One day into the operation, over half of Japan's nuclear wastewater had been purified. Ethan called a halt around 5 PM, citing Suicune's need for rest.
Mr. Conrad seized the moment to discuss payment with Prime Minister Aizawa. With the earlier public commitment on camera, the Japanese government promptly processed the transfer. That night, tens of billions appeared in Pokémon Biotech's accounts.
The evening news featured Japan's Environment Minister addressing the nation on several major networks.
"Good evening, everyone," he began, his face alight with barely contained joy. "I'm pleased to announce that only 600,000 tons of contaminated water remain. At our current pace, the nuclear waste crisis that has haunted us for years will be resolved tomorrow!"
He paused, gathering himself. "I want to thank everyone worldwide who has supported Japan through this crisis. But most importantly, our deepest gratitude goes to Pokémon Biotech of the Alverez Kingdom, to Ethan Grave, and to his remarkable Suicune. Japan is forever in your debt..."
The minister bowed deeply to the camera, holding the ninety-degree angle with profound sincerity. Just days ago, he'd stood before these same cameras declaring that ocean discharge was Japan's only option. He'd weathered global condemnation and abuse. Now, with Ethan's solution saving both the environment and his career, his gratitude was boundless. The weight that had pressed on him for years, the shadow of Prime Minister Aizawa's hints about using him as a scapegoat – all of it lifted away like morning mist.
The news ignited another global firestorm. Purifying half of Japan's nuclear waste in a single day had exceeded everyone's expectations. Earlier skepticism about the collaboration between Japan and Pokémon Biotech transformed into universal praise.
"Major corporations should learn from Pokémon Biotech's example instead of just chasing profits," read one viral comment – though few realized Ethan had secured an 80-billion-dollar contract for his services.
"Even the Northam Group doesn't possess this technology," posted Henry, one of Ethan's most dedicated followers. "Mr. Grave is truly the world's premier biological designer. I thought I might catch up to him someday, but that seems impossible now."
Henry had last encountered Ethan at a scientific conference, where he'd marked the younger man as his rival. Even his recent breakthroughs in hydrogen-oxygen gene technology paled in comparison to this achievement.
Robert, the "Hand of God" chairman of Northam Group, broke his usual silence to comment: "It seems Northam Group has much ground to cover. It's a shame Ethan created Pokémon Biotech independently. To be frank, if he were willing to join Northam now, I'd offer half the company's shares!" He added a playful emoji: "If you're reading this, Ethan, my DMs are open."
Nobody took it as a joke. Ethan's innovations could reshape Northam Group's future – Robert's offer likely held real weight.
Meanwhile, Ethan lounged in his hotel room, watching the coverage while enjoying a massage. The Japanese government had sent two skilled technicians to tend to both him and Suicune after their exhausting day.
Suicune dozed with half-lidded eyes, clearly enjoying the treatment. The technician working on the legendary Pokémon moved with reverent care, having watched footage of its miraculous water-purification all day. Their return to the hotel had drawn crowds of admirers, and management had immediately upgraded their service level and waived all charges.
"Hmph, you two are living the life..." Annie pouted as she fed Suicune fresh fruit. "They could have sent more than two technicians. My legs are killing me too."
"You'll get your turn," Ethan murmured drowsily.
"You said that half an hour ago!" Annie rolled her eyes.
Ethan's phone buzzed. Seeing Jamissa's name, he gestured for his technician to switch to Annie, who happily claimed his spot.
"Hey, Jamissa," he answered, stepping aside.
"Congratulations, Mr. President," she said brightly. "Wish I could have been there today. The whole lab gathered to watch the news – everyone was amazed by Suicune. We were all so nervous this morning..."
"Did I do the team proud?" Ethan asked.
"When don't you? Oh, and Secretary Elijah stopped by the lab this afternoon with a message." She cleared her throat, mimicking the secretary's tone: "'Good work, Ethan. I heard you negotiated an 80-billion-dollar deal with Japan. Congratulations – drinks are on me when you return.'"
Ethan smiled, picturing Jamissa's playful imitation.
"Did we really land an 80-billion-dollar contract?" she asked excitedly. "The whole lab was stunned when Secretary Elijah mentioned it!"
"That's right. They owed us at least that much for solving their crisis."
"'At least?' You're impossible!" Jamissa laughed. "Think of all the new lab equipment we could get..."
"How is the lab? Everything running smoothly without me?"
"All normal... oh, and nutrient solution prices dropped again today."
After discussing a few more laboratory matters, they said goodbye. Ethan turned back to find Annie sound asleep on the massage table.
"This girl..." he shook his head fondly, not having the heart to wake her. Looking at his schedule, he sighed. After wrapping up in Japan, he still had to return to Tarvok City for the Victoria show. The trip's itinerary felt impossibly tight.