefly to Ethan, who had brought Suicune, then back to the Pokémon themselves. One by one, they stared in amazement.
Even though the official results of the sample tests weren't back yet, many of them already believed it. The researcher who had collected the samples soon burst into the observation room, his face aglow with excitement.
"Got the analysis!" he announced breathlessly.
Secretary Elijah's eyes snapped to him. "And?"
"It's nothing like nuclear waste water," the scientist replied, barely containing his disbelief. "It's basically like mountain spring water, no radiation, nothing harmful at all!"
Which confirmed what they had seen with their own eyes. Suicune could indeed purify water sources instantly and efficiently.
...
Elijah turned to Ethan, awe on his face. "Mr. Grave, this is incredible!" he exclaimed, slipping into a more personal tone. "With Suicune around, the 1.12 million tons of nuclear waste dumped into the ocean may not be a problem. I'll talk to the mayor about filing a formal report with the government."
"Thank you." Ethan smiled calmly. "We need to move quickly. I'll be leaving for Japan in a few days, taking Suicune with me."
"No problem." Elijah paused. "But when the government officials come to check, will Suicune do the same thing again? I don't want it to fail after we've raised everyone's hopes."
Ethan's confidence did not waver. "The more nuclear waste, the more Suicune can clean. Trust me. It will pass any test."
Elijah turned his gaze to Suicune, momentarily tempted to reach out and stroke her fur, but he hesitated, unsure if she would welcome the touch. Everyone else held back as well, content to take photos or short videos from a respectful distance. Some were already imagining how they could brag about Suicune's successful mission in Japan.
Elijah rushed off to discuss the matter with the director, presenting both the security footage and the lab data. The director, equally stunned, arranged a second, more official test for the following day.
...
When Ethan arrived with Suicune that morning, the scene was much more formal. In addition to Elijah, high-ranking officials stood by, including the heads of the municipal committees and a host of experts. Suicune's regal entrance drew new gasps of admiration. She truly resembled a legendary creature.
The second trial was more thorough. Once again, Suicune quickly transformed nuclear waste into a perfectly clear liquid, free of any trace of radiation or pollutants. Although most suspected the same result, witnessing it first hand left them speechless. Many called it a "miracle," marveling at both Suicune and the genetic mind behind it.
No one could figure out how Ethan had created such an amazing Pokémon. All they knew was that the test results were undeniable.
Soon after, the director pulled Ethan aside for a conversation. The man wasted no time in taking the news to the top. The capital responded within hours, promising to send an official review team within two days. If Suicune's abilities could be proven once again, they would formally negotiate with Japan on behalf of Pokémon Biotech.
This turnaround alone showed how seriously the government took the crisis and this potential solution.
...
Two days later, the national-level specialists arrived in Tarvok City. Their appointment to test Suicune was set for the afternoon, but by noon, Ethan was still in Lab #2, helping the staff feed the Pokémon. The System Cube's cooldown was approaching, meaning he could unlock another wave of species just before his trip to Japan.
James caught Ethan alone and asked in a conspiratorial whisper, "Mr. Grave, can Suicune really do this? I'm still half in disbelief."
Ethan shrugged helplessly and grinned. "We've already shown the city leadership. Now it's time for a high level review. As soon as it's approved, we'll go to Japan."
James frowned and bit his lip. "This is so bizarre. Did you prepare Suicune's design ages ago? I mean, from concept to actual success, you moved quickly."
Ethan nodded. "I had the concept for a while, given the concerns about nuclear waste from Japan. I just had to speed up the plan. That's all."
"I figured as much," James said. "Still, it's stunning. If Suicune pulls this off, you'll be immortalized for sure."
Not just Suicune, but Pokémon Biotech and Ethan would forever be known as the ones who saved the oceans from radioactive danger.
Ethan changed the subject. "Why not come to Japan with me? We could use an expert's eye."
But James looked uncertain and hesitated. "I wish I could, but I can't leave the lab unattended. Someone has to run things here. If I left, who would watch over everything?"
"Don't worry. I can leave Mew behind to help," Ethan suggested. "He'll guard the place."
James snorted. "You want Mew to run the lab? Are you kidding, Mr. Grave?"
"Mew's more capable than you think," Ethan teased. Then he shrugged. "But all right, I won't push. With your temperament, you'd get restless away from the lab anyway."
They laughed briefly before returning to work. In the evening, Ethan gathered Suicune's supplies, preparing for tomorrow's high-stakes demonstration with the national team. If all went according to plan, Suicune would soon be cleaning up the nuclear waste of an entire region of Japan, proving once again that Pokémon could transcend the limits of ordinary genetic science.