"Prime Minister, what's happening up there?"
"Have we been deceived?"
"Did Ethan Grave just put on a show for nothing?"
The media's questions burst forth like a breaking dam. Prime Minister Aizawa raised his hand, and gradually the clamor subsided into an expectant hush.
"The contaminated water has indeed become clear," he announced carefully. "However, we must await the radiation analysis before drawing conclusions. Please be patient."
As the translator conveyed his words, a buzz of speculation swept through the crowd like wind through summer grass.
"Success? Impossible..."
"Could this be collusion between Japan and Pokémon Biotech?"
"Let us verify it ourselves!"
Conspiracy theories sprouted like weeds. Some reporters suggested Japan had secretly switched the contents of the tanks, planning to use this theatrical demonstration as cover for eventually dumping the real waste into the sea. Once the world's attention was diverted, they argued, international pressure would become meaningless.
Prime Minister Aizawa, seeing the skepticism, ordered another tank opened. This time, the media trained their cameras directly on the container. Through their lenses, they captured the unmistakable sight of black, noxious water steaming in the morning sun.
"Suicune, purify it," Ethan said, stroking the legendary Pokémon's neck.
Instead of climbing the platform as before, Suicune backed up several paces. A soft cry escaped its throat as it gathered power.
"What's it doing now?"
"Dear God, it's not going to—"
Before anyone could finish their thought, Suicune leaped. It seemed to ride an invisible current of air, its crystalline form catching the sunlight. With impossible grace, it landed on the surface of the contaminated water, its paws barely dimpling the surface. Like a stone skipping across a pond, it touched down four times before launching itself clear of the tank to land with perfect poise on the ground.
Through every lens and viewfinder, the transformation was undeniable. The murky waste transformed to crystal clarity at a speed visible to the naked eye, as if dawn were breaking beneath the water's surface.
Jaws dropped. The word "miracle" whispered through the crowd like a prayer.
Prime Minister Aizawa leaned toward the nearest monitor, his composure cracking as he watched the playback. Even the most jaded observers stood transfixed. Suicune's display of walking on water had been shocking enough—but this instantaneous purification defied explanation.
Live feeds exploded with comments, social media platforms crashed under the surge of activity. Within three minutes, the demonstration had claimed the top trending spot globally, with no other topic coming close to matching its engagement.
Even before the test results came in, Suicune's performance had rewritten what many thought possible. While chemical treatment might achieve similar clarity, nothing could explain the speed and totality of the transformation.
"Prime Minister! The results are in!"
A technician ran up, practically tripping over his own feet in excitement.
Aizawa's face tensed. "Well?"
The technician's grin threatened to split his face. "It passed! The readings match natural pond water—barely a trace of radiation remains. It's a miracle, sir! Japan is saved!"
Aizawa pumped his fist, his usual stoic demeanor shattered by pure joy.
Mr. Conrad stroked his beard, watching the scene unfold with knowing satisfaction. "Bunch of ignorant fellows," he muttered, though his eyes sparkled with pride.
Ethan held back a laugh, remembering Conrad's own initial skepticism. If Ethan hadn't been present for that first demonstration, Conrad might still be among the doubters.
"You've done well, my boy," Conrad said softly. "Remember, we'll need a day or two to process the payment."
"Of course," Ethan replied. "I'm counting on your help with that when we return. I'll show my gratitude properly then."
"Hah! No need for that—I'm not that sort of person."
Annie approached from the crowd, her mind still processing what she'd witnessed. She'd spent the previous night imagining how Suicune might tackle the purification, running through countless scenarios. Yet nothing had prepared her for the reality: a legendary Pokémon dancing across toxic water like a dragonfly, leaving pure crystal in its wake.
Prime Minister Aizawa bowed slightly toward Ethan, every news camera tracking the movement. "Mr. Grave, we entrust you with all the remaining wastewater. We are deeply grateful."
Ethan resisted rolling his eyes at the political theater. Instead, he seized the moment for clarity: "Of course, Prime Minister. I will resolve the entire situation as contracted. I trust there will be no issues with our agreement?"
Aizawa's performance barely faltered. "Indeed! Mr. Grave shows great kindness to Japan."
"It's simply business, Prime Minister. Nothing more."
The rest of the morning proceeded smoothly, each tank's purification adding to the growing evidence of success. Workers began dismantling the storage facilities even as Suicune continued its work.
By noon, the story had exploded across global media:
"JAPAN IS SAVED!"
The headlines dominated every major website. Ethan Grave, Pokémon Biotech, and Suicune became the most searched terms worldwide. In the streets of Japan, spontaneous celebrations erupted, the sound of drums and singing filling the air as a nation released eight years of held breath.