Chapter 114: Suicune's Miracle
Ethan was awakened early by Annie, who insisted that he maintain a proper image in front of the media cameras. In her eyes, Ethan represented Pokémon Biotech, and the company couldn't afford to lose face.
At ten o'clock, a special vehicle arrived to transport them to the area of Japan where the nuclear waste was stored. Earlier in the day, a devastating earthquake had caused an accident at Japan's No. 1 nuclear power plant, resulting in radioactive leaks.
At first, the Japanese government tried to cover it up. But as the crisis worsened, they had no choice but to admit the truth. After eight years, the problem was out of control. Now, in a surprise move, Japan announced that Pokémon Biotech claimed to have a solution, making headlines and sparking worldwide interest.
Just last night, Japan released new details that sent reporters from around the world scrambling to cover the unfolding drama. On the way, Ethan's car passed streams of vehicles, likely more press or officials. Normally, the place would have been half-deserted; now, it was bustling with activity.
Ethan and his group disembarked some distance from the island and donned protective suits. Only Suicune remained unclothed, unafraid of the nuclear radiation. Pikachu stayed inside his Poké Ball, just in case.
Gathered near the first nuclear power plant were not only Prime Minister Aizawa and Japan's Environment Minister but also numerous journalists from around the world, as well as ambassadors from various countries. One ambassador, Peter Griffit, approached Ethan and quietly asked if he was really sure. Of course, Ethan replied that he was absolutely confident.
The Japanese staff then asked if Ethan needed any special equipment. All around them were rows of large, sealed water storage tanks filled with nuclear waste. Looking at the number of tanks, Ethan thought that even Suicune might need some time to clean them all. Fortunately, Suicune's method was instantaneous, requiring only a single contact per tank to purify entire volumes.
"Let's do a little demonstration first," Ethan suggested. "Open the top lid of just one tank."
Though it was tightly sealed, the island's workers quickly set about opening it. The press watched, faces hidden behind hazmat suits, cameras rolling. Some journalists lacked professional suits and stayed farther away, zooming in with telephoto lenses. Most planned to film quietly, unsure how long the attempt would last, so fewer were doing a live broadcast. The rest were shooting footage they'd edit later.
A chaotic silence fell as everyone realized the demonstration was about to begin.
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From the crowd, a white reporter from the United States began to speak, his face partially visible through his helmet:
"Folks, we may soon witness a miracle or a fiasco." He gestured to the newly opened storage tank. "I have my doubts that Ethan from the Eastern Alverez Kingdom can really neutralize nuclear waste."
He continued dramatically: "As you can see, I'm wearing protective gear, and the air smells foul despite the suit. That open tank up there is full of a foul liquid..." He paused. "They've built a small platform; Grave and his unusual 'pet' are climbing onto it some deer-like creature."
On the screen, Suicune tapped the water lightly with a foreleg. Seconds later, it retreated. Many viewers, including the reporter, found this disappointing.
"Is it testing the water temperature?" the reporter joked. "Now they're... retreating?" He laughed mockingly. "Did they give up after a few seconds?"
But suddenly, an aide announced, "They're done?" The reporter's grin faded, replaced by confusion. "What do you mean, 'done'?"
His perplexity was shared by almost everyone. Could Suicune have finished the job in just a few seconds?
Many onlookers doubted it. The entire crowd fell silent, even Prime Minister Aizawa. "Mr. Grave, is that... it?" he asked with a scowl, suspecting that he had just been made a fool of.
Ethan replied calmly, "Yes, Prime Minister. Please sample the water to verify that it's been purified."
The island officials approached the platform. Even Aizawa himself, after some hesitation, climbed up to take a look inside. One glance made his eyes widen: instead of the usual murky brew, the water in the tank appeared crystal clear. The staff, equally stunned, confirmed that it had been dark and dirty just minutes before, when the lid had been removed.
"Take a sample and test it," Aizawa ordered, still struggling with his disbelief. He gave Suicune a sharp, skeptical, but perhaps also excited look.
If Suicune worked, Japan could really be saved. The cameras of the world whirled around them, capturing the potential turning point.
No one spoke. But a swirl of hope and wonder spread across every face. The real test results were about to come in, and if they matched what people thought they'd just witnessed, Suicune and Pokémon Biotech would, in a matter of seconds, have solved a catastrophic nuclear mystery that had baffled the planet for eight years.